Domestic Transportation
Domestic Flights
Egypt is large, and domestic flights save a lot of time:
| Route | Flight Time | Price (from) | Airline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo → Luxor | 1h | 50–100 € | EgyptAir, Air Cairo |
| Cairo → Aswan | 1h 20 | 60–120 € | EgyptAir |
| Cairo → Hurghada | 1h | 40–80 € | EgyptAir, Air Cairo |
| Cairo → Sharm el-Sheikh | 1h | 40–80 € | EgyptAir, Air Cairo |
| Cairo → Abu Simbel | 1h 30 (via Aswan) | 80–150 € | EgyptAir |
Trains
The Egyptian National Railways (ENR) connects Cairo with Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. The trains are slow but atmospheric:
- Cairo → Alexandria: 2.5–3 hours. Air-conditioned 1st class from 50–80 LE (1–1.60 €). Hourly departures. Recommended!
- Cairo → Luxor: 9–10 hours. Night train (Watania Sleeper) with cabin from 80–100 USD/person including dinner and breakfast. Adventurous, but an experience. Alternatively: 1st class seating car from 200 LE.
- Cairo → Aswan: 12–14 hours. Also night train or day connection.
- Luxor → Aswan: 3 hours. Several trains daily, 1st class from 80 LE.
Intercity Buses
The bus companies Go Bus (modern, air-conditioned, bookable online via gobus.com.eg) and Upper Egypt Bus connect all major cities:
- Cairo → Hurghada: 5–6 hours, from 200–350 LE (4–7 €). Several times daily.
- Cairo → Sharm el-Sheikh: 6–7 hours, from 250–400 LE. Through the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel under the Suez Canal.
- Cairo → Alexandria: 2.5 hours, from 100–200 LE. Frequent departures.
- Cairo → Dahab: 8–9 hours, from 300–450 LE.
Uber & Taxi
Uber is available in Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada and is the absolute best option for city traffic. Prices are transparent, you don't have to haggle, and the cars are air-conditioned. In Cairo, 10 km typically cost 60–100 LE (1.20–2 €).
Taxis: In Cairo, use the white taxis (with meter — insist on it!) or the old black taxis (without meter — negotiate the price beforehand). In Luxor and Aswan, there is no Uber — you must use taxis or private drivers here. Always agree on prices BEFOREHAND!
Private Driver with Guide
For day trips (e.g., Luxor West Bank, Giza), a private driver with a licensed guide is often the best option. Bookable through your hotel or GetYourGuide. Prices: 40–80 €/day for driver + guide. Especially worthwhile for groups of 3 or more people.
Achtung
Rental cars in Egypt are NOT recommended — traffic in Cairo is chaotic and dangerous, there are hardly any traffic rules that are followed, and roads outside the cities are partially in poor condition. Use Uber, private drivers, or organized tours.