Egypt Transportation Guide 2025: How to Get Around Egypt Safely & Affordably

Cairo Metro Budget Option

Cairo's metro is the fastest way to traverse the city, bypassing Cairo's notorious traffic jams. It has three lines covering major districts (Line 1 from Helwan to El Marg, Line 2 through downtown to Giza, Line 3 east–west).

Operating Hours: Trains run roughly 5:00am to 1:00am, every 5–10 minutes at peak times.

Cost: Fares are distance-based and very cheap – around EGP 5 to 10 for most rides (about $0.20–$0.30), even after recent fare hikes (capped at EGP 20 for the longest trips).

Women's Safety: 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 Ultra Budget

Public buses in Egypt (operated by Cairo Transport Authority in Cairo, and similar authorities in other cities) are inexpensive but challenging for tourists.

Cost: They cost only a few pounds per ride – for example, Alexandria's city buses charge EGP 3 for short trips and up to 10 EGP for longer routes.

Operating Hours: Generally run from early morning (~5–6am) until around 11pm.

Challenges: 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.

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.

Microbus Tips: They 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.

In summary, public buses and minibuses will save you money but require patience and a bit of Arabic to navigate.

Intercity Trains in Egypt

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.

Train Types:

• 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: Reasonable but delays can happen; it's wise to book in advance (online or at the station) especially during peak seasons.

Popular Routes:

• Cairo to Luxor: ~10-12 hours, around 9 trains daily
• Cairo to Alexandria: ~2.5-4 hours depending on train
• Cairo to Aswan: ~12-14 hours

Cost: 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.

Sleeper Train: For overnight journeys, 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.

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.

Taxis in Egypt

Taxis are plentiful in Egyptian cities and remain a primary mode of transport for tourists and locals alike.

Taxi Types in Cairo:

• White taxis: Modern white sedans with a black checker stripe, most common and have meters
• Black-and-white taxis: Older cabs gradually being phased out, generally do not use meters
• Yellow taxis: Private cab companies that you can call or hail via app – metered and typically newer cars

Alexandria Taxis: Common taxis are painted black-and-yellow or black-and-white; many are supposed to have meters, but in practice drivers often prefer to set a fixed price.

Important Tip: 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) Recommended

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.

Benefits: Using the app means you don't need to haggle over fares or explain your destination in Arabic – just drop a pin and go.

Cost: 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).

Availability: 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.

Overall, in Cairo/Alex, ride-hailing apps are safe, convenient, and often cheaper than hailing a taxi. They are highly recommended for newcomers.

Car Rentals (Self-Drive)

Renting a car in Egypt is possible but usually not the preferred option for most tourists, especially for city driving.

Cost: Major international agencies like Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and Hertz have desks at Cairo Airport. A typical economy car may cost around $30–$50 USD per day, and fuel is relatively cheap.

Challenges: Driving in Egypt (especially in Cairo) is challenging. Traffic in cities is chaotic and rules-of-the-road are often treated as suggestions. Drivers can be aggressive – lane discipline is poor, horns are used liberally, and you'll share the road with swarms of cars, buses, tuk-tuks, and even donkey carts in some areas.

Better Alternative: Many tourists instead opt to hire a private car and driver, which is common in Egypt. For example, you can arrange a car+driver for a day trip (your hotel or a tour agency can set this up) so you get the flexibility of a car without the stress of driving.

In summary, renting a car gives freedom to explore on your own schedule, but due to road conditions and driving culture it's only recommended if you're a confident driver and familiar with similar driving environments.

Quick Connections Between Major Destinations

For long distances within Egypt, domestic flights are by far the quickest way to travel. The country's main domestic airline is EgyptAir, the national flag carrier, which operates frequent flights linking Cairo with major tourist destinations like Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria.

Time Savings: Flying is much faster than land transport – for instance, the 650 km journey from Cairo to Luxor takes only about 1 hour by plane (versus 9–10 hours by train).

Major Domestic Airlines:

• EgyptAir: Most commonly used with the most flights and destinations
• Nile Air: Reputable private airline with competitive prices
• Air Cairo: Operates many Cairo–Sharm/Hurghada flights

Cost: Airfare varies by season and how early you book. A typical one-way fare between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan generally ranges from $80 to $140 USD. It's possible to find promotional fares as low as ~$50 one-way.

Popular Routes:

• Cairo to Luxor (1 hour)
• Cairo to Aswan (1.5 hours)
• Cairo to Sharm El-Sheikh (1 hour)
• Cairo to Hurghada (1 hour)
• Aswan to Abu Simbel (45 minutes)

In summary, domestic flights are the best choice for long-distance travel in Egypt if your budget allows – they are widely used, safe, and can be surprisingly affordable when booked in advance.

Luxury Nile Cruises Luxury Option

One of the most memorable ways to experience Egypt is by taking a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. These multi-day journeys combine transportation with accommodation, dining, and guided tours of ancient sites along the river.

Duration: Typical cruises range from 3 to 7 nights

Route: Luxor to Aswan or vice versa, stopping at key sites like:

• Edfu Temple
• Kom Ombo Temple
• Esna Lock

Benefits: All-inclusive experience with expert guides, comfortable cabins, and stunning views of river life

Cost: Varies by luxury level, typically $150-$400 per night

Local River Transport

For shorter journeys or budget options, local river transport offers authentic experiences:

Feluccas (Traditional Sailboats):

Traditional wooden sailing boats used for short trips, particularly popular at sunset in Aswan and Luxor.

Cost: Typically 200-300 EGP per hour for the entire boat

Public Ferries:

In Luxor and Aswan, public ferries cross the Nile frequently, carrying locals and tourists alike.

Cost: Only about 5 EGP per person

Benefits: Authentic local experience and extremely affordable

Transportation in Cairo

Metro and Walking:

In Cairo, take advantage of the Cairo Metro for traversing longer distances within the city – it's often the quickest way to reach areas like Downtown, Coptic Cairo (Mar Girgis station), or Giza (El Giza station, then onward to the pyramids) while avoiding gridlock.

Taxis and Uber:

Within Cairo, Uber/Careem or metered white taxis are the recommended way to get point-to-point. Uber is very popular for visitors; you can request a ride almost anywhere in the city and avoid haggling over price.

Typical Fares: A cross-town taxi/Uber fare in Cairo might be only 30–80 EGP depending on distance.

City Travel Tips:

• Avoid driving yourself in Cairo – the chaotic traffic and scarce parking make it more headache than it's worth
• For visiting the Giza Pyramids, take the metro to Giza station or El Monib, then a taxi or minibus for the last 8-10 km to the site
• Always carry the address of your destination in Arabic to show taxi drivers
• Be aware of your surroundings on crowded metro trains and buses

Transportation in Alexandria

Taxis and Uber:

Alexandria, being Egypt's second-largest city, is spread along the coast. The easiest way to get around is by taxi or Uber. Uber does operate in Alexandria and is a convenient choice to avoid haggling.

Taxi Fares: Alexandria's taxi fares are quite low: the base fee is only around EGP 6, and even a 20-minute ride might cost on the order of 30–40 EGP.

Trams and Buses:

Alexandria has an old tram system that is both a means of transport and a bit of a historical attraction. The trams are extremely cheap (tickets cost EGP 1 for standard class, or EGP 5 for "First Class" trams) but very slow.

City Tips:

• Plan your route logically along the waterfront Corniche
• Walking is pleasant along some stretches of the corniche
• Traffic in Alex is generally lighter than Cairo but can still snarl around rush hour

Transportation in Luxor

Walking and Local Transport:

Luxor is much smaller and more navigable than the big cities. The central part of Luxor (East Bank) where most hotels, the Luxor Temple, and the museum are located is very walkable.

East vs West Bank:

Luxor's sights are divided by the Nile. The most authentic and cost-effective way to cross the Nile is the public ferry, which shuttles between Luxor City (East Bank) and the West Bank every few minutes for just EGP 5 per person each way.

Getting Around Tips:

• Taxis in Luxor do not use meters, so negotiate a fare
• Horse-drawn carriages (caleche) offer quaint tours but agree on price beforehand
• Luxor does not have Uber or Careem
• Bikes can be rented for exploring at your own pace

Transportation in Aswan

On Foot:

Aswan is a compact city and very walkable in the central area. The Nile corniche road is the main artery along the river, and many hotels, restaurants, and the souk (market) are located along or near it.

Taxis and Local Transport:

Like Luxor, Aswan has no Uber service, so taxis are the primary motor transport. Aswan's taxis have no meters, so you must negotiate each ride.

Typical Fares:

• Short ride in town: 30–50 EGP
• Aswan to High Dam or Philae: 100 EGP
• Half-day hire: 200-300 EGP

Nile Transport:

Aswan sits on a particularly beautiful stretch of the Nile dotted with islands. Small motorboats act as taxis to the islands, and hiring a felucca for an hour or two at sunset is highly recommended.

City Tips:

• Aswan is generally more relaxed than Luxor and Cairo
• Afternoon heat can be intense; plan walking for early morning or late afternoon
• Popular Abu Simbel excursion can be done by tour bus or plane

General Safety Tips

Egypt is generally safe to travel, but you should exercise common-sense precautions, especially regarding transportation.

Traffic Safety:

Traffic safety is a concern – seat belts are not always available (back seats in many taxis may lack them) and driving can be erratic. If you rent a car or even as a passenger, expect aggressive maneuvers and keep an eye out for pedestrians and vehicles suddenly appearing.

Public Transit Safety:

Mostly about petty crime and harassment: keep your valuables secure on crowded buses or metro trains. Women should be aware that sexual harassment can occur in crowded public spaces.

Women's Safety: The Cairo Metro's women-only cars (marked on the platform by pink signs) are a valuable option – female travelers or groups of women can use these cars to ride more comfortably and avoid unwanted attention.

Using Taxis Safely

While taxis and ride-shares are generally safe, be mindful of a few common scams:

Common Taxi Scams:

• Drivers telling you your destination is closed or your Uber isn't coming
• Taxi drivers who refuse to turn on the meter or claim it's broken
• "That was the price per person" trick after agreeing on a fare

Prevention Tips:

• Always confirm the fare method before starting your journey
• Have an idea of reasonable fares for common routes
• Use Uber/Careem when possible to avoid negotiation
• Stand firm and don't be intimidated if disputes arise

Budget Transportation Tips

Egypt is very budget-friendly when it comes to transportation. Here are ways to maximize your budget:

Money-Saving Strategies:

• Keep small bills and coins for local transport
• Use public transport like metro and buses for short distances
• Consider trains and buses for intercity travel instead of flights
• Book domestic flights well in advance for best prices
• Use ride-sharing apps to avoid taxi negotiation

Cost Comparison:

Travel Tips for Women

For women travelers, these tactics can improve comfort and safety:

• Use the women-only metro cars in Cairo
• Consider wearing sunglasses and maintaining an "uninterested" expression in public
• Don't hesitate to call out inappropriate behavior – often others will support you
• Avoid traveling alone late at night on microbuses
• Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
• Use ride-sharing apps for late-night travel

Private Pyramids Tour

Experience the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx with private transportation included. No need to worry about taxis, parking, or navigation.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Expert Egyptologist guide
• All entrance fees included
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cairo & Giza 2-Day Experience

Comprehensive Cairo exploration with all transportation handled. Visit pyramids, museums, and bazaars without transport worries.

• Two days of private transportation
• Professional driver and guide
• All transfers between sites
• Stress-free navigation through Cairo traffic

7-Day Egypt Discovery Tour

Complete Egypt experience with domestic flights, Nile cruise, and all ground transportation included.

• Domestic flights Cairo-Luxor-Aswan
• 3-night Nile cruise with all transfers
• Private ground transportation throughout
• Expert guides at all sites

Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

Visit Egypt's Mediterranean gem with comfortable private transportation handling the 3-hour journey each way.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional driver for the day
• All highway tolls and parking included
• Stress-free round trip from Cairo