Getting Around Egypt Independently: Transportation Guide

Are you planning a trip to Egypt but feeling a bit lost about how to navigate the various transportation options? Don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about traveling independently in Egypt, including different modes of transportation, how to book your tickets, and essential tips for a smooth journey.

Having embarked on several adventures ourselves, we have a penchant for independent travel over guided tours. While destinations like Egypt often suggest group travel for convenience, we assure you that exploring Egypt on your own is not only feasible but also immensely rewarding. Join us as we delve into our transportation guide for Egypt, showcasing all the alternatives available for traversing the land of the pharaohs.

Traveling by Bus in Egypt

Traveling by bus is undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways to explore Egypt independently. Numerous companies operate routes connecting various tourist destinations across the country. The two most prominent companies are:

• Go Bus
• Blue Bus

Both companies offer a straightforward online booking system, allowing you to reserve your seats without the hassle of visiting a terminal or agency. Simply register, search for your desired trip, pay with a credit card, and receive your confirmation via email. It’s that easy! You don’t even need to print your ticket; a digital copy on your mobile will suffice (although we advise checking the conditions beforehand). Just a heads-up: we encountered a €1 extra charge for luggage.

Both companies also provide a mobile app for managing bookings and other functionalities. To stay connected while traveling, check out our guide on buying a SIM card in Egypt.

Generally, prices are quite affordable, averaging around €2 for every hour of travel, though this can vary based on the bus class. For instance, the journey from Luxor to Hurghada (4 hours) costs about €8, while the trip from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh (8 hours) costs approximately €14.

Other companies like Upper Egypt, Super Jet, or Delta Travel also have similar routes, but their websites can be less user-friendly for bookings.

What Are Buses Like in Egypt?

They are on par with buses in developed countries. Expect comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard restrooms (though some may be out of service). Depending on the class, you might also receive complimentary water and snacks. Higher classes may offer hot meals, screens with movies, and even Wi-Fi.

Popular Bus Routes

You can travel by bus to practically any tourist destination in Egypt. Here are some popular routes:

• From Cairo to Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada, Safaga, Marsa Alam, Dahab, or Sharm El Sheikh,…
• From Alexandria to Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, or Hurghada…
• From Luxor to Hurghada or Cairo…

However, we faced challenges finding a route from Aswan to the Red Sea coast. In such cases, we opted to take a train from Aswan to Luxor, spend two nights there, and then take a bus to Hurghada.

Are Special Permits Required to Travel by Bus in Egypt?

No, you don’t need special permits for bus travel with these companies. While some routes may require permits for private transport or taxis, traveling by bus with established companies doesn’t necessitate any special permissions.

Traveling by Train in Egypt

The train network in Egypt is limited, primarily serving the Nile route from Aswan to Alexandria. The national railway company, Egyptian National Railways, allows online reservations for most trains via their website. You’ll need to register with your passport and then search for your journey to pay by credit card. It’s a quick and straightforward process.

If you encounter issues with the website, try downloading the Egyptian National Railway app.

→ We recommend using a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You can find more about these types of cards here.

Traveling by train in Egypt is incredibly cheap. For example, a second-class ticket (with air conditioning) from Cairo to Luxor (9 hours) can be reserved for around €6! In first class, the same journey costs about €8.

It’s important to note that online reservations are only possible 15 days before and up to 2 days prior to departure. Certain trains, such as luxury night trains, third-class tickets, or slower journeys between lesser-known cities, cannot be booked online. For these, you’ll need to purchase your ticket at the station the day before traveling.

Key Train Routes in Egypt

Here are the most important train routes in Egypt:

• Cairo ⇔ Alexandria
• Cairo ⇔ Luxor ⇔ Aswan
• Cairo ⇔ Port Said
• Cairo ⇔ Suez

Unfortunately, the Sinai Peninsula (Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh) and the Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Safaga, Marsa Alam) do not have rail services, so buses are your best bet for reaching these areas.

Recently, the construction of four high-speed train lines has been approved to connect different parts of the country, with operations expected to start in 2023. However, given Egypt’s timeline, it might take a few more years for these services to be available.

Restrictions for Tourists Traveling by Train in Egypt

Until 2019, there were restrictions preventing tourists from purchasing tickets directly at train station counters. The only way to travel by train was through agencies, resulting in inflated prices. Thankfully, it’s now easy to book tickets independently, even online.

→ The best guides for train travel worldwide can be found at seat61.

Taxi or Car with Driver for Long Distances

For certain routes not covered by buses or trains, you’ll need to rely on private transfers. For instance, there are currently no routes between Aswan and destinations on the Red Sea, and a taxi can cost around $150-180 USD.

Websites for taxi companies with drivers allow you to inquire about prices, but be prepared for costs that are significantly higher than public transport. To cut costs, consider sharing taxis with other travelers or finding someone making the reverse journey, as taxi prices are typically for round trips.

As previously mentioned, for certain journeys, you may need to request a special permit from the government, which the transfer company usually handles for an additional fee (around $10-15 USD per person).

Domestic Flights in Egypt

Flying can be a worthwhile option to avoid long bus or train journeys, and ticket prices are generally reasonable (around €40-60). Various airlines operate domestic flights in Egypt, including the national carrier EgyptAir, Flyegypt, Air Arabia, Air Cairo, and Nile Air. Make sure to check whether your flight includes checked baggage before booking! 😉

→ To compare flights, use Skyscanner.

How to Get Around Cities in Egypt

The quickest and easiest way to navigate the cities is by taxi. While many taxis may appear a bit worn, they serve their purpose well. Some taxis have meters, but you’ll likely need to negotiate the fare with a friendly smile and firmness. Additionally, tuktuks, a local version of the motocar, are also available.

In Cairo, a popular option is to use Uber, which operates efficiently at very low prices, eliminating the need for haggling. You can also try Careem, the Uber equivalent in several Middle Eastern countries. Currently, these apps are available only in the capital.

Cairo also features a metro system with three lines that are continuously expanding. However, if you’re not fluent in Arabic, navigating it can be quite challenging. For more details, visit here. Additionally, there’s a network of urban buses, though we cannot offer much insight into that.

Another mode of transport we used was shared vans, which follow set routes with fixed prices and stop along the way to pick up passengers. For instance, in Sharm El Sheikh, they operate between Old Market and Shark Bay. They’re also used for longer trips between nearby towns or cities.

Cruising the Nile and Ferries

One of our favorite modes of transport, and we believe the preference of many travelers, is cruising. Experiencing a Nile cruise is an essential part of visiting Egypt, akin to visiting your mother on a Sunday without bringing a tupperware of meatballs. For more information, check out our guide on how to book a Nile cruise.

Did you know that you can also travel on long-distance ferries in Egypt? Currently, there’s a route between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh and another from Nuweiba to Aqaba… Yes, you can even reach Jordan by ferry from Egypt! For more information, visit the Arab Bridge Navigation Company.

For these ferry trips, you don’t need to purchase a specific travel insurance (as is required for other high-seas cruises). Here’s our guide on what travel insurance is best for Egypt.

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