5 Modes of Transportation to Experience the Real Egypt

Whenever people ask me where I’ve travelled to this year, I begin by mentioning Egypt. Now, entering Egypt isn’t as easy as packing your bags and hopping on a plane.

To enter the country, you must satisfy their entry policy. And most importantly, knowing the Egypt visa photo requirements is a necessary first step in getting the visa online. While you could go to a consulate or embassy, this online method is a far easier way to secure an Egyptian entry visa.

I won’t lie – it was quite the process. But all my efforts were rewarded in the end. Egypt is a cradle of human civilization – with 5,000 years of history, cultural travellers are spoiled for choice.

Transportation In Egypt

But when I tell people about my Egyptian travels, instead of  excitement and wonder, I am often greeted with shocked and confused expressions.

Perhaps this is because of the violent protests that took place earlier this year throughout Cairo and other major Egyptian cities. As it turns out, I had returned to the United States mere days before the riots began. However, when I explain to people that I traveled through Egypt in early January 2011, they tend to assume that I was caught in the middle of the fights and immediately ask me if I feared for my life.

While I could definitely sense some misdirected tension in the days leading up to the riots, I left Egypt with a new outlook on the world. By learning about the Muslim faith and seeing so many ancient ruins, I somehow developed a firmer understanding of my own faith, culture and moral code. I believe a main reason for this was due to the many modes of transportation I took during my trip. While many vacationers travel through Egypt the luxurious way, I chose the broke traveler method, which ultimately made all the difference.

Here are Five Modes of Transportation in Egypt:

Sleeper Trains in Egypt:

Just as their name suggests, sleeper trains are intended for the budget traveler who wants to save both time and money. Although this way sounds luxurious to some, it is pretty bare bones when it comes to comfort. Yet, I managed to make the most of the experience and I would recommend it to other travelers as well. For one thing, don’t expect to actually see much of Egypt during your train ride. Since you are traveling at night, there is little to see along the train tracks. You also won’t get a wink of sleep but how can anyone when they have the excitement of reaching Valley of the Kings in the morning?

Bus in Egypt:

If you are a budget traveler trying to see as much as you can within your travel dates, it’s almost a given that you will take a bus throughout your journey. I had some of my most reflective moments during our bus rides in Egypt. As we headed from Aswan to historic temples at Abu Simbel, I witnessed the most beautiful sunrise I have even seen. As I looked at my fellow travelers and realized they were all asleep, I couldn’t help but feel like this was a special moment I was sharing with the nation. Bus rides are also the perfect situation to learn more from other travelers and your tour guide. On our ride back to Aswan from Abu Simbel, I spent nearly three hours speaking about politics, religion and racism with my tour guide.

Felucca Boat in Egypt:

Forget the touristy and over-priced Nile cruises. They real way to experience Egypt is by sailing along The Nile River on a local Felucca boat. Our group got up close and personal with nature as we roughed the hot Aswan air and set out on a twenty-four hour felucca ride. We sailed all day, talking and eating with our crew as they told us stories about their lives. At night, we built a campfire, stargazed and even had a run-in with a very intimidating camel. The highlight of our Felucca ride was having the chance to eat with a local Nubian family just before we set sail. Although the villagers could not communicate with us, their genuine hospitality spoke volumes.

Hot Air Balloon in Egypt:

It’s not every day that one has the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over Valley of the Kings but in Luxor, this is completely normal and highly recommended. As a traveler on a budget I was surprised how affordable this ride was and looking back on the experience now, the view is completely priceless. Making our ride even more entertaining was our unplanned landing in a local field where small children, animals and the not-so-enthused looking village leader greeted us. In many ways, this crash landing was the best part of the entire morning simply because we were able to see a local community living their daily lives.

Camel, Donkey and the like:

A visit to Egypt is not complete for any traveler without a stop at the Great Pyramids of Giza, located just outside Egypt’s capital city, Cairo. Also slightly touristy, taking a ride on a camel is an ideal way to really take in your surroundings while providing you with many photo opts and a great view of the Pyramids themselves. As a local guide led my camel, I was somehow able to forget I was on an organized tour and actually pretend I was living in Cairo thousands of years ago. Similarly, when you reach Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens in Luxor, a donkey ride is one mode of transportation that gives you an equally worthwhile experience.

This guest post is from Megan Eileen McDonough Bohemian Trails.

Bio: Megan Eileen McDonough is the Founder and Editor of Bohemian Trails, an online travel magazine covering global art and culture for the avant-garde traveler.

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Transportation Options In Egypt: Traditional To Modern

Exploring Egypt by Train

Egypt’s railway system is one of the oldest in the world, and it remains a popular way to travel between major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. Trains offer a scenic journey through the Egyptian countryside, with both day and overnight options available. The sleeper trains, especially between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan, provide a comfortable way to cover long distances while experiencing the changing landscapes of the Nile Valley.

• Experience the Classics: Traveling by train allows you to experience Egypt’s history and scenery in a relaxed, traditional way. The trains are comfortable and a great way to see more of the country.

Buses: A Budget-Friendly Option

Buses are another common mode of transportation in Egypt, offering both budget and luxury options. Companies like Go Bus and SuperJet operate extensive networks connecting Cairo with other major cities and tourist destinations. While bus journeys can be long, especially for destinations like Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, they are economical and provide an opportunity to see Egypt’s diverse landscapes.

• Affordable and Accessible: Buses are an affordable way to travel long distances, and with modern amenities in some services, they offer a surprisingly comfortable ride.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

In cities like Cairo and Alexandria, taxis are a convenient way to get around. However, it’s important to agree on a fare before starting your journey or ensure the meter is running. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used and offer a more reliable alternative, with transparent pricing and GPS navigation.

• Modern Convenience: Ride-sharing apps bring modern convenience to Egyptian cities, providing a safe and reliable way to navigate urban areas.

The Nile River: A Journey Through Time

Traveling by felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, along the Nile River is one of the most serene and unique ways to experience Egypt. Feluccas are commonly used for short trips around cities like Aswan and Luxor, offering a peaceful alternative to more conventional modes of transport. For longer journeys, luxury river cruises between Luxor and Aswan provide an elegant way to explore ancient temples and tombs, with the comfort of modern amenities.

• Timeless Travel: Sailing the Nile on a felucca or a luxury cruise offers a tranquil experience steeped in history, allowing you to connect with the landscape in a way that’s both traditional and timeless.

Cairo Metro: Navigating the Capital

The Cairo Metro is an efficient and cost-effective way to travel around the city, particularly for avoiding the infamous Cairo traffic. The metro system is clean, safe, and serves key areas of the city, including downtown Cairo and Giza. It’s an especially useful option for getting to popular tourist sites like the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

• Modern Efficiency: The metro provides a quick and affordable way to navigate Cairo, offering relief from the city’s often congested streets.

Domestic Flights: Fast Travel Across the Country

For those looking to cover large distances quickly, Egypt’s domestic flights are the best option. Airlines like EgyptAir operate regular flights between Cairo and other major destinations such as Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. This option is particularly useful for travelers with limited time who want to see as much of the country as possible.

• Speed and Convenience: Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between Egypt’s major cities, making it easy to explore the country’s diverse regions in a short amount of time.

Unique Travel Experiences in Egypt

Desert Safaris: A Journey into the Wild

Embarking on a desert safari in Egypt offers an exhilarating adventure through some of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Off-road vehicles, often 4x4s, are the preferred mode of transportation for exploring the vast expanses of the Sahara and Western Desert. These rugged vehicles can tackle the challenging terrain, allowing you to experience the shifting sands, towering dunes, and the stark beauty of the desert up close. Along the way, you might discover ancient oases, hidden valleys, and even remnants of prehistoric civilizations.

• Thrill of the Desert: The adrenaline rush of driving through the endless desert, combined with the serene beauty of the surroundings, makes this an unforgettable experience.

Camel Treks: Traditional Journeys in Desert Landscapes

For a more traditional approach, camel treks offer a slower, more meditative journey through the desert. Riding a camel across the golden sands provides a deep connection to the ancient ways of life that have persisted in these regions for millennia. Whether it’s a short trek around the pyramids or a longer journey through the desert, camels offer a unique perspective, allowing you to appreciate the vastness and tranquility of the landscape.

• Timeless Adventure: Camel treks bring you closer to the desert’s rhythm, offering a peaceful, almost spiritual, experience as you traverse the sands at a leisurely pace.

Horse-Drawn Carriages (Hantours): A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Use in Cities like Luxor and Aswan
In cities like Luxor and Aswan, horse-drawn carriages, known as hantours, offer a charming way to explore the historical streets and vibrant marketplaces. These carriages are a throwback to a bygone era, allowing you to soak in the sights at a relaxed pace. As you clip-clop through ancient streets lined with temples and traditional houses, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

• Charming Exploration: The gentle pace of a hantour ride lets you take in the details of your surroundings, offering a leisurely way to experience the historical richness of cities like Luxor.

Why Transportation in Egypt is Unique

Traveling in Egypt offers a blend of ancient and modern experiences. Whether you’re gliding along the Nile on a traditional felucca, navigating the bustling streets of Cairo by metro, or exploring the country’s historic cities by train, each mode of transportation provides its own unique perspective on this captivating country. The diversity of transport options allows you to tailor your journey, ensuring that your experience of Egypt is as rich and varied as the country itself.

Egypt’s transportation options reflect the country’s unique blend of the old and the new. Whether you prefer the timelessness of a felucca ride on the Nile, the modern convenience of the metro, or the expansive reach of domestic flights, getting around Egypt is part of the adventure. Each mode of travel offers its own insights into the country’s history, culture, and landscape, making the journey as memorable as the destination.