• Introduction
• Local Transportation Overview
• Taxis in Egypt for UK Tourists
• Uber & Careem Guide
• Cairo Metro System

• Bus Networks in Egypt
• Egypt Train Travel
• Domestic Flights
• Nile Transportation
• Regional Transport Guide

• Transportation Costs
• Safety Tips
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• FAQ
• Conclusion

📸 IMAGE: Busy Cairo street showing taxis, Uber cars, and metro entrance with UK tourists

• Best Option: Uber/Careem apps (fixed prices, safe)
• Cairo Metro: £0.10-0.20 per journey, fast & efficient
• Taxis: Negotiate before entering, expect £1-5 for city trips
• Intercity Trains: £8-15 first class Cairo-Luxor

• Domestic Flights: £40-100 Cairo-Luxor (1 hour vs 10+ by train)
• Download Before Arrival: Uber, Careem, Google Maps offline
• Payment: Cash preferred, cards work with ride apps
• Emergency: Tourist Police 126

⚪ White Taxis (Cairo)

Metered: Yes (but often broken/ignored)
Condition: Newer, air-conditioned
Cost: £2-6 across Cairo
UK Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The most reliable street taxi option for UK travelers. Always confirm meter use before starting.

⚫ Black & White Taxis

Metered: Rarely functional
Condition: Older vehicles
Cost: £1-4 negotiated
UK Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Cheaper but requires negotiation skills. Best avoided at night for inexperienced travelers.

🏨 Hotel Taxis

Metered: Fixed prices
Condition: Excellent
Cost: £5-15 (premium)
UK Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Most reliable but expensive. Perfect for airport transfers and late-night travel.

📸 IMAGE: White Cairo taxi with British tourist using Uber app comparison

🚗 Uber Egypt

• Coverage: Cairo, Alexandria, major cities
• Payment: UK cards accepted directly
• Availability: 24/7 service
• Vehicle Options: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black
• UK App: Use your existing UK account
• Average Savings: 30-50% vs hotel taxis

Best For: UK travelers with existing Uber accounts

🚕 Careem Egypt

• Coverage: Extensive Egyptian network
• Payment: Cash and card options
• Availability: 24/7 with more local drivers
• Vehicle Options: Economy, Business, Kids
• Download Required: Create new account
• Local Advantage: Better coverage outside Cairo

Best For: Travel beyond Cairo, cash preference

📸 IMAGE: Cairo Metro station with UK tourist purchasing token at ticket window

🚌 Go Bus

Quality: Premium, modern fleet
Routes: Cairo to Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm
Amenities: WiFi, USB charging, AC, snacks
Booking: gobus.com.eg (online)

Best choice for UK travelers seeking comfort

🚍 East Delta

Quality: Standard, reliable
Routes: Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea
Amenities: AC, basic comfort
Booking: Station purchase or phone

Budget-friendly for Sinai routes

🚐 Super Jet

Quality: Mid-range, frequent
Routes: Cairo-Alexandria, major cities
Amenities: AC, comfortable seats
Booking: Station or phone

Frequent services, good value

🌟 First Class (AC1)

Best for UK travelers
Air-conditioned carriages
Assigned comfortable seating
Quiet, spacious environment
Toilets available

Cairo-Luxor: £8-15

🎫 Second Class (AC2)

Good budget option
Air-conditioned
Less spacious seating
More crowded
Basic facilities

Cairo-Luxor: £4-8

⚠️ Third Class

Not recommended
No air conditioning
Overcrowded
Uncomfortable for long journeys
Security concerns

Avoid for UK tourists

📸 IMAGE: Watania sleeper train cabin interior showing comfortable beds for UK tourists

✈️ EgyptAir

Type: National carrier, Star Alliance member
Routes: All major Egyptian airports
Booking: egyptair.com
Baggage: 23kg included

Most reliable option for UK travelers

🛫 Nile Air

Type: Budget carrier
Routes: Limited domestic routes
Booking: nileair.com
Baggage: Often extra charge

Budget option for select routes

🌍 Air Cairo

Type: Low-cost subsidiary of EgyptAir
Routes: Resort destinations
Booking: aircairo.com
Baggage: 20kg included

Good for Red Sea resort flights

🚢 Nile Cruise Ships

Route: Luxor ↔ Aswan (3-7 nights)
Cost: £150-500 per person
Includes: Accommodation, meals, guided tours
Best For: Comprehensive Upper Egypt experience

The classic Egypt experience for UK visitors

⛵ Traditional Feluccas

Route: Short trips in Aswan/Luxor
Cost: £15-50 for 1-3 hours
Includes: Captain, scenic views
Best For: Sunset cruises, photography

Authentic Nile experience, highly recommended

🛥️ Motorboat Ferries

Route: Cross-river transport in Luxor
Cost: £0.50-2 per crossing
Includes: Quick east-west bank transfer
Best For: Budget-conscious temple visiting

Cheap local transport option

📸 IMAGE: Egyptian pound notes with transport tickets, Uber receipt, train ticket

✅ Do’s

• Use Uber/Careem for tracked, safe rides
• Sit in the back seat of taxis
• Share trip details with travel companions
• Keep valuables in front pockets on metro
• Use women-only carriages when crowded
• Have hotel address written in Arabic
• Carry small change for quick exit
• Download offline maps as backup

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t take unmarked vehicles
• Avoid taxis near tourist sites (inflated prices)
• Don’t display expensive electronics
• Avoid empty metro carriages at night
• Don’t agree to stops en route
• Never get in a taxi with passengers
• Avoid third-class trains
• Don’t let strangers “help” with bags

1. Not downloading Uber/Careem before arrival

Airport WiFi can be unreliable. Download and set up ride apps with UK payment before your flight.

2. Agreeing to taxi fares after getting in

Always negotiate and agree the price BEFORE entering the taxi. Once inside, you lose all bargaining power.

3. Taking taxis from directly outside tourist sites

Taxis waiting at Pyramids, museums, and temples charge 3-5x normal rates. Walk 100m away and hail a taxi or use Uber.

4. Not booking sleeper trains in advance

Watania sleeper trains sell out 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season. Book online before arriving in Egypt.

5. Carrying only large notes

Many taxi drivers claim “no change” with large notes. Carry 10, 20, and 50 EGP notes for transport payments.

6. Underestimating Cairo traffic

A 10km journey can take 90 minutes in rush hour. Allow extra time for airport transfers and appointments.

7. Not having destination written in Arabic

Many older taxi drivers don’t read English. Have your hotel write addresses in Arabic, or screenshot from Google Maps in Arabic.

8. Relying on third-class trains

Saving £5 isn’t worth the discomfort, overcrowding, and security concerns. Always book first or second class.

9. Not having data for ride apps

Uber/Careem require internet. Buy an Egyptian SIM at the airport or ensure your UK roaming works before relying on apps.

10. Forgetting to tip appropriately

Tips (baksheesh) are expected. Round up taxi fares and tip helpful drivers, porters, and guides £1-3.

How do tourists get around Egypt?

Tourists get around Egypt using a combination of Uber/Careem apps, Cairo Metro, domestic flights, intercity buses, trains, and hotel-arranged taxis. Uber and Careem are the safest and most convenient options for city transport, while domestic flights save time between distant destinations like Cairo and Luxor.

What is the best way to travel around Egypt?

The best way to travel around Egypt depends on your budget and time. For cities, use Uber/Careem (safe, fixed prices). Between cities, domestic flights are fastest (1 hour Cairo-Luxor vs 10+ hours by train). Sleeper trains offer a romantic, budget-friendly overnight option. Go Bus provides comfortable intercity coach travel.

Does Uber work in Egypt for UK travelers?

Yes, Uber works excellently in Egypt for UK travelers. Your existing UK Uber account works seamlessly—just open the app in Cairo, Alexandria, or Hurghada. You can link UK payment cards and pay in Egyptian pounds. Uber is the safest, most convenient transport option for British visitors.

Is Cairo Metro safe for tourists?

Yes, Cairo Metro is generally safe for tourists, including solo female travelers. Carriages are air-conditioned and clean. Women can use dedicated women-only carriages (middle of train) during busy periods. Keep valuables secure, avoid empty carriages late at night, and you’ll have no problems.

How much does a taxi cost in Egypt?

Taxi costs in Egypt vary by type and negotiation skills. Uber/Careem rides cost £1.50-8 for typical city journeys. Street taxis cost £1-5 after negotiation. Hotel taxis charge £5-25 for transfers. Always agree on price before entering a street taxi, or use ride apps for fixed pricing.

Should I book the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor?

Yes, the sleeper train is highly recommended for UK travelers. It’s comfortable, includes dinner and breakfast, and saves a night’s accommodation cost. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through wataniasleepingtrains.com as it sells out during peak season. Cost is £50-100 per person.

Can I drive in Egypt as a UK tourist?

While technically possible with an International Driving Permit, driving in Egypt is strongly NOT recommended for UK tourists. Traffic is chaotic, rules are loosely followed, and navigation is challenging. Use Uber, hire a driver, or book organized transport instead—it’s safer, less stressful, and often cheaper.

What’s the cheapest way to travel in Egypt?

The cheapest transport in Egypt is Cairo Metro (£0.12-0.30 per journey), followed by intercity buses (£3-15), second-class trains (£4-8), and shared Uber rides. Walking is free in compact tourist areas. Budget travelers can manage on £3-8 daily for all transport needs.

How do I get from Cairo Airport to the city center?

Best options from Cairo Airport: Uber/Careem (£6-10, 30-60 mins depending on traffic), Cairo Metro Line 3 from Terminal 3 (£0.20, connects to downtown), or hotel transfer (£15-25, pre-arranged). Avoid taxi touts in the arrivals hall—walk outside for better rates or use ride apps.

Is it safe to take night buses in Egypt?

Premium operators like Go Bus are safe for night travel between major cities. They have modern fleets, security protocols, and fixed departure terminals. Avoid unknown operators and budget night buses. For long overnight journeys, the sleeper train is often a safer, more comfortable alternative.

📸 IMAGE: Happy UK tourists using Uber at Pyramids with smartphone visible

 

🌍 Complete Egypt Travel Basics

Everything you need for your Egyptian adventure

 

 

🎫 Egypt Visa Guide

Complete visa application process for UK citizens

 

 

🌡️ Egypt Weather Guide

Month-by-month weather analysis

 

 

🎒 Egypt Packing List

Essential items for UK travelers