Quick answer
Egypt's trains, run by Egyptian National Railways, are a practical way to travel Cairo to Alexandria and Luxor to Aswan, and an inexpensive if slow way along the whole Nile Valley. Visitors use the air-conditioned first and second classes or the newer Talgo trains, plus the separate overnight sleeper. Book through the official railway app or website, or at the station with your passport, and expect delays on long routes.
What are trains like in Egypt?
Egypt has an extensive, heavily used rail network that is cheap, sociable and scenic, but slower and less punctual than flying; the air-conditioned classes are comfortable enough for journeys of a few hours. The country's railway is the oldest in Africa: the first section, from Alexandria towards Cairo, opened in the 1850s, and the network now runs along the Nile Valley and across the Delta to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean coast.
Egyptian National Railways (ENR) has been modernising the fleet, adding new locomotives and carriages and the Spanish-built Talgo trains on key routes, after a period in which old rolling stock and serious accidents damaged its reputation. The best trains today are clean and air-conditioned, with reclining seats and trolleys selling tea, coffee and snacks. Older trains on the same routes can be shabby, and long-distance services often run late.
A high-speed rail network is under construction at the time of writing, including a line from the Red Sea at Ain Sokhna to Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast and a line south through the Nile Valley. Opening dates have shifted; check current status before planning around it.
What classes are there on Egyptian trains?
For visitors the choice is between Talgo trains, air-conditioned first class, air-conditioned second class and the overnight sleeper; third class exists but is very basic.
| Class | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Talgo (first and economy) | Modern Spanish-built trains, reserved reclining seats, air-conditioning, on selected Cairo–Alexandria and Nile Valley services | The most comfortable day travel |
| AC first class | Wide reserved seats in a two-and-one layout, air-conditioning, trolley service | Most visitors on day trains |
| AC second class | Reserved seats in a two-and-two layout, air-conditioning, busier | Shorter trips and budget travellers |
| Third class | Unreserved bench seating, no air-conditioning, often crowded | Only very short local hops |
| Sleeper | Private two-berth cabins with dinner and breakfast, Cairo–Luxor–Aswan overnight | Turning a long journey into a night's sleep |
First class is good value and usually worth the small extra cost over second. The sleeper is run separately; see our guide to the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.
Which train routes are useful for travellers?
The two routes most worth taking are Cairo to Alexandria and Luxor to Aswan; the full Cairo to Luxor run by day is possible but long. These are typical journey times for the faster services; slower trains and delays can add hours.
| Route | Typical time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo – Alexandria | 2.5–3.5 hours | Excellent: frequent, comfortable, often quicker than the road |
| Luxor – Aswan | 3–4 hours | Good: scenic, stops at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo |
| Cairo – Luxor (day) | 9–11 hours | Long; most people fly or take the sleeper |
| Cairo – Aswan (day) | 12–14 hours | Only for rail enthusiasts |
| Cairo – Port Said or Ismailia | About 3–4 hours | Useful for the Suez Canal cities |
Cairo to Alexandria is the classic rail day trip; our Alexandria day trip guide compares it with going by car. Between Luxor and Aswan, the train runs beside the Nile through sugar cane and palms, and stopping at Edfu or Kom Ombo lets independent travellers see the temples a cruise would visit. If you have the time, a Nile cruise covers the same stretch far more pleasantly.
How do you book train tickets in Egypt?
Book reserved seats through ENR's official website or app, or in person at a station ticket office with your passport; buy a few days ahead for popular trains and well ahead around Eid and other holidays.
- Online: the official ENR booking site and app let you choose trains and seats and pay by card, though foreign cards don't always go through and the interface changes. Use only the official railway site or app, not resellers.
- At the station: go to the ticket windows for the class you want (they are often separate) with your passport. Ticket windows at Ramses Station get long queues; buying a day or two before travel avoids the rush.
- Through your hotel or travel agent: the easiest option. A small fee is usually charged.
- Talgo and sleeper trains have their own booking systems and fares, which are higher than ordinary trains.
In the past, foreign visitors were restricted to certain trains on the Nile Valley line for security reasons, and station staff may still steer you to particular services. Which trains foreigners may use, and in which classes, has changed more than once, so confirm when booking. Fares for foreigners on some services are set differently from those for Egyptians and may be quoted in US dollars.
Which stations do you use?
In Cairo, most trains start at Ramses Station (officially Misr Station) in the city centre, and many southbound trains also stop at Giza station, which is closer to hotels in Giza and Dokki. Some Upper Egypt services have moved to the newer Bashtil station in western Giza, so check the departure station printed on your ticket.
- Ramses Station: a large, busy hub on Ramses Square, with the Al-Shohadaa metro station underneath. Allow time to find your platform and ask staff; platform information is not always displayed in English.
- Alexandria: trains from Cairo stop at Sidi Gaber, convenient for eastern hotels, before ending at Misr Station near the centre.
- Luxor: the station is on the east bank in the centre of town, a few minutes from Luxor Temple and the Corniche hotels.
- Aswan: the station is at the northern end of the Corniche, a short ride from most hotels and cruise moorings.
Should you take the train, fly or go by road?
Take the train from Cairo to Alexandria and from Luxor to Aswan, fly from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan unless you want the sleeper experience, and use a private car for short regional trips with sightseeing stops.
- Cairo – Alexandria: train or private car. The train is relaxing; a car lets you add Wadi El Natrun or El Alamein.
- Cairo – Luxor and Aswan: fly (about an hour) to save a day, or take the sleeper to save a hotel night. See domestic flights in Egypt.
- Luxor – Aswan: train, car (about three hours by road, with temple stops) or, best of all, a three or four-night Nile cruise.
- To the Red Sea: there is no passenger train to Hurghada; drive or fly.
What should you know before boarding?
Arrive 30 minutes early, keep your passport and ticket handy, bring a warm layer for the air-conditioning, and carry water and snacks.
- Delays: long-distance trains often run late. Don't schedule a cruise embarkation or flight tightly after a train.
- Luggage: there are overhead racks and space at carriage ends; large cases can be awkward. Keep valuables with you.
- Food: trolleys sell drinks and snacks; bring proper food for longer journeys.
- Toilets: variable. Carry tissues and hand sanitiser.
- Coach and seat: your ticket shows the carriage and seat number, often in Arabic numerals; ask a conductor or fellow passenger for help.
Prefer not to manage any of this? On our private journeys we choose the right mode for each leg; tell us what you'd like when you plan your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists take trains in Egypt?
Yes. Visitors regularly take trains between Cairo and Alexandria and between Luxor and Aswan, and the overnight sleeper to Luxor and Aswan. Which trains foreigners may use on the Nile Valley line has changed over the years, so confirm when booking.
How long is the train from Cairo to Luxor?
About 9 to 11 hours by day train and around 10 hours on the overnight sleeper. Flying takes about an hour. See our sleeper train guide.
Is the train from Cairo to Alexandria good?
Yes. It's frequent, takes about two and a half to three and a half hours on the faster services, and first class or Talgo is comfortable. Book reserved seats in advance.
Can I book Egyptian train tickets online?
Yes, through the official Egyptian National Railways website or app, though foreign cards don't always work. Otherwise book at the station with your passport or through your hotel.
Are Egyptian trains safe?
Millions of Egyptians use them daily. Safety has improved with new rolling stock, but the network has had serious accidents in the past. Air-conditioned classes on main routes are the sensible choice; check Smartraveller for current advice.
