What is Bashtil Station?
Bashtil Station, officially known as Upper Egypt Station, is the departure point in Cairo for all overnight sleeper trains to Luxor and Aswan. It is located in the Imbaba area on the west bank of the Nile in Cairo.
In October 2024, Egypt Railways moved all sleeper train departures from the famous Ramses Station (in central Cairo) to Bashtil. Despite this change, the vast majority of travel guides and booking websites still direct travellers to Ramses Station.
Don't go to Ramses Station. If you go to Ramses expecting to board a sleeper train to Luxor or Aswan, you will miss your train. All sleeper departures are now from Bashtil Station.
Where is Bashtil Station?
Bashtil Station is located in the Imbaba district, on the west side of Cairo, approximately 8–12 kilometres from central Cairo and the main tourist areas such as Zamalek, Downtown and Garden City.
Open in Google Maps to get directions from where you are.
How to get to Bashtil Station
Uber or Careem (recommended)
The easiest way to reach Bashtil Station is by Uber or Careem. Search for "Bashtil Station" or "Upper Egypt Station". Both apps work well in Cairo and are the most reliable way to ensure you arrive at the correct station.
Open Uber or Careem
Both apps are widely used in Cairo. Make sure you have one installed and your account set up before you travel.
Search for "Bashtil Station" or "Upper Egypt Station"
Type either name into the destination field. The station should appear as a recognised location.
Allow plenty of time
Cairo traffic can be heavy, especially in the evenings when most sleeper trains depart. Allow at least 60 minutes from central Cairo, more during rush hour.
Arrive 45 minutes before departure
Allow time to find your platform, show your ticket at the entrance gate, and get settled in your cabin before the train departs.
By taxi
Regular taxis can also take you to Bashtil Station. Use Google Maps on your phone and search for Bashtil Station or Upper Egypt Station, show the driver your phone. Agree a price before getting in or use the meter.
What to expect to pay
Uber and Careem give you the price before you book, so there is nothing to negotiate. Rough UberX fares:
| From | Fare | Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown, Zamalek or Garden City | EGP 80 to 150 | about £1.20 to £2.20 |
| Giza pyramids area | EGP 100 to 200 | about £1.50 to £3 |
| Cairo Airport | EGP 250 to 400 | about £3.60 to £5.70 |
Fares rise between 5pm and 8pm when demand peaks, which is when most sleeper trains depart. A street taxi for the same journey is usually quoted at EGP 150 to 250 from central Cairo and EGP 400 to 600 from the airport. Agree the price before you get in and have the exact cash ready.
Trains Egypt transfers coming soon. A driver who knows the station, a fixed price and picks you from the hotel.
By metro
There is no metro station at Bashtil. The nearest Line 3 stops, Tawfikia and Wadi El Nile on the Cairo University branch, are a short taxi or Uber ride away rather than a walk, so metro then Uber works if you are travelling light. With luggage, book an Uber from your hotel door. A monorail stop for the station is under construction.
Book your train from Bashtil
Search live departures from Bashtil Station to Luxor or Aswan, choose your cabin and pay securely.
Search trains →Travelling to Aswan instead? Search Cairo to Aswan
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Travel times from key Cairo areas
- Downtown Cairo / Tahrir Square: 30–50 minutes
- Zamalek: 25–45 minutes
- Garden City: 35–55 minutes
- Giza / Pyramids area: 40–60 minutes
- Cairo International Airport: 45–70 minutes
Always add extra time during evening rush hour (5pm–8pm), which coincides with most sleeper train departures.
What to expect at the station
Inside the station
Bashtil is a large, modern, air-conditioned station.
At the entrance. Bags go through an X-ray scanner, which takes seconds. Shoes and belts stay on.
Inside. Walk straight ahead into the glass pyramid hall. The ticket office and a large waiting area are beyond it, so arriving early is fine, and sleeper trains are often on the platform well before departure.
Food and water. There is a cafe and a mini-market down the passageway on the left after the glass pyramid, and a second mini-market next to the gates to the sleeper platform. Worth a stop for water and snacks for the journey.
- Show your ticket (PDF on phone) and the passport you booked with at the entrance gate. Staff will check your name and let you through.
- Once inside, look for the departure boards or ask any member of staff to point you to your platform
- Find your coach number on your ticket, printed on the booking confirmation
- Walk along the platform until you find your coach. If you start at the wrong end, it's a short walk, don't worry
- Your cabin attendant will be at the carriage door, will show you to your cabin, and will take your meal order shortly after departure
- Trains generally depart on time, don't cut it close
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use Ramses Station for any trains?
Ramses Station still handles some daytime regional trains, but all overnight sleeper trains to Luxor and Aswan now depart from Bashtil. Do not go to Ramses for a sleeper.
Is there somewhere to eat near Bashtil Station?
There are local food vendors and small cafes near the station. Meals are served on board the train, dinner in the evening and breakfast in the morning, so you don't need to eat before you board.
Is it safe to travel to Bashtil Station at night?
Yes. Uber and Careem are safe and well-lit. The station itself is staffed and busy with travellers. Imbaba is a busy residential area and perfectly safe to pass through at night.
Can I leave luggage at Bashtil Station?
There is no left-luggage office at Bashtil, so keep your bags with you. Luggage travels with you in your cabin, and there is space under the beds and on the racks.
What if I arrive late?
Sleeper trains leave on time. Arrive 45 minutes before departure, and allow at least 60 minutes from central Cairo, more between 5pm and 8pm.
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Book your train from Bashtil
Search live departures from Bashtil Station to Luxor or Aswan, choose your cabin and pay securely.
Search trains →Travelling to Aswan instead? Search Cairo to Aswan
Every booking protected by our full refund guarantee