Train

The Egyptian railway system serves almost all major towns and points of interest in the country. First- and second-class trains are relatively comfortable and surprisingly inexpensive. They are also one of the most popular means of transport, hence the long lines and crowded cars. Trains are probably the best option for longdistance travel. For shorter distances, other forms of transportation-particularly service taxis-are much faster and more reliable.

The government has hesitated to advertise its train system to tourists because there’s barely enough room for Egyptians. Schedules and signs in the anarchic train stations are never in English. The Roman numerals on the trains indicate their class, and fellow passengers are generally helpful in directing you to the correct ticket windows and platforms. Ask at any major station for the invaluable 40-page English version of the Egyptian Railways Timetable (LEI). Of course, it is not at all unusual for a train to come an hour and a half late, while times and prices change constantly.