Overnight Sleeper Train in Egypt (Watania Train)

I took the train from Cairo to Aswan. The one that everyone said it's hard to get tickets, I didn't have a hard time getting them online, maybe in person, they might sell out, but I went into the office and asked if they had other seats available and they did.
I wouldn't say this is a "Luxury" train when the other people have said this is 1st class and its so luxurious and its not, its a really fun experience to do in the middle east though, so I would just take it once, I wouldn't take it again.

You will learn:

• How to buy train tickets for this route (Cairo – Aswan)
• The pros and cons of traveling by train in Egypt

When I was planning my trip to Egypt, I kept seeing all these posts about this "1st class train", don't think its first class, you get just a room with 2 beds and it's like a rollercoaster the whole 12 hours of being on the train. It's a great experience to take if you are in Egypt and have time to do it, but I wouldn't suggest going for a second or third time.

I didn't have a hard time purchasing them online, they do not like American Express though, so I would suggest having a visa card to pay for it. It kind of sucks because my Amex is a Delta partner so I get points so I didn't get points but it's okay.

If you arrive early to the train station you could get the sleeper train or you can get the lounging seats, I don't know the experience with the lounging seats but I saw there is a lot of people in that area, and it's supposed to be cheaper than sleeping on the bunk beds.

If you can I would just purchase them online in advance and you don't have to worry about it.

You can get the tickets here.

About Ramses Station in Cairo

Ok, so going through Ramses Station in Cairo is, in itself, an experience.

If you’re unfamiliar with the station, aim to arrive with plenty of time as the station is very large and busy. 

It’s very useful to know that:

• The train departs from Platform 8.
• Ramses Station in Cairo is the first stop on the route.
• If you’ve bought your ticket in advance, you can just go to the platform.
• You need a ticket, I got checked right before I got onto the train.

About the Journey on the Train from Cairo to Luxor

I had tickets for first class with air conditioning in the rooms, but we didn't need it since I went in December and its 50 degree's in the evening. The room is laid with 2 bunk beds that you can push into the wall or if you want to sleep take them out. You have a luggage part at the top, or if you had 2 rooms then you can put all your luggage in your other room you aren't using.

They have toilets, but I would suggest bringing wet wipes because it is super nasty or just don't drink anything and you won't need to pee.

Your food is basically for dinner a roll and chicken with some veggies and a dessert, but it's not amazing just a frozen food section meal. Breakfast has a lot of bread, I got 5 pieces of bread, and that was all. 

This train is 12 hours, so I would come prepared with you very sleepy or else you will be awake during all the hours. It's a very bumpy ride and it stops really fast with bumps while stopping.

Stopping Along the Way

The trains stop at a lot of stations between Cairo and Aswan. At some stations, the train stops for 15-20 minutes. I didn't see a lot of people since we went to the 830 pm train.

General Tips for Travelling in Egypt by Train

Buy your ticket in advance online using the Watania Train here You can purchase your tickets and print them out and not have to worry. You can print your tickets before you get to Egypt so you are prepared.

Arrive at the station early to find the correct platform. 

Bring your own food, baby wipes and drinks with you. 

Be respectful of other passengers. .

Make yourself comfortable