Getting around in Egypt: Tips to make your trip easier

Getting around Egypt, for those visiting the country without guides or agency, can be a little challenging. However, nothing that technology can’t solve. In this post, you will find application tips that help you to walk around Egypt in the safest and most economical way.

Ways to get around in Egypt

Like most countries, you will find buses, taxis, and planes for longer distances. However, public transport in Egypt is not well signposted and you will rarely find tourists using it. I don’t recommend taking the regular buses or microvans without a local to help you.

In Cairo, the metro covers a good part of the city. The transportation is great and cheap, in addition to being simple to use. But there are specific areas that you will only have access to with private transport or some apps. So, read the entire post to find the best ways to get around in Egypt.

Looking for more Cairo transportation tips? Then check out this post on how to get around the city.

Getting around in Egypt with Buses

For traveling between cities, there are some companies that have a service above the standard. Among them are Go Bus and Blue Bus. Both have a website and an app where you can buy tickets in advance. I went to Hurghada with Go Bus and the ticket costed 225 EGP at that time. Less than 900 EGP round trip for two people.

Check out more about our Hurghada trip here.

You can also buy tickets directly at the bus station. On El-Galaa Street, next to the Ramses Hilton Hotel, Go Bus has a point of sale. Buses also depart from there. There is another ticket office in Nasr City where buses also leave from. The office is on El-Nasr Highway.

Getting around in Egypt with Train

The train journeys from Cairo to Luxor are quite popular among tourists. However, this isn’t the only destination you can make using this transport. Other cities that also have train stations are Aswan, Suez, Port Saide, and Alexandria. Before buying your ticket, be aware of the chosen category, as there are 3 different options that differ in price and comfort.

Types of Train in Egypt:

There are 3 types of train, which differ both in price and comfort. The Ordinary Train (ORD) is the cheapest. Most don’t have air conditioning, in addition to being in poor shape. Also, they are quite crowded and slow, as they make several stops on the way. This train isn’t very touristic and you will find only locals inside.

The Express Train (EXP), or express train, is faster and has air conditioning. You can travel at night or during the day. However, don’t expect quality service. The trips are still long, around 10 hours. And the seats are similar to those on an airplane.

The Sleeping Train (Sleeper) is the most common among tourists. The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin, with a bed, air conditioning, and two meals included (dinner and breakfast). Each car has two bathrooms and about 10 to 12 cabins. Despite being considered first class, there is nothing too luxurious about the trip.

How to buy a train ticket in Egypt:

You can buy your ticket in two ways: directly at the Ramses train station or online. If you book the tour with an agency, they will purchase the ticket for you. The easy way for foreigners is to make the purchase online on the Egyptian National Railways website.

The website has an English translation. However, be careful when selecting the times and type of train. You will need to register with your name, date of birth, and passport. Select AC 1 or AC 2 (first or second class). Payment is made by card through the website.

Directly on the website of the Watania Sleeping Trains agency, you can also purchase a sleeper ticket. The company also has a ticket office inside the station. It’s on the right side, one of the first doors before reaching the common ticket office of Ramses Train Station. The ticket costs 80 USD for the “sleeper train” (price in 2022).

Microbus

A practical and economical option to travel to other cities is to use the vans operated by the Swvl app. This company operates short-haul trips, with destinations between Cairo, Alexandria, and the Sahel. In addition to several points in the city of Cairo and the region.

In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the stop closest to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app. A trip between Cairo and Alexandria costs around 120 EGP (price in 2022).

Uber and Careem apps

Yes, short-distance trips can be booked through Uber or the local private ride app, Careem. In the Egyptian version, some destinations even have a fixed price. Some of the destination options are Sahel and Alexandria. In my opinion, it’s only worth it if you’re sharing the trip with other friends.

Planes

All major touristic cities in Egypt have their own airport. This is the fastest way to get around. But the most expensive too. For small distances, it’s not recommended. For example from Cairo to Alexandria. You’ll likely spend more time going to the airport and waiting for your flight than you will be driving into the town.

Now, if you want agility and comfort, I recommend using air transportation. Mainly to Luxor, Aswan, and cities on the Sinai Peninsula such as Sharm El Sheik. These trips can take about 10 hours by car or train.

Car rental

In my post about transportation in the city of Cairo, I commented that I wouldn’t recommend renting a vehicle. However, there are some exceptions. Renting a car in Egypt is great in two situations: if you are traveling to the North Coast or if you are heading to the Sinai Peninsula.

In both cases the roads are good. On North Coast, most of the area is made up of private compounds and resorts. So it’s good to have a car as you’ll need to travel long distances to access restaurants, nightclubs, and other places. Same thing to those who are going to Sharm El Sheik, for example.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQ below for other tips on getting around Egypt.

FAQ How to get around in Egypt