Venturing desert
Kharga Oasis
1) By Air
For those seeking a swifter route, the Kharga Oasis boasts its own airport, conveniently situated just 5 kilometers to the north of the town center. The Petroleum Service Company typically operates Sunday flights, utilizing a 15-seat plane. The departure from Cairo is at 8 am, with the return flight from Al-Kharga scheduled for 3 pm. The flight duration is approximately 1½ hours, and the one-way fare is around E£600. To access flight schedules and make reservations, it is advisable to contact the local tourist office.
2) Bus
For travelers who prefer ground transportation, the Upper Egypt Bus Co, located on Sharia Mohammed Farid, offers bus services to various destinations. Daily departures to Cairo are available at 9 pm and 10 pm, with a journey duration of eight to 10 hours and a fare of approximately E£65. There is one daily departure each to Asyut (E£15, three to four hours, at 7 pm), Baris (E£7, one hour, at 6 pm), and Dakhla Oasis (E£15, three hours, at 2 pm). Please note that there is no direct bus service to Luxor. To reach Luxor, you can either take a bus to Asyut and make a connection there or opt for a private taxi service.
3) Microbus:
Convenient for shorter journeys within the vicinity, microbuses departing when fully occupied are available for trips to Dakhla (E£15, three hours) or Asyut (E£15, three to four hours). These microbuses can be found at the microbus station, located at Midan Sho’ala.
4) Taxi:
For those who prefer the flexibility and privacy of taxi travel, special taxis can transport you to Luxor, passing through Jaja, in approximately three hours. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost, with fares reaching about E£400. For journeys to Cairo, which typically take seven hours, a taxi for the entire car (with a maximum capacity of seven people) can be arranged at a cost of E£1000.
Embarking on a journey to Kharga Oasis is a unique adventure, offering a range of transportation options to suit various preferences and needs. Whether by air, bus, microbus, or taxi, travelers can access this desert oasis with ease, embarking on an unforgettable experience amid the arid beauty of the Western Desert.
