Getting Around Egypt: Transportation Tips for Every 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.
Cairo Metro
Fastest way to beat Cairo's traffic with women-only cars for safety
Egypt Trains
Scenic journeys along the Nile Valley from Cairo to Luxor & Aswan
Domestic Flights
Quick connections between major destinations with EgyptAir
Nile Cruises
Luxury river journeys between Luxor and Aswan with Egypt Photography Tours
Let Egypt Photography Tours Handle Your Transportation
Skip the stress of navigating Egypt's transportation system. Our all-inclusive tours include private transfers, domestic flights, and expert guides to ensure seamless travel throughout your Egyptian adventure.
Book Your Stress-Free Egypt TourPublic Transportation in Egypt
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.
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.
Private Transportation Options
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.
Domestic Flights in Egypt
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.
Nile Cruises and River Transportation
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
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View Nile Cruise PackagesWhy Travelers Trust Our Transportation-Inclusive Tours
Stress-Free Transportation
All our tours include private air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. No haggling with taxis, no navigating confusing public transport – just comfortable, reliable transportation.
Seamless Logistics
We handle all domestic flights, airport transfers, and internal travel logistics. Our 7-Day Discovery Tour includes flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan with all ground transportation.
Luxury Nile Transportation
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City-Specific Transportation Tips
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.
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
Recommended Egypt Tours with Transportation Included
At Egypt Photography Tours, all our packages include comprehensive transportation solutions. Skip the stress of navigating Egypt's complex transport system and focus on your photography experience.
Private Pyramids Photography Tour
Transportation Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers between Giza Plateau sites.
Cairo & Giza 2-Day Photography Tour
Transportation Included: Two days of private transportation, airport transfers if needed, all transfers between Cairo and Giza sites.
Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo
Transportation Included: Private vehicle for 6-hour round trip, professional driver for Alexandria exploration, all highway tolls and parking.
7-Day Egypt Discovery Tour
Transportation Included: Domestic flights Cairo-Luxor-Aswan, 3-night Nile cruise with all transfers, private ground transportation throughout Egypt.
Luxor Temples Photography Tour
Transportation Included: Private transfers between all Luxor sites, West Bank ferry crossings, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for temple exploration.
Safety and Budget Considerations
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.
Avoiding Common Transportation Scams
Aside from taxi pricing, watch for these common scams:
- Unsolicited "help" with tickets or tours – politely decline unless you specifically want to hire a guide
- Strangers insisting on "helping with your luggage" at transit hubs – they will expect a tip
- Vague pricing for horse carriages or feluccas – get a specific number in writing
- Drivers pushing to take you to specific shops or restaurants – they typically receive commissions
Best Defense: Trust your gut – if a situation feels off, walk away. Most Egyptians are honest and welcoming, but the minority who prey on tourists can be persistent.
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:
| Transport Type | Example Route | Cost (USD) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Cairo Downtown to Giza | $0.25 | 30 min |
| Uber/Taxi | Cairo Downtown to Giza | $2-5 | 20-40 min |
| Train (1st Class) | Cairo to Luxor | $7-12 | 10-12 hours |
| Domestic Flight | Cairo to Luxor | $50-140 | 1 hour |
| Nile Cruise | Luxor to Aswan (3 nights) | $450-1200 | 3-4 days |
Let Egypt Photography Tours Handle Your Transportation
Skip the stress of navigating Egypt's complex transportation system. Our all-inclusive tours feature private drivers, domestic flights, Nile cruises, and expert guides who handle all logistics so you can focus on enjoying your Egyptian adventure.
Contact us today to design your perfect Egypt itinerary with seamless transportation throughout.
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