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FLIGHTS: Egypt has 30 airports. With the number of air flights could access 72 capitals internationally and 12 cities locally. Egypt air the national Carrier one of the best in the middle East and the Arab countries operates more than 555 weekly flights depart from Cairo and many other Egyptian cities to 69 international & domestic destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Transfer between terminals: A shuttle bus links the two terminals, departing approximately every 30 minutes. Terminal 1 is known as the old airport , while Terminal 2 is known as the new airport. Airport Shuttle: The Cairo Airport shuttle Bus can transport individuals and groups to and from the Cairo International Airport, including locations outside of the capital. For prices and reservations, contact the 24-hour customer service center at +2 (02)2265-3937/38 or 19970. Egypt air is the main supplier of local flights within Egypt. Egypt air is government owned and the planes are regular jets. There are some other charter companies; we do not use It should be noted that flights within Egypt require at least a one hour check in, are often delayed or arrive early, and can be changed without notice. We work within these constraints to supply you with the best service possible. Many of the internal flights are in the early hours of the morning, particularly to Luxor and Aswan from Cairo and between Aswan and Abu Simbul. This could make for a short nights sleep so please be aware of this. RENTAL CARS: Although rental cars are available we would not advise renting a car particularly in Cairo, traffic is congested, and the rules of the road are very different, with drivers waving hand signals and honking horns to communicate. They often drive at night without lights, and can come at you on the wrong side of the road. There are no traffic signals as such and where there are they are frequently ignored. Parking is very difficult and sometimes impossible particularly in the cities. Far better to rent a vehicle with a driver, or use a taxi, then come and go as you please. Due to safety concerns we will not arrange car rentals in Cairo. Hurghada and Sharm are easier to get around but we still recommend using taxis in these cities. TAXI SERVICES:  At Cairo International Airport taxis are available at any time, Official Cairo taxis are predominantly black and white, but Alexandria taxis are black and orange. There are also 7-seated Peugeot taxis varied in color and size, Many taxis are basic and downright beat up and they do not utilize the meter system. If you negotiate a rate before your trip they will often ask for more on arrival. Many drivers do not speak English, so please ensure they know where you want to go. The prices are reasonable but as they realize you are a tourist they will try charging you more than they would normally charge a local. Please be careful when using taxis, there are of course some very good ones but caution is needed and if a driver tries to ask for more than you have negotiated pay him the negotiated rate and walk away without turning around. So, the government tried a new project called Cairo Cap which have a meter & it is a yellow color but this kind of taxis are not available always & also you can call on 19730 but also not guarantee to come on time. Now there are taxis white color with black dots on sides. Available every where & they also use the meter system & always ask them to put the meter on. LIMOUSINES, PRIVATE CARS, AND VANS WITH DRIVERS :  Limousine service is offered by 19 different companies for your convenience; ask for valet assistance once you're outside the terminalq.Probably the best way to travel around, these are based on daily rates, but the driver will wait or return for you while you visit museums etc. If not using our services please make sure you deal with a reputable company, and if visiting sites consider using a guide otherwise at each site you visit the site guides (local unlicensed guides or vendors) will hassle you constantly. They can be very persistent and annoying. STREET VANS & JEEPNYS: These are usually white vans used to negotiate the narrow back streets and areas in the countryside, they can be seen everywhere. They will stop when waved down and will drop off when requested, you ask the rate and the direction you are going in and the driver will advise the rate and if he is going in that direction. These vehicles are used frequently by the locals, are usually full with people hanging on to outside handles etc. Interesting to watch and cheap to ride but not the most pleasant way to travel. The jeepnys are 3 wheel open vehicles with a canvas cover, they recently became part of the local traffic and are growing daily in numbers. Many locals use these instead of the vans to access local areas and narrow back streets. BUSES: Street buses are basic, but a cheap means of getting around for locals. Buses between cities are of a higher standard, and have washrooms and provide a snack box onboard for longer trips. PUBLIC AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES The Airport Bus Service both air-conditioned & non air-conditioned operates from Terminal 1 (see maps). There are several stop bus stations; at Tahrir Square, downtown Cairo, Mohandesin, and along Pyramids Road in Giza. Air-conditioned Buses from the airport to downtown are likely more comfortable and reliable: NILE WATER BUSES/TAXIS: Very basic, tend to be crowded but fast and cheap for crossing the Nile or going to the areas closer to the river either West or East banks, like Cairo University, Zoo, Ramses Hilton Hotel, Downtown and Egyptian Museum RAILWAYS: Railways lines in Egypt are put at 28 extending some 9435 km with 796 stations and 1800 trains moving back and forth over 135 thousand km. On day trains it is well worth paying the extra for First Class, still very reasonably priced. The seats are comfortable, reclining, almost like flying first class on a plane but not quite as clean. There is a trolley service for snacks, sandwiches and drinks. The washrooms are either end of the cabins but have a lot to be desired for cleanliness. The night sleeper trains are quite comfortable. Beds are one up and one down twin bunk beds. Adjoining carriages are available for families. A basic dinner and breakfast are served directly to the cabin as part of the price. Drinks with the meals are not included other than coffee with breakfast. We do advise taking some snacks in case the food is not to your liking as there are no choices. There is a washbasin in each cabin; toilets are at the end of each carriage. Luggage is stored overhead in your cabin. There are no shower facilities and washrooms are not as clean as we are used to, so please be prepared. Expect to tip the cabin attendant, and anyone carrying your luggage as the guide will not be with you to take care of these. Always a good idea to have 1LE bill on hand for small tips. If traveling without a guide, ensure you ask the agent putting you on the train to advise the cabin attendant to tell you when to get off. Please note train reservations cannot be made more than 3 weeks in advance and they sell the cabins for one price whether there are one or two people in them, and there are no reductions for children. Distances from Cairo:
METRO - UNDERGROUND: . Underground Metro: Egypt is the first country in Africa and the Middle East to have an Underground Metro. Investments in the project, which now links the three governorates of Greater Cairo (Cairo, Giza & Qalyubiyah). Service time starts from 06:00 am till 01:00am. In Cairo: Efficient, well organized, and runs to a strict timetable, well worth using if the train goes to areas where you want to travel. They are expanding the lines but could take several years to complete.  FERRIES: There are several ferries the main ones being between Sharm and Hurghada and Nuweiba and Aqaba in Jordan. The Sharm/Hurghada ferry (or reverse) does not run daily and can be cancelled or delayed depending on weather and load conditions – this can cause extra time in one town or the other. We have to allow for this in our itineraries. It should also be noted that this ferry is often a rough ride and the sea is quite strong in this area. The only other way between these two cities is by road, approx 13 hours of driving. There are two ferries between Nuweiba/Aqaba (or reverse) a fast Catamaran and the slower local ferry. Again times are frequently changed and ferries cancelled if weather conditions are bad. It is important we have a photocopy of your passport in advance if booking the fast ferry as this is often full and to reserve in advance we have to provide this information for security reasons. Highways and Bridges: Egypt has a network of highways covering the country and extending around 48.1 thousand km.  |
Egypt Weather Forecast
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