How to Book Train Travel From Cairo to Suez, Egypt

With its celebrated pyramids and ancient tombs, Egypt is a virtual theme park for travelers interested in history. Train travel from Cairo to Suez offers much to see and discover in this wondrous land. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Book Train Travel From Cairo to Suez

1. Save time and money by booking online via the Egyptian National Railways Web site (see Resources below).

2. Book by calling Egyptian National Railways at 011 ([phone].

3. Ensure your seat by making an early booking with an Egyptian travel agent. This is the best way to avoid the long lines you're sure to encounter at Cairo's train station. Faxing requests is still the most efficient way to book Egyptian rail tickets.

4. Two types of ordinary train are offered between Cairo and Suez. One has no air-conditioning; the other boasts air-conditioning for second class passengers. First-class travel is not available on this route.

5. Book tickets on an ordinary train with air-conditioning for second-class passengers and arrive without breaking a sweat. Keep in mind that only one of these trains travels from Cairo to Suez each day, leaving at about 5 a.m.

6. Accommodations on this route aren't as comfortable as those you would find on a route more heavily traveled by tourists. Only ordinary trains are available.

Prepare for Train Travel From Cairo to Suez

1. Avoid waiting in line to get your visa. Apply for one at your country's Egyptian embassy. An Egyptian visa is required of all visitors except nationals of Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

2. Egypt is a primarily Muslim country. Thus, Ramadan is not a good time to visit. Many businesses and tourist sites tend to close early during the holiday. Ramadan usually takes place around September and October. Check with a calendar before you schedule your trip. The dates of Ramadan seem to change from year to year because the Islamic calendar with which it's scheduled is a lunar one.

Tips & Warnings

• 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.

• Get a visa at the last minute by purchasing one at the Cairo International Airport when you arrive. This option is only available to those traveling from one of the following countries: the United States, Canada, the European Union, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

• Don't worry about learning Arabic. Many Egyptians are also fluent in English and French.

• Bring a pocket Arabic translator: train stations show arrival and departure times in Arabic.