How to Take the Train in Egypt (and Why You Should)

Trains in Egypt. We highlight everything you need to know to experience a unique and authentic way of seeing the country.

Trains in Egypt

When most people think about getting around Egypt, they picture either cramped tour buses or domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor. But here’s a little secret: Trains in Egypt offer some properly brilliant adventures, stunning views, and a chance to see the country like a local.

Before you even think about setting foot on a train platform, though, the first thing to sort is that all-important Egypt online visa. Sorting it out in advance makes everything so much easier on arrival. Just get it done and tick it off the list.

While Egyptian trains might not be the Orient Express, they’re far better than their reputation suggests. Plus, there’s something rather romantic about watching the Nile Valley roll past your window while sipping on a cup of sweet and fragrant local tea.

You may also enjoy: Best Day Trips From London By Train

Why Egyptian Trains Deserve a Spot on Your Itinerary

While flights might seem the obvious choice for covering Egypt’s vast distances, trains offer something entirely different. The Cairo to Luxor route showcases rural landscapes that tour packages typically bypass – farmers tending fields, children waving from villages, and sunsets that transform the Nile into a ribbon of gold.

For budget-conscious Brits, Egyptian trains offer exceptional value. First-class tickets between major cities often cost less than £20, a fraction of domestic UK train prices (imagine that). Environmental benefits add another plus, with trains producing significantly fewer carbon emissions than planes or individual car hires.

Beyond practicalities, there’s something magical about following the same route that Agatha Christie took while dreaming up her seminal murder mystery ‘Death on the Nile’.

Understanding Egyptian Train Classes and Comfort Levels

Egyptian railways operate several service classes that might surprise British travellers accustomed to standardised National Rail offerings:

• First Class: Air-conditioned carriages with assigned, reclining seats that offer reasonable comfort for daytime travel. Expect amenities similar to standard class on British railways, though with more legroom. First class carriages typically include basic refreshment service.

• Second Class: Also air-conditioned on most routes, these carriages have less legroom and slightly firmer seats. Still perfectly adequate for shorter journeys and significantly cheaper than first class.

• Third Class: Recommended only for the most adventurous travellers or very short hops. These carriages lack air conditioning and can become extremely crowded. While offering an authentic local experience, they’re challenging for travellers with luggage.

• Express Trains: These faster services make fewer stops between major destinations. British travellers should prioritise these when available, particularly the well-maintained ‘Spanish’ trains that operate on main routes.

Sleeper Train Secrets: Overnight Like a Pro

For longer journeys, particularly Cairo to Aswan or Luxor, overnight sleeper trains prove invaluable for saving both time and accommodation costs. The primary operator, Watania Sleeping Trains, offers a surprisingly comfortable experience with some insider knowledge:

• Booking the Right Cabin: Two-person private cabins provide the best experience. Solo travellers should consider paying for both berths to ensure privacy, as you’ll otherwise be paired with another passenger.

• Cabin Amenities: Each cabin includes washing facilities, clean bedding, and a small table. Dinner and breakfast come included in ticket prices (though pack extra snacks, the food won’t win any awards).

• Temperature Control: Cabins can swing between too hot and too cold. Pack layers and don’t hesitate to ask attendants for additional blankets.

• Security Measures: Cabin doors lock securely from the inside. For extra peace of mind, a simple doorstop adds an additional security layer.

• Morning Views: Request a cabin on the east side of the train when traveling south from Cairo to catch spectacular sunrise views over the Nile.

Booking Your Egyptian Train Adventure

Egyptian train tickets require different booking approaches depending on the service:

• For Regular Trains: Tickets can theoretically be purchased directly at stations, but this method brings headaches for non-Arabic speakers. Instead, use the official Egyptian National Railways website – though be prepared for technical hiccups and potential translation issues.

• For Sleeper Trains: Book through Abela’s dedicated website or, more reliably, through a recognised tour operator.

• Advance Booking Windows: Regular train tickets typically become available 1-2 days before departure, while sleeper train reservations open 3 months ahead and fill quickly during peak season (October-April).

The Routes Worth Taking

Cairo to Alexandria: This 2.5-hour journey offers glimpses of the Nile Delta’s agricultural heartland. Perfect for day-trippers looking to experience Alexandria without overnight stays.

Cairo to Luxor/Aswan: The quintessential Egyptian train experience, showcasing the dramatic transition from urban sprawl to rural villages and desert landscapes. Overnight sleepers make this long journey manageable.

Luxor to Aswan: Perhaps the most scenic stretch of Egyptian railways, this 3.5-hour trip follows the Nile through ancient territories once ruled by pharaohs, with temples occasionally visible from the windows.

Final Thoughts on Trains in Egypt

Egyptian train travel won’t match the punctuality of Swiss railways or the luxury of Japan’s bullet trains. What it offers instead is an authentic glimpse into everyday Egyptian life and landscapes that most package tourists never experience.