Bashtil Station
Bashtil Station also 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 district on the west side of Cairo.
The station opened in October 2024 and is modern, well-staffed and easy to navigate. There are clear signs in English and the entrance process is straightforward show your ticket at the gate and staff will direct you to your platform.
How to get there: Use Uber or Careem and search for Bashtil Station or Upper Egypt Station. Both apps work well in Cairo. Allow at least 60 minutes from central Cairo more during evening rush hour (5pm–8pm), which is when most sleeper trains depart.
By taxi: Show the driver your phone with Google Maps open, searching for Bashtil Station or Upper Egypt Station. Agree a price before you get in.
30–50 min
25–45 min
40–60 min
45–70 min
At the station: Show your ticket PDF on your phone at the entrance gate. Staff will check your name and direct you to the correct platform. Find your carriage number on your booking confirmation, your cabin attendant will greet you at the door and show you to your cabin.
Once you're inside: Look for the departure boards or ask any member of staff, they are used to helping international travellers. Walk along the platform until you find your carriage number. Don't worry if you start at the wrong end; it's a short walk and staff will point you in the right direction. Your cabin attendant will be waiting at the carriage door.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure
- The station has a ticket office, waiting area and basic food vendors
- No printing needed your phone ticket is accepted
- Trains generally depart on time, so allow plenty of time to reach the station
- There are no left luggage facilities at Bashtil, so keep all your bags with you on the platform and on board
Luxor Station
Luxor Station sits right in the heart of the city, a short walk or taxi ride from the main tourist areas, the Nile corniche, and the East Bank temples. It's one of the most conveniently located train stations in Egypt you step off the sleeper and you're already in Luxor.
The station is well-organised for tourists, with a clear entrance and exit process. Staff are accustomed to international travellers and the arrivals area is easy to navigate.
Arriving from Cairo: The sleeper train arrives in the morning, typically between 6am and 9am. You will step off onto the main platform and exit through the station concourse. Taxis and calèches (horse-drawn carriages) wait outside agree a price before you get in. Most hotels are within 10–15 minutes.
Departing from Luxor: If you are taking the sleeper train back to Cairo, or onwards to Aswan, arrive at Luxor Station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The station is straightforward show your ticket at the entrance gate.
- The station is walking distance from Luxor Temple and the corniche
- Taxis outside the station agree a price before getting in
- There is a small waiting area and basic food inside the station
- For onwards travel to Aswan, you can board at Luxor check your ticket
Aswan Station
Aswan Station is the southern terminus of the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan sleeper route. It is located in the centre of Aswan, close to the Nile corniche and a short distance from the main hotels and the ferry to Elephantine Island.
Aswan is a smaller, more relaxed city than Luxor or Cairo, and the station reflects that it is easy to navigate and far less busy. Arriving in Aswan by sleeper in the morning is one of the most pleasant ways to start a trip in Upper Egypt.
Arriving from Cairo: The sleeper arrives in the morning, typically between 8am and 11am. The station exits directly onto a main road where taxis wait. Most hotels are within 10–20 minutes. The corniche and Nile-facing restaurants are a short walk.
Departing from Aswan: Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The station is compact and easy to navigate. Show your ticket at the entrance gate and staff will direct you to your platform.
- Aswan is quieter than Cairo the journey from the station is very relaxed
- Taxis and tuk-tuks wait outside the station
- The corniche is walkable from the station in about 15 minutes
- For Abu Simbel, arrange a tour from your hotel not from the station
- Return journey booking coming soon. When available, book both legs together and save 5%.
