By Bus in Cairo

Buses are an inexpensive means of traveling between cities. Generally they are safe, if not always relaxing. Most companies have installed videos to play Arabic and Indian movies at top volume, even on night buses. If you consider this local color rather than annoyance, take a bus. You can find schedules and buy tickets at the kiosks set up at major bus stations. Although bus companies theoretically give out information over the phone, you may find it difficult to actually reach anyone. Ticket purchases are in cash only; it's wise to buy your ticket a day in advance, especially when traveling during peak periods.

The East Delta Bus Company (02/574-2814) goes to Sharm al-Sheikh. Buses leave from Cairo's Targoman Station off Gala' Street, Downtown, from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM; fares start at £e50 (the 11 PM and 11:30 PM buses cost £e65). There are also daily buses to Taba and Nuweiba, at 8:15 AM, 10:45 PM, and 11:15 PM for £e40 to £e50 one way. The bus to Ismailiya and Suez leaves every half hour from 6:30 AM until 6 PM for £e6.50; buses run to Bur Said (Port Said) every hour from 6:30 AM to 6 PM, with £e15 fares each way.

Super Jet (02/579-8181), relatively speaking, runs the most luxurious buses to and from Alexandria, the Nile Valley, and the Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, and Suez Canal cities. Buses leave every hour (between 5:30 AM and 11 PM) for Alexandria from Targoman Station off Gala' Street, Downtown; Giza; the airport; and Almazah Station in Heliopolis. Tickets cost £e20 if you leave between 5:30 AM and 5 PM, £e22 if you depart after 5 PM, £e29 if you travel on the VIP bus with phone access that departs from the airport. Buses to Sharm al-Sheikh leave once a day at 11 PM from Targoman Station; return buses leave Sharm al-Sheikh for Cairo at 11 PM. A one-way ticket costs £e55. Buses to Hurghada depart from Targoman Station at 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 11:15 PM; tickets cost £e50 each way for the day bus, £e55 for the night bus. Buses return from Hurghada at noon, 2:30 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM. Buses to Bur Said (Port Said) leave from the Ramsis Street Super Jet station near Ramsis Square throughout the day from 6 AM until 6:30 PM; the fare is £e15.

From Targoman Station, the Upper Egyptian Bus Company (02/431-6723) departs for Bahariyya daily at 8 AM and 8:30 PM; two more leave at 7 AM and 8:30 PM, stopping first in Bahariyya and going on to Farafra and Dakhla. Fares range from £e12.50 to £e35, depending on the destination. Buses to Kharga leave at 9 AM and every hour between 7 and 10 PM; fares are £e23 to £e35. Buses to Abu Tartur leave at 7 and 8 PM for £e30 and £e38, respectively. Buses to Luxor and Aswan leave at 5 PM and 9 PM, traveling via Hurghada, Safaga, and Qena; tickets cost £e45 for the early bus and £e50 for the later one.