How to get around Egypt

Most international travelers arrive in Egypt by air, with Cairo International Airport (CAI) serving as the country’s main international gateway. It’s one of the busiest airports in Africa and offers direct flights from cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Other international airports include those in Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Luxor, often used by travelers heading straight to coastal resorts or historical areas.

If you’re landing in Cairo and planning to explore other regions like Aswan, Luxor, or the Red Sea coast, you’ll likely continue via a domestic flight, train, or private transfer. EgyptAir and other local airlines offer frequent connections to major cities across the country.

If you are looking for an authentic and affordable experience, public transportation is an excellent option for getting around Egypt. Although they can be crowded and not always punctual, they offer you total immersion in the local culture. Remember to bring exact change and be prepared for a trip full of adventures.

Local Buses or Microbuses

In major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor, city buses are a common mode of transport. They’re crowded, don’t follow strict schedules, and can feel chaotic. If you’re adventurous and on a tight budget, it can be an experience—but it’s not the most tourist-friendly. Microbuses are smaller than standard buses and operate on fixed routes within cities and between nearby towns. They are faster and more frequent than larger buses but can be cramped.

Intercity Buses

Companies like the Upper Egypt Bus Company and West & Mid Delta Bus Company run services connecting major cities and towns. These buses are relatively comfortable and have fixed schedules. There are also private companies such as Go Bus, Super Jet, and Blue Bus offering more comfortable and reliable services with options like air conditioning, onboard entertainment, and rest stops. They are a bit more expensive but provide a higher level of comfort and convenience.

Traditional taxis are everywhere, but they can be tricky. Drivers often don’t use meters and may overcharge tourists. If you go this route, agree on a price beforehand or insist on using the meter.

In Cairo and Alexandria, I recommend looking for the white metered taxis and before getting in, make sure the driver activates the meter or agrees on a fixed price. White taxis are the most common and modern ones. There are some other taxis, usually older vehicles that do not have meters, you will need to negotiate the price in advance for these.

Better option? Use apps like Uber or Careem (a local favorite). They’re safer, cheaper, and offer price transparency. They’re available in Cairo, Alexandria, and some parts of Giza. Uber was my preferred method in Egypt, as it was easy to coordinate times & directions. A lot of tours also include transportation from major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, so it might be wise to confirm this before hiring a driver.

Egypt’s train system connects Cairo to cities like Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor.

For the express trains, you have the option of choosing between first and second class, these are the fastest and most comfortable ones. Express Night trains are especially popular among travelers, offering comfort and the opportunity to save on a night’s accommodation, traveling between Cairo to Luxor / Aswan.

Ordinary trains are slower, less expensive, and primarily used by locals. They can be quite crowded and lack air conditioning.

My tip: Book your tickets in advance, either online through Egyptian National Railways or at the station. First-class tickets are affordable and recommended for comfort.

Want to skip the long hours between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan? Domestic flights can save you a ton of time. Airlines like EgyptAir and Air Cairo operate daily routes, and flights are often under 2 hours.

It’s definitely one of the priciest options, but it makes up for it in terms of savings. I had a tight schedule, so I took a flight from Cairo to Luxor and came back the next day. A lot of tours also include the flight option, so it might be wise to double check to avoid double booking.

Pro tip: Book early for cheaper fares, especially during high season (October–April).

Traveling by cruise or sailing on the Nile River in Egypt offers a unique way to explore the country’s ancient wonders and scenic landscapes. There are a couple options available:

Regular Cruises: There are a variety of cruises you can take in Egypt, depending on the level of comfort you are looking for and the route of your preference. There are 5, 4 and 3 star cruises, offering from basic amenities up to the highest level of comfort, with amenities such as spacious cabins, gourmet dining, swimming pools, spas, and entertainment options.
The routes include Luxor to Aswan and Cairo to Luxor.

Dahabiya Cruises: Traditional wooden sailing boats that offer a more intimate and relaxed experience. They usually accommodate fewer passengers and provide a more personalized service.

Traditional Feluccas: These are small, traditional wooden sailing boats without modern amenities. Felucca trips are more adventurous and offer a closer connection to the river and the environment. These are also available for shorter trips and can be rented by the hour. I did a short Felucca ride when in Luxor and it was incredible!

While it is possible to rent a car to get around Egypt, this is not the best option for most travelers. Traffic can be chaotic, Egypt has a lot of angry drivers and road signs are not always clear, especially if you don’t speak Arabic or don’t have a GPS available.

However, for those who enjoy road trips, this can be a fun experience as you can stop on famous attractions and it offers the flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. It is important to make sure you have an International Driving Permit.

International Companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Sixt have offices in major cities and airports, offering a range of vehicles and reliable service. There are also a lot of local and more affordable companies available.

If you do decide to hire a car then you will need to be careful out on the roads. While collisions are rare, they do happen. If you find yourself in a bit of bother and involved in a road accident then you might want to contact your local car accident lawyer. They will go through the whole process with you and let you know if you do in fact have a valid claim to make. 

Cairo is the only city in Egypt with a functioning metro system—and honestly, it’s surprisingly efficient. It’s clean, cheap (under $0.10 USD per ride), and a good option if you’re staying longer in Cairo and want to avoid the traffic madness.

Bonus Tip: There are women-only cars, usually the middle ones. These offer a more comfortable experience for solo female travelers, especially during rush hours.