Egypt Transport Options

Transport Options

Egypt has several international airports including: Cairo International Airport (the largest), Alexandria Nozha, Luxor International Airport, Aswan International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport and Burg Al-Arab International Airport. The domestic air network is extensive and covers most of Egypt’s major towns. EgyptAir is the national carrier and provides flights to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Alexandria, Marsa Matruh and Kharga oasis. Domestic air travel is relatively cheap and regular services are offered however it is recommended to book in advance particularly in peak season.

Egyptian National Railways offers a comprehensive rail network with a high standard of service operating along an east-west axis from Sallom on the Libyan border to Alexandria and Cairo, and along the Nile to Luxor and Aswan. Links are also offered from Port Said and Suez. There are frequent services daily from Cairo to Alexandria and overnight services are offered for travel from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan. Overnight bookings should be made in advance and travel on all trains is free for children under four years of age.

Traffic drives on the right and driving in Cairo is usually chaotic. The Nile Valley and Delta are served by an extensive road network and along the Mediterranean and African Red Sea coasts and the road looping through the Western Desert oases from Asyut to Giza are fully paved. It is recommended not to drive private vehicles in the desert regions unless they are suitable vehicles and a guide is with you. Along some roads the government often imposes convoy conditions for the protection of tourists.

The national bus system serves the Nile Valley and the coastal road and long distance taxis for all destinations are very cheap however fares should be agreed in advance. In the cities taxis are cheap and convenient and generally safe however most taxi drivers drive erratically along with all the other drivers on the road. Taxi drivers often speak enough English to negotiate a destination and a price but not much more.

It is recommended not to ride a bicycle in Cairo however in Luxor it is a great way to see the town with many places offering bicycle hire. Car hire is available through local and international companies and drivers must be 25 years of age or over. An International Driving Permit and insurance is required to drive any motor vehicle and all vehicles are required by law to carry a red hazard triangle and a fire extinguisher.