Getting Around Egypt: Transportation guide

There are so many varied ways to get around this spectacular country, that its worth considering all before you plan your trip.

By Air
Domestic airfares in Egypt are an expensive option, and there isn’t a huge variety of flights either. The main services connect Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada in the south and less frequently, Abu Simbel, Al-Arish, Al-Kharga and Marsa Matrouh.

By Bus
The Egyptian bus service is comprehensive, taking you from anywhere to almost anywhere else. Even villages are made accessible by this form of transport. A more expensive option to the normal intercity buses (which can treat passengers like tinned sardines!!!) is taking an airconditioned ‘deluxe’ coach-these are highly recommended if you are planning a long bus journey, for example, from Cairo to Aswan.

By Train
Travelling by train in Egypt is an experience that you will probably remember for a long time, especially if you dare to travel like the ‘plebs’—go by third class. Journey companions will range from farmers on their way to the market carrying live produce to ‘sufi’ (a Muslim mystic tradition) musicians. Students with ISIC cards can get up to 50% discount on third class train fares. Be warned, however - third class travel can rapidly lose its charm if you are travel weary or just plain uncomfortable, as you are liable to get. There are definitely more luxurious options— modern ‘Wagon-Lits’ sleeper services connecting Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.

By Car & Motorcycle
If you intend to use your own car or motorcycle, it is advisable to arm yourself with a good motorist’s guide. Petrol is available in normal or ‘super’ form. However, motorists are warned that driving in Cairo can be a harrowing experience if you are not used to extremely chaotic, slow-moving traffic.

By Service Taxi & Microbus
Another name for service taxis is bijous. They can be a faster and more comfortable way to travel between cities on set routes, but the fares are always higher than the buses. Just spot a waiting private car filling up rapidly with passengers on any bus station—it is most probably a bijou.

Microbuses are bigger vehicles operating on the same (leave when full) principle and charging about the same as service taxis, but they are less comfortable, since they are jam-packed with passengers.

Hitching
Hitching has similar advantages and risks in Egypt as in any other part of the world—on the positive side, it is a common practice in Africa and gives you flexibility in traveling. However, drivers who give you rides usually expect some payment so do calculate whether the saving is significant. Also, remember that sticking your thumb out may be interpreted as an obscene gesture in many African countries—it is a much better idea to wave your arm up and down to flag down a vehicle. Women need to be quite careful, and hitching in groups, and in broad daylight is advised.

By Boat
Travelling on the Nile by a felucca—a sailing boat that has changed little since ancient times, is an unforgettable experience. Do plan on taking a felucca ride when in Egypt—these can be particularly evocative/peaceful journeys when undertaken around a sunset, but almost anytime they will be worth your time. To really soak up some Egyptian atmosphere, you can also take a three-day leisurely ride from Aswan to Esn, Edfu or Kom Ombo. You can easily book a felucca ride anywhere along the Corniche. An average felucca can take six-eight passengers.

By Taxi
Although getting overcharged by a taxi driver is the rule rather than the exception in Egypt, they are usually the best way to get around in the absence of well-developed local transport systems. An average run of 20 minutes can cost a little over US$ 1. You can avoid being ripped off by finding out the correct fare for the trip beforehand, and calmly giving the driver the amount at the destination without getting into an argument.

Local Transport
Comprehensive bus/tram/underground train systems are not the norm in Egyptian towns, except in Cairo and Alexandria. While both cities have lots of local buses (which can get full to bursting), Cairo has a fast and relatively less crowded underground system and some tramlines, while Alexandria has an efficient tram network. There are also privately owned microbuses, a confusing and intimidating option for somebody new to Egypt, since these microbuses are not marked. The one recommended microbus ride is from Midan Tahrir in Cairo to the Giza pyramids. For something out of the ordinary, you may want to experience a hantour (horse-drawn carriages) or a caleche (donkey-drawn cart) ride—these are available in popular tourist destinations like Luxor.