No other nation in the world says ‘Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and every time, they mean it. While the ancient civilization of Egypt continues to amaze, contemporary Egyptians are equally remarkable.
Transportation in Egypt
Getting Around Egypt: Transportation Tips
for Travelers on Any Budget
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 15 to 19 for most rides (about $0.30–$0.40), 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 5 for short trips and up to 15 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.
