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Utilizing Transportation in Egypt

Choose the Best Way to Travel Around Egypt Before Going

Jul 23, 2008

First Class Train Cars on the Day Train from Cairo, Cheryl Carpinello

Knowing all the options available for transportation, both motorized and non-motorized, will make for a smoother and more enjoyable holiday in Egypt.

Egypt is a large country, and transportation is limited for tourists who wish to experience the wonders of this ancient and modern civilization.

Cruises

Nearly all tour groups make use of the Nile River and offer cruises from Luxor to Aswan. Clients fly into Luxor, board the cruise boats, and use that as their base. Because of the amenities onboard, like dining facilities, swimming pool, programs and shows, and accommodations, few tourists find themselves mingling with the Egyptian people or exploring the local restaurants and shops. Visitors are transported via tour buses to the archaeological sites.

Train

To transverse the entire country via the Nile, the Egyptian train is for the independent traveler. The cars are divided into first, second, and third class. First class and second class are reserved for tourists only. The differences between the two are the cost and cleanliness. Third class is strictly for locals' use.

On all tourists cars, armed train marshals are visually present and roaming throughout. When the train pulls into a stop, the security personnel monitor the boarding platform until departure time.

The trains provide an exceptional view of the towns and villages along the Nile as well as the Nile itself. Tourists can travel from Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea to Cairo to Luxor to Aswan. The trip from Alexandria to Cairo is about two and a half hours via the Turbo train. Cairo to Luxor is approximately fifteen hours, and Luxor to Aswan is around three and a half hours.

A Sleeper Train is also provided for tourists from Aswan or Luxor to Cairo.

Taxi

In the local areas, including Cairo, taxis are the only mode of transportation. Tourists are better off negotiating for their own taxi rather than having their hotel. Hotel personnel charge heavily for getting the taxi, but tourists are still expected to tip the driver.

Rental Cars

By no means should visitors ever attempt to drive in Egypt unless they were raised there. Rules of the road are virtually nil, and even pedestrians risk their lives crossing the streets, especially in Cairo.

Bicycles and Animals

Many of the smaller cities such as Luxor have bike rentals that allow for a more personal exploration. And if up for the challenge, numerous offers of camel, donkey, and carriage rides can be found throughout Egypt.

Final Advice

Traversing Egypt with a tour or as an independent tourist will be more rewarding for the prepared.

Most Egyptian businesses take American dollars or the Euro, but be prepared to receive your change in Egyptian pounds.

To ride the train, reservations must be made, either over the Internet before leaving, by the hotel, or in person. Only USD or Euros are accepted in Egypt.

The copyright of the article Utilizing Transportation in Egypt in Egypt Travel is owned by Cheryl Carpinello. Permission to republish Utilizing Transportation in Egypt in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.