Book online at the Egyptian National Railways Web site (see Resources below).
Secure your reservations by calling Egyptian National Railways at 011 (+20) 575 3555.
Get an early start by booking tickets ahead of time using an Egyptian travel agent. Although tickets can generally be ordered online via email, you should confirm them by fax. Maintain hard copies of all your paperwork.
Book last-minute tickets by buying them at the Cairo station. Get there early or you'll be faced with long lines. Make sure that you're lining up in the right place. The Cairo station has numerous ticket windows. It can be a little confusing. Ask a porter to direct you to the right place.
Two sleeper trains leave Cairo for Aswan each day. Six express trains make the journey daily.
The journey from Cairo to Aswan takes over 12 hours.
Travel in high style in a deluxe sleeper train. The trains offer air-conditioned sleeping cars, available with one or two berths. Dinner and breakfast are served in the restaurant car. Room service is available for an extra charge. Fares run from $60 to $80.
Exercise frugality by choosing an overnight air-conditioned express train. These trains offer comfortable accommodations, with a choice of first and second-class. You'll have to sleep in your seat, since these trains don't offer sleeping cars. Bring a blanket. The air-conditioning tends to make the car chilly. A first-class fare runs about $12.
Take in the spectacular sights by selecting a daytime express train. First-class fares hover around $12 on these trains as well. Although you won't really be able to sleep, the view from your window will be worth it.
