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| Getting
Around -
Out of Cairo |
Wonderful
as it is, you will sooner or later want to leave Cairo for a dose
of nature, peace, and quiet in the countryside. Below are a few
means of transport to and out of Cairo.
Buses:
Buses are great alternatives to the trains or the other more expensive
private transport for quickly getting out of Cairo.
Trains:
Trains are also good and cheap, yet limited to the north-south
line of the Nile - Port Said, Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan,
and minor stops in between. Reserved seats or berths are essential
in first class and must be booked in advance, at Ramsis main train
station or through a travel agent.
Planes:
Well, planes are obviously the fastest way of getting to your
destination, traveling within Egypt is a monopoly to the only
Public Airline EgyptAir that can be reached at 3900999 or 3902444.
Fares to Egypt's main tourist cities from Cairo are around the
following figures: Cairo-Aswan $335 for foreigners, LE335 for
residents; Cairo-Hughada $263 for foreigners, LE279 for residents;
Cairo-Luxor $243 for foreigners, LE259 for residents; Cairo-Sharm-El-Sheikh
$277 for foreigners, LE287 for residents.
Tourist Companies' Buses:
Very comfortable but comparatively expensive, for instance, a
trip to the pyramids costs LE40-50. Contact any travel agent or
hotel to know what's on when.
Taxi and Limousine Service:
For privacy and convenience, these are ideal. You do have to know
where you are headed and make sure the driver does as well. These
are apparently much more expensive.
Car Rentals:
Foreigners must have an International Driver's License and be
at least 25 years of age to rent a car in Egypt. Some agencies
offer 4x4s, with or without a driver, for desert travel. You will
need your passport, driver's license and a prepayment. Credit
cards are accepted.
Generally, driving habits of Egypt's motorist fall just short
of the comfort zone and below the safety levels of many Western
expectations. Driving at night does not get much better, even
if it is in the dark. It is best to avoid any sort of solitary
night driving.
Use your horn to signal to others that you are coming from behind
to pass them. Road signs are similar to those in Europe. Driving
is on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are posted
on major highways and are enforced by radar.
The price of renting a car in Egypt depends on its brand and model
of the car, as well as the rental period.
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