About the ride from Aswan to Giza
After experiencing some of Egyptâs iconic temples in Aswan, prepare to embark on a journey as you encounter the worldâs most beautiful pyramids in Giza.
The primary way to get from Aswan to Giza is by train. The trip is a bit lengthy but at the same time relaxing. Separated by 902 km (560 miles), it takes approximately 10-14 hours to make the connection.Â
You can travel in the morning and grab a window seat so you can admire the desert landscape along the way. You can also travel at night and get some sleep before a busy day of experiencing some of Gizaâs most famous monuments and pyramids.
There are many departures per week from Aswan to Giza, but if you want a specific seat and time, purchasing a ticket in advance is a good idea. Just keep in mind that tickets are not refundable.
What is the trip from Aswan to Giza like?
Since you will be going by train, you will be headed straight north along the tracks, passing through cities like Luxor and Nag Hammadi.Â
You will want to have your camera out as the train passes along and over the Nile River, the worldâs longest.
You will also pass through the Eastern Desert, coming across plenty of sand and rural areas as you approach Giza.Â
What is Giza like?
Want to know what itâs like to be surrounded by desert? You will definitely have that feeling in Giza. The city is surrounded by lots of sand, along with a selection of pyramids, monuments, statues, and temples.Â
Much of Giza is thousands of years old, making you feel like youâre part of history when walking around or perhaps riding camels. Yes, thatâs how some people get around.
While the desert can feel wide open, it can also feel a bit crowded around popular tourist attractions like the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. The city center is loud and noisy, while the rural areas are much more wide open.
Six things to do in Giza
See the Great Sphinx: If youâve always wanted to see the famous Great Sphinx up close, youâll get your wish when you travel to Giza. The Great Sphinx of Giza stands 20 meters (66 feet tall) and symbolizes strength, power, and wisdom, according to historians. Don't forget your selfie with this fascinating limestone statue of a humanâs head and a lionâs body.
Experience the Great Pyramid: The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the seven wonders of the world (and last standing) and a bucket-list item for sure. Constructed in 2570 B.C., it has stood the test of time and is the tallest and largest of all the Giza pyramids. Take a tour to guide you through some incredible tunnels and chambers inside the pyramid.
Tour the Egyptian Museum: If you want to learn more about the history behind the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and other historical pyramids and monuments in the city, head over to the Egyptian Museum. Situated in Tahrir Square, youâll find some of Egyptâs most famous and historic relics in this museum.
Visit Danshur: The perfect place to escape the chaos and crowds flocking to the Great Pyramid of Giza is Dahshur, only 43 km (26 miles) from Giza. In the middle of the desert, you'll find the iconic Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, built 4,500 years ago.
See the other Egyptian pyramids: While the Great Pyramid may be the main attraction, there are some others to see up close with fewer crowds in the way. The Pyramid of Khafre, while overshadowed by the Great Pyramid, is Gizaâs second tallest pyramid, standing at 136 meters high (446 feet). Additionally, the Pyramid of Djoser, also known as Step Pyramid, is the worldâs oldest stone monument, going back to 2650 B.C.
Go on a movie tour: Giza was used in many famous films, such as Independence Day, The Ten Commandments, The Amazing Race, and The Gods of Egypt. Sign up for a movie tour, which will take you to the locations of some of these famous films.
Transportation from Aswan to Giza
There are two ways to get from Aswan to Giza: by train or bus.Â
With a train, you can pay a little more for comfort and go first class, or save a few dollars and go second class.Â
You can also save some money by taking a bus. However, there is just one departure per day, and it takes 14 hours to connect. Conversely, trains take between 9 and 13 hours to get from Aswan to Giza.Â
Going to Giza by train
All trains leave the Aswan Train Station and arrive at either the Cairo Train Station or Giza Train Station. Cairo is just 16 km (10 mi) from Giza, so you can hop on a bus or take a shared vehicle to transfer you over. These are regularly available from the Cairo station.
All trains include A/C, bathrooms, a charger, and reclining seats. Luggage requirements vary, but all trains allow at least one bag per passenger.
The more you pay for train tickets, the more comfortable your seats will be. Second-class seats start around $49; first class starts at $60.Â
If you choose a sleeping cabin, youâll get a room with fold-down tables and beds, blankets and pillows and a private cabin. Those start around $110.
Trains take from 9-13 hours, depending on which train you choose.
Going to Giza by bus
There is one daily bus that connects you from Aswan to Giza. The bus leaves from Aswan Bus stop at 16:00 and arrives at Golden Horse Ahmed Helmy Station the next day at 06:00.
Some of the amenities include:
Prices start at $20
A/CÂ
WC
One 20 kg bag per passenger
No cancellation or changes after the ticket purchase
When is the best time to visit Giza?
If youâre looking to travel to Giza when the temperatures are the most comfortable, then booking a trip from November to March is your best option. This time of year experiences a small amount of rain with dry conditions and cooler temperatures. Bring a jacket as the winter months see temperatures in the 15°C to 25°C (60s°F and 70s°F).
The winter is also peak travel season, so be aware. If youâre seeking to avoid the crowds while the weather is perfect, try to go during the shoulder months of November and March.
If you like the heat and humidity, then go during the summer.Â
Between May and September, you will definitely feel like youâre in the desert with daytime highs in the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F). However, thereâs hardly any rain during the summer, and in May and September, there are very few crowds.