By Train in Cairo

Railway lines from Cairo to other parts of the country depart from and arrive at Ramses Station, 3 km (2 mi) northeast of Maydan Tahrir. Trains traveling to and from Alexandria, the Nile Delta towns, and Suez Canal cities use Tracks 1-7 in the station's main hall. Trains to al-Minya, Luxor, and Aswan depart from Platforms 8, 9, 10, and 11 outside the main hall.

Torbini VIP trains, which are quite pleasant, run to Alexandria three times a day, at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 7 PM (£e22-£e32); standard trains make the trip five times daily (£e17-£e22). Other lines depart throughout the day to Alexandria from 6 AM to 10:30 PM (£e14-£e30). The most expensive and luxurious trains to Luxor and Aswan are the Wagonlits sleepers, with dining and lounge cars. One-way tickets cost £e300 for a double cabin and £e460 for a single. The train leaves once a day, at 7:45 PM. The much less comfortable lines run daily to Luxor and Aswan and other Upper Egyptian cities at 7:30 AM and 10 PM, with an extra train to Luxor at 12:30 PM; fares are £e39 to £e73, depending on class.

For exact schedules and fares, inquire beforehand. Purchase tickets a few days before departing at the train station, at your hotel reception desk, or at the Egyptian Tourist Authority (Maydan Ramses. 02/579-0767).