Ways to get to Aswan
Aswan has an airport with the code ASW, a rail connection from Cairo and a Nile cruise route from Luxor. Which one suits you depends on where you start, how much time you have and whether you want to sleep on the way.
Prices and timetables below are examples from published sources, mostly from early 2026. Confirm the departure station, the train number and the date when you book, because they can change.
Cairo to Aswan by sleeper train
The overnight train is the route most people mean by "Cairo to Aswan".
| Train | Departs Cairo Upper Egypt | Giza | Arrives Aswan | Journey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train 86, daily | 19:45 | 20:15 | 09:25 next day | 13 h 40 min |
| Train 82 | 21:10 | 21:40 | 11:10 next day | 14 h |
This timetable comes from an independent rail guide. Check the departure on the day you book, and do not assume Ramses Station as the starting point.
Children aged 4 to 9 are listed at $70, and children under 4 without their own bed travel free. The same source adds a 2.5 percent card surcharge. These are early-2026 guide prices, not confirmed October fares.
Booking the train
Who sells the tickets matters more than the price.
Sleeper operator
The earlier Watania website now redirects to a new site. Abela publishes its own sleeper services and price lists. Use the operator's current pages for the final fare.
State railway portal
The Egyptian National Railways booking page states, in Arabic, that online booking there is for Egyptian citizens only and that booking for other nationalities is being set up. Do not assume you can book there as a visitor.
Day trains
The same rail guide lists Talgo fares of $95 in first class and $90 in second class, and Express fares of $80 and $65, for foreigners and one way (early 2026). Treat them as orientation only.
Tours and transfers in Aswan
Temples, boats and day trips once you arrive, with live prices and availability.
Flying to Aswan
Aswan airport uses the code ASW, and EGYPTAIR Ground Services lists a station there. That does not mean there is a direct international flight to it. Check the airline's schedule for current frequencies, fares and flight times on your date.
From the airport to the hotel
One local transfer provider gives at least about 35 minutes into the city. A private car for 1 to 2 guests costs $32 to hotels on the east bank, with a $15 surcharge for west bank stays (2026, a provider example, no taximeter or public bus fare). The provider includes the permits in that price.
Ask your accommodation whether it arranges the pickup. See where to stay for the east bank and west bank differences.
Luxor to Aswan
The Nile cruise is the main published option between the two cities.
| Direction (2026 season) | Departs | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor to Aswan | Monday | 4 |
| Aswan to Luxor | Friday | 3 |
These are the sail dates of one ship, the Sonesta St. George, not a fixed length for every cruise. Sightseeing is not included in that fare. For cruise planning and for Luxor itself, read the Nile cruise guide and the Luxor transport page.
Edfu and Kom Ombo are separate sights, each with its own ticket. See the Kom Ombo page for prices and hours.
Entry rules and travel advice
Dated statements from official sources, with no overall verdict added.
e-Visa
The government portal lists $30 for a single tourist entry and $65 for multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival. Print the e-visa and carry your travel plan and accommodation details. Older $25 figures are outdated.
Cairo airport procedures
The German Federal Foreign Office describes digital QR codes instead of visa stickers at Cairo airport from 1 September 2026, at $30 plus $6, $36 in total. The UK government names digital visas from 1 August 2026, also at $36, next to physical visas at approved airports for $30. The two sources differ on the start and on the parallel use, so check the current rule for your airport.
Sinai stamp
The limited visa-free entry for Sinai does not cover a stay in Aswan.
UK and German advice
As of 21 October 2026, the UK advice (last changed 4 August 2026) advises against all or all but essential travel to parts of Egypt, including the Libyan border strip, North Sinai, parts of South Sinai and Ismailia, parts of the Western Desert, and Halaib and Bir Tawil. Aswan and Abu Simbel are named exceptions in the Western Desert wording. The German Foreign Office lists a partial travel warning, as of 21 October 2026 and unchanged since 29 September 2026, for North Sinai, certain border areas and the remote Sahara.
US advice
The US State Department lists Level 2, exercise increased caution, issued 15 July 2025. It names no separate level for Aswan or Abu Simbel.
Sudan border
The UK advice calls the situation unclear, with little infrastructure and no visa on arrival at the crossings. Do not plan it as a simple side trip from Abu Simbel.
Read the current advice of your own government before you book.
Getting to Aswan: frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Cairo to Aswan?
The sleeper train 86 is listed at 13 hours 40 minutes from Cairo Upper Egypt, and train 82 at 14 hours. Departure times are 19:45 and 21:10. Check the timetable for your date.
How much is the sleeper train?
An independent rail guide lists $110 per person in a twin cabin and $150 for single use in standard class, one way, in early 2026. The Elite sleeper is $125 or $170. These are not confirmed October prices.
Can I fly to Aswan?
Yes, the airport code is ASW. Check the airline's schedule for current frequencies, fares and flight times on your date.
How do I get from Luxor to Aswan?
By Nile cruise, for example the 2026 sailing of one ship that leaves Luxor on Monday for 4 nights. For planning on the Luxor side, see our sister guide to the Nile cruise.
Do I need a visa for Aswan?
Visitors from Germany, the UK and the US need a visa. The portal lists $30 for a single entry and $65 for multiple entries. The Sinai stamp does not cover Aswan.