How to Book Train Travel From Cairo to Luxor, Egypt

It's hard to imagine a land more steeped in culture and history than Egypt. Those hoping to book train travel from Cairo to Luxor should know that Luxor justifiably earns its description as "the world's greatest open-air museum." Luxor offers a host of temple ruins, monuments and tombs. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Book Tickets for Train Travel from Cairo to Luxor

1. Look for Egyptian National Railways on the Web (see Resources below). Reserve your tickets online using its site.

2. Book your tickets by telephone. Call Egyptian National Railways at 011 ([phone].

3. Avoid the lines at the train station. Book your tickets in advance via email or fax through a travel agency.

4. In most cases, no more than two sleeper trains depart the Cairo station each night. Choosing this option limits your flexibility somewhat when it comes to departure and arrival times.

5. Plan on your travel time lasting approximately 9 hours.

Pick a Train for Travel From Cairo to Luxor

1. Enjoy a comfortable night on the rails by choosing an overnight, deluxe sleeper train. These trains are your most upscale alternative. They offer air-conditioned sleeper cars.

2. Opt for more value-priced transportation by picking an overnight air-conditioned express train. These cost less than the sleeper trains; however, you'll have to sleep in your seat.

3. Drink in scenic vistas by picking a daytime, air-conditioned express train. Accommodations are comfortable, but be aware that the journey takes the better part of the day.

4. Fares on a deluxe sleeper for those traveling between Cairo and Luxor can run as high as $80. Travel on express trains typically costs less than $15.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarize yourself with Arabic numbers prior to your departure so that you can read arrival and departure times posted at train stations.

• All phone numbers include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."

• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Bring a book to pass the time, or a camera to grab some pictures. The distance between Cairo and Luxor is 419 miles.

• Luxor is located in southern Egypt. It has a population of about 200,000.

• Enjoy the popular sights in Luxor, including the Luxor Temple, the Karnak Temple, the Luxor Museum, the Tombs of the Nobles and the Colossi of Memnon.

• Although Arabic is the national language, most Egyptians also speak English and French.

• Daytime ordinary trains travel slowly and offer more rudimentary accommodations. They're not a good idea for tourists.

• Don't book your ticket before getting the appropriate visas. Egypt requires that American travelers have a visa. They can be bought upon arrival if you plan on staying less than a month.