back

Transportation in Egypt

    The easiest and most popular way to get to Egypt is to fly into a major city, usually Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. For Red Sea holidays visitors will fly into Hurgada or Sharm el-Sheikh.

   Once you are in Egypt, transportation really varies depending on the place you are visiting. Many visitors opt for a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. For security reasons no cruises are available between Cairo and Luxor. The two most common ways of travelling between these cities are by plane and overnight train. Some choose to go the more adventurous route and travel by jeep over the Western Desert Oases circuit from Cairo to Luxor. This will really take you off the beaten path! At present, all groups travelling on Egyptian roads must be accompanied by the tourist police. If you book your trip through us we'lll handle all the details!

   Air-conditioned coaches operate throughout Egypt and are generally inexpensive with two coaches a day between Cairo and Aswan, but be prepared for a long journey. There are also local buses without air-conditioning between all Egyptian towns. Check the main bus terminals for details of times and costs. It often costs only a little more to travel in the more comfortable coaches.

   In big cities, taxis are very inexpensive by western standards. Be sure to set a price with the driver before you get in and hand him the money as you get out. In Cairo there is also a metro that runs from downtown to Giza and back. Large overcrowded buses travel routes throughout the city, often with a dozen children hanging on to the sides and you can get to most places on these routes. Smaller more comfortable buses which do not allow standing also operate the major routes. They are an inexpensive way to travel.

   You can also hire bicycles inexpensively in Luxor and on the West Bank.There is no charge for bicycles on the ferry. And many people enjoy a ride in a calèche- a horse drawn carrige that you will see in Luxor.

   All across Egypt you'll see donkeys, camels and horses with boys touting for business. Once again, a ride on these is fun, but be sure to set the price first and pay when your ride is over!

back