Best Ways: How to Get from Cairo to Aswan

Are you looking for the best ways to get from Cairo to Aswan? Aswan is an unmissable destination in Egypt, so don’t miss it on your Egypt Itinerary. It is the best base for day trips to the Abu Simbel Temples and Nubian Village.

Getting to Aswan may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Aswan by train, bus, taxi, or plane. But for the best experience, join a multi-day Nile Cruise from Cairo.

In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Cairo to Aswan, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a taxi or train ticket costs.

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Cairo to Aswan Distance

The distance between Aswan and Cairo is about 870 km, which is 10-13 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a plane or bus ticket will cost.

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Book the Abu Simbel Temples day trip from Aswan via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Cairo to Aswan by Flight

The easiest and fastest way to get to Aswan is by plane. EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and Nile Air operate several daily flights from Cairo International Airport (airport code CAI) to Aswan International Airport (airport code ASW).

The flight takes just 1.5 hours. The plane tickets cost between 35 and 130 USD (without luggage) per person for one way. In high season, flight tickets can be even more expensive.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Aswan, Egypt.

Cairo Airport to Aswan by Taxi, Private Transfer

The most expensive way to get to Aswan is by taxi. The journey takes 10.5-11 hours, depending on traffic.

The taxi cost from the airport to Aswan starts from 445 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.

Book your taxi online.

Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Aswan starting from 743 USD, and 7 pax are allowed.

Cairo to Aswan Cruise

Are you spending limited time in Egypt but want to make the most of your visit? For the ultimate experience, book a 3-day or 4-day Nile Cruise with a Hot Air Balloon and Flights.

The tour price includes the pick-up, drop-off, flight tickets (departure & return), transportation, an English-speaking guide, an unforgettable hot air balloon ride in Luxor, horse carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, and accommodation for 3 nights on a 5-star cruise with full board.

Book the best Nile Cruise via GetYourGuide.

Alternatively, if you are spending more time in Egypt and don’t want to worry about how to get from one place to another, book this excellent private 7-night tour with Nile Cruise and flights.

Cairo to Aswan by Train

The most comfortable way to get to Aswan is by sleeper train. You can get from Cairo Airport to Ramses Railway Station in around 30-45 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

We recommend you arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur around the railway station.

Good to know
Uber and metro are available in Cairo.

We found traveling by train in Egypt comfortable and safe. Each private sleeping cabin has bunk beds, a sink with soap, a plug socket, a bin, and tray tables. The beds are comfortable with pillows and blankets. The private sleeping cabin train ticket includes dinner, breakfast, and a coffee or tea in the morning.

As the cabins are air-conditioned, pack warm clothes! The train tickets start from 56 USD, depending on the type of train.

Get train tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

The train journey to Aswan takes 11-13 hours. It’s good to know that trains are often delayed so train journey time can take up to 15 hours.

Cairo to Aswan Train Timetable

The trains run several times a day from 00:20 to 23:15.

00:20-13:20
08:00-19:00
08:15-18:25
10:00-23:00
12:00-01:00
17:15-04:15
17:30-03:40
19:00-07:00
19:20-08:20 *
19:45-08:45 *
21:00-08:00
21:10-10:10 *
21:15-07:25
21:25-10:25
22:00-11:00
23:00-10:00
23:15-09:25

* Private Sleeping Cabin Train. Train schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable HERE.

From Aswan railway station you can reach the city center in a 10-15 minute walk or taxi.

Cairo to Aswan By Bus

The cheapest way to reach Aswan is by bus. But buses depart only twice a day, at 17:30 and 20:30. Therefore, we recommend buying your bus ticket in advance (especially in high season).

Most buses depart from Golden Horse Ahmed Helmy station and arrive at the Aswan bus stop. We recommend arriving at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.

The travel time is approximately 10 hours, depending on traffic. The bus tickets start from 15 USD.

Buy your bus tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

The Aswan bus station is located 5 km from the city center. After arrival, take a taxi, and you can get to the city center in about 10-15 minutes.

TIP
Join this top-rated 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, including Abu Simbel and a Hot Air Balloon ride.

Where to Stay in Aswan

Aswan has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Aswan, Egypt

Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Mid-Range: Basma Hotel Aswan or Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan
Budget: The Mango Guest House

more hotels in aswan

More Travel Guides about Egypt

We hope our post on how to get from Cairo to Aswan will help you plan your next trip to Egypt. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

Best Ways: How to Get from Cairo to Aswan