.png)
Embarking on a journey from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into everything you need to know about the Cairo to Luxor/Aswan sleeper train. As one of Egypt's most iconic rail routes, this overnight journey offers a unique blend of convenience, and adventure, allowing passengers to travel along the river Nile. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the ins and outs of the Cairo to Luxor/Aswan sleeper train experience, from ticket booking to cabin and food overviews and travel tips.
In this Article:
Overview of the Cairo to Luxor/Aswan Sleeper Train
The Cairo to Luxor/Aswan Sleeper Train offers a unique and time-saving way to travel through Egypt. With its bed bunk cabin options and scenic views, it is a great alternative to bus or private transfers for those looking to travel from Cairo to the country's iconic destinations: Luxor and Aswan. The train journey from Cairo to Luxor takes around 10 hours, you can count 4 additional hours to reach Aswan.
The Egyptian railway offers both day and night trips to these cities, giving you the flexibility to choose the best time for your travel, but we will focus here on our experience on the sleeper train.
The Sleeper Train provides various seat options and one sleeper option through their Abela Train company. Each cabin is equipped with a bunk bed system sleeping 2 passengers, a washbasin, a mirror, charging outlets, AC, and lights. The lower bed transforms into classic train seats for the dinner and breakfast services.
Booking Tickets and Ticket Price
Booking tickets for the Cairo to Luxor/Aswan Sleeper Train can be done online via the Egyptian Railway website only for Egyptian nationals (experience in Spring 2024) or through travel agencies but they'll likely charge you extra fees on top of the train ticket price.
If you wish to book directly with the train company and you are not an Egyptian national you need to head to one of Cairo's, Giza, or Alexandria train stations to make your purchase. You will need your passport and US dollars. You can pay by card (with an extra fee) or cash but in USD only for both payment methods.
We booked our tickets in Alexandria even though the train departed from Cairo and it took us a good 45 minutes to complete the booking and get our tickets as the salesperson was not very comfortable with typing the English alphabet on the computer.
[Important] Keep in mind that, as with many things in Egypt, there are two different prices for the exact same train service in a sleeper Double Cabin: a price for locals (17$ in May 2024) and a price for foreigners (90$ at the same period).
It is the same price if you go to Luxor or continue all the way to Aswan. Dinner and breakfast are included in your ticket price and brought to you directly to your cabin.
Onboard Experience
Boarding the Train
Upon arrival in Cairo Train Station we asked our way to the tracks to one of the many traffic police officers based in the main hall and were escorted not only to the track but to a specific area of the track where all the other foreigners waiting for the same train were seated. A member in uniform staid with us the whole time until we boarded the train, spoke great English and chatted with us for a bit. He then took us to our wagon; all the foreigners were in the same wagons; where the crew member was waiting for us and helped us settling into our cabins.
Facilities and Comfort
As mentioned above, all cabins are equipped with a washbasin and one face towel per person, a mirror, charging outlets, AC, and lights. However, the train was very old so some of those features were unfortunately not working in our cabin. The AC on the other hand was working a bit too well and there was nothing we could do to turn it down from our control panel so, being on the top bunk, I literally froze the whole night adding layers and layers of clothes on me to try to stay warm.
You will find one toilet at the end of each wagon, the toilets were quite clean at the start of the journey but I don't think they were cleaned at all by the crew throughout the trip.
Food
Both meals are brought to you on plastic trays somewhat similar to airplane food, each item is individually wrapped in clingfilm. The food was very decent and warm (dinner) when brought to us by the crew member.
If you are a big eater or vegetarian you will probably not have enough to keep you full until breakfast so I'd recommend having something to eat before hand and / or planning some snacks.
For Breakfast, you have a choice between tea and coffee prepared on demand by the crew member and brought to your cabin along with a yogurt, some bread, feta cheese, olives etc. (see picture below) and very surprisingly for two Europeans a bag of crisps.
Safety
Overall in Egypt and this train ride was no exception we felt very safe at all times. On board of the train, our crew member was fully dedicated to the 'foreigners' wagon', had an office on one end of it and was available at all times. The Cairo train station itself is also safe as only people with a ticket can enter after going through the usual airport style security check.
We travelled as a couple but if you are planning to travel as a solo female you can be pretty sure they will not put you in a cabin with a man according to both our cabin neighbors (solo female travelers).
Overall Felling
Let's be honest, in terms of comfort and quality of the facilities what you get is the 17$ worth (Egyptian price) and not the (90$ worth). If you are travelling with a larger group I would probably recommend organizing a private transfer or taking the plane if you can book the tickets in advance because it will likely end up being cheaper and more comfortable.
Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Journey
To make the most of your Cairo to Luxor/Aswan Sleeper Train journey, here are some helpful tips:
1. Pack essentials: Make sure to pack comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any necessary medications as well as tissues or baby wipes. Put all those essentials in a day pack so you don't have to open your luggage or bigger backpack while in the cabin as the free floor space in the cabin is very small.
2. Bring in Snacks and Drinks: As mentioned above, if you have a specific diet or if you are a big eater, bring snacks on board with you, there are plenty of shops in the train station and on the tracks you can buy from. We would also highly recommend bringing water with you, at least 1.5L per person not only for drinking but also to brush your teeth etc.
3. Don't Forget a Jumper or Jacket: Do not make the same mistake we did and bring plenty of warm clothes to put on while you sleep. The AC was blasting cold air all night and we could not turn it down, the next day we spoke with other people from our wagon who had the exact same experience so just be on the safer side and bring some warm clothes even if it's 45C outside.
4. Look out by the window in the morning for an absolutely beautiful sunrise over the Nile! This is when the magic of the trip happens.
