Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Train in Egypt
Traveling by train in Egypt is not only practical but also a scenic journey through the Nile Valley. From Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, trains offer a unique combination of comfort, local experience, and efficiency. This guide covers train types, how to check schedules and availability, booking tips, and essential travel advice.
How to Check Train Times
Official ENR Website
Use the Egyptian National Railways website enr.gov.eg to check air-conditioned express train schedules.
You can view seat availability, even if booking online is limited to Egyptians.
Shows only air-conditioned express trains between major stations.
Limited to two weeks in advance, but this can help plan months ahead approximately.
Classes include: AC1, AC2, AC3 (Air-Conditioned) and GA2 (Good Air, non-AC).
ENR Mobile App
The ENR app is available for iPhone and Android, showing the same schedules and availability as the website. Even if you cannot book, it helps you know which trains have free seats.
Third-Party Apps
Apps like Egypt Trains or Railway Egypt display all trains, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, and all stations. They don’t sell tickets but are useful for planning or on-the-go navigation.
Understanding Egyptian Train Types
VIP Special Express
Fully air-conditioned, AC1 & AC2 classes, reserved seating.
Seats rotate and can form a bay for families.
Café counter and trolley service for refreshments.
Express Trains (Spanish)
Older air-conditioned cars built in Spain, still comfortable with assigned seats.
Refreshments available on most services.
Talgo Trains
Modern, articulated trains with short cars and single axles.
Operate primarily Cairo-Alexandria.
Some services provide meals at your seat.
Russian Trains
New fleet from 2020–2021, including AC3, AC2, AC1 cars.
Slowly replacing older ordinary trains and some express services.
Ordinary Trains
Non-air-conditioned 2nd & 3rd class, unreserved seating.
Some trains include air-conditioned 2nd class cars.
Open windows allow for Nile Valley photography and local interaction.
Deluxe Sleeper Trains
Operated by Abela Trains; higher fares for foreigners.
Air-conditioned compartments with bedding, washbasin, luggage space.
Evening tray-meal and breakfast included.
Compartments can be single, double, or shared with a same-sex traveler.
Lounge car serves drinks and snacks.
How to Buy Tickets
At the Station
Foreigner’s Reservation Office (Cairo Ramses): For VIP, express, or sleeper trains. Payment in USD, Euros, or credit card.
Self-Service Ticket Machines: Found in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. Acceptance of foreign cards varies.
Designated windows for foreigners now available in Luxor and Aswan.
Online Options
Abela Trains: Book deluxe sleepers at Abelatrains.com or via the Abela app.
Bookaway.com: Reliable for most air-conditioned express trains; booking opens 17 days before departure.
Tips:
Even if online booking is unavailable for foreigners, use ENR website/app to check seat availability. This lets you plan which train to buy at the station.
For sleepers, select “Family” to get beds in the same compartment.
Cairo now has the Bashtil station for Upper Egypt sleepers; Giza can be used as an alternative boarding point.
Travel Tips
Learn Arabic numerals: Departure boards display train numbers, times, and platforms in Arabic. This is essential for finding your train quickly.
Arrive early: Stations have baggage X-ray checks.
Use a timetable app: Know your train and a backup option before going to the station.
Choose daytime or sleeper strategically: Sleepers save hotel costs and are faster than regular trains. Daytime trains provide beautiful Nile Valley scenery.
Check availability for multiple trains: If your preferred train is fully booked, other classes or trains usually have seats.
💺 Train Fares (USD) – Text Version
VIP Trains:
Aswan ⇄ Cairo: 62$
Cairo ⇄ Luxor: 57$
Luxor ⇄ Aswan: 26$
Spanish Trains:
Aswan ⇄ Cairo: 46$
Cairo ⇄ Luxor: 41$
Luxor ⇄ Aswan: 21$
Talgo Trains:
Cairo ⇄ Aswan: 72$
Luxor ⇄ Cairo: 62$
Luxor ⇄ Aswan: 50$
Sleeper Trains:
Double Cabin: 180$
Single Cabin: 130$
Single in Double Cabin: 90$
Conclusion:
Egypt offers a variety of train experiences, from VIP Special Express and Talgo to Russian, ordinary, and deluxe sleeper trains. By checking availability via the ENR website or app, planning with third-party apps, and following practical tips, you can enjoy a comfortable, scenic, and memorable train journey between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and beyond.