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Cairo to Aswan Sleeper Train | Overview
When traveling in Egypt, there are multiple transportation options to get from Cairo to the southern cities of Luxor or Aswan. For tourists, the typical choices are either the Cairo to Aswan sleeper train or a flight. There isn’t a definitive answer as to which is better because both options are known for frequent delays and communication challenges, with prices being roughly the same for foreigners. However, some people believe that taking the sleeper train is an essential Egyptian travel experience. Given that we didn’t feel the time spent traveling to and from the airport would save much compared to the train, we decided to brave the sleeper train. We were mentally prepared to slow down and embrace the journey, using it as a way to understand Egyptian culture, and as a bonus, we could save a night’s accommodation cost.
Ticket Purchasing
In the past, train tickets in Egypt had to be purchased at the station, but now online booking is available. Starting from 2023, the sleeper trains are operated by Abela Sleeping Train, and tickets can be purchased directly on the official website. As with most tourist attractions in Egypt, ticket prices for foreigners are more than ten times higher than those for locals, roughly comparable to plane tickets. The official website is rather casual; there’s no electronic ticket or confirmation email sent, but you can find the booking confirmation on the website after purchasing. Be sure to print it out and bring it with you.
Waiting for the Train
Compared to the major train stations in cities around the world, Cairo’s train station is unique in that you must pass through security checks, and the overall atmosphere is among the most chaotic we’ve experienced. However, a pleasant surprise while waiting at the station was the special attention Egyptian police give to foreigners, essentially escorting them the entire time. We encountered potential pickpockets, got lost, and even ended up on the wrong platform, but the attentive police were there to resolve each situation and ultimately guided us safely to the platform reserved for foreigners.
Unexpectedly, our train was right on time. As the vintage sleeper train pulled into the station, we realized that our journey was finally about to begin.
Onboard Experience
The sleeper cabins accommodate two people per room. Although the ticket price is quite steep by Egyptian standards, the cabins are far from luxurious, so it’s best to keep your expectations in check. The interior of the cabin is quite basic. At first glance, it appears to have only standard seats, but after dinner, the attendant comes in to pull down a ladder hidden under the seats, transforming them into an upper and lower bunk bed. Despite the narrow space, it doesn’t feel too cramped, and the beds are more comfortable than expected. The design is quite functional, with a small sink and a clothes rack nearby, making it convenient for passengers to change clothes.
The windows can be opened, allowing a breeze to come through at night, which, once you get used to it, gives the journey a romantic, old-world train feel.
The dinner on the train, while not luxurious, was more abundant than expected. It included a chicken entrée, which, while not gourmet, had a flavor somewhat similar to stuffed pigeon. Overall, it wasn’t a business-class meal, but it certainly wasn’t as bad as some rumors suggested. Personally, I found it slightly better than United Airlines’ in-flight meals. Breakfast was simple, consisting of several types of bread with hot tea. The bread didn’t look particularly appealing, but there was plenty of it. After filling our stomachs, it wasn’t long before we reached our destination, and we felt refreshed and ready for the next leg of our journey!
Further reading
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