Cairo to Aswan

Cairo is the vibrant capital of Egypt, and one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. Known as the “City of a Thousand Minarets,” it’s famous for its rich Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars, and deep historical roots.

Aswan is not a country, but a city in southern Egypt, located along the Nile River. It’s one of Egypt’s most charming and historically rich destinations, known for its beautiful river scenery, ancient temples, and Nubian culture.Aswan is a peaceful city on the banks of the Nile, serving as a gateway to ancient Nubia. It’s famous for its warm climate, granite quarries, and key historical landmarks like the Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk. The city also offers a unique cultural blend of Egyptian and Nubian traditions. A popular activity is taking a felucca ride (traditional sailboat) on the Nile, especially during sunset.

​Traveling from Cairo to Aswan via Egyptian National Railways (ENR) offers a scenic journey along the Nile River, with various train options to suit different preferences and budgets.​

Train Options:

  1. Express Air-Conditioned Trains:These trains provide comfortable seating and are a popular choice for travelers.​
  2. Sleeper Trains:Operated by a separate entity, these trains offer private cabins for overnight journeys, including dinner and breakfast.

Booking Tickets:

  • Online:ENR provides an online booking platform where you can check schedules, availability, and purchase tickets. Visit the official ENR website's booking section to plan your trip. ​
  • Customer Service Center:For assistance, ENR has launched a 24/7 voice customer service center. You can inquire about train schedules, ticket reservations, and other services by calling 1661 from a mobile phone or 09000661 from a landline. Note that calls cost 1.5 Egyptian pounds per minute.
  • At the Station:Tickets can also be purchased directly at train stations. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.​

Additional Tips:

  • Advance Booking:Trains, especially sleeper services, can fill up quickly. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred travel date and class.​
  • Travel Time:The journey from Cairo to Aswan typically takes between 12 to 14 hours, depending on the train type and number of stops.​
  • Identification:Carry a valid ID or passport when traveling, as it may be required during ticket purchase or onboard.​

Cairo to Aswan

Traveling from Cairo to Aswan by train is one of the most iconic rail journeys in Egypt, covering a scenic stretch along the Nile River Valley. Operated by Egyptian National Railways (ENR), this route connects the bustling capital of Cairo to the serene beauty of Upper Egypt, passing through historic towns, agricultural lands, and desert landscapes.

The Cairo–Aswan railway line runs southwards, mostly parallel to the Nile River. Key stations along the route include:

Your journey begins in Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital and a city that never sleeps. Here, the modern world collides with the ancient in spectacular fashion. Explore the Giza Pyramids—the last surviving wonders of the ancient world—along with the iconic Sphinx, watching over the desert sands for thousands of years.

Dive into Egypt’s deep history at the Egyptian Museum, home to treasures of Tutankhamun and countless other relics. Wander through Islamic Cairo, a labyrinth of mosques, minarets, and medieval alleys, or visit Coptic Cairo to explore early Christian sites and quiet churches.

  1. Cairo (Origin)
  2. Giza– Suburb of Cairo with views of the pyramids
  3. Beni Suef
  4. Minya
  5. Asyut
  6. Sohag
  7. Qena
  8. Luxor– Major historical hub
  9. Edfu
  10. Kom Ombo
  11. Aswan (Terminus)

Total Distance: ~880 km
Travel Time: 12–15 hours depending on train type

Train Timings & Options

There are several daily trains on this route. You can choose between day trains, night trains, and luxury sleeper services:

Day Trains (Ordinary & AC Express)

  • Mostly for locals, but tourists can also use them.
  • Basic AC trains have reserved seating.
  • Departures: Typically in the morning (8:00–10:00 AM)
  • Duration: 13–14 hours
  • Seats: 2nd and 1st Class AC
  • No sleeping facilities

Night Trains (Sleeper Trains)– Best for Tourists

Operated by Watania Sleeping Trains (in partnership with ENR)

  • Departure from Cairo: Around 7:45 PM or 9:00 PM
  • Arrival in Aswan: Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM next day
  • Duration: ~13 hours
  • Cabins: Private single or double sleeper cabins
  • Meals: Dinner and breakfast included
  • Comfort: Clean, air-conditioned, comfortable for long travel

Tickets

  • Can be booked:
    • Online
    • At train stations
    • Through travel agents or hotel concierge

Prices:

  • Sleeper Cabins: $80–$120 USD per person (subject to change)
  • AC Express: ~$10–$20 USD depending on class

Similar Train Travel News

Viedma to Bariloche

Viedma to Bariloche

San Antonio de los Cobres is a high-altitude town located in the Los Andes Department of Salta Province, Argentina. Situated at approximately 3,775 meters (12,385 feet) above sea level, it serves as a gateway to the Puna de Atacama region and is a key stop on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) railway line. The town's name, which translates to "Saint Anthony of the Coppers," reflects its historical association with copper mining in the surrounding Sierra de Cobre. Today, San Antonio de los Cobres is known for its indigenous culture, traditional weaving, and as a starting point for tourists embarking on one of the world's highest train journeys. ​ The Tren a las Nubes is a renowned tourist train that traverses the rugged terrain of the Andes, culminating at the Viaducto La Polvorilla. This impressive steel viaduct, located about 13 kilometers from San Antonio de los Cobres, stands at an altitude of 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) above sea level. Spanning 224 meters in length and reaching a height of 63 meters, the viaduct is a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Constructed between 1930 and 1932 under the direction of engineer Richard Maury, it was designed to overcome the challenging topography of the region. Today, the Viaducto La Polvorilla remains a highlight of the Tren a las Nubes experience, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. ​  

More Info
Switzerland and Italy

Switzerland and Italy

The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train routes in the world, connecting Switzerland and Italy through the Swiss Alps. It runs between Chur (Switzerland) and Tirano (Italy), passing through stunning landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, and mountain passes. The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, running through the Swiss Alps and connecting Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy). It is operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage routes, and panoramic coaches that offer stunning views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and picturesque villages. Famous Landmarks: Landwasser Viaduct– a spectacular curved stone bridge Brusio Spiral Viaduct– an engineering marvel with a circular loop Morteratsch Glacier– visible from the train Alp Grüm– a stunning mountain stop with breathtaking views  

More Info
Cape Town to Johannesburg via Pretoria

Cape Town to Johannesburg via Pretoria

Situated at the base of the famous Table Mountain, Cape Town is a bustling and picturesque coastal city in South Africa. It is the legislative capital and one of the three capitals of the nation.Cape Town is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It provides a special fusion of leisure and adventure. Table Mountain, Cape Point, Robben Island (the site of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment), and the well-known V&A Waterfront are all well-liked tourist destinations. World-class beaches and wine districts like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are also close to the city. The largest city and major economic center of South Africa is Johannesburg, also known as Joburg or Jozi. It is renowned for its thriving history, culture, and business prospects and is situated in the northeastern region of the nation.Johannesburg, which was formerly a gold-mining town, was crucial to South Africa's fight against apartheid. Today, it combines vibrant townships like Soweto, historic attractions, and contemporary skyscrapers. Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city known for Table Mountain, beaches, and wine regions. It is the legislative capital of South Africa and popular for its natural scenery, history, and diverse culture. Johannesburg is the largest city and the economic heart of South Africa. It’s known for its role in the gold mining industry, urban energy, and historic sites like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto.

More Info
Madrid - Barcelona

Madrid - Barcelona

Spain's capital, Madrid, is a bustling, sophisticated metropolis in the center of the nation. Madrid, which combines traditional Spanish culture with a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle, is well-known for its wide boulevards, regal architecture, and top-notch museums. The city is home to vibrant areas including Malasaña and Chueca, the Royal Palace, and the well-known Prado Museum. With its lively plazas, late-night tapas bars, and enthusiastic residents that liven up the city, Madrid has a historic yet vibrant vibe. Barcelona, which is situated on the Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain, has an entirely distinct atmosphere. It is well-known for its distinctive fusion of Gothic charm and modernist art. The city displays Antoni Gaudí's magnificent architectural creations, particularly the famous Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Barcelona is renowned for its lively street life along La Rambla and in the Gothic Quarter, as well as its laid-back beach culture and inventive culinary scene. Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, offers tourists a rich and varied experience by proudly expressing its unique identity, language, and cultural heritage.

More Info
Prague-Vienna

Prague-Vienna

The Czech Republic and Austria, two stunning Central European nations, are traversed on the route from Prague to Vienna. The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is renowned for its magnificent medieval architecture, the ancient Prague Castle, and the Charles Bridge. Austria's capital, Vienna, is well-known for its classical music legacy, imperial palaces, and thriving coffeehouse scene. Train travel between the two historic European capitals of Prague (Czech Republic) and Vienna (Austria) is a pleasant and picturesque experience. Beautiful views of the countryside can be seen during the approximately 4-hour direct train travel. Trains are contemporary, frequent, and furnished with food options and Wi-Fi. For tourists visiting Central Europe, this cross-border path is a well-liked and environmentally responsible option.  

More Info
Paris - Rome

Paris - Rome

The French capital, Paris, is frequently referred to as the "City of Light" due to its extensive history, artistic creations, and romanticism. It is a global center of fashion, food, and culture and is well-known for famous structures including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Paris combines elegance and classic beauty, whether you choose to stroll along the Seine River, enjoy coffee at quaint cafés, or explore the creative neighborhoods of Montmartre. Train Travel from Paris to Rome: An Enchanting European Adventure A traditional European journey that transports you from the charming appeal of France to the historic center of Italy is taking the train from Paris to Rome. Depending on connections, the trip usually takes 10 to 14 hours and covers about 1,100 km (684 miles). Travel via Milan or Turin, combining high-speed TGV or Frecciarossa trains. The route offers breathtaking views, especially as you pass through the French Alps and into northern Italy. While there’s no direct train, the connections are smooth and comfortable, making it a great alternative to flying — eco-friendly, relaxing, and scenic.  

More Info