14 HOURS on an Egyptian DELUXE sleeper train: Ernst Watania Cairo-Luxor-Aswan
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- Egypt's incredible sleeper train leaves from Cairo Ramses station and heads via Luxor to Aswan - this amazing trip down the Nile uses Communist-Era East German deluxe sleeper cars and it is quite the experience! Operated by Ernst Watania, this is an unmissable bucket list item for the real enthusiast, and is one to tick off even if you just fancy a change from flying.
This is one incredible trip, and you’ll see everything from the onboard meals, the club car, and sleeping accommodation, and find out exactly what it’s like to travel on this iconic train to some of Egypt’s hottest tourist destinations. So join me for this long trip down the Nile, from Cairo to Aswan in the south. Our trip is 889 kilometres and it’ll take nearly 14 hours to complete the trip. Welcome aboard Egypt’s best train!
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0:00 Intro
1:15 Cairo Ramses Station
3:11 Our sleeper train consist
4:11 Boarding
5:34 Departing Cairo Ramses
6:32 Room tour of the deluxe sleeper
9:01 Dinner is served!
10:22 Club car (smoking car!)
11:55 Bed time
12:37 Luxor, Egypt
13:25 Exploring the staff sleeper (?)
13:50 Riding the Nile railway - and breakfast
14:33 History lesson!
16:00 Some extra thoughts on the sleeper
16:29 BOOKING YOUR TICKET!
17:49 Aswan, thanks and conclusions
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Apart from the fact that I've tried this trip myself and pretty much share with you the same experience, I'd like to point out that you have a great deal of a nice and decent way to describe what many would find challenging to accept. I salute you for that Paul. You are one worth following respectful youtuber.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Just started watching. Have been on Egypt n Malay trains. Brief reacquaint with Tea. Not a fan, coffee. Like Paul, love Egyptians, country that I would always be happy to re-visit.
Rather you than me Paul. Didn’t look that pleasant tbh. Appreciate you taking one for the channel tho 🙂
This seems like a blast lol- if all travel was cushy it’d be no fun.
Thanks from Sydney, first time i have seen a review of the train journey . I love your plain speaking . The best reviews come from those who pay their own way .
Welcome in Egypt. as a Egyptian citizen not visit Aswan before.Will wait your video 😊 . Have fun &be careful.
Thanks! 😃
I took this train when I was on a tour of Egypt back in 2022, except I took it from the Giza station which was significantly more crowded and a bit shady. Was traveling with a group of people from around the world, it was an especially fun night when we took it in reverse from Luxor back to Cairo to end the trip. However I'll never forget how dirty the bathrooms were... yikes.
And word of advice to anyone traveling to Egypt: Egypt is mostly cash-only, so be sure to have your ATM card with you, and most places that do take credit cards don't take Discover or American Express (and when I say most I mean like, everything that isn't the Cairo airport or a luxury hotel/cruise ship). Additionally, bring exact change. It did not seem like giving change was standard practice almost anywhere.
Did this journey back in 1977, before the deluxe German carriages took over. I remember there was a dining car and the first course was soup, not easy to consume in swaying railway carriages. We had the first sitting and tablecloths weren't changed between sittings. On the return we got derailed, I forget how
All in all memorable. I'd love to do it again sometime.
I took the train in 2011 with my wife, a few months after the 'Arab Spring' overthrow of the Egyptian government. We were intending to go as far as Luxor. We didn't make it all the way though, due to some rebels blowing up the track - or so we were informed later. At the time, nobody seemed to know what was the cause of the delay. What I know for certain is that we awoke early to find the train halted at a small station, and after a while we found out from train staff that they weren't expecting to get any further. As the sun rose in the sky we were getting hotter, and the conditions were not great, without going into too many details. The armed guards on the train were showing signs of stress, and some of the non-Egyptian passengers too. I got on the phone to the Cairo travel agents who had put together our itinerary, and they found out from news sources that there had been some dissident attack on the tracks. They offered to send a driver to get us away from the area, and I asked them if they could get buses for all the other passengers who wanted to leave. These eventually arrived, and we had a hot, tense and dusty drive through areas that were prohibited for travellers, accompanied by pick-up trucks full of teenage gun-toting guards. The drivers of these trucks seemed to like suicidal overtaking manoeuvres in the face of oncoming traffic on the single-carriageway desert road. The passengers were all pretty anxious - especially the Egyptians, who appeared to know more about the situation than the tourists. There were many heated conversations with the driver, and during the hours of the journey one or two characters emerged as leaders, to whom the rest of us turned for information, and who negotiated with the driver to push him onward. The problem was that we were going to hit a curfew, and possibly stop in an area that would not have enough accommodation for the passengers. At one halt to refuel, we were buzzed repeatedly by a couple of pickup trucks with characters who did not look happy to see us, so we were all keen to get permission to bust the curfew and get out the other side. Eventually the drivers, some of the Egyptian 'spokesmen' for the passengers, and the police reached an agreement to let us do that. We finally arrived in Luxor late at night and made our way to the most delightful small family house/hotel on the other side of the Nile. And from there, we carried on via a dahabiyya to Aswan.
Given all that excitement, I don't remember too much about the train itself! I suppose it wasn't up to Orient Express standards but you don't take trains in Egypt expecting that. Egypt is the most magnificent country to visit, and I'd love to return.
I’ve taken this train from Luxor to Cairo. 20 years ago. The option for bed wasn’t there and so spent an uncomfortable night sitting on the train. The boat from Luxor to Aswan was an absolute pleasure. 😊
Nice to see this video. I remember being on this train ages ago and it’s so much fun! There’s nothing like a train headed to Southern Egypt.
I took this train route in the late 80s and it actually was luxury! Was told I should take the tourist train and it was modern inside and clean. I was backpacking and found it to be a bit of luxury. Oh my how it has changed for the worse in 40years! Still it is a fantastic country to visit.
I took this train in 1980....holy moly!! I paid $30 and had a fun time. Five star hotels back then were $30 a night. Pyramids, King Tut, and many other tourist attractions were free. I ended up living in Egypt for 6 years. What a trip 😎
It was brand new at that time
Congrats
I did this the opposite way in 1987. The air con failed in our carriage so it was a little warm with the sun streaming in through windows we couldnt open. Great memories of the journey and route though. That staff toilet reminded me of my train from Varanasi to Delhi on Indian railways. TBH the breeze coming up from the track whilst I was sat there was very welcome at the time.
What an amazing trip. I think you're correct with keeping expectations about the upkeep of the train due to it's age but that's all part of the charm.
Ooooh, Egyptian 66s ❤️
Why am I not surprised to see your comment 😂 Have you and Adam done this sleeper?
@@jamesbartlett5640 Nope!
Brings back fond memories of doing this trip on a day train and then back on a Nile cruise. Would love to do it again, that scenery is timeless! Thanks for a great video!
Thanks! I would love to do a cruise next time...!
Love your rail vlogs Paul, high quality as always thankyou
What a fantastic trip - managing expectations is the key in Egypt 😊. I traveled between Cairo and Luxor by air - missed so much you got to see 😊. Can’t wait to go back 😊
Great trip report Paul!
Ah, the infamous Borio biscuits. Brings back memories.
Took the sleeper train round trip in 2010 from Cairo to Luxor. It was expensive then too, and I was expecting something out of an Agatha Christie movie. When I saw the reality, especially the Lounge car, I couldn't believe it. The sleeper compartment was pretty similar. But even with the disappointment from having high expectations from the Agatha Christie movie, looking out the window (even at night along the Nile) was still fascinating) Your excellent informative video definitely brought back memories.
Great trip. Finally a full trip from Cairo to Aswan.
hello Paul, in 1998 I also drove this train. Our travel organization went for basic and we had to travel in "economy". There were chickens and goats running through the compartment and the toilet was unusable after 2 hours. further a beautiful train journey towards Aswan with the beautiful Aswan Dam as the end point. PS: I really enjoy watching your videos. Regards Dion
Train for sure 👍😎
Great video Paul..makes a nice change from yet another report from an airport lounge and a business class flight.
I'm a big aviation geek, but also enjoy these train reviews. Keep it up!!
Nice video of a scenic train journey. Thanks Paul 😀💚
I took this train to Upper Egypt ending in Luxor sometime in early 90's. The club car was fun and served alcohol. We visited the Valley of the Kings and the Queens plus the two temples in Luxor. Best trip of my 45 years as a travel advisor.
I particularly enjoyed this review and attention to details. The views rural views on the south end of the trip was equally pleasing! Cheers!
Great vlog as always! I think I am too old to be on trains like that, but you never know. Keep up the good work. Be safe!
Paul--fascinating video. well-paced and informative. would choose train over flying. nice views along the Nile, too. cheers
Not the best but good for an adventure. Yes, I would take the journey. Great job Paul!
I'd travel on that train 😊
I want to go to Egypt and love trains but I'm mixed :). A plane seems cleaner and easier, but the train looks like quite an adventure!
Egyptair are definitely not much more cleaner........
My daughter and I are doing an Egypt trip for the 1st time in Dec. We are doing the train just for the experience, as she has never been in a sleeper train before. We're from South Africa and growing up I often took the train between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. That took about 3 days. I'm looking forward to this train ride. It might not be luxury but it will definitely be an experience. Thank you for the awesome vod
So how was it now that you’ve done it?
Always enjoy following your adventures. Safe travels!
Amazing trip report as always Paul!!
Wonderful trip reports as always sir
I would def do this trip . Love Egypt !
An amazing video Paul , it was a pleasure to watch and very informative and I love trains but, Ive got to an age where I think on this journey, I would prefer to fly ! Keep up the good work Paul...
Thanks for the vid
Alot more helpful than other videos I have seen
I will be traveling on the night train there in May next year
Looking forward to a new experience :-)
Paul is always so respctful of foreign cultures reason why i enjoy his travels so much
Great content as always.
That Imbaba Bridge actually has a swinging span for boats but it must have been several decades since last used.
I think I would take the train. It looks very Agatha Christie! Thank you for the video!
Thanks for Filming and Sharing Paul and I hope you are well. Just randomly found this video as I'm taking the same train in a few months myself.
Well done
I've enjoyed the last few videos on rail travel. Good on you for reducing your carbon footprint.
Very interesting and unique Paul!! Keep up the good work
Thanks for this. I'm gonna take this when I do my Egypt trip soon
Thank you Paul!
I would love to take this train. How wonderful it sounds.
A wonderful guide and experience. I would hope that the railway office calls the UK and orders a few new trainsets.
Very informative and enjoyable video . I’m a bit too old to enjoy this sort of travel , so for me , it would be the flying option . Happy travels and thanks for sharing .
Be interesting to see some other out of the ordinary train trips in the future 👌
great video Paul. It looks absolutely fascinating. I agree with the open mind for trips lie this, 5* it isn't buti bet its way better than the locals can get. maybe one day.
I took this train back in the 90's. I don't remember the Cairo station, I can only assume we got on at Giza, it was part of a traveller / back packer tour. Regarding the cracked glass you saw at the start, we were told that it was quite common for the locals to throw rocks at the train as it went past.
maybe not my favorite train trip of yours but where you are is spectacular! I will take a flight for now LOL. Great Video as always!
Thanks for another great video Paul I’ve been to Egypt twice so nice to see different areas I stayed in hurgarda had a trip to Luxor
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Paul very enjoyable video 👍
I did that run to Aswan from Cairo,and Luxor to Cairo in 1981-the sleepers were new then and the food wasnt bad at all
That looked like a great trip on that train. I'll put it on my bucket list!! (Another one) ;-)
looks like a great different train trip would do this over the plane if time is not a problem.
Thanks for the trip .
Great review, much more intresting than an boring airport !
A unique experience
Leaning tower of Giza is awesome
Thanks Mate
Cairo to Luxor should be one of the classic train journeys in the world, akin to the Orient Express. For a country dependent on tourism, this is a woeful shortcoming on the part of tourism Egypt.
Great vlog Paul
Fun!❤
Great Video, Paul. I’ve been to Egypt I would like to try …. Last time was Egypt Air to Aswan and I’d love to have the experience. 😊
I'm not sure I'd do this on the train given that I've already done the route by boat... yes it was slower but it was so much more comfortable!
Have you ever done a Nile river cruise? I hear that they are a wonderful experience. As always, a great video.
COOL !!!
Lovely vlog 👍👍
Fantastic. A fair and very interesting account.
Brilliant
Love your adventures!
Although, I think I'd want to wear pajamas in an Egyptian sleeper car 😅
Thanks for the ride.
Took the train from Luxor to Cairo in the 90’s in “first class” got terribly ill I guess from the food and the WC facilities were far worse than the staff ones you show. Still incredible country with very friendly people.
had the same experience in 2009
Nice video 👋
if I do ever go, I definitely would consider taking this train... though I do expect there may be a few issues for traveling to the country, the history is fascinating, and all Egyptians I met were really interesting great people.
the only thing I would say for other options, would be that I would seriously consider the Nile Cruise option for the wealth of lectures & history background you will get. or that, If I have a great deal of time, I might travel by more local trains to each of the historical cities, thereby, also seeing the countryside between by daylight....
The main point of train travel for me is being able to see the countryside. Judging from the schedule at Cairo station, there is only overnight service so most of the trip is in darkness. Thats a tragedy.
There's a new high-speed service, Cairo-Alexandria, with a modern train set. Hope you caught it while you were there.
Nice lower quadrant semaphores there15:14,very British in style
I hope you have a great time in Egypt btw I live there in Cairo ❤❤❤❤ 16:16
I did Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Alexandria about 20 years ago and I'm sure it is the same coaches (we also had armed guard). No free meal, but I expect the fare was cheaper.
Liverpool v Man Utd, I wonder how that game went? Well, if it was from March, only 7-0 to Liverpool. Hardly worth watching 😲😏😇
I don’t normally comment but just wanted to say great content as usual as for taking that trip, I’d probably fly because Egyptian travel is far too disorganised I’d be too stressed to enjoy it
You are a very brave man 😂
Love the trains, This was different and interesting, but better you than me. I long for the starched tablecloths, heavy tableware, and a fresh flower from back-in-the-day US passenger service. Thanks.
Did this overnighter in 1975 3rd class. Hey only young once. Came back in a/c 1st though and think it cost 12/6 (58p). Recommend Egypt to anyone very friendly. As Paul says open mind required.
Most interesting, Paul. How was it as a solo traveler there..? I've been given to believe it can be, uh, adventure-filled...
Egyptian 'in-a-right-state' Railways! 😂
And now for something completely different...
Don't you think that a daytime travel would be better, so you could watch scenarios
I did that train ride in 1980. Loved it!
Looks a right pig sty love the video thanks 👍😂
Great video !! Want to ask if you ever received a confirmation email after buying the train tickets ? I never got one 😅
A few years ago I did a similar journey - as far as Luxor. The buffet car DID sell alcohol in those days and I and some friends made good use of it - it passed the evening well. The whole experience was fun.
That must have been a while ago! I don’t think I’ve read any reports of alcohol being for sale on board sadly 😔
I think I recognize Antony, Salah and Henderson
Hey mate when you bought the ticket online do you just print it out and thats your boarding pass Great Vid Cheers
I would try taking the train, one way. That would be all I could tolerate.