Alexandria to Aswan tickets

About the ride from Alexandria to Aswan

After gazing upon the Mediterranean Sea and ancient Graeco-Roman architecture, you might not want to leave the iconic city of Alexandria. However, more unforgettable experiences await you in Aswan, another Egyptian city on the River Nile's banks.

Known for Nile Valley landscapes, historic archaeological sites, and a relaxed atmosphere, Aswan is worth the long journey south. Here, you can see temples that date back to the 4th century BC with fewer tourist crowds than in Cairo. 

You must travel 1061 km (659 miles) southwards to get from Alexandria to Aswan. This significant route follows the banks of the Nile and takes 15.5 hours by train. Trains are the only option for this route, as cars and minivans would take too long. 

When leaving Alexandria, you'll depart from the Alexandria Train Station and arrive at the Aswan Train Station. Note these locations before you depart to make your onward travel easier. 

Ready to travel to southern Egypt? Sit back, relax, and scroll to find out how to get to Aswan without fuss. 

What to see and do in Aswan 

Whether you have a few days or a full week in Aswan, planning ahead is always helpful. You don't want to waste time researching when you're there!

Five places you need to visit while in the city

1. Nile River Felucca Rides — Aswan is on the River Nile and provides plenty of excellent riverside views. But you don't have to stay on the banks. Felucca (wooden sailboats) rides offer a more immersive experience.

2. Philae Temple — Philae Temple is one of the best-preserved temples from Aswan's Ptolemaic period. On a visit here, you can see how life was over 2,000 years ago. 

3. Nubian Village — A small village on Elephantine Island (in the middle of the Nile), Nubian Village is a small traditional village with plenty of color and tradition. You can explore independently or book organized tours to learn the history from a local.
   
   

4. The Nubian Museum — Take a deep dive into Aswan's history at The Nubian Museum. This educational spot provides information about the Nubians and their culture, which dates back to 7,000 BC. 

5. Qubbet El-Hawa Mosque — Located on top of a sand dune, the Qubbet El-Hawa Mosque is a sight to behold. It's also a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy city views. Save this for an evening activity!

Is Aswan safe at night?

Aswan is considered a safe tourist destination. However, like any big city, you should exercise caution at night — especially if you're a solo or female traveler. Avoid quiet streets and poorly lit areas, and stick to the central tourist areas or hotels.

How to get from Alexandria to Aswan

The main transport option from Alexandria to Aswan is by train. See why below.

By train

Trains from Alexandria to Aswan typically take 15.5 hours. This might seem like an extremely long journey, and you'd be right. But it's your only option due to the geographical distance between the two cities. 

However, it's not an unpleasant experience. 

Trains to Aswan typically leave around 20:00 p.m., meaning you can hunker down and sleep once you've boarded. You'll arrive around midday at your location. Plus, you won't have to pay for accommodation for the night — a win-win for budget travelers. 

There are two types of train tickets on offer. Here's how they differ:

1. First Class Special Express Train — First class tickets are more expensive. These start at $96 per person and provide comfortable wide seats, A/C, WC access, chargers, and one piece of luggage per passenger. 

2. Second Class Special Express Train — Second class tickets are cheaper and cost around $84 per person. These also have comfortable seats, but you may not have as much legroom. You also have A/C, WC access, chargers, and one big piece of luggage per person.

You may need a hard copy of your train ticket and must contact the supplier at least 10 hours before departure. Check your booking T&Cs before you travel.

Bring water and snacks. There's no guarantee of a dining cart or onboard shop. Stock up to ensure you're not hungry on arrival!

About the ride from Alexandria to Aswan

The ride from Alexandria to Aswan follows the path of the River Nile, taking you past other iconic cities on the journey (e.g., Asyut, Sohag, and Luxor). However, the train tracks have limited views, and you'll travel at night. Unless you have night vision goggles, you'll want to catch some ZZZs on this ride.

While the journey from Alexandria to Aswan is comfortable, some travelers like to split it up with a stop in Cairo or Luxor. But you don't have to. 

The route is safe for all, regardless of age or gender. Many tourists travel there daily without problems, and most train staff have basic English skills.

The best time to travel from Alexandria to Aswan

September to May are the best months to travel from Alexandria to Aswan. These months are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 39°C (86°F to 102°F) in March, April, May, September, and October. 

If that's a bit too hot, in January, February, November, and December, the temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F), offering cooler weather. Consider these months if you're not a fan of scorching heat. 

From June to August, the temperature is around 42°C/107°F. This period can be unpleasant, especially if you're not used to desert climates. 

There is no rain all year round. Bring lightweight clothes and lots of SPF to protect yourself from the sun.

Where to visit after Aswan?

If you're fortunate enough to have more time in Egypt after Aswan, consider a stop in Luxor.

It's a few hours north of Aswan and is another ancient city on the River Nile. Prepare to see world-class museums and royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. 

The journey from Aswan to Luxor takes approximately three hours by train.