see_the_world7

How close is the train station to the airport in Cairo? If we arrive into Cairo on the overnight train from Aswan, can we make it to the airport to catch an 8am flight to Amman? Are the trains pretty much on schedule? I've heard not to expect the ferries to be on time, but what about the trains.

How long would it take us to get through the Cairo airpot?

Thanks!

DawnRainbows

The Cairo airport is the slowest airport in the world. We arrived more than two hours early for our flight and we almost missed it. The check-in process, even with a relatively short line, was unbelievable!

We found the trains to run on time, especially the overnight train to Aswan.

Casual_Cairo

The trains can be late. There is no way you should take the over night train if you are going to be sad if you miss that plane.

I think DR's experience with the Cairo airport has more to do with the airline she was on than the airport, or the fact that there were many flights leaving at the same time. The security at Cairo Airport is a lot easier than at most International airports.

Anyway, IF the train were on time you would leave the train about 6 a.m. in Giza as they don't let you ride on through to Ramses station any longer. If your flight to Amman leaves at 8, you are supposed to be at the airport 2 hours early for International flights. I think you could easily miss the flight if the train is late (and anything on the tracks that night can make you late), or they might not allow you in the airport if you are only 1 hour early.

You'd be taking too big of a chance if you ask me.

sandi

If you want to make that 8am flight to avoid mid-afternoon one to AMM, (your other post/tread) if budget can afford it, why not fly back to CAI day prior, late afternoon, get a hotel near the airport, so you can roll out of bed for the early flight.

see_the_world7

We have considered this, but heard that the airport was quite a bit outside of Aswan. What would be the best way to get there?

It looks like there is a flight leaving at 4:30pm or so, but that would mean we'd have to be done with our tour by 2pm at the latest. Or there is a flight around 8pm, which arrives around 9:30pm. By the time we got to a hotel and then had to get up early to get to the airport for the 8am flight, I'm worried our kids would be a mess from lack of sleep.

I also looked into flying from Aswan directly to Amman, but this doesn't seem to be an option.

sandi

As other thread, I assume your last day visit to Abu Simbel is in the morning. Are you driving or flying between Aswan/Abu Simbel.

If flying back, you probably arrive ASW sometime between 1-2pm; you're already at the airport to catch the 4:30pm flight to CAI. There are plenty of hotels near the airport, probably with pools to keep the kids busy. An early dinner, early to bed, to be up early for transfer to airport and 8am flight to AMM.

If driving back from Abu Simbel, once in Aswan, pay the driver a few dollars to drop you at the airport.

see_the_world7

We are driving/taking the bus to Abu Simble, and are then visiting a few sites in Aswan. It is part of a package. I suppose we could break out of the package, but then we'd miss the sites in Aswan.

sandi

The departure to Abu Simbel will be very early, probably in the dark for the ride thru desert. No doubt the kids can sleep going and returning.

Guess you have to decide whether you want cranky kids or visit sites in Aswan.

What sights in particular.

It might come down to the fact that your schedule is too full and you haven't allowed sufficient time considering limited transportation and schedule options.

see_the_world7

We scheduled the tour with a company, and the timing would be fine if we weren't trying to get to Amman (on our own) afterward.

The places listed in Aswan for visiting after Abu Simble are:
Philae temple
High Dam
Unfinished obelisk

How much time is needed for those?

If we are on the bus caravan to Abu Simble, what time does that usually return to Aswan?

Thanks all for the suggestions!

sandi

I see!

Can't comment on when the convoy returns to Aswan, as we flew. Believe it might be 4/hrs each way.

As to the sights, I personally feel that of the three, Philae is beautiful. However, you will have seen so many magnificent temples up to this point, that one more wouldn't really be missed.

If you really want to make that earlier flight, I'd pass on the touring in Aswan.

see_the_world7

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I think we've solved the problem. I have switched around the days in the tours so we are doing one of our Cairo touring days after returning from Aswan on the train. We then will spend a final night in Cairo and fly out early the next morning. So it is the same number of days, but we've split the days in Cairo. It means we move hotels one extra time, but the timing is better.