Travel by Train in Egypt

Explore Egypt By Rail

Egypt’s rail system is a comfortable, reliable and cost effective way to see the country. In Cairo (the start of the journey for many), all trains stop at Giza  (Line 2 of the metro system) and finally at El Ramses located on the banks of the river Nile  in downtown Cairo  .

From Cairo you can travel by train in Egypt south to Luxor and then on to Aswan, north to Alexandria  and Matrouh and east Suez and Port Said. Between Luxor and Aswan some trains also stop at Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Click here for Egyptian train schedules.

Tickets  are available from the ticket kiosk at the station. Alternatively, you can buy tickets through travel agencies such as Osoris or Egypt Legend. (but expect to pay a commission) or direct through the Egyptian National Rail Network (certain fares only).

Reservations for sleeper trains in Egypt can be made by contacting Abela (the provider of all the country’s sleeper carriages) directly via phone or email

Sleeper cabins to Luxor and Aswan  cost $60 per person in a double cabin or $80 per person in a single cabin (both tariffs include dinner).

If travelling in an air conditioned carriage be advised that by the time you wake up the temperature may be something similar to a meat locker (i.e. freezing). Make sure you have a jumper or fleece handy and don't be fooled no matter how hot it is outside.

For sleeper cabin reservations, you should contact the Abela central reservations located outside Cairo  ’s Ramses Station on:

You can read more about sleeper train here>

Telephone: (202) 2574 94 74 - 2574 92 or by email: reservation@sleepingtrains.com

If you plan to travel by train in Egypt  it’s not a bad idea to learn some basic Arabic. All seat numbers are written in Arabic as are most tickets. Feel free to download this free Arabic handout to print and take with you.

The Egyptian Rail Network identifies 6 types of train in Egypt:

Express  : Also called ‘French’ (or ‘Faransawi’ in Arabic) – Air conditioned 1^st & 2^nd classes 

Speed:  Also called ‘Spanish’ (or ‘Albani’ in Arabic) – Air conditioned 1^st & 2^nd classes

Tourbine  : ‘Tourbini’ 1^st & 2^nd Classes

Nevertiti  : More expensive and luxurious carriage that are attached to some trains. Each carriage contains six comfortable seats.

Sleeper:  Sleeper trains are the ultimate way to complete long journeys in Egypt  . All sleepers are run by a the private company Abela. 

Ordinary  : These trains contain only 2^nd and 3^rd class facilities and stop at many of the country’s smaller, more remote stations. Tickets are only available at the station and prior reservation is not possible.

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