Yes, most intercity buses and trains in Egypt can be booked online through official websites, mobile apps, and trusted ticket platforms. You can search routes, choose classes or seat types, pay securely by card or local methods, then travel using an e-ticket or booking code shown on your phone.
Trains: How online booking works
For regular day trains (Cairo–Alexandria, Cairo–Luxor, Cairo–Aswan, etc.), Egyptian National Railways (ENR) allows online booking through its official website and mobile app, with payment by bank cards and local e-payment methods. Passengers usually can book up to around 15 days in advance and a limited number of tickets per day (often 4 tickets per account).
1- ENR official website booking page (desktop/mobile).
2- ENR Android/iOS apps where you can search schedules, choose classes, and store e-tickets on your phone.
3- Tickets can be printed or shown as an e-ticket on your device when boarding, with ID matching the name on the ticket.
At the moment, some ENR online functions are fully available only for Egyptian nationals, while foreigner-specific portals are still being developed, so international visitors often combine online tools with in-person station purchases for certain trains.
Sleeper trains Cairo–Luxor–Aswan
Overnight sleeper trains on the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route are operated by Watania/Abela and have their own online booking systems separate from ENR. Foreign tourists can usually book these sleeper cabins online with international cards, choosing single or double cabins and receiving an electronic confirmation to show on board.
1- Ideal for travelers who want comfort and to save a hotel night between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
2- Offers meals and private cabins, positioned as a more premium, tourist-friendly option.
Train classes and what to expect
When booking online, you will see several train classes, each with different comfort and price levels.
1- First Class A/C: Reserved, padded reclining seats in modern air‑conditioned coaches; a good balance of comfort and cost for long distances.
2- Second Class A/C: Budget‑friendly with simpler seating; fine for most travelers who are price-conscious.
3- Sleeper class (Watania/Abela): Private cabins with beds and meals, ideal for overnight Cairo–Luxor–Aswan journeys.
For short trips or travelers on a tight budget, second class A/C is often enough; for long nighttime journeys or travelers carrying luggage, first class or sleeper is more comfortable.
Buses: Online booking and apps
Intercity buses between Egyptian cities are widely bookable online through company websites and multi-operator platforms.
1- Major bus brands (e.g., Blue Bus, White Bus, regional operators) offer their own apps or web booking with seat selection and e-tickets.
2- Aggregator platforms like Tazcara and some international sites let you compare routes, choose boarding points, and pay by card or local e-payment services (such as Fawry).
3- You receive a digital ticket or booking code to show at boarding, sometimes alongside your ID.
Buses often reach destinations that are less connected by rail and can be the primary option for Red Sea resorts, coastal towns, and certain Upper Egypt routes.
Practical tips for your trip
1- For peak seasons and popular routes (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan, Cairo–Alexandria), try to book as early as the system allows to secure seats and preferred classes.
2- If an online system does not accept your nationality or card, you can usually still check timetables online, then buy tickets in person at main stations or via local agents once in Egypt.