Sleeping train from Luxor to Cairo?

Question

Me and a friend (both female) are going to Luxor for a week at the end of August, and are planning a day trip to Cairo, getting the Sleeping Train there and a flight back.

With regards to the Sleeping Train, I've read that to book it in Luxor, as a tourist, I have to pay in cash in US$. Is this true? Is it better to book in advance before I leave for Egypt?

Also is the sleeping train safe for two young women travelling alone?

I've also heard from some sources that the sleeping train has a stop just at giza and it would be better to get off there instead of going into Cairo. Is this true? I have tried contacting the company but they are not responding.

Answer 1

It is best to book the train, in advance before you leave for Egypt. But I warn you, it is a LONG trip for just one day....approximately 16 hours....and there is NOT that much difference in price for flying both ways. And the shorter travel time...approximatly 45 minutes...will give you much more time to explore Cairo.



Took the train three times (in my budget days)...do not want to do it again.  Food is mediocre, and if you are near the 'club' car, you will be kept awake all night with the noise from late-night drinkers.

Have never experienced any danger on the train, nor have I heard of it from many of the hundreds of travelers whom we have escorted to Egypt.

Do NOT get off at the Giza stop...it is a real hassle...you will be close to the Pyramids, but if you want to get into Central Cairo, you will have to face horrendous traffic (could take up to an hour), and steep taxi fares.

If there is a MISR travel office near you...contact them and they will be glad to help and advise you.

The train is (still?) operated by Wagon Lit...and they are notorious for ignoring phone calls or written contacts.

Answer 2

Hi

We went to luxor in june and to be honest we went to cairo for a day trip to see the pyramids, we just took a flight from luxor to cairo, it took about an hour and was £70 for the two of us there and back, the sleeper train takes around 10 hours each way so for us that was vertually two days out of our weeks holiday to go to cairo.  If you can afford it go by air, we just went on eygpt air website and booked a flight, best to go out early morning,  If you do take the train, the pyramids are at giza and not the centre of cairo.

Answer 3

It's better to book in advance.

It's very safe for 2 young women traveling alone.

It has a stop at Giza which is part of the big city (Cairo). It would be better to get off there if you are not going downtown. It's less crowded and easy to move from there. You can take a taxi just 2 steps from the gate, which is few steps from the train. It's the first stop for the trian in Cairo. It would be good if you are starting with a visit to the Pyramids area. Also If you like to take the underground it'll be easy to take it from there.

If you are going to the museum down town first, you better get off at Ramses station which the central station, then you take the Metro (underground) to Sadat station (Tahrir square). With little search for the sign before you get out of the tunnel, you'll find the direction to the museum. There is an exit few steps from the museum.

It's useless to contact the Abela company for bookings or anything else. Here is their website to check everything about the train, but it's better if you have a travel agency to handle everything for you.

If you need help, please contact me.

Answer 4

I've just come back from holiday in Egypt...I'm a female and i was on the express train for a total of 15hrs (Aswan to Cairo) i found it safe as i did not occur any problems. however always keep an eye on you belongings!

you should get 1st or 2nd class tickets as they both have A.C. you also should book in advance, i never did so and had to go through a lot of hassle to get a seat! ended up travelling on the train that's not meant for tourists!

DO NOT EAT THE FOOD THEY SERVE ON THE TRAINS! omg, they look disgusting and not just that i found an ant in my tea! i heard alot of people get alot of stomach upsets from eating on the express trains as well.

oh and i paid in Egyptian pounds for my ticket...just go to luxor train station and purchase your ticket there at least a week before hand...the prices of 1st and 2nd class are well cheap!

heres a website to help you:

http://www.seat61.com/Egypt.htm

good luck x

Answer 5

I was just on that train last Sept.  You're correct about Giza.  I was surprised that I couldn't even catch the train at the main station in Cairo, but if you are going there for the Pyramids, it's better for you anyway.

You go to the sleeping train window at Luxor station and pay US$ or Euros (whatever you carry) or credit card.  I didn't book in advance but I bought the tickets a day before in case it was sold out (which it rarely is I gathered).

You are right that the company seems a bit shady, however, you will find every person or institution in Egypt is shady.  In fact the sleeping train was probably the only company I dealt with where they charged what I expected and sort of delivered what they promised.  I did change rooms because my first one was dirty, but they did accomadate me.  Everyone else in Egypt will try to con you or rip you off somehow.

Safety-wise, you pretty much only see someone else on your way to the bathroom, if then.  The door locks, the windows have curtains and there is at least one attendant wandering around most of the time.  I never feared for my safety (as a man).  So unless I'm around at the time, you should be OK.

Answer 6

Is it a camel train  - very difficult sleeping on one of those and there are no toilets....

Answer 7

it is best to book in advance to make sure you have the reservation.

it is perfectly safe to travel alone .

yes, get off the train at Giza to avoid the crowd in Cairo .

if you plan to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx , you can visit the Egyptian Museum as well  if you have time .

Enjoy your trip .

Answer 8

sure it is better to book it in advanced special you have only 1 week, so i can tell time is short for risks.

u4 is needed to book sleeping train for tourist tickets. it is 60 u$ per person.

it is safety and better than first class choice, no worry you can lock your room from inside, you have a dinner meal sleep and just they wake you before arriving to Giza even if the train bit delay, they wake you before arrival about 30 minuets before.

tourist leave at Giza station this true, and it is better as you start first visit in Cairo with going to the Pyramids so it is near by from there.

my son work in local travel agent here, look at the web page and wish he can help you.