How to get to Egypt

By | May 4, 2022

Overview

Egypt is a country in Africa according to zipcodesexplorer. From the pyramids to medieval markets, to natural beauty and a vibrant modern culture, Egypt is a land of treasures that will enchant you. The pyramids of Giza – the sole survivors of the seven wonders of the ancient world – the temples of Luxor and Karnak with pillars like lotus flowers, the sunrise over the Valley of the Kings and the spectacle of music and light at the mighty tombs of Abu Simbel have enthralled for centuries the visitors of Egypt. The natural assets of Egypt all have a powerful effect like the wind-sculpted rock formations in the white desert, the iron mountains of Sinai and the shimmering underwater landscapes of the Red Sea. The heart of this vibrant, modern Arab state beats beneath the surface. Ultimately, Egypt is best understood in the shadow of its magnificent cultural monuments, famed as they are, while listening to the call to evening prayers and the clatter of hooves on the asphalt in a village, or just over tea and chatting with the garrulous Egyptians in any coffee house.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

Egypt’s national airline Egyptair (MS) offers direct flights to Cairo from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/M., Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Geneva and Vienna. Cairo can also be reached by direct flights with: – Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and Munich; – Swiss (LX) from Zurich and Geneva; – Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna. Direct flights to Hurghada are offered by: – ​​Sun Express (XG) from Hanover; – Condor (DE) from Hanover and Leipzig; – Air Cairo (SM) from Bremen, Vienna and Zurich; – Swiss (LX) from Zurich – TUIFly from Hanover; – Easyjet (U2) from Berlin-Brandenburg. – Corendon Airlines (XC) from Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen, Graz and Weeze. – Eurowings (EW) from Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Salzburg, among others. Direct flights to Marsa Alam are offered by: – Swiss (LX) from Geneva. – Easyjet (U2) from Berlin-Tegel. – TUIFly from Hanover. Direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh: – Easyjet (U2) flies from Berlin-Schoenefeld.

Flight times

Frankfurt – Cairo: 4 hours; Berlin – Cairo: 4 hours; Frankfurt – Luxor: 7 hrs 40 mins (with 1 stop); Berlin – Luxor: 8 hours 15 minutes (with 1 stop); Vienna – Cairo: 3 hours 20 minutes; Vienna – Luxor: 8 hrs 15 mins (with 1 stop); Zurich – Cairo: 3 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Luxor: 9 hrs 35 mins (with 1 stop).

Departure fee

The departure tax is included in the price of the flight ticket.

Arrival by car

The border regions with Libya and Sudan have been declared restricted areas by the Egyptian authorities and travel there is prohibited. The Rafah border crossing to the Gaza Strip is closed. Warnings are given against traveling to Israel via Taba. Further information on entry restrictions can be obtained from the Egyptian Tourist Office.

Arrival by train

There are no international rail connections to Egypt’s neighboring countries. The terminus in the south is in Aswan, in the west (along the coast) in Marsa Matruh.

Arrival by ship

The largest seaports are Alexandria, Nuweiba, Port Said and Suez. Cargo ships: Grimaldi Lines – Freighter Travel take passengers on board and sail weekly on their Euro-Med round trip from Monfalcone via Alexandria (journey time to Alexandria: 12 days).

Cruise ships

Among others, Silversea Cruises and TUI Cruises call at Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh and Safaga in Egypt.

Ferry provider

Namma Shipping Lines connects Safaga with Jeddah and with Duba in Saudi Arabia.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

Egypt Air (MS) flies daily from Cairo to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada. Nile Air (NP) flies from Cairo to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Aswan and Luxor.

Departure fee

The fee is included in the ticket price.

Traveling by car/bus

In addition to the well-developed road network in the Nile Valley and Delta, there are asphalt roads that run along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts. The road through the western desert oases from Asyut to Giza is paved throughout. Tolls: The routes between Cairo and Alexandria, Ismailia, Fayoum and Ain Sukhna are subject to tolls. Petrol stations are usually open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Right

Condition of the roads

Hard shoulders are often not paved, even on paved roads. You always have to reckon with longer stretches over gravel or asphalt layers that have been milled off or covered with grit, which can only be driven on slowly.

Car rental

Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and local companies offer car rental services at Cairo Airport, Cairo City and major hotels. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least two years. Drivers under the age of 25 are sometimes charged a young driver fee. Some car rental companies have a maximum age of 60 years.

Taxi

Taxis are available in the larger cities. Group taxis are available for long distances; Fares should be agreed before departure.

Bicycle

In Cairo one should refrain from cycling; It’s a good way to get around in Luxor, where there are plenty of bike rentals.

Coach

The national bus network serves the Nile Valley and coastal roads. The route network is now so well developed that almost every place that is on a road can be reached by bus. There are various providers, some of which serve different parts of the country: – Go Bus connects places in northern Egypt, along the Red Sea coast and Sharm el-Sheikh with Dahab and Luxor with Hurghada; – Super Jet runs all over the country, is very reliable and has comfortable air-conditioned buses; – East Delta Travel Co. serves the area between Cairo, the Suez Canal and the Sinai Peninsula (older buses); – West & Mid Delta Bus Co. operates routes between Alexandria, the Mediterranean coast and Siwa (older buses); – Upper Egypt Bus Co.

Regulations

Traffic regulations: – Telephoning is only permitted with a hands-free system; – seatbelt obligation; – Children under the age of seven cannot be carried in the front seat; – Fire extinguishers, warning triangles and first-aid kits must be carried, even when riding a motorcycle. Speed ​​limits: – within built-up areas: 30km/h; – outside built-up areas: 60km/h; – Motorways/expressways: 90km/h; – Desert roads: 100km/h.

Roadside Assistance

The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49-89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49-89 76 76 76.

Documentation

International driving license and proof of insurance are required. A Carnet de Passage is required for the temporary importation of an automobile.

Note on travel by road

The border regions with Libya and Sudan have been declared restricted areas by the Egyptian authorities. Travel there is prohibited. Desert tours can be booked with local tour operators. It should be remembered that desert driving without an experienced guide, properly roadworthy vehicles, and without adequate water supplies can be life-threatening. Tours outside official routes (so-called off-road tourism) and individual trips to certain regions, such as remote western and southern desert areas, require approval. All routes are provided with checkpoints at regular intervals. From October to February there are often severe storms in the desert areas (Sinai, Hurghada), making some roads impassable; Alternative routes are mostly missing. A guide and the appropriate equipment are vital in such situations.

Traveling in the city

In Cairo, the state-run Cairo Transport Authority operates buses, trams and ferries. A standard tariff applies in the city centre. In addition, you can use private buses, shared taxis and minibuses. The latter usually wait at the train stations or have regular departure times and are more expensive than state buses. The most important means of transport in Cairo’s good local transport system are the modern suburban trains and the subway. Two subway lines are fully developed. Line 1 runs southbound from New El-Marg to Helwan, which is 30 km outside of Cairo. Line 2 runs southwest from Shoubra el-Kheima via Cairo University and Giza to El Mounib. Line 3 is partially completed and will run from Embaba or Mohandiseen to the airport after completion. Taxis are relatively expensive in Cairo. Travelers should only use metered taxis. In addition, it is advisable to find out in advance – possibly in the hotel – about the approximate fare to a specific destination and only pay through the window when you have got out. It is common for women traveling alone to sit in the back seat and men traveling alone in the front next to the driver. Alexandria has an extensive tram network. Minibuses are available at the train station.

Locally on the way by train

The Egyptian State Railways operates the rail network in the country. There are good connections on the east-west line from Sallom on the Libyan border to Alexandria and Cairo and along the Nile to Luxor and Aswan. Port Said and Suez are also accessible by train. The main train connections are: Cairo – Alexandria Cairo – Luxor – Aswan, Cairo -Suez, Cairo and Alexandria – Port Said, Cairo and Alexandria – El Alamein – Mersa Matruh 3 different train types run between Cairo and Alexandria: interregios, express trains and turbo trains. Several air-conditioned luxury trains with sleeping and dining cars operate on the Cairo – Luxor – Aswan route. For the night train, early reservations should be made at a travel agency or via Ernst. More information about train connections at Tour Egypt. Tickets are available at train stations or online for 1st and 2nd class on air-conditioned trains from the Egyptian State Railways. Outside Egypt, train tickets can be purchased from the Egyptian travel agency Egyption Travel Service. For more information, contact the Tourist Office. Outside Egypt, train tickets can be purchased from the Egyptian travel agency Egyption Travel Service. For more information, contact the Tourist Office. Outside Egypt, train tickets can be purchased from the Egyptian travel agency Egyption Travel Service. For more information, contact the Tourist Office.

Traveling by ship

La Pespes uses high-speed catamarans to connect Hurghada to Sharm El Sheik in the Sinai Peninsula (journey time: 1 hr 30 mins). There are also ferry connections from High Jet several times a week (journey time: from 2 hours 20 minutes, depending on the boat). The traditional sailing boats on the Nile (felluccas) can be rented by the hour. Nile River Valley Transport Corporation operates a weekly ferry service from Aswan to Wadi Halfa. Cruises on the Nile are offered from a few days to 2 weeks. The offer includes trips from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan or from Aswan to Esra/Naga-Hammad. The best time for a Nile cruise is between October to mid-April. Thanks to a lock, cruises between Aswan and Luxor are now possible all year round. River cruise operators include Viking River Cruises, Phoenix Reisen and Nicko Cruises.

How to get to Egypt