Flying within Egypt is fast, affordable and often the smartest way to cover the countryβs vast distances. Cairo to Luxor by train takes around 9 to 11 hours; the same route by air takes 65 minutes. If your time is limited, domestic flights unlock itineraries that would otherwise require overnight trains or exhausting drives.
Domestic Airlines Operating in Egypt
Three carriers run domestic routes:
EgyptAir is the national carrier and the most reliable option for all major routes. It operates the largest network, with multiple daily departures on busy CairoβLuxor and CairoβSharm el-Sheikh runs. Booking via the EgyptAir website gives direct access to their lowest fares and real-time availability.
Nile Air operates a focused domestic network with competitive pricing on core routes. It is a solid second option when EgyptAir flights are full or expensive on your dates.
Air Cairo (a subsidiary of EgyptAir) primarily operates charter flights to Red Sea resorts but runs scheduled services on some routes. It handles overflow from the EgyptAir network during peak season.
Main Domestic Routes and Flight Times
| Route | Flight time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo (CAI) β Luxor (LXR) | 65 min | 3β5 daily |
| Cairo (CAI) β Aswan (ASW) | 80 min | 2β3 daily |
| Cairo (CAI) β Hurghada (HRG) | 60 min | 3β5 daily |
| Cairo (CAI) β Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) | 60 min | 3β5 daily |
| Cairo (CAI) β Alexandria (HBE) | 50 min | 2β3 daily |
| Luxor (LXR) β Aswan (ASW) | 30 min | 1β2 daily |
| Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) β Hurghada (HRG) | 35 min | Limited |
How Much Do Egypt Domestic Flights Cost?
Prices fluctuate significantly based on how far in advance you book and the season. As a general guide for 2026:
- Cairo to Luxor: EGP 1,200β2,800 (approximately USD 25β60) booked in advance; rises to EGP 4,000+ in peak season
- Cairo to Aswan: EGP 1,500β3,200 (approximately USD 32β70)
- Cairo to Hurghada: EGP 900β2,400 (approximately USD 20β50)
- Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh: EGP 900β2,400 (approximately USD 20β50)
The best fares appear 6β8 weeks before departure. Last-minute bookings in high season (October to April) can cost three times the advance rate.
Cairo International Airport: Domestic Terminals
Cairo International Airport has three terminals. Domestic flights operate from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 depending on the airline:
- Terminal 1: EgyptAir domestic departures
- Terminal 2: Other carriers and some EgyptAir overflow
Allow at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight. Security queues can extend during busy periods, particularly on Friday mornings and Sunday evenings when business travel peaks. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus; transit between them takes 10β15 minutes.
Luggage Allowances on Domestic Flights
EgyptAir domestic economy class includes 23 kg checked baggage plus 8 kg carry-on as standard. Nile Air allowances vary by ticket class β check at booking. If you are carrying dive gear or sports equipment, notify the airline in advance; oversized item fees apply.
Booking Tips for Egypt Domestic Flights
Book early for peak season. October through April is Egyptβs high season. Flights on popular routes (especially CairoβLuxor) sell out weeks ahead. Book as soon as you have confirmed dates.
Compare EgyptAir and Nile Air side by side. Nile Air sometimes undercuts EgyptAir by 20β30% on the same route. Use a flight comparison site to check both carriers simultaneously.
Watch the baggage total. If you are connecting from an international flight with 30 kg of luggage, your domestic allowance may be lower. Factor in any overweight fees when comparing prices.
Consider the train alternative for Luxor. The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor (Abela Egyptian Sleeper) costs approximately USD 60β80 per person in a private two-berth cabin and includes a bunk bed and simple dinner. If you are not pressed for time, it is a memorable way to travel and saves a hotel night. See our full Cairo to Luxor sleeper train guide for details.
Check in online when possible. EgyptAirβs mobile app allows online check-in from 23 hours before departure. This shortens airport time and lets you select seats in advance.
Regional Airports: What to Expect
Luxor International Airport (LXR) is compact and straightforward. Taxis to the city centre cost approximately EGP 100β150 (as of 2026); the ride takes 10 minutes. There is no airport bus. See our Luxor airport transfer guide for full options.
Aswan International Airport (ASW) is a small terminal. Taxis to central Aswan cost EGP 80β120. Several Nile cruise ships offer meet-and-greet transfers β confirm this when booking your cruise.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) handles both domestic and international flights. Taxis to the main tourist strip (Sahl HasheeshβDahar) cost EGP 100β200 depending on destination. Most resort hotels include airport transfers in their packages. Full details at our Hurghada airport transfer guide.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is well-organised with clear signage. Taxis to Naama Bay cost EGP 50β80; to Sharks Bay, EGP 80β120. Official airport taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. See our Sharm el-Sheikh airport transfer guide for options.
When to Fly vs. When to Take the Train
Flying makes sense when time is tight, you are travelling between non-adjacent cities (such as Aswan to Cairo), or you are with a group where cost savings per head are minimal.
The train or bus is the better call when you are on a tight budget, the route is short (Cairo to Alexandria is 2.5 hours by express train for approximately EGP 70β100), or you want to see the Nile Delta and countryside roll past.
For most travellers doing a classic CairoβLuxorβAswan circuit in under two weeks, flying one leg and taking the sleeper train the other gives the best combination of value and experience.
Domestic vs. International Connections at Egyptian Airports
If you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to a domestic service, allow at least 3 hours between flights at Cairo. Domestic check-in counters are in a different terminal from international arrivals, and the walk (or shuttle) between terminals adds time. Luggage reclaim and re-check for domestic connections is required β there is no through-check facility.
At Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, domestic and international operations share the same terminal building, making connections more straightforward. However, both airports handle significant charter traffic in peak season, so queue times can spike.