How to Book Train Travel From Isna to Cairo, Egypt

Steeped in history, Egypt is a Mecca for travelers with an interest in the past. Those hoping to book train travel from Isna to Cairo should know that this route offers travelers an excellent chance to appreciate the beauty of this ancient land. Follow these steps to start planning a trip you'll never forget.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Book Train Travel from Isna to Cairo

1. Reserve your tickets by taking advantage of the online reservation system offered at the Egyptian National Railways Web site (see Resources below).

2. Place your booking via telephone by contacting Egyptian National Railways. The Cairo Station number is 011 ([phone].

3. Avoid the hassle of waiting in line by booking via a travel agent. Be aware, though, that this will cost slightly more than booking directly. You'll have to pay the agent a fee.

4. Opt to travel on an overnight air-conditioned express train. The journey from Isna to Cairo runs over 10 hours; but it will seem shorter if you're able to get a good night's sleep on the way there.

5. Pick the daytime air-conditioned express train if you'd rather stay awake and sightsee. The journey runs along the Nile. There are lots of picturesque vistas to enjoy.

6. Cairo's main station, the Ramses Station, is located in a part of Cairo that's notorious for traffic congestion. If possible, schedule your arrival to avoid Cairo during peak hours.

Prepare for Train Travel From Isna to Cairo

7. Apply for your Egyptian visa before leaving your home country. Unless you're a national of Malta, South Africa or Zimbabwe, you will need a visa to enter Egypt.

8. A single entry Egyptian visa costs about $15 for those traveling from the United States.

Navigate Cairo

9. Egyptians expect to be tipped if they have performed a service for you.

10. Opt to travel from the station to your hotel in a taxi. Taxis are safe and cheap. They're an excellent means of travel in Egypt.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink ample bottled water to ward off dehydration in Egypt's dry climate. Bottled water is readily available.
• It's possible to get your visa once you touch down in Egypt; but only if you're a national of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.
• 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.
• Avoid delays by not planning to travel on an Egyptian national holiday. These holidays are January 7, April 25, May 1, July 23 and October 6. All businesses are closed on these days and trains run fewer routes.