How to Get to Cairo from Luxor

Luxor is a captivating Egyptian city, with a variety of plans that you cannot miss. Its cultural, architectural and historical richness makes it a very popular destination. After visiting the mosques, temples, ancient tombs and enjoying the balloon rides, you may want to venture to Cairo. This is the capital of Egypt, where modern skyscrapers merge with medieval monuments and mysterious attractions.

There are many ways to get to Cairo from Luxor, and if you don't want to worry about anything, an organized tour is the most practical option. On the other hand, the fastest method is the plane that takes you to your destination in two hours, and you can get good prices if you book in advance. Here are the best options to make this trip!

If you plan to travel by plane, be prepared to get to Cairo in record time. The best company to travel with is usually Egyptair, which has up to four routes a day. Another alternative is to fly with Nile Air or Air Cairo. To get to Luxor Airport, I suggest you secure private transfers for convenience and to arrive on time for your flight.

The airport is located within walking distance of the center, but there are no buses connecting to this area. You will also find cabs starting at 3 euros just make sure you set a price before you start your trip, as taximeters are not used in the city.

On the other hand, when you arrive at Cairo International Airport for convenience you can hire a private transfer or take a cab to move to the center or place of accommodation. If you have enough time and little luggage, you can move by bus, here works quite well and the ticket costs about 1 euro. Keep in mind that the best months to travel by plane are usually June and November, since the city is less crowded and you will find flights at a lower price.

Useful information

• Price: if you buy in advance you can find flights from 58 euros, keep in mind that a few hours before the price can rise considerably. In addition, the cost may also vary depending on the time you choose, the season and the company.
• Travel time: between one hour and two and a half hours, depending on the airline. In addition, from Cairo Airport to the city center, it is usually between ten and thirty minutes.
• Advantages: greater comfort and speed, it is ideal if you have little time and do not want to waste it on the roads connecting the two locations.
• Disadvantages: it is a somewhat expensive option for tight budgets.

Traveling from Luxor to Cairo is one of the best things to do in the city during your stay. Of course, there are those who prefer to move around in a private car, to save on internal transfers. This option is flexible and offers more freedom. For this trip make sure to rent with a reliable agency, as well as having the necessary permits. There are companies that allow you to drop off at a different branch, if you plan to end your trip in the capital.

It is also possible to have a driver, who can guide you and make recommendations to facilitate your visit. The advantage is that it is a person who knows the Egyptian roads, as well as the local driving rules. Adventurers often sign up for motorcycle tours, although you will need more permits. You may want to make stops to rest or eat, as it is a long ride.

Useful information

• Price: Car rentals start at 80 euros per day, although there are cheaper companies, it is advisable to go for the best known ones such as Sixt and Europcar. In addition, to cover the route you will spend more than 35 euros in fuel.
• Duration of the trip: you will spend around eight hours at the wheel.
• Advantages: you can divide the cost of the rental among several people, since there are cars for families and groups.
• Disadvantages: it can be very tiring, and it is not a viable option if you have a short itinerary because you will lose much of your time on the road.

To travel to Cairo from Luxor, there are options for all tastes and needs. In the case of the bus, it is a versatile means of transport in terms of schedule. It is especially recommended for traveling at night and save time. Blue Bus and Go Bus stand out for being the most comfortable companies, which is very important for a long trip.

You will find different classes from standard to VIP and Super Deluxe. They may include breakfast, although on board there are usually options to buy food. In addition, amenities such as bathroom, air conditioning and reclining seats are usually included in most categories. Locals may recommend the minibus, but think twice as it is a less safe and somewhat rudimentary means of transport.

Useful information

• Price: from 8 euros, depending on the company.
• Travel time: approximately eight hours.
• Advantages: it is an economical option, which can be purchased even at the last minute.
• Disadvantages: some do not usually make stops, so be sure to take everything you need on board. The views are quite precarious, as most of them travel through the desert and for miles all you will see is sand and dust.

Trains between Luxor and Cairo operate daily and are the most popular means of transportation. In addition to being economical, they offer the best views for most of the journey. Be aware that the regular train can take up to ten hours, especially if you have connections. They are older and operate every three hours, which is a great advantage if you plan this getaway at the last minute. Generally, the last train leaves before 10:00 p.m.

The company in charge of the trips is Egyptian Railways and you can book online for convenience. Additionally, there are night trains with the necessary equipment to make you feel like in a hotel and have a good rest. There are also more modern and faster trains. The main thing for long distances is to book spacious seats and get up every so often to stretch out.

Useful information

• Price: from 2 euros.
• Journeytime: between eight and ten hours, depending on the company and type of train.
• Advantages: offers a variety of schedules at a lower price.
• Disadvantages: some may take longer, due to age or number of stops, be sure to check before booking.

In case you are determined to travel at night, then you can opt for the Watania Sleeper Train. It departs from 8:00 p.m. and is the best option for not getting so exhausted during the journey. You will arrive in Cairo around 6:00 a.m., fully ready to start exploring the city.

It is a cabin that can be shared between a maximum of two people, although there are also individual options. It has a bathroom and a small sleeping area, ideal if you are looking for privacy. To return to Luxor, head to Ramses train station at the same time. Note that discounts of up to 15% are often available for children.

Useful information

• Price: from 80 euros per shared cabin. If you go as a couple it is ideal, because you can divide the cabin, however in case you go alone you will be assigned a partner and it is better to rent an individual one for approximately 120 euros.
• Duration of the trip: at least eight hours.
• Advantages: it usually includes breakfast and dinner, but you can bring snacks in your luggage.
• Disadvantages: if you book a regular train, you cannot opt for the sleeper train at the last minute, so think carefully before taking an option.

Cab is one of the most expensive options, in any case it is advisable to take it with a verified company or hire a private transfer. Cab drivers roaming the streets may charge additional fees, to the point that you may end up paying more than you would for a plane ticket. Be sure to negotiate the fare before leaving Luxor, as Egypt does not use a taximeter.

You will also find a cab hybrid, which is a cross between a minibus, bus and cab. It practically looks like a minivan, but they are usually shared with other travelers and like the minibus are not highly recommended. You can opt for A1 Taxis Luxor, as it is the most recognized cab line in the city. To move in Cairo you can hire your trips in UBER Egypt.

Useful information for travelers

• Price: from 65 euros, but does not include toll costs, extra charges for inconveniences on the road and fuel.
• Travel time: about 8 hours.
• Advantages: although it can be expensive, it is a good option if you go in a group, as you can split the costs.
• Disadvantages: Egypt does not use a taximeter, so the price can bring unpleasant surprises if you do not know how to negotiate.

For a romantic getaway, or simply to experience the country from another perspective, I recommend traveling aboard the best cruises from Luxor. You will be able to cross the Nile for approximately twelve days and make stops in both cities. Of course, it's quite an experience of a lifetime, but it's much more expensive. You will be in a floating hotel, as it usually includes all the amenities such as meals, evening events, entrance to monuments, quick stops and more.

The frequency of departures depends on the company, usually once a month in spring and autumn. This means that if you travel between February and June or September and November, you will be able to take advantage of this activity. Mövenpick usually has cruises from Luxor to Cairo that have everything you need to spend some time.

There are also other shorter cruises that do not go too far from the city, which usually reach Aswan and make stops at Egyptian temples.

Useful information

• Price: from 600 euros.
• Travel time: between ten and twelve days.
• Advantages: it is a very complete tour, perfect for getting to know Cairo and other cities or locations in the surroundings.
• Disadvantages: not suitable for short itineraries, as you will spend more than a week traveling at sea.

If you prefer absolute comfort, the most complete option is to join an organized excursion from Luxor. This is the most practical way to visit Cairo, especially if it is your first time in Egypt. This type of experience has a minimum duration of one day, so that you can get to know its emblematic places. You will have to get up early, as the journey is usually made by plane and lasts approximately two hours.

The capital is a very complete destination where you will find museums, temples, traditional bazaars, Egyptian pyramids and mosques typical of the Middle East. Some of the locations you may have the opportunity to visit include:

• The Pyramids of Giza: where I recommend you to take a tour of the Pyramids of Giza, as it is a construction of the Ancient Kingdom of Egypt, therefore they are an authentic local relic that you cannot overlook. Note that it houses three pyramids known as Cheops or the Great Pyramid, Chephren and Mykerinos. Admission to the site starts at 7 euros, but does not include access to the pyramids, which is around 20 euros.
• The Citadel of Saladin: is a medieval fortification, which was a mini-city in the middle of Cairo. It offers panoramic views and you can find tickets from 6 euros. Here you can stop by the Carriage Museum which has architectural portraits, as well as 40 exhibits of Egyptian carriages and vehicles.

Useful information

• Price: from 270 euros per person.
• Duration of the trip: you will find 1-day trips for short itineraries, and even more complete getaways of up to 5 days. It all depends on your time, budget and the places you want to visit. These types of experiences often explore iconic Egyptian locations such as the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, the Valley Temple, the Egyptian Museum and Khan Khalili Bazaar.
• Advantages: usually the best tours in Luxor include all transfers, entrance fees to certain monuments and some meals. In addition, you may be accompanied by English-speaking Egyptologist guides who can introduce you to the history of each stop.
• Disadvantages: although it is a safe and complete option, it offers less freedom than traveling on your own since it usually has a regular itinerary for groups.

• Luxor Airport does not have access to public transportation, the most feasible is to order a cab or hire transfers. Cairo Airport, on the other hand, is better connected in terms of public and private transportation.
• There are no taxi meters in the city, so it is important to set a price before you start your trip to avoid overcharging.
• Avoid hiring excursions or tours in Egypt with unofficial guides, they are usually people who lurk in the streets and tend to scam tourists.
• The local police do not recommend that women travel alone in Egypt, in case of doing so it is preferable to hire tours with an agency or stay in safe areas.
• You must carry your documentation at all times, as there are police controls on the street to keep tourists safe.
• Dronesare not allowed to be used without permission.
• In Cairo and other Egyptian cities, you will find tuk tuks and vehicles pulled by camels and horses.