Latest updates
- Mar 2026 Daily departures confirmed running. Prices updated for 2026 season.
- Oct 2024 Bashtil Station (Upper Egypt Station) replaces Ramses as the departure point for all Cairo sleeper trains.
Cairo to Aswan, the long overnight journey
The overnight sleeper from Cairo to Aswan is the longer of Egypt's two great rail journeys, covering nearly 900 kilometres through the Nile Valley. Board in Cairo after sunset, travel through the night past Luxor, and arrive in Aswan the following morning with the whole day ahead of you.
Aswan is the gateway to Abu Simbel, the Nubian Museum, Philae Temple, and the slow boats to Nubian villages on the Nile. Arriving by sleeper means you step off the train fresh, with a full day ahead of you.
Station update (October 2024): Cairo sleeper trains now depart from Bashtil Station (Upper Egypt Station), not Ramses Station. Please plan your journey accordingly.
Schedule and journey time
The Cairo to Aswan sleeper runs daily. The train passes through Luxor approximately halfway through the journey. Total journey time from Cairo to Aswan is approximately 13 to 15 hours, arriving in Aswan in the morning.
Check live availability for current departure times, which vary by season.
Prices and cabin types
There are two classes of sleeper cabin: Standard Sleeper and Elite Sleeper. Both offer a private, lockable cabin.
| Cabin type | Berth size | Occupancy | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sleeper | Standard berth with fold-out bed | Double or Single | Dinner & breakfast included |
| Elite Sleeper | Wider berth, more headroom | Double or Single | Upgraded dinner & breakfast included |
What's included
- Private lockable cabin with fold-out bed, pillow and blanket
- Dinner served in your cabin in the evening
- Breakfast served in your cabin in the morning
- Shared toilet and washing facilities per carriage
Cairo to Aswan vs Cairo to Luxor, which should you book?
If your Egyptian itinerary includes both Luxor and Aswan, there are two approaches. You can book the Cairo to Aswan train and stop in Luxor on the way back, or book Cairo to Luxor first and take a separate train or bus south to Aswan.
Many travellers book the Cairo to Aswan train going south, spend a few days in Aswan, travel north to Luxor independently, then take the Luxor to Cairo sleeper home. This covers the whole route in both directions.
Departure station in Cairo
Since October 2024, all sleeper trains depart from Bashtil Station in the Imbaba area of Cairo, not Ramses Station. Allow 45 to 60 minutes from central Cairo. Use Uber or Careem and search for "Bashtil Station" or "Upper Egypt Station".
See our full Bashtil Station guide for detailed directions.
Tips for the journey
- Arrive at Bashtil at least 45 minutes before departure
- It's a long journey, bring a book, downloaded films or podcasts
- The cabin is private and lockable, safe for solo travellers
- Bring a light layer, the cabin air conditioning can be cold overnight
- No printing needed, show your ticket PDF on your phone
- The train passes through Luxor in the night, you won't need to change trains