Getting Around Egypt

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Getting Around in Egypt

Transport in Egypt is not a problem. Taxis, buses, trains and flight services are all at your disposal. Travelling by taxi is cheaper, while buses are the most convenient and preferred transport. Buses can be booked from https://go-bus.com/

Getting Around Egypt By Air

Travelling by plane is a good option here. When traveling within Egypt by flight, common operators like EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and Nile Air facilitate seamless connections between major cities and tourist destinations. Cairo International Airport (CAI) serves as the primary hub, offering domestic departures to destinations across the country. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) on the Red Sea coast provides access to popular beach resorts, while Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) serves coastal destinations in the Sinai Peninsula. Luxor International Airport (LXR) connects travelers to historic sites in Upper Egypt, and Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) caters to visitors exploring the Mediterranean coast. Aswan, Abu Simbel, Marsa Matruh and Marsa Alam are some of the places you can get to by air.

Getting Around Egypt By Rail

Egypt's rail system provides an efficient means of long-distance travel, connecting major cities along the Nile Valley, Delta, and Canal Zone. The Egyptian National Railways operate in the country. The train services are frequent and regular, with the Cairo to Alexandria route being the most popularly travelled. Time tables are available at railway stations but they are only on Arabic. Regular trains are the most common mode of rail transport in Egypt, offering both day and night services between major cities. On the route between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan, tourists can only use 4 special "tourist trains", out of these 2 are sleeper trains. Additionally, these trains have plainclothes police officers guarding the compartments. 

Tickets can be booked either from the respective railway stations or online, in advance. At large station booking directly can get a bit complicated. Several mobile apps are available for booking or planning train tickets in Egypt, offering convenience and flexibility for travelers like, Egyptian National Railways Official App, Go Bus Egypt app, Trainline, Cleartrip and RailYatri.

Getting Around Egypt By Road

Getting around Egypt by bus is facilitated by three main bus companies: Upper Egypt Bus Company, East Delta Bus Company, and West and Middle Delta Bus Company. Each company covers specific regions, with routes spanning from the Nile Valley and Fayoum to the Red Sea Coast and Sinai. Additionally, El Gouna operates buses from Cairo to popular tourist destinations like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Superjet, serves key routes such as Cairo to Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada, offering modern air-conditioned buses with amenities like toilets, videos, and snacks.

In Egypt, bus terminals are central hubs for travelers to book tickets and board buses. While most towns have a single depot, larger cities like Cairo and Alexandria boast multiple terminals. Ticket booking can be done at kiosks within terminals, with options for advance booking up to 24 hours before departure. English- or French-speaking staff are available at larger terminals. Bus schedules, primarily in Arabic, can be obtained from hotels and tourist offices. Fares are reasonable, with prices varying based on the destination and bus service type.

By microbus: There are two types of collective service taxi options available in Egypt: servees(7 seater) and meecros(microbuses). These are popular because of their frequent departures and are quicker than trains and buses. They have fixed tickets depending upon the route. It's important to note that driving in Egypt can be hectic, especially on busy roads, so passengers need to be prepared for fast-paced and sometimes chaotic traffic.

By charter taxi: Hiring a charter taxi is popular for shorter distances like a day trip or for private routes. Hiring a taxi for one day would cost you about EGP 100-200. Bargaining and coming to the right price before boarding such taxis is recommended.

By rental car: You can arrange car rentals through international franchise chains like Hertz, Avis, or Budget, as well as local firms. Typically, you can expect to pay around 1000 EGP per day. Most companies require a significant deposit, and do not accept credit cards.

Getting Around Egypt By Water

Local ferries provide a budget-friendly means of crossing the Nile and Suez Canal at different points. There are both fast and slow ferries available from Nuweiba in Sinai to Aqaba in Jordan, providing a convenient way to travel between the two countries. However, the catamaran service that used to operate from the Red Sea resort area to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are no longer operative. The boat service from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in Sudan is not very reliable.

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