Have you ever been curious about how people move around in bustling Egyptian cities?
Definitely not on camels!
In Egypt, there are three primary modes of transportation connecting cities: land, water, and air. Cairo, the capital, serves as the main hub for these transportation systems.
Various options like the metro, buses, and river buses allow for easy travel between different locations. Some options, like the River Bus and Nile Taxi, are particularly appealing to tourists.
Let’s dive deeper!
Land Transportation
Egypt boasts numerous highway connections to Africa and Asia. An expanding network of roads links Cairo to other cities, including the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Geish Road, and Ring Road. Egyptian roadways typically feature well-paved surfaces and flat, straight routes. Multiple forms of roadway transportation are available in Egypt, such as:
Metro
Cairo’s metro system spans many areas throughout the city, encompassing 3 lines and 92 stations. The third line is more modern and comfortable than the first two, and a fourth line is set to open soon.
Railways
Egypt’s railway system holds the distinction of being the oldest railway network in Africa and the Middle East. It’s an ideal choice for long trips, like traveling from Cairo to Alexandria, rather than shorter journeys, which tend to be slower and less comfortable. Three classes of carriages are offered on trains, with the first and second classes possibly being air-conditioned. Although air-conditioned and sleeper trains are available, they come at a higher cost than regular options. Mainline train timetables are published every six months, and trains are generally considered a safe means of transportation in Egypt.
Buses
Buses are a common mode of transportation in Egypt, with extensive networks in Cairo, Giza, and other governorates, including Alexandria, Port Said, Ismailia, Sharm El Sheikh, and North and South Sinai. Buses may not be the fastest option due to frequent stops, traffic congestion, and limited seating during peak hours. However, they are one of the most affordable transportation choices and are easily accessible. Passengers must obtain a ticket upon paying the fare as proof of payment. Each bus has a specific route number displayed in Arabic at the front of the vehicle above the driver’s area.
Microbuses
Microbuses are known for their speed and are widely available throughout Cairo and other governorates. They differ from buses in several ways: they are smaller, seating is mandatory as there is no standing room, fares vary based on distance, and no tickets are issued. Microbuses can be found at designated stations or hailed on the street.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular choice in Egypt for their speed and comfort, although they are more expensive than other options. To avoid being overcharged, it’s a good idea to request that the driver use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Taxis can be hailed on the street, and there are no specific taxi stations. Uber and Careem, ride-hailing apps, offer a more reliable alternative to traditional taxis, as fares are determined in advance and vehicles tend to be faster and more comfortable. Drivers use GPS to find the quickest route.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are a relatively new addition to Egypt’s transportation landscape and are prevalent in various governorates, towns, and villages. They offer several advantages, such as low fares and the ability to navigate narrow, congested streets. However, they also come with drawbacks, including limited safety features and restrictions to short trips within smaller areas rather than popular destinations.
