There are two broad categories of train in Egypt, express trains and ordinary trains. Express trains are air-conditioned with 1st & 2nd class seats and refreshments, they are all-reserved and tickets come with a specific assigned seat.

Egypt possesses one of the oldest and most extensive railway networks in the world, managed by the Egyptian National Railways (ENR). The system connects nearly all major cities and towns, stretching from Alexandria in the north down to Aswan in the south. In 2026, the network is undergoing a massive modernization effort, including the introduction of a high-speed rail line often referred to as the "Green Suez Canal," which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. For travelers, the most popular route remains the sleeper train between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, which offers a nostalgic and scenic way to traverse the Nile Valley. Additionally, new Talgo trains have been introduced on the Cairo-Alexandria and Cairo-Aswan routes, providing much higher levels of comfort, air conditioning, and speed than the older rolling stock. While the third-class "ordinary" trains are very inexpensive and crowded, the first-class and VIP services are quite reliable and offer a unique window into the Egyptian landscape, making rail travel a quintessential part of the Egyptian experience for both locals and international tourists alike.