There’s plenty to do in the adventurer’s utopia also known as Egypt, from archeological explorations to sun-drenched leisure activities. Fortunately, Egypt’s well-functioning transportation network is guaranteed to get you where you want to go and enrich your travel experience. Getting There

By plane

The plane is the hub for those looking to save time on a jam-packed itinerary. 45-minute domestic flights connect most of the country’s major attractions, from temples to resorts. The extensive list of airports includes Cairo International, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Aswan, El Gouna, Hurghada, Luxor, Marsa Alam, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh and St. Catherine.
There are also many options if you prefer the scenic route, some of which are suitable for less anxious travelers.

By rail

Egypt’s air-conditioned trains, which cover a limited network of routes from Cairo to Alexandria, the Delta and Canal Zone, along the coast to Marsa Matrouh, and up the Nile Valley to Luxor and Aswan, are a convenient alternative to road travel. For schedules and fares, visit the Egyptian Railways website (enr.gov.eg), where you can also buy tickets online. The most comfortable option is first class, with waiter service, reclining chairs and on-board movies. Seats can be reserved up to seven days in advance, but you should keep in mind that return tickets can not necessarily be booked at the point of departure. If you are looking for absolute luxury, you should opt for the more expensive sleeper cars. You’ll get a comfortable two-bed cabin with a sink, breakfast and dinner, and access to a dining car and bar.

By bus

For those who prefer to travel by tarmac, Egypt’s three major bus companies, all based in Cairo, offer another alternative. The Upper Egypt Bus Company, which serves the Nile Valley, Fayoum, the inner oases and the Red Sea coast as far as El-Quseir; the East Delta Bus Company, which serves Sinai and the Canal Zone; and the West and Middle Delta Bus Company, which serves Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, Siwa and the Nile Delta. Other major routes such as Cairo to Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab and El Gouna are also served by independent bus companies.

With service cabs

Shared cabs (servees) are one of the best features of the Egyptian transportation system. These cabs operate on every conceivable route and are faster and cheaper than trains and busses, but definitely something for experienced travelers only. The cabs are either seven-seat sedans or microbuses with a dozen seats. Ask around the terminal or listen for the drivers to call out your desired destination. Once it’s full, the cab will leave. Although it can be used for long trips, such as from Cairo to Alexandria, this mode of transportation is best for shorter trips, especially between beach resorts or to major attractions outside Cairo.

By car

Driving in Egypt is not for the faint of heart, but a rental car is definitely worthwhile if you have a lot of time on your hands or want to visit remote areas. And it’s not much more expensive to rent a car with a driver if you do not like getting behind the wheel.
Motorcycles and bicycles
Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented in many places like Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Siwa Oasis to get around small towns and reach local attractions or beaches.

By boat

Hundreds of steamers ply the Nile, over two hundred in Upper Egypt alone. Most sail from Luxor to Aswan (or in the other direction) on a three- to five-day trip, visiting the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. These luxurious, floating behemoths will change the way you think about travel forever.
Feluccas, small sailboats, also serve as a means of transportation. This crowd-pleaser allows you to experience the changing moods of the Nile while lolling in blissful inertia. Many visitors opt for a felucca ride between Aswan and Luxor.
In addition, local ferries cross the Nile and the Suez Canal at various points. There are fast and slow ferries from Nuweiba in Sinai to Aqaba in Jordan. There is also a sporadic and somewhat less reliable boat service from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in Sudan.

City traffic

The less populated places in Egypt are generally within easy walking distance. In larger cities, however, local transportation is useful. Learn to recognize the Arabic numerals to use the inexpensive busses, minibusses , and streetcars in Alexandria and Cairo, which also have river cabs and an excellent subway system.

Egypt’s regal selection of exciting ventures offers an equally splendid array of transportation options to suit any traveler. Whether you want to see Egypt from above or hitch a ride, there are as many ways to explore Egypt as your creativity will allow.