Egypt has an extensive and somewhat efficient overland transport system. If your travel plans are focused on the Nile, the palm-studded scenery is as much of a highlight as the destinations along the way.
While it’s possible to fly to the main cities in Egypt, you can reduce your carbon footprint by traveling overland by train, bus or boat.
Travel by train to Egypt’s Nile Valley and the Mediterranean
The train is the most straightforward way of traveling along the Nile Valley, linking the capital of Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to the south and Alexandria to the north.
Both “Special Service” and the considerably cheaper “Speed AC Spanish” trains have comfortable first- and second-class air-conditioned carriages. Newer rolling stock on “Special Service” trains means that tickets are more expensive, but the amenities are similar.
From Cairo, take the 8am departure for the most scenic train trip heading up the Nile, which takes 14.5 hours to Aswan. Doing the journey in reverse, the 5:30am and 7:30am trains from Aswan and the 8:40am (9.5 hours) and 9:10am (10.5 hours) departures from Luxor are the trips to choose for views. See selected train schedules on the Egyptian Railways website, though the site often has technical glitches and doesn’t offer an online booking service for foreign nationals. Booking in person at the train station is the best option.
Egypt also has overnight sleeper trains, run by Abela Trains. The sleeper trains run nightly from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan and vice versa.
Unfortunately, Egypt’s rail network has a higher accident rate than many other countries, though the government is starting to modernize the system after several high-profile deadly collisions.
Take a Nile cruise
There’s no better way to make the journey part of your trip than by taking a Nile cruise. The most popular route is the stretch of river between Luxor and Aswan, with options for all budgets and levels of comfort.
Large cruisers stop at major ancient sites along the way
Cruise boats typically make the Luxor–Aswan leg a three-night trip with visits to Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo Temple along the way. This is the no-effort-necessary Nile option, just board the boat, and everything is organized for you. On…
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