Introduction
Egypt is a country made for adventure — and half the adventure is simply getting from place to place! From the bustling streets of Cairo to the quiet temples of Luxor or the sun-soaked shores of the Red Sea, how you travel in Egypt shapes your experience just as much as where you go.
The good news? Egypt offers a wide range of transportation options for every budget, travel style, and comfort level. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to navigate local buses for pennies, a couple seeking the convenience of Uber, or a history-lover planning a scenic train journey along the Nile — Egypt has you covered.
But navigating transport here isn’t always straightforward. The chaotic charm of Cairo’s microbuses, the peaceful glide of a Nile ferry, or the comfort of a domestic flight — each comes with its quirks, costs, and local know-how.
In this guide, I’ll break down all the main ways to get around Egypt — from metro lines and minibuses to taxis, trains, and flights — with practical tips, cost estimates, and insider advice to help you travel smoothly (and affordably).
Ready to travel Egypt like a pro? Let’s hit the road.
Getting Around Egypt: Tourist Transportation Options
Public Transportation
Cairo Metro: Cairo’s metro is the fastest way to traverse the city, bypassing Cairo’s notorious traffic jams. It has three lines covering major districts (e.g. Line 1 from Helwan to El Marg, Line 2 through downtown to Giza, Line 3 east–west). Trains run roughly 5:00am to 1:00am, every 5–10 minutes at peak times. Fares are distance-based and very cheap – around EGP 5 to 10 for most rides (about $0.20–$0.30), even after recent fare hikes (capped at EGP 20 for the longest trips). The metro can be extremely crowded during rush hours, and women travelers can use the women-only cars (two carriages on each train are reserved for women) for comfort and safety. Overall, it’s a reliable and efficient option for getting around greater Cairo on a budget.
City Buses and Minibuses: Public buses in Egypt (operated by Cairo Transport Authority in Cairo, and similar authorities in other cities) are inexpensive but challenging for tourists. They cost only a few pounds per ride – for example, Alexandria’s city buses charge EGP 3 for short trips and up to 10 EGP for longer routes – and generally run from early morning (~5–6am) until around 11pm. Buses are often crowded and not very tourist-friendly: routes are usually labeled in Arabic, schedules can be inconsistent, and stops aren’t always clearly announced. Newer air-conditioned buses exist on some popular routes (marked in yellow/green with higher fares) to provide slightly more comfort. Minibuses (microbuses) are a ubiquitous private option filling gaps in the transit network. They are fast but chaotic – essentially 12–20 seat vans that depart when full and can stop anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers. Microbuses have no fixed timetables (they run on “Cairo time”) but are very frequent on busy corridors. They are also extremely cheap: a short hop may cost around EGP 5, and even a longer cross-city ride rarely exceeds EGP 10–15. However, they can be cramped and unpredictable, so they’re best for the more adventurous traveler or those with local experience. In summary, public buses and minibuses will save you money but require patience and a bit of Arabic to navigate.
Intercity Trains: Egypt’s railway network connects major cities along the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta, allowing travel from Cairo to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Suez, etc. For tourists, trains offer an authentic, scenic journey along the Nile at a low cost, though slower than flying. There are two broad categories of trains: Express trains (including “VIP” or “Spanish” services) have air-conditioned 1st and 2nd class cars, reserved seating, and sometimes a dining car. Ordinary trains are cheaper, unreserved, make more stops, and often lack A/C – these are not recommended for long-distance tourist travel due to comfort and safety.
Reliability is reasonable but delays can happen; it’s wise to book in advance (online or at the station) especially during peak seasons. Major routes have several daily departures. For example, Cairo to Luxor has around 9 trains a day, taking ~10–12 hours, and Cairo to Alexandria takes ~2.5–4 hours depending on the train. Tickets are very affordable: a 1st class seat from Cairo to Luxor costs only about EGP 114–202 (≈ $7–$12), and 2nd class is even cheaper. Tourists may encounter touts or officials who insist you take the luxury sleeper train, but it is not required – you are allowed on regular day trains despite outdated “foreigner only” myths. For a more comfortable overnight journey, the deluxe sleeper train is available between Cairo and Upper Egypt. The sleeper has private bunks and includes dinner/breakfast; however, it’s pricey: about $90 USD per person in a two-bed cabin (or ~$130 for single occupancy). In fact, the sleeper often costs as much as a plane ticket. Overall, daytime express trains are a budget-friendly and reasonably comfortable way to travel between cities like Cairo–Luxor–Aswan, while the sleeper offers comfort at a premium.
Private Transportation
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in Egyptian cities and remain a primary mode of transport for tourists and locals alike. In Cairo, there are three types of taxis to be aware of: white, yellow, and black cabs. The white taxis (modern white sedans with a black checker stripe) are the most common and have meters, making them straightforward on pricing. The older black-and-white taxis (in Cairo and some other cities) generally do not use meters, so you must negotiate a fare before starting the ride. These older cabs are gradually being phased out but you may still encounter them; they often lack air-conditioning as well. Yellow taxis in Cairo refer to a fleet of private cab companies that you can call or hail via app – they are also metered and typically newer cars, used often for pre-booked rides or airport transfers. In Alexandria, the common taxis are painted black-and-yellow or black-and-white; many of these are supposed to have meters, but in practice drivers often prefer to set a fixed price. Always confirm that the meter is running (or agree on a price) before you set off to avoid any disputes.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/Careem): Uber and its regional counterpart Careem operate in Egypt and are excellent options for tourists. In Cairo and Alexandria, Uber/Careem are widely available and offer on-demand rides with transparent pricing and GPS navigation. Using the app means you don’t need to haggle over fares or explain your destination in Arabic – just drop a pin and go. Prices on Uber/Careem are very low due to subsidized rates and the low cost of living: even a 20-minute Uber ride in Cairo might cost around EGP 20–30 (well under $2). Many visitors find Uber drivers more professional and less likely to attempt scams than street taxis.
Both apps allow credit card or cash payment and have safety features like ride tracking and driver ratings. It’s worth noting that Uber/Careem are currently available only in larger cities – Cairo and Alexandria for Uber (and to some extent Hurghada/Sharm El Sheikh), while Luxor and Aswan do not have Uber service. (Careem claims to operate in Luxor/Aswan, but in practice rides are very scarce.) So in smaller cities and towns, you’ll likely rely on regular taxis or hotel transfers. Overall, in Cairo/Alex, ride-hailing apps are safe, convenient, and often cheaper than hailing a taxi (e.g. Cairo Uber from downtown to Giza might be ~$8 vs $15+ by taxi). They are highly recommended for newcomers. Just be aware of Cairo’s traffic – sometimes drivers can take a while to reach you or to navigate busy roads.
Car Rentals (Self-Drive): Renting a car in Egypt is possible but usually not the preferred option for most tourists, especially for city driving. Major international agencies like Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and Hertz have desks at Cairo Airport and in cities. A typical economy car may cost around $30–$50 USD per day, and fuel is relatively cheap (Egypt subsidizes gas). However, driving in Egypt (especially in Cairo) is challenging. Traffic in cities is chaotic and rules-of-the-road are often treated as suggestions. Drivers can be aggressive – lane discipline is poor, horns are used liberally, and you’ll share the road with swarms of cars, buses, tuk-tuks, and even donkey carts in some areas. Road signage may be in Arabic, and navigation can be confusing for newcomers. Parking in downtown areas is also a challenge. If you do rent, it’s strongly advised to have an International Driving Permit, ensure the car has insurance, and consider renting a GPS or using offline maps.
Driving between cities can be easier than urban driving – highways through the desert or along the Nile are straightforward, though be cautious of speeding drivers and occasional checkpoints. Many tourists instead opt to hire a private car and driver, which is common in Egypt. For example, you can arrange a car+driver for a day trip (your hotel or a tour agency can set this up) so you get the flexibility of a car without the stress of driving. In summary, renting a car gives freedom to explore on your own schedule, but due to road conditions and driving culture it’s only recommended if you’re a confident driver and familiar with similar driving environments. Otherwise, stick to taxis, trains, and flights for a more relaxing trip.
Domestic Flights
For long distances within Egypt, domestic flights are by far the quickest way to travel. The country’s main domestic airline is EgyptAir, the national flag carrier, which operates frequent flights linking Cairo with major tourist destinations like Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria. EgyptAir and its subsidiaries (it owns Air Cairo and formerly EgyptAir Express) handle most internal routes, often with multiple flights per day on popular legs. In addition, private airlines such as Nile Air and FlyEgypt serve some routes (for example, Nile Air offers services from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan and Red Sea resorts, sometimes at competitive prices if you book early). Flying is much faster than land transport – for instance, the 650 km journey from Cairo to Luxor takes only about 1 hour by plane (versus 9–10 hours by train), and Cairo to Aswan (685 km) is ~1.5 hours flight time. Cairo to the beach resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada is around a 1 hour flight, compared to 5–6 hours by bus or car. If your itinerary covers far-apart regions (say, Cairo and Abu Simbel, or Nile Valley and Sinai), domestic flights can save you a lot of time.
Airlines & Routes: Cairo’s main hub is Cairo International Airport (CAI), and most domestic flights are direct from Cairo. From Cairo, you can fly to Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel), to the Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Alam), to Alexandria (Borg El Arab Airport), and occasionally to smaller airports like Sohag or Assiut (though these are less touristy). Luxor and Aswan also have a few direct flights between them, and to Abu Simbel (Abu Simbel is usually reached via Aswan). The primary carrier EgyptAir is full-service (offering baggage allowance, refreshments, etc.), while Air Cairo and Nile Air may offer lower fares or charter-style service.
Cost: Airfare varies by season and how early you book. A typical one-way fare between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan generally ranges from $80 to $140 USD. It’s possible to find promotional fares as low as ~$50 one-way (especially on less busy days or with Nile Air), while last-minute or high-season tickets on EgyptAir can be $150+ one-way. For example, random searches have shown Cairo–Luxor flights for around $54 one-way, and Cairo–Aswan from $46 one-way (prices in USD). Round-trip tickets are usually slightly cheaper per leg; e.g. ~$100–150 round trip for Cairo-Luxor in off-peak times.
Major domestic airlines: EgyptAir is the most commonly used (with the most flights and destinations), while Nile Air is a reputable private airline that often has competitive prices on Cairo–Luxor/Aswan routes. Air Cairo operates many Cairo–Sharm/Hurghada flights (and also some direct flights between Europe and resort cities). When booking, note that foreigners can book EgyptAir flights online with a credit card; there is no longer a dual pricing system (in the past tourists had to pay in USD for certain routes, but now all pay the same fares).
Airports and Timing: Cairo’s airport is about 22 km from downtown – leave ample time to reach it in traffic. Domestic terminals are efficient; you should arrive about 1.5 hours before a domestic flight. Luxor and Aswan airports are small and easy to navigate, about 15-20 minutes from city centers by taxi.
Baggage: EgyptAir usually includes 23kg check-in baggage even on domestic routes, but some smaller airlines might have lower allowances or fees for luggage (check your fare rules). In summary, domestic flights are the best choice for long-distance travel in Egypt if your budget allows – they are widely used, safe, and can be surprisingly affordable when booked in advance.
City-Specific Transportation Tips
Every city in Egypt has its own transportation quirks. Here are the best ways to get around the major tourist hubs:
Transportation in Cairo
- Metro and Walking: In Cairo, take advantage of the Cairo Metro for traversing longer distances within the city – it’s often the quickest way to reach areas like Downtown, Coptic Cairo (Mar Girgis station), or Giza (El Giza station, then onward to the pyramids) while avoiding gridlock. For example, you can reach Giza by metro and then take a short taxi or microbus ride to the Pyramids area. Many central sights (Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili bazaar) are best explored on foot once you’re in the area, since traffic and parking make driving impractical. Plan around rush hour – between ~3:30pm and 6:30pm the roads are often jammed, so it’s wise to use the metro or stay put during that time if possible.
- Taxis and Uber: Within Cairo, Uber/Careem or metered white taxis are the recommended way to get point-to-point. Uber is very popular for visitors; you can request a ride almost anywhere in the city and avoid haggling over price. Regular taxis are also everywhere – just stick to white taxis and insist the meter is used (have some small bills for the payment). A typical cross-town taxi/Uber fare in Cairo might be only 30–80 EGP depending on distance, so it’s quite budget-friendly. Tip: If you’re staying out late at night, Uber can be safer and easier than finding a taxi on the street.
- Buses and Others: Public buses in Cairo are not very user-friendly for tourists due to crowded conditions and confusing routes. Microbuses and tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws) operate in some parts of Greater Cairo (especially in the outskirts or areas like Imbaba and some Giza neighborhoods). While tuk-tuks are a speedy, ultra-cheap option for short hops, they are unregulated and driving can be hair-raising; use them only if you’re comfortable with local-style transport.
- City Travel Tips: Avoid driving yourself in Cairo – the chaotic traffic and scarce parking make it more headache than it’s worth. If you do need a private car, hiring a car with a driver for the day is common and relatively affordable (often arranged via hotels). For visiting the Giza Pyramids, there is no direct metro link yet; a good approach is to take the metro to Giza station or El Monib, then a taxi or minibus for the last 8-10 km to the site. Always carry the address of your destination in Arabic (ask your hotel to write it down) to show taxi drivers, as many speak limited English. Also, be aware of your surroundings on crowded metro trains and buses – like any big city, petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure. Lastly, Cairo’s size means distances can be huge (e.g. from the pyramids in Giza to the airport can take over an hour or more by car), so plan your day geographically to minimize crisscrossing the metropolis.
Transportation in Alexandria
- Taxis and Uber: Alexandria, being Egypt’s second-largest city, is spread along the coast. The easiest way to get around is by taxi or Uber. Uber does operate in Alexandria and is a convenient choice to avoid haggling. Local Alexandria taxis are identifiable by their black-and-yellow (or black-and-white) paint and taxi sign. They are supposed to have meters, and the city has made efforts to enforce metered fares, but in practice many drivers will propose a fare instead of using it. It’s wise to ask the fare up front or insist on the meter to avoid being overcharged, especially as a tourist. Fortunately, Alexandria’s taxi fares are quite low: the base fee is only around EGP 6, and even a 20-minute ride might cost on the order of 30–40 EGP (a few dollars). Most places in the city can be reached within a 15–30-minute drive.
- Trams and Buses: Alexandria has an old tram system that is both a means of transport and a bit of a historical attraction. The trams (some are vintage blue-and-cream vehicles from the 1950s) trundle along two main lines across the city. While extremely cheap (tickets cost EGP 1 for standard class, or EGP 5 for “First Class” trams which are slightly less crowded), the trams are very slow and not air-conditioned, so locals use them mostly for short hops. Tourists sometimes take the tram for the experience – for example, a ride to see local neighborhoods or to enjoy the seafront view. Alexandria also operates city buses (APTA buses). These are usable for tourists and run along the Corniche and city center. They’re clean and cheap – a few pounds fare – but can be hot and packed in summer. If you’re on a tight budget, the buses are an option (routes are usually labeled in Arabic, but you can ask drivers). Otherwise, stick to taxis or Uber for efficiency.
- City Tips: Alexandria’s main sites (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, Montaza Palace gardens, museums) are fairly spread out along the waterfront. Plan your route logically; for instance, you might take a taxi to the farthest site (e.g. Montaza Gardens in the east) and then work your way back along the Corniche. Walking is pleasant along some stretches of the corniche (the seaside promenade), especially in the evenings, but distances between attractions can be a few kilometers. Traffic in Alex is generally lighter than Cairo but can still snarl around rush hour or in the dense city center. Like Cairo, avoid unmetered cab scams by being clear on price – a common taxi trip entirely within central Alexandria shouldn’t exceed maybe EGP 50, so be wary if a driver quotes an obviously inflated price. Lastly, the train is a popular way into Alexandria (2-3 hours from Cairo), and once there, you can use local transport or even horse-drawn carriages found near tourist areas for a leisurely ride (negotiate the rate for carriage rides as well).
Transportation in Luxor
- Walking and Local Transport: Luxor is much smaller and more navigable than the big cities. The central part of Luxor (East Bank) where most hotels, the Luxor Temple, and the museum are located is very walkable. You can stroll around the town center, Nile corniche, and market on foot. To go farther within the East Bank – for example, from downtown to Karnak Temple (~3 km) – you can take a taxi, horse carriage, or even a local minibus. Taxis in Luxor do not use meters, so negotiate a fare (in 2023, a reasonable fare might be on the order of 50 EGP for a short trip in town, but always confirm before starting). Many visitors in Luxor also enjoy horse-drawn carriages (locally called caleche) to tour the city at a relaxed pace. A carriage ride is a quaint experience, but agree on the price and duration beforehand and be firm, as some carriage drivers may attempt to raise the price mid-trip or at the end.
- East vs West Bank: Luxor’s sights are divided by the Nile. The East Bank has the town and major temples (Luxor Temple, Karnak), while the West Bank holds the tombs and mortuary temples (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, etc.). There is no bridge in the city center (the nearest bridge is a bit south), but there are convenient water transport options. The most authentic and cost-effective way to cross the Nile is the public ferry, which shuttles between Luxor City (East Bank) and the West Bank every few minutes. The ferry runs all day and late into the night, carrying locals (and savvy tourists) for just EGP 5 per person each way. It’s a short ride and you pay onboard or at the dock. In contrast, private motorboats will eagerly offer to take you across or on a river cruise – while faster and more personalized, they charge significantly more (you’d need to haggle; expect anywhere from 50 to 200 EGP depending on time of day and your bargaining skills). If you’re on a budget or want the local experience, stick with the ferry – it’s perfectly safe and used by hundreds daily. Once on the West Bank, you’ll need transport to the sights which are a few kilometers inland – options include hiring a taxi for the day, arranging a guided tour that provides a vehicle, renting a bicycle, or even hiring a motorbike/tuk-tuk. Many tourists arrange with a driver to take them around all the West Bank sites; typical day hire for a West Bank tour by car might be ~300-400 EGP, but negotiate and set your itinerary (and make sure the driver knows you’re not interested in “shopping stops”).
- Getting Around Tips: Luxor’s tourism industry is very developed, which means you’ll frequently be approached by taxi drivers, carriage drivers, boatmen, and guides offering their services. It can feel overwhelming, but a polite “la shukran” (“no thank you” in Arabic) and continuing on your way works fine. If you need a ride, it’s often best to have your hotel arrange a reputable driver or to use one recommended by fellow travelers. Bikes can be rented in Luxor and can be a pleasant way to explore the East Bank or even cross by ferry and cycle around some West Bank areas (weather permitting – avoid midday in summer). Finally, Luxor does not have Uber or Careem, so you’ll be relying on local transport methods. Keep cash in small notes (10s and 20s EGP) handy to pay for ferries, taxis, tips, and so on.
Transportation in Aswan
- On Foot: Aswan is a compact city and very walkable in the central area. The Nile corniche road is the main artery along the river, and many hotels, restaurants, and the souk (market) are located along or near it. You can easily walk to sights like the Aswan bazaar, Elephantine Island ferry, Nubian Museum, and even Philae Temple’s shuttle boat dock (though Philae is a bit out of downtown, ~8 km, so a taxi ride is easier).
- Taxis and Local Transport: Like Luxor, Aswan has no Uber service, so taxis are the primary motor transport. Aswan’s taxis have no meters, so you must negotiate each ride. The drivers here are used to tourists and generally know the common spots. To give an idea of fares: a short ride in town might be 30–50 EGP; from Aswan to the High Dam or Philae area perhaps 100 EGP; a half-day hire to go to sites and back might be a couple of hundred EGP. Always settle on the price before you get in. Because Aswan is smaller and less chaotic than Cairo, some travelers also opt to hire bicycles or even motorbikes to get around – this can be a fun way to explore the riverbanks at your own pace. Another charming option in Aswan is the horse-drawn carriage, which can take you on a leisurely tour of the city streets (similar caveat as Luxor: agree on the fee in advance to avoid any misunderstanding).
- Nile Transport: Aswan sits on a particularly beautiful stretch of the Nile dotted with islands. Small motorboats act as taxis to the islands (Elephantine Island has a local ferry and also private boats; boats are needed to reach Philae Temple from the dedicated dock, usually ~200 EGP for a boat regardless of number of passengers). There is also a local public ferry to the West Bank of Aswan (where the Tombs of the Nobles and some Nubian villages are) – this ferry costs only about 5 EGP as well. If you want a scenic journey, hiring a felucca (traditional sailboat) for an hour or two at sunset is highly recommended in Aswan. Felucca captains will approach you along the corniche; typical cost might be 200-300 EGP for an hour (boat for your group), but always negotiate. Be mindful that some boat operators may quote higher prices to tourists – don’t hesitate to bargain or ask your hotel for the going rate.
- City Tips: Aswan is generally more relaxed than Luxor and Cairo, but as a tourist you’ll still encounter many offers for taxi rides, boat trips, and tours. One popular excursion from Aswan is an early morning trip to Abu Simbel (300 km south). Most people go by either tour bus or by plane. If you go by road, it’s a convoy that leaves around 4 AM – you can book this through a local tour company or arrange a private car with a driver (expect ~EGP 1000 or more for a private round-trip to Abu Simbel). Around Aswan city, keep in mind the afternoon heat can be intense; it’s wise to do most walking exploration in the early morning or late afternoon. Aswan’s airport is about 20 km from town; there may be taxis available, but not always, so often travelers arrange transfers in advance or through their hotel. Lastly, enjoy the laid-back pace – sitting in a riverside cafe or sailing on a felucca can be just as rewarding as rushing to the next monument.
Safety and Budget Considerations
General Safety
Egypt is generally safe to travel, but you should exercise common-sense precautions, especially regarding transportation. Traffic safety is a concern – seat belts are not always available (back seats in many taxis may lack them) and driving can be erratic. If you rent a car or even as a passenger, expect aggressive maneuvers and keep an eye out for pedestrians and vehicles suddenly appearing. When crossing streets in Cairo/Alex, do so carefully and follow locals, as traffic may not stop for pedestrians.
Public transit safety is mostly about petty crime and harassment: keep your valuables secure on crowded buses or metro trains. Women should be aware that sexual harassment can occur in crowded public spaces. The Cairo Metro’s women-only cars (marked on the platform by pink signs) are a valuable option – female travelers or groups of women can use these cars to ride more comfortably and avoid unwanted attention. In buses or microbuses, it may be best for solo women to sit next to other women if possible. During late hours, it’s advisable to use trusted transport (like your hotel’s car service or Uber) rather than hailing a random taxi on the street.
Using Taxis Safely
While taxis and ride-shares are generally safe, be mindful of a few scams. A common scam is taxi drivers (especially at airports or tourist sites) telling you that your destination is closed or your Uber isn’t coming, trying to get you into their cab instead. At Cairo Airport, for example, you might be approached by drivers claiming Uber is “not allowed” to pick up there – this is false. If you’ve ordered an Uber, trust the app and meet your driver at the designated spot.
Another issue can be taxi drivers who refuse to turn on the meter or claim it’s broken, then demand an exorbitant fare later. Avoid this by always confirming the fare method: if it’s a metered taxi, politely ask “Meter?” and see that it’s running; if it’s an unmetered cab, agree on a total price (and whether that price is per person or for the whole car, in case of multiple passengers) before you depart. It helps to have an idea of reasonable fares – for instance, know that a ride across central Cairo might be ~50 EGP, so if someone asks for 200, you’re being overcharged.
In tourist-heavy areas like Giza or Luxor, occasionally a taxi or carriage driver might try the “that was the price per person” trick or claim you misheard the quote. Stand firm and don’t be intimidated; involve tourist police if necessary (usually just mentioning them resolves any dispute). Thankfully, using Uber or Careem bypasses most of these issues since the fare is set in the app.
Budget Tips
Egypt is very budget-friendly when it comes to transportation. Keep small bills and coins with you, as many local services require cash and drivers often can’t break large notes. For instance, have a stack of 5s, 10s, and 20s (Egyptian pounds) for bus fares, tips, and minor rides.
Public transport like the metro and buses cost mere pennies in USD terms, so utilizing them can cut your costs dramatically – a metro ride for ~$0.25 versus an Uber that might be $2–$5, for example. That said, app-based rides are also cheap, and for many travelers the comfort and time saved is worth the extra dollar or two.
When traveling between cities, trains and buses are the economical choice: a first-class train from Cairo to Luxor at EGP 150 ($10) beats a $100+ flight if you have the time.
Long-distance buses (run by companies like GoBus, SuperJet, Blue Bus) are inexpensive as well – roughly EGP 200–300 ($6–$10) for a 5-6 hour journey – and modern coaches often have A/C and reclining seats. Just remember overland travel in Egypt takes significantly longer than flying (e.g. an 8-hour overnight bus vs a 1-hour flight), so budget your time as well as money.
If you plan to take multiple flights, consider booking them all at once with EgyptAir or on a pass to potentially save money. Also, booking domestic flights well in advance can yield fares as low as ~$50, whereas last-minute airfare can surge to $150+.
Avoiding Scams & Hassles
Aside from taxi pricing, a few other scams to watch for:
- In tourist zones, someone might offer “help” with tickets or tours unsolicited – politely decline unless you specifically want to hire a guide.
- At transit hubs (airports, train stations), ignore any stranger who insists on “helping with your luggage” – they will expect a tip. Official porters have ID tags and only assist if you request.
- When using horse carriages (caleche) or feluccas, the key is a clear agreement on the price and duration/destination. If a felucca captain says “pay what you like” or a carriage driver says “as you wish” – do not board, because they will almost certainly argue for an inflated tip later. Instead, get a number in writing or use a firm verbal agreement (don’t be shy about bargaining in Egypt – negotiation is expected).
- Trust your gut: if a situation feels off or a driver is pushing too hard to take you somewhere you don’t want to go, walk away. Most Egyptians are honest and welcoming, but the minority who prey on tourists can be persistent. Keeping a friendly but assertive attitude works best: a smile and “no, thanks” while walking away is more effective than getting angry.
Travel Tips for Women
For women travelers, it’s empowering to know a few tactics:
- Use the women-only metro cars in Cairo.
- Consider wearing sunglasses and an “uninterested” facial expression in public to deter unwanted approaches.
- Don’t hesitate to call out inappropriate behavior – often others will support you.
- Many women travel in Egypt without issues, but being aware and taking precautions (like not traveling alone late at night on a microbus, dressing modestly at religious sites, etc.) will improve your comfort.
Summing Up – Safe and Smart Travel
If you use legitimate transport options, agree on prices, and stay aware of your surroundings, getting around Egypt can be smooth, safe, and even part of the adventure. It’s a land of contrasts where you might ride a modern air-conditioned train one day and a donkey cart in a village the next.
Embrace the experience but keep these tips in mind. Egypt’s transport network offers everything from 50-cent metro rides to $50 flights – a mix of budget-friendly choices and convenient upgrades. With a little preparation, you can navigate like a pro, whether zipping under Cairo in the metro, cruising over the desert by plane, or sailing down the Nile on a felucca.
Enjoy the journey and stay savvy on the road!
