Is travelling on the Luxor to Aswan train in Egypt safe.
As I finally sat down in the first class cabin after running for the train, I looked around and thought this can’t be first class - but then remembered my night on the sleeper train a few nights prior.
Egypt trains are certainly an experience!
The Egyptian rail network was my choice of transport as I ventured down the Nile to the famous cities of Aswan and Luxor on my solo trip in Egypt.
This blog will detail the process of how to purchase your tickets, along with the pitfalls to avoid, as Egypt is not an easy country to navigate.
There have been safety concerns throughout the country in recent decades also, so find out if I felt safe during the Luxor to Aswan train journey.
An old Egyptian train at Luxor station.
Is the Luxor to Aswan train the best transport option between the two cities?
Luxor and Aswan should both be on your Egypt itinerary if you want to experience different cultures within one trip. Luxor is an ancient treasure trove, with museums, temples, and markets offering a historical and cultural journey back into ancient times.
Aswan is more chilled, and offers a more friendly experience as the Nubians welcome you into their famous traditions and make you feel at home.
There is around 240km between the two cities, which means the Luxor to Aswan train isn’t the only transport option.
Here are some options:
The Luxor to Aswan train.
The train journey takes just over 3 hours between the two cities which is very efficient, considering the size of the country. There are options to travel in first or second class, which means this should be suitable for most travellers on a budget.
A cruise down the Nile.
This option is better suited to visitors on a longer visit to Egypt, as it takes around five days. This is also a much more expensive option.
Catching an internal flight.
A fairly quick option, as the flight only takes 1 hour, however, by the time you factor in the pre-flight security etc, it will be similar to the train. Some visitors will find this option safer. Flight prices can be found for very cheap prices, if booked in advance.
Driving.
Similar to the train journey, this option will take just over 3 hours. The roads are not very nice, and dangerous, so this would be my least recommended option.
Luxor train station.
Schedule of Luxor to Aswan train.
It is not easy to find information about Luxor to Aswan trains, as the Egyptian National Railway website is slow and not very responsive.
You also cannot purchase tickets in advance if you are a foreign national.
The train I booked was two hours late, yes TWO HOURS LATE!
I don’t even know how this is possible. Luckily I thought fast and noticed the train which was also scheduled earlier was also late and actually on the platform, so I ran and jumped on that one.
My ticket was not questioned.
The timetable I was provided with in Luxor had the following schedule, as of September 2023, but this information should not be relied upon. Egypt is a crazy country, so planning well in advance is a no go!
Luxor - 6:40am - Aswan - 9.40am
Luxor - 7.30 am - Aswan - 10.55am
Luxor - 8.15am - Aswan - 11.25am
Luxor - 8.40am - Aswan - 11.45am
Luxor - 10.20am - Aswan - 1.20pm
Loads of locals trying to get money outside the station - a common theme in Luxor.
Arriving at Luxor station.
Luxor train station is located in the heart of the East Bank in Luxor, so it is easy to find. Most of the popular accommodation choices in Luxor are within walking distance also.
Although the train station is easy to find, entering without getting hassled is a completely different situation. The whole area is full of locals all wanting to take your money, so be prepared for this.
The best option is to just completely ignore them - they will follow you all the way to the platform!
There are security scanners in place at the entrance, which you will be expected to go through with your bags. On my visit, the security guards were preoccupied, so they didn’t really check my bags etc.
Security points are at the main entrances to the station.
How much does the ticket from Luxor to Aswan cost?
There are no set rules or fixed costs in Egypt when it comes to tourists.
My experience in purchasing my Luxor to Aswan train ticket was one of the many times I was overcharged.
The ticket clearly states 80 EGP (£2), however, I was charged 500 EGP (£12) at the official ticket office.
I did question this but the language barrier was an issue, along with the local worker's carefree attitude towards me.
I still think 500EGP for a first class ticket is reasonable compared to UK prices so I was not too bothered - I was used to Egyptian culture by this point.
If you want to get the local prices, then I would advise you to ask your hotel to sort the train ticket for you.
I did see a ticket inspector selling tickets on board the train, so this is also an option if you struggle to purchase one in the station!
This interaction sums up the chaos of Luxor!
I paid far more than the written cost - be careful of this scam!
Waiting at Luxor train station.
The process doesn’t get any easier once you enter Luxor train station, as there are no information boards with train times or delays on. I had to ask three locals to get the information I needed, and because it was news of a two hour delay, I didn’t fully believe the information.
The issue asking locals is that the majority hanging around the station are the hustlers who just want to make money out of you.
I headed into the cafe inside the station and asked the worker in there, who went above and beyond to help me.
Solo travel is never easy, but very rewarding!
An Arabic themed cafe in Luxor station.
Most Egyptian trains have similar designs.
My honest review on the train ride.
Following visits to Morocco & Jordan, I had lower expectations in terms of the comfort levels to expect in Egypt, and they weren’t far wrong.
I found the actual train journeys to be smooth once on the trains, however the cleanliness of them was below expectations, especially for a ‘first class’ service. The chairs were dusty and dirty, and there were large amounts of rubbish just left on the seats from previous passengers.
However, the price I paid (even though it was a tourist price), I didn’t expect a luxury train ride. I find travelling to be all about the new experiences of observing the way different cultures operate.
From this perspective, I found the journey to be entertaining.
The lack of information from the locals, no information boards, and untimely updates on the services could be a real issue for some travellers!
Once I had actually embarked on the train (different train), my journey went smoothly and timely, so I can’t complain!
So called ‘first class’.
Some beautiful views.
One of the main positives of travelling around Egypt via train are the picture perfect views of the Egyptian countryside.
The greenery is oasis-like and watching the locals go about their hard labour in the scorching heat offers a sense of gratitude, for sure!
I feel as though the beautiful landscape is underrated for many people visiting Egypt.
The Egyptian countryside views makes the journey quicker.
Arriving in Aswan.
Once in Aswan, you will find the station to be located centrally in the city, with the local market and plenty of transport options just outside the station. I was staying in a Nubian Guesthouse on Elephantine Island, which is located around a mile up the main corniche, but over the Nile.
Most spots in the city are within walking distance of the train station.
Another grand train station.
There are loads of locals outside of Aswan train station also.
What can you do in Aswan?
Aswan offers a different vibe to other popular Egyptian cities.
If you have followed the Nile down from your Cairo starting point on your Egypt trip, then by this point you will want some relaxation.
The Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, along with the Luxor Temples are tiring activities.
Aswan is home to beautiful temples, history rich museums, and a touch of Nubia which will make you feel nice and welcomed.
Three activities that should be a must on your Aswan itinerary are the Nubian Villages, Philae Temple, and Nubian Museum.
Combining these three activities will give you a great bit of knowledge about why the local culture is so different to the other cities further north.
A camel ride in the villages will also help you to understand the daily life of the locals.
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