Egypt Sleeper Train Cairo to Luxor and Aswan: my review!

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  • Опубліковано 22 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 81

  • @MattCorbin96
    @MattCorbin96 Місяць тому

    Hi there, currently in the abela website and app, i can't see cairo in the station list; is it a glitch or is it present under a different name? Thanks (is bastil a different name for Cairo?)

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому +1

      I’m not sure-maybe they took it off and are only letting people get tickets from Giza station?
      I’ve been asked this now by multiple people, so I’m not sure.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      Hi there, I figured out what's going on!
      After doing some research, it looks like they are now shifting all Upper Egypt train services like the sleeper trains to depart from the Bashtil Station.
      The station's location is here: maps.app.goo.gl/BmgKsSQracVeQwuP9
      I'll be updating this blog post soon in order to address this.
      As of now, the closest you can get via metro to the Bashtil Station is Kit Kat, but hopefully the metro will be expanded over to the station soon. I think Uber will be the most convenient way to get there.
      Hope this helps!

    • @MattCorbin96
      @MattCorbin96 Місяць тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel thanks a lot!

  • @letecmig
    @letecmig 9 днів тому

    I took Cairo-Aswan with my gf 8PM-8AM.
    I love travelling on sleeper trains- the rhythm of the railway track makes me sleep like a baby. Having the compartment for two of us, bottle of wine, watching a movie.... a romantic experience with that sweet sweet sleep I get only on a train. Plus excess expense reduced somewhat by us saving one night accomodation.
    The carriage was not the newest, but that was not a factor for us. I agree that flight would be cheaper, but this was great experience. Will repeat when we are in Egypt next April.
    And yap, bring own food and bottle of wine;)

  • @MatheoGalatis
    @MatheoGalatis 10 днів тому

    Valuable info. Thank you so much

  • @dibbuk5730
    @dibbuk5730 3 місяці тому +4

    Thank you for a very informative summary. I agree, a plane is still the better option: Fly early, spend the day sightseeing, stay at hotel one night, fly back next morning.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +2

      Usually Luxor takes up two sightseeing days, so I’d amend to say fly in the morning, sightsee, sleep at a hotel in Luxor, next day sightsee, and do a late afternoon or evening flight back to Cairo 😇. I love Luxor though and I always like spending more than just one day sightseeing!

  • @ashlinnc
    @ashlinnc 3 місяці тому +2

    Always love your vids Gus. Watched them while planning our trip last Dec. My daughter and I took the sleeper train from Giza station to Aswan and then from Luxor back to Giza station after our cruise in Dec. Wanted to do it for the experience and adventure, as my daughter had never traveled in a sleeper train. Experience wasn't to bad. I had a better sleep than expected as bedding and mattress was comfortable. Supper was good, tasty and hot. Breakfast was ok, just too much bread. Attendants both ways friendly and helpful. The bathroom situation was messy (understatement) but at least there is a basin in the compartment. Will do it again when we go back in the near future as we still have a lot too see.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      I’m glad you find my videos helpful! I’m happy you were able to experience the train and had a good experience. For me, the flight is essentially the same price and is more comfortable, but I recognize the sleeper train has its benefits, too! So I’m glad that people can have accurate expectations when booking to know if it’s a good fit for them or not. Sounds like you and your daughter really enjoy Egypt! I hope you can go back soon.

  • @AndysAwesomeAdventures
    @AndysAwesomeAdventures 3 місяці тому +2

    I'm taking the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan in the Fall, despite my tour company (and others) telling me not to. I've taken overnight trains in China, Vietnam, and India, so I have a rough idea of how it's going to be. I love train travel. I do expect a noisy, smelly, old train with a toilet I'm not looking forward to using. But for me, it will be an adventure. On my overnight train in India, I was in a compartment with no door, just a curtain, with two bunk beds, with three strangers sleeping near me, so getting a single cabin on this train with a door (that hopefully locks), is an upgrade. I think the best thing is just to expect that you won't get a lot of sleep. Gus-I'm looking forward to your next update on when the GEM will have its full opening. Hopefully, in less than 3 months.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Hey Andy-sounds like you have a good idea of what the experience is like! As long as folks know that taking the train doesn’t really save any money (take an overnight bus instead if you want to save money), and will probably give you a terrible night’s sleep, then I say go for it! It’s definitely more of an adventure than flying!
      I’d love for you to let us know what you thought once you take it-come back to this comment and share your experience! And if you end up making a video of it, let us know 😎.
      I don’t think the GEM will be open in 3 months, but who knows?! Fingers crossed.

    • @AndysAwesomeAdventures
      @AndysAwesomeAdventures 3 місяці тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel Thanks Gus. I am definitely making a video about the experience and will certainly let you know what it was like. Regarding the GEM, yes, fingers crossed.

  • @brittyn
    @brittyn 3 місяці тому +3

    I took it from Cairo to Aswan, 8pm-8am. Like you, I got no sleep. The bed is nearly non-existent but the pillows were surprisingly comfortable. It smelled like cigarette smoke so I had a constant headache. I wore a N95 mask but that didn’t help much at all. The bed is also short that you can’t really stretch out, I’m only 5’4” and my feet touched the other wall! I was shocked that morning to see the people in the next cabin were a family of 3, all at least 6’ tall 😱
    It was loud and bumpy/jolty. I was constantly worried that we were about to de-rail/crash too. Another thing to note is that the toilet empties onto the tracks, so there’s a sign that says to only use it when it’s moving.
    I wish I would’ve flown instead! I would’ve paid twice as much to do that if it meant getting to my destination faster. I was absolutely miserable not getting to sleep, since I had a full day in Aswan and Philae temple once arriving.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +2

      Thanks for sharing your experience! Just curious, did the train end up being 12 hours, or was it slower than that? My sleeper train from Cairo - Luxor was supposed to be 8 hours, but ended up being 30 minutes late. Once, I took a train from Aswan to Cairo overnight (not a sleeper train), and it took 16 hours!
      I agree on being miserable not getting to sleep; I had to take a several-hours-long nap when I got to Luxor because I was so exhausted.

    • @brittyn
      @brittyn 3 місяці тому +2

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel 16 hours? Oh no! Mine was pretty on time. Maybe a bit over 12 hours but not by much luckily!

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +2

      That's good!

  • @placova
    @placova 3 місяці тому +2

    I've taken it a bunch of times. It is a lot less hassle taking it than flying and if you have lots of bags definitely. Giza Station is far less
    crowded and crazy so I would recommend taking it from there. You don’t get a really good night’s sleep and the food is awful- but you can bring your own. The bathrooms are frightening! I did take one once many years ago and got an old car with beautiful marquetry woodwork and a really comfortable mattress. I have heard that they will be building a new high speed rail line.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +2

      Hey Peter, it's good to hear from you! Thanks for sharing about your experiences with the sleeper train. I think this is where preferences come into play, because to me, how uncomfortable the train was and the lack of sleep made me miserable; I much prefer flying and find it to be not a hassle at all. And the fact that a flight would have been cheaper than the train ticket and I would have gotten a cheap hotel room and gotten a real nice sleep would make me hesitate to recommend the train to anyone.
      I'm jealous of your experience with the one you took many years ago with the beautiful woodwork! Yes, fingers crossed they will complete a high-speed line with updated trains for the future.
      I feel like Giza Station, if someone is an average tourist in Egypt and has never been before, would be more of a hassle to get to and navigate than Ramses Station, but if you say it's easier, I'll need to give it a try if I take the sleeper train again.

  • @hi4am725
    @hi4am725 3 місяці тому +1

    Love you man❤

  • @jillscarborough2087
    @jillscarborough2087 3 місяці тому

    This comment is off subject but i would like to suggest you do some videos on the different restaurants a tourist will have to choose from including street food as well. I really appreciate the honesty you bring to each of your videos!!

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Thank you! I do have tons of videos on different restaurants! Check them out on my channel, and also on my playlist “Egyptian Food” 😋

  • @chrisarmitage5708
    @chrisarmitage5708 3 місяці тому

    Hi, excellent video. I used the sleeper train from Cairo to, I think Aswan, over 30 yrs ago and I think it might have been the same train! All your points make sense and I agree with them all but, I kinda like train travel so could be tempted. Well, maybe not now but glad I did it, you know?

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Yes, it’s definitely an interesting experience! I just want people to know that the reason to do the train is not to save money or to be more efficient, the only positive reason (to me) is that it’s a unique experience.

  • @johnredmond8899
    @johnredmond8899 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks so much for your expert advice, Hi from Dublin Gus..

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +2

      Thanks for watching and commenting! I've always wanted to go to Dublin :)

  • @michaelhall8586
    @michaelhall8586 3 місяці тому

    Thank you! This is so helpful

  • @addysadventures229
    @addysadventures229 16 днів тому

    Whilst the train ticket may be more expensive than a flight you also get 1 nights accomadation

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  15 днів тому

      Yes, but one night of very uncomfortable accommodation, where I didn’t sleep more than 3-4 hours because of the loud banging noises, constant stopping at the different stations along the way, and the uncomfortable mattress.
      So I highly, highly recommend spending a small amount extra and doing the flight and getting a nice budget hotel. Sometimes it’s even cheaper to do the combined flight and hotel than it is to do the sleeper train!

  • @sackwhack
    @sackwhack 3 місяці тому

    I did the sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan last year.
    Shared a cabin with another random traveler. The cabin smelled a bit weird and the window was quite scratched, but I could just barely see outside from my upper bunk bed when sitting at the right angle. The shared toilet was an... well, experience. The metal closet doors in the main carriage area were not closed properly so when the train was moving, they would keep smashing back and forth causing a ruckus. It was a pretty interesting experience going to the toilet at night with all the closets banging back and forth along with the train. Oh, and the restaurant car. It was filled with tobacco smoke and smokers. I did end up enjoying a coffee there though.
    My only real gripe, to be honest, was the price. It definitely cost too much for what you get. That being said the train ride was an adventure in itself. I wouldn't ride it again, but I don't regret doing so.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for sharing your experience! That’s my biggest gripe, too-it would be a world of difference if the tickets were commensurate with the quality of the train. It’s definitely an adventure!

  • @milliefrench2799
    @milliefrench2799 8 годин тому

    Hello! I am taking the sleeper train soon and I’m really weird about bed being clean. Would you say I should bring my own bed sheets or you think it is clean enough?

  • @booboo5216
    @booboo5216 3 місяці тому

    This is so helpful, thank you!
    Hey, Gus. I'm wondering that where I can go to take rabies shot if I got bit by dog at Cairo and other famous cities?
    Are you able to post a video of medical institutions?

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Hi there, that’s a great question! I don’t have this available, but I’d recommend picking up a Lonely Planet Egypt e-book or guidebook; it has recommendations for this in each city. I’ll have to add this to the list to make a video and blog post later on 👍🏼

  • @judithmartin6896
    @judithmartin6896 3 місяці тому

    Very good video, thank you. I have taken sleeper number times n do not think it is worth the $ but have taken sleeper train, cairo to luxor, with 1st class seat option n found this brilliant n much cheaper. Can take food n drinks, get hot drinks from cart coming thru carriage,get to chat with locals, toilet facilities same standard n slept ok, like economy on plane. Do like train stations easier to get to n from, n dont have to arrive so early. Once did day trip cairo to luxor years ago very long but worth it to look out at scenery.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      My pleasure! I agree that the normal train is fine for going between Cairo and Luxor compared to the Sleeper Train, and at a much cheaper price ($35 for first class), it makes a bit more sense. My only fear with the normal train is the common delays that happen on the Upper Egypt rail lines, but hopefully anyone going by train will only face a 30-60 minute delay.
      Thanks for sharing these experiences!

  • @rosefenton7224
    @rosefenton7224 Місяць тому

    Great information, I am a solo female traveller ...do you thing the train overnight is safe for solo female ...I think I will fly based on your review

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      Overnight train is totally safe as long as you book a private cabin (the door locks from the inside so you’re totally secure). However, I’d still recommend flying-it’s the same price (sometimes cheaper) and so much more convenient and comfortable!

  • @garyhenderson9303
    @garyhenderson9303 3 місяці тому +1

    You did not mention so I assume there is no option to book first class. I did fly several years ago from Cairo to Luxor early in the morning to do a day trip around Luxor and the Valley. Did mean getting up really early and flew back late to Cairo. Was cheap at the time. The train could be an option for the experience but I would need ear plugs plus a sleeping tablet, and depending how you
    are travelling you could be saving one nights hotel cost. Does however not look clean or Comfy and they should do a tourist version which goes direct with no stops, would get you there earlier.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +3

      Hey Gary, what I showed you in the video is considered the "first class". Hopefully it will get updated soon so it is a more comfortable option.
      Flying for a day trip is always hard with those early wake ups - you're right, the train could've been an option, but again, how much rest would you have gotten?
      I can find decent budget hotel rooms in Luxor for $20-$30, so to me, it doesn't make traveling by the train worth it to save the money, however, I do enjoy how central Ramses Train Station and the Luxor Station are!
      Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience and perspective!

    • @brittyn
      @brittyn 3 місяці тому +1

      @@garyhenderson9303 that’s what funny. This is considered the “luxury” train 😅

  • @sunilvalavala7071
    @sunilvalavala7071 3 дні тому

    Hi, so for a foreigner the price from Cairo to Luxor will be 90 USD ??

  • @akidulislamanik
    @akidulislamanik 3 місяці тому

    nice video you have made..

  • @Ahmed_looper315
    @Ahmed_looper315 3 місяці тому +1

    ❤❤

  • @shammika077
    @shammika077 Місяць тому

    hi i need to reserve a 3 tickets to my family ( 2 adult and 01child - 9 years) from Alexandria to Aswan. what is best method and option ? is it good to use Bookaway site ??

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      I’ve heard good things about Bookaway but haven’t used it. I’d recommend buying in person at the train station, but you’d need to do this a couple days in advance.

    • @shammika077
      @shammika077 Місяць тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel thanks for your kind attention ..... we are comming on 22 nov to alexandria and leave on 24 th night to aswan ... Is it ok to book on 22nd evening or isit a risk ??

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      You might be able to book it, but it might be sold out. I recommend booking train tickets 48 hours in advance.

  • @ThebanTraveller
    @ThebanTraveller 3 місяці тому

    I have not taken the sleeper train, but i took the VIP-train 1st class (still very cheap price, much lower then sleeper train) a few times and personally the seats (no beds) were very comfortable and you can recline fully (yes the seats are old but it feels like your old grandpa plushy armchair 😅) toilet was still a mess so i only took small snacks with me and no big meals. Since the VIP is much cheaper, you can save MUCH money (I went from Cairo-Minya(Amarna visit),Minya-Luxor and Luxor-Cairo= i paid around 20Euro, cant fly for that amount). My problem with flying to Luxor is when coming from Brussels its always after midnight and only taxi's are there to scam you to go into the city, and i cant take Uber because the SIM card shops are closed at that hour 😔.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      Yes, I agree that taking the train and getting a normal seat is a great way to save money, and it’s pretty comfy! The only thing I’ll say is that delays can be common, so be ready to adjust plans as necessary if your train is delayed. I’ve almost always been delayed by 30-60 minutes on the trains to/from Cairo and Upper Egypt, and the one time I was delayed 4 hours from Aswan to Cairo. Have you experienced delays, or have the trains you’ve taken always been on time?

    • @ThebanTraveller
      @ThebanTraveller 3 місяці тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel Oh for sure, when i took the train from Luxor to Aswan for a daytrip early morning it was 3 hours late. From Minya to Luxor 4 hours late. The 1 time the train was on time was when WE were to late and my guide was kind enough to drive me to the next station to catch it (Our delay was his fault though but still kind of him to drive me.). Unless leaving from Alexandria, Cairo or Aswan i assume delays will be a fact. This is why i prefer VIP Train since its the best after the Sleeper train (but less expensive) and the more expensive the train, the more chance your train will get priority departure when delays happen. Delays on the "Regular" train must be EVEN worse. BUT for the Solo traveller on a budget (and time), i would still recommend it. If you have know another way from Luxor Airport to the City at midnight, please share :) (As an introverted person, i am terrible with Taxi haggling and avoid them like the plague.)

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      @@ThebanTraveller thanks for sharing this perspective! The only other budget-friendly way is to take Go Bus. The station is right by Luxor Train Station, and the bus ride is fast-often faster than the train! And it’s usually cheaper.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      @@ThebanTraveller but Go Bus isn’t as comfortable as a first class train ticket. Seats aren’t as wide, not very much legroom, and not as comfortable.

    • @ThebanTraveller
      @ThebanTraveller 3 місяці тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel Thank You, but i mean from the Luxor Airport to Luxor city. Any way besides Taxi to go there after midnight ? Busses maybe ? (Uber is not an option for me because SIM card shops are closed. 😅)

  • @ZeroOmar00
    @ZeroOmar00 3 місяці тому

    The ticket price for Egyptians is around $28 vs $130 for foreigners. but still I would go with the plane for comfort or bus for sight seeing.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому

      Plane for me, for sure!
      Yes, the Egyptian price for the ticket isn’t bad, but foreigners might as well take the plane for how expensive the train is!

  • @jasminethe3818
    @jasminethe3818 2 місяці тому

    I just bought my flight with Egypt Air round trip from Cairo to Luxor for $112. I'll pass on the experience if the train or bus were only options

  • @hazelandhoney6114
    @hazelandhoney6114 16 днів тому

    I heard they are usually late. Is that true

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  16 днів тому

      Not departing from Cairo usually, but arriving they are usually late by an hour or so, although once I arrived four hours late.
      This is one of many reasons I highly recommend the flight instead!

  • @momocasablanca7455
    @momocasablanca7455 3 місяці тому

    Why you don’t recommend buying the ticket from the station ?

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  3 місяці тому +1

      It’s not convenient to go in person, and online is very simple and fast.

  • @sunandabanerjee8381
    @sunandabanerjee8381 2 місяці тому

    Heyy I am trying to book but in websites pay now button are not working

  • @patchporciuncula3694
    @patchporciuncula3694 Місяць тому

    Why is the Cairo option not showing up on the dropdown option.. does anybody know why

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      I’m not sure-maybe they took it off and are only letting people get tickets from Giza station?
      I’ve been asked this now by multiple people, so I’m not sure.

    • @EgyptAdventuresTravel
      @EgyptAdventuresTravel  Місяць тому

      Hi there, I figured out what's going on!
      After doing some research, it looks like they are now shifting all Upper Egypt train services like the sleeper trains to depart from the Bashtil Station.
      The station's location is here: maps.app.goo.gl/BmgKsSQracVeQwuP9
      I'll be updating this blog post soon in order to address this.
      As of now, the closest you can get via metro to the Bashtil Station is Kit Kat, but hopefully the metro will be expanded over to the station soon. I think Uber will be the most convenient way to get there.
      Hope this helps!

    • @patchporciuncula3694
      @patchporciuncula3694 Місяць тому

      @@EgyptAdventuresTravel oh wow, you’re amazing! Thanks so much for this information!