How to Get to Cairo from Luxor

Luxor is a captivating Egyptian city with a variety of activities that you cannot miss. Its cultural, architectural and historical wealth makes it a very popular destination. After visiting the mosques, temples, ancient tombs and enjoying balloon rides, you may want to venture to Cairo. It 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 organised tour is the most practical option. On the other hand, the fastest method is by plane, which takes you to your destination in two hours, and you can get good prices if you book in advance. Here are the best options for this trip!

If you plan to travel by plane, get ready to arrive in Cairo in record time. The best airline 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 book private transfers for greater comfort and to arrive on time for your flight.

The airport is a short distance from the city centre, but there are no buses connecting to this area. You will also find taxis from €3, just make sure you agree on a price before starting the journey, as taximeters are not used in the city.

On the other hand, when you arrive at Cairo International Airport, for greater convenience, you can hire a private transfer or take a taxi to get to the city centre or your accommodation. If you have enough time and little luggage, you can get around by bus, which works quite well here and costs around €1 per ticket. Keep in mind that the best months to travel by plane are usually June and November, as the city is less crowded and you will find cheaper flights.

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• Price: if you buy in advance, you can find flights from €58, but bear in mind that a few hours before departure, the price can rise considerably. In addition, the cost can also vary depending on the schedule you choose, the season and the airline.
• Journey time: between one hour and two and a half hours, depending on the airline. In addition, it usually takes between ten and thirty minutes to get from Cairo Airport to the city centre.
• Advantages: greater comfort and speed, ideal if you are short on time and do not want to waste it on the roads connecting the two locations.
• Disadvantages: it is a somewhat expensive option for those on a tight budget.

Travelling from Luxor to Cairo is one of the best things to do in the city during your stay. Of course, some people prefer to travel in a private car to save on internal transfers. This option is flexible and offers greater freedom. For this trip, be sure to hire from a reliable agency and have the necessary permits. Some companies allow you to drop off the car at a different branch if you plan to end your trip in the capital.

It is also possible to hire a driver, who can guide you and make recommendations to make your visit easier. The advantage is that this person knows the Egyptian roads and local driving rules. Adventurous travellers often sign up for motorbike tours, although you will need additional permits. You may want to make stops to rest or eat, as it is a long journey.

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• Price: Car hire starts at €80 per day, although there are cheaper companies, it is advisable to go with the better known ones such as Sixt and Europcar. In addition, you will spend more than €35 on fuel to cover the journey.
• Journey time: you will spend around eight hours behind the wheel.
• Advantages: you can split the rental cost between several people, as 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 spend most of your time on the road.

To travel to Cairo from Luxor, there are options to suit all tastes and needs. Buses are a versatile means of transport in terms of timetables. They are particularly recommended for travelling at night and saving time. Blue Bus and Go Bus stand out as the most comfortable companies, which is very important for a long journey.

You will find different classes from standard to VIP and Super Deluxe. Breakfast may be included, although there are usually options to buy food on board. In addition, amenities such as toilets, 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.

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• Price: from €8, depending on the company.
• Journey time: approximately eight hours.
• Advantages: it is an economical option, which can even be purchased at the last minute.
• Disadvantages: some buses do not make stops, so make sure you take everything you need with you on board. The views are rather limited, as most buses 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 transport. In addition to being economical, they offer the best views for most of the journey. Bear in mind that the normal train can take up to ten hours, especially if it has connections. They are older and run every three hours, which is a great advantage if you are planning this trip 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 added convenience. Additionally, there are night trains with the necessary equipment to make you feel like you are in a hotel and get a good night's rest. There are also more modern and faster trains. The main thing for long distances is to reserve spacious seats and get up every so often to stretch your legs.

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

If you have decided to travel at night, then you can opt for the Watania Sleeper Train. It departs at 8:00 p.m. and is the best option for avoiding exhaustion during the journey. You will arrive in Cairo around 6:00 a.m., ready to start exploring the city.

It is a cabin that can be shared by up to 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, go to Ramses train station at the same time. Please note that discounts of up to 15% are usually offered for children.

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• Price: from €80 per shared cabin. If you are travelling as a couple, this is ideal, as you can share the cabin, but if you are travelling alone, you will be assigned a companion and it is better to rent an individual cabin for approximately €120.
• Journey time: at least eight hours.
• Advantages: breakfast and dinner are usually included, but you can bring snacks in your luggage.
• Disadvantages: if you book a normal train, you cannot opt for the sleeper train at the last minute, so think carefully before making your choice.

A taxi is one of the most expensive options, so it is advisable to use a verified company or hire a private transfer. Taxi drivers who roam the streets may charge you additional fees, to the point that you may end up paying more than for a plane ticket. Be sure to negotiate the fare before leaving Luxor, as taximeters are not used in Egypt.

You will also find a hybrid taxi, which is a cross between a minibus, a bus and a taxi. It looks almost like a minivan, but it is usually shared with other travellers and, like the minibus, is not highly recommended. You can opt for A1 Taxis Luxor, as it is the most reputable taxi company in the city. To get around Cairo, you can book your trips with UBER Egypt.

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• Price: from €65, but this does not include tolls, extra charges for road incidents and fuel.
• Journey time: around 8 hours.
• Advantages: although it can be expensive, it is a good option if you are travelling in a group, as the costs can be shared.
• Disadvantages: taximeters are not used in Egypt, so the price may come as an unpleasant surprise if you don't know how to negotiate.

For a romantic getaway, or simply to experience the country from a different perspective, I recommend travelling on board the best cruises from Luxor. You can sail down the Nile for approximately twelve days and stop in both cities. Of course, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it is much more expensive. You will be staying in a floating hotel, which usually includes all amenities such as meals, evening events, entrance fees to monuments, quick stops and more.

The frequency of departures depends on the company, but they usually take place once a month in spring and autumn. This means that if you are travelling between February and June or September and November, you can take advantage of this activity. Mövenpick usually offers cruises from Luxor to Cairo that have everything you need to enjoy yourself.

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

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• Price: from €600.
• Duration of the trip: between ten and twelve days.
• Advantages: it is a very comprehensive tour, perfect for getting to know Cairo and other cities or locations in the surrounding area.
• Disadvantages: not suitable for short itineraries, as you will spend more than a week travelling on the high seas.

If you prefer absolute comfort, the most comprehensive option is to take part in an organised excursion from Luxor. This is the most practical way to visit Cairo, especially if it is your first time travelling to Egypt. These types of experiences last at least one day, so you can see all the iconic sights. You will have to get up early, as the journey is usually by plane and takes approximately two hours.

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

• The Pyramids of Giza: I recommend taking a tour of the Pyramids of Giza, as they are a construction from the Ancient Kingdom of Egypt and therefore an authentic local relic that you cannot miss. Keep in mind that it houses three pyramids known as Cheops or the Great Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure. Admission to the site starts at €7, but does not include access to the pyramids, which costs around €20.
• Saladin's Citadel: this is a medieval fortification, which was a mini city in the middle of Cairo. It offers panoramic views and tickets start at €6. Here you can visit the Carriage Museum, which has architectural portraits and 40 exhibits of Egyptian carriages and vehicles.

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

• Luxor Airport does not have access to public transport, so the best option is to take a taxi or hire a transfer service. Cairo Airport, on the other hand, is better connected in terms of public and private transport.
• There are no taximeters in the city, so it is important to agree on a price before starting the journey to avoid being overcharged.
• Avoid booking excursions or tours in Egypt with unofficial guides, as they are usually people who loiter in the streets and often scam tourists.
• The local police do not recommend that women travel alone in Egypt. If you do, it is preferable to book visits with an agency or stay in safe areas.
• You must carry your documentation with you at all times, as there are police checks on the streets to keep tourists safe.
• It is not permitted to use drones without permission.
• In Cairo and other Egyptian cities, you will find tuk-tuks and vehicles pulled by camels and horses.