Travellensweb

It is beneficial to know before you go to Egypt - or indeed, to any country you've never visited before - just how you will get around when you arrive there. A little bit of sound research will mean that you are well-equipped to deal with any setbacks, no matter how large or small, nor how unlikely. Naturally, the larger the city the more extensive the public transport options will be. Both Cairo and Alexandria are more than amply covered by public transport options, and most of the smaller towns and cities have regular buses and trains to these two cities.

Driving Yourself Around Egypt

All of the major airports in Egypt have at least one car rental service; usually, more than one company will have an outlet at the airport and it is up to you to see who is offering the best deals for you. If you wish to drive yourself, it is worth remembering two things - firstly, that the road protocol in Egypt may not be what you are used to. Many drivers see their car horn as a means of self-expression so if you are using your horn to alert another driver, you should be quite deliberate about it. Secondly, if you are driving in the desert, take care to stick to the roads as much as possible and ensure you have an emergency kit in case of unforeseen problems. Top up your petrol at every opportunity and pack a good spare tire.

Public Transport Options

While taking public transport does mean you are at the mercy of someone else's timetable and routes, this is not a bad thing per se. Public transport in the cities is very good; although the timetable is not always stuck to religiously, the services are so frequent that missing one bus will not matter unduly. Most buses are air-conditioned, though there are some cheaper, non air-conditioned options. It's your choice which you take, but the more expensive buses still aren't terribly expensive, and seats can be booked two days in advance for longer journeys such as those between cities.

In the main, railway journeys in Egypt are undertaken with the Egyptian State Railway. The railway services the entire Nile Valley and all major locations, and services run at least six times a day on all major routes. Both Cairo and Alexandria, in addition, have their own metro system which covers most of the city and is very inexpensive - the farthest destination on the map will still be less than a pound. The city metro systems run from 5.30am until midnight, making the metro a good way to see a lot of the city at leisure and at a low cost. Compared to the buses, they are also less overcrowded.

Going By Taxi

The taxis in the main cities, and https://www.travellens.co/where-to-stay-in-jeju/ indeed the rest of Egypt, may test your assertiveness. Getting them to stop can be a tricky business, and when you do you have to be on your guard for the fact that some drivers will take advantage of tourists' lack of familiarity by hiking prices. For your own certainty, remember that on an official taxi the price of a journey will be stickered, and the cab should be metered. In some taxis, the meter may not be working; if this is the case, ask the price before setting off. The car number will be listed next to the meter; if your driver is one of the few who is dishonest, you can report them to the police using this number.