Egypt is consistently among the world’s top vacation destinations. The history, culture and, of course, beaches are some of the country’s top draws. Still, as with any foreign land, Egypt has its share of societal quarks that tourists should prepare for – one of the biggest being the Egyptian transportation system.
Flying to and Around Egypt
Before figuring out what to do on the ground, you must first sort through your options in the air. There are, at any one time, over a dozen non-direct flights leaving from America to Egypt – usually routed through either Germany, Switzerland or England. Until recently, EgyptAir offered the only direct flights to Cairo International Airport leaving from U.S. shores. Starting in 2009, however, Delta Airlines began a New York to Cairo route. This new alternative not only gives travelers more choice, but the added competition has resulted in better fares all around.
Within Egypt, your choice of aerial transportation is decidedly more limited – EgyptAir essentially has a monopoly on domestic routes. Overall though, the Egyptian airports outside of Cairo are not as cramped, the planes that fly to and from domestic locations are a bit more comfortable and the fares are comparable to regional budget airlines in the U.S. So, if you need to get from Cairo to some resort town along the Red Sea or tourist haven in Upper Egypt, flying is by far your best option.
Rail Transport Within and Between Cairo and Alexandria
Both Cairo and Alexandria offer travelers some useful, if limited, rail options. Cairo has a subway system that’s fairly efficient and very cheap, though it caters mainly to downtown and surrounding areas. Alexandria features a tram system that, in the way locals rely on it, is similar to Cairo’s metro. It’s worth a ride if you know EXACTLY where you are and EXACTLY where you are going. As with other modes, the Alexandrian tram is also quite cheap.
Despite a couple of high profile accidents over the past few years, inter-city railroads remain a reliable option for those travelling between Cairo and Alexandria. There are a few things to keep in mind though when purchasing your ticket. First, always buy first class – the few extra bucks are well worth it. Second, try to get an express train – the difference can be upwards of two hours from Cairo to Alexandria or visa versa. Last, not all ticket agents speak English – you may want to have your hotel purchase your tickets ahead of time. Also, if you are travelling from Cairo to Upper Egypt, it is best to either take a plane or a Nile cruise since the long-haul sleeper cars leave much to be desired.
