How to Book Train Travel From Aswan to Luxor, Egypt

Located on the banks of the River Nile, Luxor is either home to or near to many of Egypt's most celebrated landmarks. Luxor has been a Mecca for tourists since the days of the ancient Greeks. Follow these steps to book your travel by train from Aswan to Luxor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Book Train Travel From Aswan to Luxor

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

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

3. Reserve your tickets for travel from Aswan to Luxor via an Egyptian travel agent. Make your request via email or fax. Travelers have reported that faxed requests tend to get the swiftest response.

4. Travel more frugally by choosing the overnight express train. This train offers air-conditioned first and second-class accommodations. Be aware, though, that there's no sleeper car. You'll have to catch your winks in your seat. Plan on paying $3 to $5 for travel via overnight express train from Aswan to Luxor.

5. Two sleeper trains depart the Aswan station for Luxor nightly. There are also about six daytime and overnight express trains.

6. Appreciate Egypt's rolling landscapes by picking a daytime express train. Air-conditioned first and second-class seats are available. The cost for travel from Aswan to Luxor via daytime express train is also around $3 to $5.

7. Ride in luxury by choosing an overnight deluxe sleeper car. You'll get the choice of air-conditioned first and second-class seats, along with perks like room service and an onboard bar. Only two-berth cars are available for this journey. You'll have to share your car with another passenger. Expect to pay under $15 for a deluxe sleeper car from Aswan to Luxor.

Prepare for Train Travel From Aswan to Luxor

8. Lock down your Egyptian visa before departing for Egypt. Do so by contacting your country's Egyptian embassy. Unless you're a national of Malta, South Africa or Zimbabwe, you will need a visa to enter Egypt.

9. Avoid booking a journey that falls 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Ordinary trains are also available. They offer the cheapest rates; but you should avoid them. Their amenities are well below the standard expected by most tourists.
• 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.