Getting around Egypt

Getting around Egypt is part of the adventure, and there are a few different ways to travel between cities, sights and regions. We’ll always plan your journey so it feels comfortable, safe and well-paced, with plenty of time to enjoy the highlights along the way.

The most popular and comfortable way to travel in Egypt is by private transfer with a driver. This is how we arrange most of your shorter journeys between hotels and key sights, as well as regional travel within areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea.

It means you can sit back, relax and watch the landscapes change outside your window, from busy city streets to palm-lined Nile valleys and wide desert roads. Your driver knows the routes well, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop along the way if you need a break, a photo or just to stretch your legs.

For many routes, this is simply the easiest and most enjoyable way to travel.

For longer distances, domestic flights are often the quickest and most convenient option, especially between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea coast. Flights are frequent and help cut down long travel times, giving you more time to explore on the ground.

We’ll always include the most practical combination of flights and overland travel in your itinerary, depending on your route and how much time you have.

Egypt also has a rail network connecting major cities, including Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Trains can be a good way to cover longer distances, especially if you’d like to experience travel the local way.

For some routes, there are overnight sleeper trains, which offer basic but practical compartments for travelling while you sleep. They’re a classic Egypt experience and can help save daytime travel time, although we’ll always recommend the most comfortable option for your itinerary.

One of the most enjoyable ways to travel in Egypt is along the River Nile itself. A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan lets you drift past beautiful river scenery, stopping at temples and villages along the way, with everything taken care of onboard.

For a more traditional and slower-paced experience, you can also sail on a felucca, a simple wooden sailing boat that has been used on the Nile for centuries. With cushions on deck and no engine noise, it’s all about slowing down and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks as you float past palm trees, villages and grazing animals.

In cities, you’ll also see plenty of taxis, ride-hailing apps and local transport options. In places like Cairo and Alexandria, getting around can be lively and a bit chaotic, so we usually arrange guided transport or private drivers where needed to make things easier.

You’ll also come across more traditional ways of travelling, including horse carriages and camel rides in some tourist areas. While they can look like a charming way to explore, the reality is that animal welfare standards can vary significantly, and in many cases conditions are not what we would consider acceptable. For that reason, we don’t actively support or include these experiences in our trips unless they are part of a very small number of carefully selected, high-welfare options booked through us, and these are very rare. In general, we prioritise animal welfare and encourage travellers to avoid activities where animals may be overworked, poorly treated or kept in unsuitable conditions. If you’re unsure, your travel specialist can always advise on responsible alternatives.