Is the Cairo to Luxor sleeper train worth it?
Travel is all about unique experiences, unexpected moments and scenarios that just don’t seem real!
The Cairo to Luxor sleeper train ticks every box on that list, and many more!
Whether you are on a budget backpacking trip across the different cities in Egypt and need to save some pennies, or are on a tight schedule and want to fit all of the Luxor treasures into your Egyptian itinerary, the sleeper train is a great transport option.
Learn about my experience riding on the famous night train, and find out the processes you need to follow to book your surreal night travelling through Egypt!
This blog has got you covered!
With a step by step guide on purchasing tickets, along with the essential information you need to know, and lastly, the key tips which will ensure your journey is trouble free and comfortable.
It’s time to board the sleeper train!
This single person cabin is home for the evening.
A brief history about the Egyptian sleeper train.
People underestimate how big of a country Egypt is, and how long it takes to travel between the different cities on the ground. Back in the early 1900’s the Egyptians introduced sleeper trains to add some comfort for the users of the railway service.
The sleeper service network expanded up and down the Nile from Alexandria to the Southern city of Aswan and offered a luxurious experience until sometime in the 1970’s, before it hit a stumbling block and had to be cancelled, due to its lack of maintenance over several decades.
As the sleeper train is an important aspect of Egypt’s more recent history, the government invested heavily into the infrastructure in the 1980’s which has allowed the night train to operate regularly until today.
Purchasing the tickets - the process.
When it comes to purchasing tickets for the sleeper train, the information is not easy to find online in advance.
You can book your tickets in advance through the Egyptian National Railways website or mobile app, however, I found the app to be very buggy and the language was not changing for me.
The other option, which I chose, while I was staying in Cairo, was to purchase my tickets in person at the train station ticket office.
I opted to visit Ramses station the evening before departure to ensure I definitely had a ticket. After being directed to the ticket office, I had to wait in line to purchase my ticket.
I found that everything in Egypt took ages to sort!
(This got worse in Luxor train station when purchasing my train ticket to Aswan).
It is $120 for the ticket, so this isn’t a cheap option but you are doing it for the travel stories - right?
The golden ticket.
Arriving at Ramses Train Station in Cairo.
Ramses Station dates back over 150 years since its first rail link from Cairo to Alexandria, and has been the central hub of transport from the capital city ever since.
The vicinity of the station becomes very crowded at evening time when a lot of the trains are scheduled - this can be slightly intimidating!
The traffic is a stand still with the constant noise of car horns beeping echoing through the underpass of the bridged road above the area.
I had to leave my taxi around half a mile away and walk the rest of the way. This added some time to my commute, along with navigating the crowds of people who are hanging around the area.
This wasn’t ideal after a full day tour at the Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara Necropolis!
If you arrive between 30 - 45 minutes before your scheduled train this should be sufficient time to find your platform and buy some refreshments and snacks for the evening.
The quirky pyramid in Cairo train station.
What times does the Cairo to Luxor night train operate?
The Egyptian sleeper train has several services running each night between Cairo and Luxor.
The three services are as follows:
Cairo - 7.20pm - Luxor - 5.15am - Aswan - 8.15am.
Cairo - 7.45pm - Luxor - 6.10am - Aswan - 9.25am.
Cairo - 9.10pm - Luxor - 7.45am - Aswan - 11.05am.
Return services are as follows:
Aswan - 4.20pm - Luxor - 7.45pm - Cairo - 5.30am.
Aswan - 5.15pm - Luxor - 8.35pm - Cairo - 6.25am.
Aswan - 8.20pm - Luxor - 11.30pm - Cairo - 9.30am.
One thing that I learned when using the train network in Egypt is that the services are not always on time. Although I didn’t have any issues on the sleeper train, another train I had booked between Luxor and Aswan was two hours late - TWO HOURS!!! It is important to keep up to date with any schedule changes.
You can find out real time information on the sleeper train here.
I would recommend arriving at the station at least 30 minutes before your departure time to navigate the station and any potential language barrier. Egypt can be tricky, especially if you are travelling solo!
Ticket barriers in Cairo train station.
Waiting on the platform at Cairo Train Station.
Once you have figured out where to go in Ramses station (ask someone if you struggle) you will head to the platform area.
Platform 8 is the departure platform for the sleeper train most of the time, and this can be accessed easily as it is connected to the main hall of the station.
Once you have entered the platform area you will be approached by a member of staff and asked to show you passport and ticket, before he proceeds to tick you off the list of evening guests aboard the evening service. The guard who checked my ticket made sure I knew exactly where to stand on the platform for the correct cabin and also assisted me in purchasing some water and snacks from one of the stalls on the platform.
This put my mind at ease in an unfamiliar situation. He basically looked after me for the half an hour I waited on the platform so credit to the service provided!
Waiting on the platform for the sleeper train.
Internal flights can be the cheaper option if you book in advance:
The train host looked after the passengers very well on board.
My experience of a night on the Cairo to Luxor Sleeper Train.
Before taking the sleeper train I was slightly anxious about safety and the service, however, both ended up being above expectations.
From the minute I entered the platform at Ramses station until I left the train, the service was impeccable. The train guard was very polite and was really good at his job.
The 8/9 hours went by in a flash as I got some adequate sleep, which always helps.
The views from the train were awesome when getting close to Luxor just after sunrise. A great moment with my coffee, as I was excited to explore Luxor’s famous sites.
I felt the night train saved me some valuable time during my Egypt trip, so would use this option again in the future.
Hallway of the Sleeper Train Cabins.
En suite facilities in the cabin.
The cabin.
The cabins are basic but have some privacy and a little bit of comfort.
More than a standard train anyway!
You will find what appears to be a bunk bed, but with seats underneath. After your dinner, the train guard will come in and pull your bed out on the bottom for you.
You can sleep on top bunk, but I would not recommend this unless there are two of you!
You will also find a sink and mirror inside the cabin to freshen up in the morning and brush your teeth before you attempt to sleep.
A very questionable toilet on board (I didn’t have to use it fortunately).
Did I get any sleep?
The short answer is yes, but did I get some deep sleep? Absolutely not!!
If you picture in your mind riding a roller coaster in a sleeping bag for 8 hours, you wouldn’t be too far away in your imagination!
The constant chaos of exploring Cairo does a very good of tiring you out though, it must be said. This definitely helps you drift off when you finally get comfortable on the bed.
I would say it is a similar experience of getting sleep on a long haul flight in economy class.
You kind of get sleep, well, at least you think you do!
Was the food nice?
I didn’t expect any dinner so I had already had some food before the train ride, however, I still sampled the cuisine to give it a taste test.
My honest review is that it is similar to plane food, nothing special, but something to fill you for a long journey.
The breakfast wasn’t any better but a morning coffee did the trick of waking me up while admiring some beautiful views of the Egyptian countryside, which would make for a great postcard snap!
I would recommend that you have a nice big meal a couple hours before your departure time, and then grab some snacks, and if you fancy trying the ‘plane food’ then you can. Dinner is served about thirty minutes after you depart Cairo, so this can be late if you jump on the 9:10pm serve as I did.
A stomach full of food won’t do you any favours when trying to wrestle with the roller coaster ride trying to get some sleep.
Believe me!
Dinner is served.
Important tips for booking and riding on the Cairo to Luxor Sleeper Train.
During travel you can never fully know what to expect, especially on a random experience like this sleeper train.
Some of these tips will help you enjoy a smoother evening:
Bring your own hand wash and toilet paper,
Arrive at Ramses station 30 minutes prior to departure.
Purchase your ticket online in advance, or the day before travel to minimise disruption to your schedule.
Keep your belongings close and be aware. It is a very chaotic place.
Have a substantial meal before you head to the station.
Grab some water and snacks in the station.
Keep your phone fully charged. I used a power bank and can’t remember there being plug sockets.
Tire yourself out through the day, so your chance of sleep is maximised.
Is the Cairo to Luxor sleeper train safe?
With Egypt’s history in recent decades, you can never say you are 100% safe while travelling around the country, however, the security in place is very secure in and around the station and on the train.
I saw a carriage full of armed police officers at the front of the service - this helps to settle you a little bit!
Nearly there! - Arriving into Luxor.
Arriving at Luxor Train Station.
Hopefully you are well rested.
As you are about to be introduced to Luxor, a city which operates at 100 mph day and night, even in low season.
The second you step off the train you will be greeted by many of the locals trying to offer you taxis, tours and
a tuk tuk (to buy!).
I would advise you to leave the station and get your bearings and a coffee (you will need it!).
The culture in Luxor is a big draw for many tourists, which is why it is one of the most popular cities to visit in Egypt.
The final destination - Luxor Train Station.
Final verdict on a memorable night.
When planning my Egypt trip I knew I wanted to visit Cairo, Luxor and Aswan but didn’t know how to get between the cities. I considered flying, but then the adventurer inside me came to the surface and an idea was born.
I just had to experience the night train!
The train journey was exactly what I expected, an absolute adventure - some bad and some good.
It depends on your tolerance levels, but if you are backpacking in a country like Egypt, I imagine it is high.
One thing I would say is to plan your time in Luxor with the consideration that you may be like a sleep-deprived zombie when you first arrive.
I wouldn’t book a full tour of exploring the West Bank’s famous temples and tombs the day after your journey, even if you can’t wait to go and visit King Tut’s juicy mummy.
I say you go for it and have an authentic travel experience in a country with an exciting culture.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.