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 | Refurbished 2025 interior, new bedding | Double or Single | 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.
What is the Egypt sleeper train really like?
Aswan is the longest of the overnight routes, so the cabin becomes your room for the evening and most of the night. It is compact, private and lockable. Dinner is served after departure and breakfast before arrival. Two cabin classes run on the same train: Standard and Elite.
Honest advice. Because this journey is longer, keep overnight essentials, medication, chargers, water and a light layer within easy reach. The cabin gets cold at night. Power sockets and Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed on every carriage, so charge devices before boarding. Returning north later? See the Aswan to Cairo sleeper train guide, and if the operator name is confusing, read Watania or Abela.
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".
Leave Cairo with the essentials sorted
Your phone will help you get to Bashtil, keep your ticket accessible and find your way when you arrive in Aswan the next morning.
Your usual SIM may work in Egypt, but international roaming can be expensive. Sort your data before you travel so you know what you're paying and your phone is ready when you need it.
Get connected before you travel →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
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cairo to Aswan sleeper train take?
Approximately 13 to 15 hours. It is the longest of the overnight routes. The train leaves Cairo in the evening and arrives in Aswan the following morning, passing through Luxor roughly halfway through the journey.
Does the Cairo to Aswan train stop in Luxor?
Yes. Luxor sits about halfway along the route and the train calls there in the early morning before continuing south. If Luxor is your destination, book the Cairo to Luxor journey rather than travelling on to Aswan.
Which station in Cairo does the Aswan sleeper train leave from?
Bashtil Station, also called Upper Egypt Station, in north west Cairo. It is not Ramses. Arrive 45 minutes before departure and allow at least 60 minutes to get there from central Cairo, more in evening traffic. Our Bashtil Station guide has the full walkthrough.
Should I book Cairo to Aswan or Cairo to Luxor first?
If your trip includes both, a common approach is to take the sleeper all the way south to Aswan, spend a few days there, then travel north to Luxor independently and take the Luxor to Cairo sleeper home. That covers the whole route in both directions without repeating any of it.
Are meals included on the Cairo to Aswan sleeper train?
Yes. Dinner is served in your cabin after departure and breakfast is served before you arrive in Aswan. Both are included for Standard and Elite cabins, and you choose your meal when you book.
How far in advance should I book Cairo to Aswan?
As early as you can. Any date can be booked today and your cabin is secured as soon as you pay. December and January are the busiest months, so book those further ahead. See how far in advance to book for the quieter months.