Egypt

Egypt's transportation network is surprisingly well-developed, giving you multiple ways to explore from Cairo's bustling streets to Aswan's serene riverbanks. For moving between cities, domestic flights are your fastest option—Cairo to Luxor takes just one hour, while overnight sleeper trains offer a more atmospheric (and budget-friendly) alternative, letting you rest while the Nile Valley rolls past your window.

Within Cairo, the metro is your secret weapon against traffic chaos. Three lines with 84 stations mean you're never far from a station, and at just €0.15–0.20 per ride, it's absurdly affordable. Use Hello's expense tracker to monitor your daily transport costs—you'll be amazed how little you're spending. For point-to-point journeys, Uber and Careem dominate with transparent pricing (downtown to Giza Pyramids costs €5–8) and no language barriers through the app.

To reach the Pyramids, take metro Line 2 to Giza Station, then grab a microbus or Uber for the final 10km—total cost under €6. For longer intercity trips, modern air-conditioned buses connect Cairo to Alexandria (3 hours, €10–15) with Go Bus offering premium comfort and WiFi. Pro tip: Book transport through Hello's trip planning feature to keep your itinerary organized and compare options side-by-side.

Cairo's metro isn't just functional—it's genuinely the fastest way to navigate this sprawling capital. Operating from roughly 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM with trains every 5–10 minutes during peak hours, it connects you to major attractions without the gridlock that makes driving a nightmare.

Line 2 is your tourist MVP, passing through Sadat Station (near Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum) and Khan el-Khalili bazaar, while Line 1 reaches Coptic Cairo's Mar Girgis station. Women-only cars provide extra peace of mind during crowded periods.

For rides between neighborhoods, Uber and Careem offer a refreshing alternative to negotiating fares with traditional white taxis—though metered cabs are reliable too, with typical cross-town fares running 30–80 EGP (roughly $1–2.50). Always carry your destination written in Arabic to show drivers, and keep Hello handy to split transport costs with travel companions if you're sharing rides.

One insider tip: avoid renting a car. Cairo's traffic is legendary for a reason, and parking is nearly impossible. Your feet, the metro, and ride-sharing apps will get you everywhere faster and far less stressfully.

If you have time, overnight trains are Egypt's most romantic transportation option. The Cairo-Luxor-Aswan routes offer comfortable berths and dining services, transforming travel time into part of your adventure rather than just a means to an end. You'll wake up in a new city, refreshed and ready to explore.

Egyptian National Railways connect most major tourist destinations along the Nile Valley, providing both efficiency and stunning scenery. Trains departing Cairo's Ramses Station to Alexandria (2.5–3 hours, €8–12) offer hourly service with better speed and comfort than buses, though buses depart more frequently.

For Red Sea escapes, modern air-conditioned coaches serve Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh (1 hour by flight from Cairo, or 7–8 hours by bus to Dahab for €15–20). Domestic flights with EgyptAir are surprisingly affordable when booked in advance, making them competitive with ground transport for longer distances.

Use Hello's budget tracking to compare costs across options—sometimes a €40 flight saves you 8 hours and hotel costs that offset the price. For multi-leg journeys, the app's trip planning feature helps you coordinate connections seamlessly across different transportation modes.

Egypt's transportation is remarkably affordable, but knowing the real costs helps you budget wisely. Metro rides cost just 5 Egyptian pounds (€0.15), while Uber across Cairo typically runs 30–80 EGP depending on distance. Airport transfers via Budget Bus Line 111 cost only 5 EGP (€0.50), though the 45–75 minute journey requires patience and a final taxi ride to your hotel.

Intercity buses range from €10–15 (Cairo-Alexandria) to €15–20 (Cairo-Dahab), while domestic flights cost considerably more but save significant time. A five-day Cairo stay using the metro for 4–6 daily trips costs just €3–5 total—versus €40–60 if you relied exclusively on taxis or ride-sharing.

Here's the smart traveler's approach: use Hello's expense splitting feature when sharing Ubers with other travelers, and track daily spending in Egyptian pounds to stay aware of your actual costs. Set a daily transport budget and stick to it—the metro and buses make this genuinely possible without sacrificing convenience. Download offline maps before trips to avoid data charges, and consider an eSIM for reliable connectivity to book rides and navigate without roaming fees eating into your budget.