The sleeper train is worth it if you want to swap a hotel night for the journey and you sleep reasonably well on the move. The published southbound services leave Giza in the evening, reach Luxor in roughly 9½ to 10 hours and Aswan in roughly 12½ to 13½ hours. If you are short on time or a light sleeper, a domestic flight is the better tool.
Key takeaways
- The sleeper service is run by Abela Trains Services Egypt; the old Watania sleeping-train website now redirects to it.
- Five southbound services are published, all leaving Giza between 19:50 and 21:40.
- Cairo to Luxor takes about 9h25m–10h10m; Cairo to Aswan about 12h25m–13h30m.
- The operator does not publish fares on its website, so any price you see quoted elsewhere is second-hand.
- Smoking is banned in cabins and toilets and allowed only in marked areas of the club car.
The published southbound timetable
| Train | Leaves Giza | Arrives Luxor | Arrives Aswan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 19:50 | 05:15 | 08:15 |
| 1086 | 20:00 | 05:35 | 08:35 |
| 86 | 20:15 | 06:10 | 09:25 |
| 1084 | 21:00 | 06:50 | 09:55 |
| 82 | 21:40 | 07:50 | 11:10 |
Timetables change. Confirm the service on the operator's own site, abelatrains.com, before you plan a day around an arrival time.
Sleeper train or flight?
| Sleeper train | Domestic flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door time | A whole night | A morning or afternoon, including airport time |
| Hotel night | Replaced by the cabin | Still needed |
| Arrival | Early morning, often before hotel check-in | Flexible |
| Rest | Depends on how you sleep on a moving train | Normal night in a bed |
| Best for | Travellers who like the journey itself | Short trips and light sleepers |
We compare the two in detail for the most common route in Cairo to Luxor: flight vs train.
What catches people out
- The early arrival. The 19:50 train reaches Luxor at 05:15. Unless your hotel room is held from the night before, you will be waiting for check-in, so plan a sunrise activity or book the room from the previous night.
- Aswan is a long way. Carrying on to Aswan adds three hours or more. It works as a morning arrival; it does not work if you hoped to see much of Luxor on the way.
- Buying through third parties. Because fares are not published online, resellers fill the gap. Check what you are paying for and who issues the ticket.
Who it suits
Couples and solo travellers on a relaxed schedule tend to enjoy it. Families with small children and anyone who needs a full night's sleep before a long temple day usually do better flying. For every other way of moving between cities, see getting around Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sleeper train leave from Cairo or Giza?
The operator's published southbound services list Giza as the departure station, so check which station your ticket names before you set off.
How much does the sleeper train cost?
The operator does not publish fares on its website. Ask the operator or your tour company for a current quote rather than trusting an old figure online.
Can I do the sleeper train on a tour with you?
Yes — tell us when you plan your trip and we build the train into the itinerary instead of a flight, including a hotel room on arrival. For the flight alternative, see our guide to domestic flights in Egypt.
Reviewed September 2026.