Aswan to Cairo tickets

How to get from Aswan to Cairo

After taking in Aswan’s unique sights and sounds, it’s time to pack your bags and head to Cairo — Egypt’s capital city and a hotspot for history buffs. Whether you want to admire the pyramids, gaze at royal mummies in the city’s museums, or wave at the Great Sphinx, this city is a place everyone needs to visit at least once.

However, its incredible history isn’t the only attraction. Cairo is also home to a delicious food scene. Prepare for mouth-watering traditional Egyptian plates, cozy cafes, and tea shops next to the River Nile. Simply amazing.

The ride from Aswan to Cairo takes anywhere from 11 to 14 hours and covers 427 miles (683 km). This isn’t the shortest route in the country, but it’s worth it!

The transport options available include bus and train. Each comes with different amenities, comfort levels, and prices — and we’re here to help you decide which is best for you. 

Typically, you’ll depart Aswan via the Aswan Train Station, Aswan Airport, or Aswan Bus Stop. You'll be dropped off at the Cairo Train Station, Cairo Airport, or the Golden Horse Ahmed Helmy Station upon arrival in Cairo. 

No matter your travel style, there’s a route to complete your trip. Learn more about the journey from Aswan to Cairo below.

Five fantastic things to do and see in Cairo

There’s no shortage of sights or activities in Cairo. In fact, most visitors struggle to fit everything into one trip. 

Make the most of your visit. Find the top five things to do in Cairo below:

1. The Pyramids of Giza — The Pyramids of Giza aren’t only the best thing to do in the city; they’re also the main reason many tourists visit Egypt full stop. As one of the ancient Wonders of the World, you’ll want to dedicate a whole day to these incredible structures.
   
   

2. Egyptian Museum — If you’re on a mission to learn more about Ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Museum is a must. This building holds the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artifacts, including a room of royal mummies, the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, jewelry, and treasures.

3. Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Al-Fatima Street — Known as al-Muizz for short, this street is one of the oldest in the city. It houses important monuments, shops, hammams, markets, and mosques. If you want a taste of city life, this is the place to be.

4. Salah El Din Citadel — Located in the Mokattam hills in central Cairo, the Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic-era fortification that impresses all travelers. From the 13th to 19th centuries, this was the seat of Egypt’s government, and it’s still an iconic building today. Pack your camera!

5. Islamic Cairo — Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of the city. Here, you’ll find gorgeous Islamic architecture, mosques, parks, delicious food, and a glimpse into everyday city life.

How to get from Aswan to Cairo

The two main transport types from Aswan to Cairo are bus and train. Here’s what you need to know about each before deciding.

By bus

Buses from Aswan to Cairo take around 14 hours and start from $15 per person. This is the longest route, but also one of the most popular thanks to the affordable prices. 

There’s only one class of bus (Standard Bus), which includes A/C, WC facilities, and individual seats. The bus typically departs in the afternoon and arrives in the early morning. Perfect if you want to sleep for most of the journey and save on a night of accommodation.

By train

Trains from Aswan to Cairo are faster (usually 11 hours) and often have more amenities. 

They’re also much more regular, with four to five trains departing for Cairo per day. However, they’re more expensive, and the cheapest seats start at $54. 

There are different train classes available. Here are the main options:

First-class trains tend to give you more space. If you don’t mind smaller seats and want to pay less, second-class train tickets might be for you. 

About the ride from Aswan to Cairo

The ride from Aswan to Cairo takes around 11 to 14 hours, depending on your chosen mode of transport. 

This route follows the River Nile north towards Cairo. However, this route mainly has highway views rather than scenic river views. Most rides operate at night, so you won’t have great visibility anyway. 

All travelers, including solo and female travelers, are safe on this route. 

The best time to travel from Aswan to Cairo

The best time to plan your trip to Cairo is from October to April. 

These months have warm temperatures but aren’t scorching hot, making exploring more comfortable. Typically, temperatures range from 14 to 23°C (57 to 73°F). 

The coldest month is January, so skip this if you want to travel without your jacket.

Prefer hot weather? From May to September, Cairo sees an average temperature of 27°C/80°F with highs of 34°C/93°F. These months are also busier. Ideal for those who want to experience a bustling city while catching a tan. But it's not so much if you find high temperatures uncomfortable.

How many days should you spend in Cairo?

You need at least two to three days in Cairo, and even then, you’ll only scratch the surface. 

Egypt’s capital is home to a wealth of sights and museums, so you’ll need to spend time wandering around the city. If in doubt, dedicate more time to this destination than other Egyptian cities. 

Where to visit after Cairo?

After exploring the rich history of Cairo, switch things up and explore the wonders of Alexandria. 

This Egyptian port city has Mediterranean vibes and exquisite Greco-Roman landmarks. You can spend your days admiring the coastal views, old-world cafes, and world-famous library. Cairo to Alexandria takes 1.5 hours via train.