Egypt is a land of ancient wonders, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza, cruising down the Nile, or diving in the Red Sea, this guide covers everything you need to know about traveling in Egypt—how to get there, transportation options, costs, the best time to visit, and essential travel tips.

✈️ Getting to Egypt

Major International Airports

Most international flights land in:

Cairo International Airport (CAI) – Best for exploring pyramids & historical sites.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) – Best for Red Sea resorts & diving.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – Best for Sinai & beach vacations.
Luxor International Airport (LXR) – Best for Nile cruises & ancient temples.
Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) – Best for northern Egypt & Mediterranean coast.

Popular Airlines Flying to Egypt

✔️ EgyptAir (National carrier, direct flights from major cities).
✔️ Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways (Best connections from Asia & Europe).
✔️ Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France (European carriers).
✔️ Budget Airlines – Wizz Air, EasyJet, Air Arabia (for cheap flights from Europe & the Middle East).

Flight Costs

From the USA/Canada: $700–$1,500 (round trip).
From Europe: $200–$600 (budget options available).
From Middle East: $100–$400.
From Asia: $500–$1,200.

💡 Tip: If flights to Cairo are expensive, consider flying into Istanbul or Dubai and taking a cheaper connection to Egypt.

🚗 Getting Around Egypt

1️⃣ Domestic Flights – Best for Long Distances ✈️

Egypt is big, so flying is the fastest way to travel between cities.
Best airline: EgyptAir.
Flight costs:
- Cairo → Luxor: $80–$150
- Cairo → Aswan: $90–$180
- Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh: $50–$120

💡 Tip: Book flights in advance for the best prices.

2️⃣ Trains – Best for Budget & Comfort 🚆

Cairo → Luxor/Aswan sleeper train: Comfortable overnight journey (~$100 for a sleeper cabin).
Local trains: Cheap but slow & not always reliable.
First-class tickets (~$20–$50) are recommended for comfort.

💡 Tip: Book sleeper trains through Watania Sleeping Trains or at the station.

3️⃣ Buses – Cheapest Option 🚌

Best for budget travel (but long journeys).
Top bus companies: Go Bus, Blue Bus, Super Jet.
Bus fares:
- Cairo → Hurghada: $10–$20 (6–7 hours)
- Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh: $15–$30 (7–8 hours)
- Cairo → Luxor: $20–$40 (10+ hours)

💡 Tip: Choose VIP buses for more comfort.

4️⃣ Nile Cruises – Best for Sightseeing 🚢

Cruises operate between Luxor & Aswan (3–5 days).
Prices range from $200 to $600+ (includes meals & tours).

💡 Tip: A felucca (traditional sailboat) is a budget-friendly option for short Nile trips.

5️⃣ Taxis & Ride-Sharing – Best for Cities 🚖

Uber & Careem (available in Cairo, Alexandria, & Hurghada).
Taxis are common but always negotiate the price before getting in.

💡 Tip: Use Uber to avoid haggling over taxi fares.

🌍 Best Ways to Travel for Popular Destinations

Cairo & Giza 🏺

🚇 Best option: Uber & taxis.
🚗 For day trips: Hire a private driver for the pyramids.

Luxor & Aswan 🌅

🚆 Best option: Overnight train or domestic flight.
🚢 For sightseeing: Take a Nile cruise.

Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh 🏖️

✈️ Best option: Fly from Cairo.
🚌 For budget travel: Take a Go Bus.

Alexandria 🏛️

🚆 Best option: Train from Cairo (2.5 hours).

Egypt Travel Guide: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide — Egypt Travel Guide

💰 Budget & Travel Costs in Egypt

Backpacker Budget (Hostels + buses + street food): $30–$50/day
Mid-Range Budget (Hotels + domestic flights + restaurants): $100–$200/day
Luxury Budget (5-star hotels + Nile cruises + private tours): $300+/day

Accommodation Costs

Hostels: $10–$30 per night.
Budget hotels: $30–$60 per night.
Mid-range hotels: $80–$150 per night.
Luxury hotels & resorts: $250+ per night.

💡 Tip: Stay at Nile-view hotels in Luxor for beautiful sunsets.

Food Costs

Street food (koshari, falafel, shawarma): $2–$5.
Casual restaurants: $5–$15 per meal.
Mid-range restaurants: $20–$40 per meal.
Fine dining: $50+ per person.

💡 Tip: Try Koshari (Egypt’s national dish) for a cheap & delicious meal.

Tour & Activity Costs

Pyramids of Giza entry: ~$10
Valley of the Kings entry: ~$10
Nile Cruise (4–5 days): $200–$600
Scuba diving in the Red Sea: ~$50–$100

☀️ Best Time to Visit Egypt

✔️ October–April (Winter & Spring) – Best weather, ideal for sightseeing.
✔️ May–September (Summer) – Extremely hot, but great for Red Sea resorts.

💡 Tip: Visit in November or March for good weather & fewer tourists.

🎒 Travel Tips for Egypt

✔️ Visa: Most travelers need an eVisa ($25, available online) or get a visa on arrival.
✔️ Weather: Summers are hot (40°C+), pack light clothes & sunscreen.
✔️ Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) – 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP.
✔️ Cash vs. Cards: Credit cards are accepted in hotels but cash is needed in markets & small shops.
✔️ Bargaining: Negotiate prices in markets & taxis.
✔️ Dress Code: Egypt is conservative—wear modest clothing in cities.
✔️ Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: Get an Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat SIM for cheap mobile data.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Egypt is an amazing country filled with history, adventure, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re exploring pyramids, cruising the Nile, or relaxing in a Red Sea resort, there’s something for every traveler. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy your Egyptian adventure! 🇪🇬✨

🔥 Which Egyptian destination are you most excited to visit? 😃

🇪🇬 How to Travel in Egypt – FAQ

Planning a trip to Egypt? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling in this incredible country of ancient wonders, stunning deserts, and vibrant cities!

✈️ Getting to Egypt

1. Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Visa Requirements by Country

USA, UK, Canada, EU, Australia – Yes, a visa is required.
Visa on Arrival ($25, valid for 30 days) – Available at Cairo, Hurghada, and Luxor airports.
eVisa ($25, single entry / $60, multiple entry) – Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens – Visa-free or visa on arrival.

💡 Tip: eVisa is the best option—apply online before arriving to avoid airport queues.

2. What are the major international airports in Egypt?

Cairo International Airport (CAI) – Best for pyramids & Nile Valley.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) – Best for Red Sea resorts & diving.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – Best for Sinai & beaches.
Luxor International Airport (LXR) – Best for temples & Nile cruises.
Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) – Best for northern Egypt.

3. How much do flights to Egypt cost?

Average Flight Prices

From the USA/Canada: $700–$1,500 (round trip).
From Europe: $200–$600 (budget airlines available).
From Middle East: $100–$400.
From Asia: $500–$1,200.

💡 Tip: Flying into Istanbul or Dubai first, then taking a budget airline, can be cheaper.

🚗 Getting Around Egypt

4. What’s the best way to travel long distances in Egypt?

Domestic flights ✈️ – Best for time-saving.
Trains 🚆 – Best for budget-friendly travel.
Buses 🚌 – Cheapest option but long journeys.
Nile cruises 🚢 – Best for sightseeing.

5. How do domestic flights work in Egypt?

EgyptAir is the main airline for domestic routes.
Flights are affordable (~$50–$150 one way).
Best routes: Cairo → Luxor, Cairo → Aswan, Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh.

💡 Tip: Book early for cheaper prices, especially in peak season (October–April).

6. Are trains in Egypt safe and reliable?

Yes, but sleeper trains are best for tourists.
Cairo → Luxor/Aswan sleeper train (~$80–$100 for a bed).
Local trains are cheap but can be slow and crowded.

💡 Tip: Book sleeper train tickets via Watania Sleeping Trains or at stations.

7. Are buses a good way to travel in Egypt?

Yes, but long journeys can be uncomfortable.
Best companies: Go Bus, Blue Bus, Super Jet.
Popular routes:
- Cairo → Hurghada: $10–$20 (6–7 hours).
- Cairo → Sharm El Sheikh: $15–$30 (7–8 hours).

💡 Tip: VIP buses are more comfortable & include Wi-Fi.

8. What’s the best way to get around cities?

Uber & Careem (Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada).
Taxis (Negotiate prices first—no meters!).
Metro (Cairo only) – Fast & cheap (~$0.30 per ride).

💡 Tip: Uber is safer than taxis, especially for tourists.

💰 Budget & Money

9. Is Egypt expensive to travel?

Estimated Daily Budgets

Backpacker: $30–$50 per day (hostels, buses, street food).
Mid-range: $100–$200 per day (hotels, domestic flights, restaurants).
Luxury: $300+ per day (5-star hotels, Nile cruises, private tours).

10. What currency does Egypt use?

Egyptian Pound (EGP)
1 USD ≈ 30 EGP (exchange rates vary).

💡 Tip: Cash is king—small shops & markets don’t accept cards.

11. Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, at hotels, large restaurants & malls.
No, at markets, taxis & small businesses.

💡 Tip: Use ATMs inside banks to avoid scams & high fees.

🌍 Best Destinations & Travel Tips

12. What are the must-visit places in Egypt?

Cairo – Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum.
Luxor & Aswan – Temples, tombs & Nile cruises.
Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh – Red Sea diving & beaches.
Alexandria – Roman ruins & Mediterranean charm.
Siwa Oasis – Desert adventure & natural springs.

💡 Tip: Plan at least 10–14 days to see the top attractions.

13. When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Best Travel Seasons

✔️ October–April (Winter & Spring) – Best weather, ideal for sightseeing.
✔️ May–September (Summer) – Very hot but great for Red Sea resorts.

💡 Tip: Avoid summer (June–August)—desert sites can reach 45°C (113°F)!

🏝️ Safety & Travel Tips

14. Is Egypt safe for travelers?

Yes, but stay aware of scams & pickpockets.
Avoid protests & crowded areas in big cities.
Women should dress modestly in conservative areas.

💡 Tip: Book tours in advance for safer, hassle-free sightseeing.

15. Can I drink tap water in Egypt?

No, drink only bottled or filtered water.

💡 Tip: Avoid ice cubes in drinks at street stalls.

16. What vaccinations do I need for Egypt?

✔️ No mandatory vaccines, but recommended:

Hepatitis A & B.
Typhoid.
Rabies (if visiting rural areas).

💡 Tip: Bring insect repellent for Nile areas—mosquitoes can be annoying.

17. What’s the best way to pay for things?

Cash is preferred in most places.
ATMs are available, but many charge high fees.
Tipping (baksheesh) is common—carry small bills.

💡 Tip: Always carry 10-20 EGP bills for tips & small purchases.

18. What language is spoken in Egypt?

Arabic is the official language.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

💡 Basic Arabic phrases:

Salam! (سلام) – Hello.
Shukran! (شكراً) – Thank you.
Kam al-sirr? (كم السعر؟) – How much is it?
Ayna…? (أين…؟) – Where is…?
Wahid chai, min fadlak (واحد شاي، من فضلك) – One tea, please ☕.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Egypt is a dream destination full of history, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, cruising the Nile, or diving in the Red Sea, there’s something for everyone. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy your Egyptian adventure! 🇪🇬✨