Path to Kom Ombo
Embarking on Your Journey to Kom Ombo: Choose Your Path
Travelers seeking to explore the enchanting town of Kom Ombo are spoiled for choice when it comes to transportation options. Here’s a guide on how to reach this captivating destination:
1) By Air: Soar Above the Nile
The bus station, located 3.5 kilometers north of the train station, provides another option for travelers. However, it’s worth noting that the tourist office discourages bus travel, considering it somewhat cumbersome. For those undeterred, the Upper Egypt Bus Co operates two daily buses to Abu Simbel, a four-hour journey that costs E£35. Additionally, there’s a direct bus to Cairo departing daily at 6 am and 3 pm, with a travel time of 14 hours.
2) By Bus: A Scenic Ride
The bus station, located 3.5 kilometers north of the train station, provides another option for travelers. However, it’s worth noting that the tourist office discourages bus travel, considering it somewhat cumbersome. For those undeterred, the Upper Egypt Bus Co operates two daily buses to Abu Simbel, a four-hour journey that costs E£35. Additionally, there’s a direct bus to Cairo departing daily at 6 am and 3 pm, with a travel time of 14 hours.
3) By Servees: Communal Connections
Servees and minibusses can be found at the bus station, the same location as the buses. To reach the station from the train station, a taxi ride costs E£15 or E£0.50 in a communal taxi. Communal taxis are a budget-friendly option. A seat in a servees or minibus to Luxor will set you back E£18, while the journey to Kom Ombo costs E£7, and the route to Edfu is priced at E£15.
4) By Train: The Classic Rail Journey
For those who relish the romance of train travel, the Aswan Train Station serves as a gateway to Kom Ombo. Multiple daily trains ply the route northward to Cairo, departing from 5 am to 9:10 pm. The fare is approximately E£175 for a 14-hour journey. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance, but they can also be acquired onboard for an additional E£6.
The trains that travel north make stops at Daraw (E£22/15, 45 minutes), Kom Ombo (E£24/17, one hour), Edfu (E£28/19, two hours), Esna (E£38/23, 2½ hours), and Luxor (E£45/29, three hours). Travelers should note that student discounts are available for all these train routes.
For those seeking a more luxurious rail experience, the Watania Egypt Sleeping Train offers two daily services to Cairo, departing at 5 pm and 7 pm. Prices per person or double cabin (fits two) include dinner and breakfast, with rates of US$60 and US$120, respectively.
So, whether you prefer the swift ascent of air travel, the scenic route by bus, the communal camaraderie of servees, or the classic charm of a train journey, Kom Ombo awaits your arrival, promising a journey that is as memorable as the destination itself.
