The distance between cities in Egypt

 

Traveling in Egypt: Distances Between Towns

Sure, Egypt is over a thousand kilometers North to South, but it is surprisingly well connected! Whether you’re traveling from the Med to the Red Sea or traveling south down the Nile visiting ancient town to ancient town, knowing the distances between major stops in Egypt can help make your trip go smoothly.

Here’s a break down of distances from major towns and what the travel would look like between them.

Traveling Around Egypt: Distances Between Cities

Though Egypt extends over a thousand kilometers from north to south, it is remarkably well connected. Knowing the distances between key destinations in Egypt can assist you in smoothly traversing this expansive land, whether you are traveling from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea or passing south on the Nile through ancient cities.

Here is a comprehensive list of distances from one larger city to another and what modes of travel would be like from one to the other.

Cairo to Alexandria

Distance: Approx. 220 kilometers (137 miles)
Travel: 2.5 to 3 hours by car or train

The road to Alexandria is one of the most common and easiest routes to take. As the second largest city of Egypt and the cultural hub of the coastal cities, Alexandria is accessible for a day or weekend trip from Cairo. The road is smooth, and there are trains from Ramses Station in Cairo at regular intervals throughout the day.

Cairo to Luxor

Distance: Approx. 650 kilometers (404 miles)
Travel: 9–10 hours by train or 1 hour by plane

Traveling to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple district, is a walk through history. Most visitors traveling from Cairo either take a night train (that has sleeper cabins) or fly, which is typically cheaper and quicker than taking the train.

Cairo to Aswan

Distance: Approximately 880 kilometers (547 miles)

Travel Time: 13–14 hours by train, 1.5 hours by plane

Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost large city and a hub of Nubian culture and the temples of Abu Simbel. It’s often reached from Luxor by train or on a Nile Cruise. From Cairo, flying is by far the fastest and most comfortable way to get there.

Cairo to Hurghada

Distance: About 450 kilometers (280 miles)

Travel Time: 5–6 hours driving by car or bus, 1 hour by plane

Hurghada, on the Red Sea Coast, is often considered Cairo’s best beach and diving destination in Egypt. Even though there is long drive from Cairo to Hurghada, it is direct and sometimes scenic. There are regular flights from Cairo to Hurghada and they are quick and easy. Check our day tours offers!

Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh

Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles)
Travel Time: 6–8 hours by road, 1 hour by air

Sharm El Sheikh is on the Sinai Peninsula, but is fairly easy to get to from Cairo, mostly by air. While the overland route involves crossing the Suez Canal and driving through desert highways, flying is faster and by far the more popular journey to Sharm. Check our day tours offers!

Luxor to Aswan

Distance: Approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles)
Travel Time: 3–4 hours by train, 4 days by cruise

This stretch along the Nile is possibly the most popular in all of Egypt. Many travelers prefer the slow Nile cruise to the temples along the river as well as the rural life to engage in the scenery, but of course one can access this journey by train or bus as well, which are both accessible and fast.

Luxor to Hurghada

Distance: Approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles)
Travel Time: 4–5 hours by road

This route connects the ancient heart of Egypt with the modern ocean-side resorts of the country. This is a nice scenic road through desert hills and canyons. Buses and private cars are the options of choice for this journey, with some tour companies providing organised transfers.

Aswan to Abu Simbel

How far: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
Travel Time: 3–4 hours by car or bus, 45 minutes by plane

Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most magnificent temples, but as it is not so close, most visitors typically arrive in early morning convoys or buses out of Aswan, with limited flights available for those on a tighter schedule.

Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh

How far: Roughly 300 km (186 miles)
Travel Time: 4–5 hours by car

This scenic drive along Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coastline goes past quiet beaches and stunning turquoise water. It is a popular summer getaway for locals and a fast-growing destination as travelers look for things beyond a standard tourist trip.

Getting Around: Suggestions for Travelers

• Trains: Egypt has a decent train network covering the Nile Valley. Night trains are popular and comfortable alternatives that run between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
• Flights: Domestic flights in Egypt offer reasonable pricing, and can save you quite a few hours of travel. Flights may be especially convenient for long distances.
• Buses and Cars: Long-distance buses also offer a low-cost, well-established way to travel around the country. Companies like Go Bus and Blue Bus provide comfortable long-distance services.
• Private Transfers: If flexibility and comfort are key considerations for you, you can easily find a private driver, or taxi, almost anywhere in Egypt. Plus, if you are travelling as a group — it will be affordable too!

Final Thoughts

Although Egypt is a big country, travelling around is easier than you might think, especially between its historic cities, desert towns, and coastal resorts. Whether you are flying above the Nile, sailing down it, or travelling by land on desert highways, the distances made between cities become part of the adventure. Each of these journeys will take you through landscapes as diverse as the history that surrounds them and travelling at a slow pace means you can listen to the land, road, or river, tell its story. Check our special offers in Egypt Trips Package!