Planning to explore Egypt by train but don’t have an Egyptian ID? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many travelers face this challenge when trying to book train tickets online through the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) website or app.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest, foreigner-friendly ways to book Egyptian train tickets — especially for popular routes like Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria — without needing a national ID.
Why You Can’t Use the ENR Website Without an Egyptian ID
The official ENR website requires users to register with a valid Egyptian national ID number. This makes it impossible for non-residents and tourists to book online directly.
Even if you visit a local station in person, you may face language barriers or find that many trains — especially ENR sleeper trains and Talgo express services — are fully booked.
So what’s the solution?
Best Way to Book Egyptian Train Tickets as a Foreigner
The easiest and most reliable option is to use a third-party booking platform that supports international payments and passports.
We recommend using EgyptTrainTickets.com — a trusted platform where you can book ENR trains, sleeper trains, Talgo Express, and more with:
- No Egyptian ID required
- Instant confirmation
- English support
- International credit/debit cards accepte
What Train Tickets Can You Book Without an ID?
You can book:
- Cairo to Luxor / Aswan sleeper trains
- Talgo Express Trains (Cairo – Alexandria – Assiut – Sohag)
- VIP and First Class ENR Trains
- Alexandria to Cairo or Giza trains
Popular train companies you can book include:
- ENR (Egyptian National Railways)
- Watania Sleeper Train
- Talgo Express
Step-by-Step: Booking Egypt Trains as a Tourist
- Go to EgyptTrainTickets.com
- Choose your route (e.g. Cairo to Luxor)
- Select departure date, train class, and time
- Enter your passport details
- Pay securely with your international bank card
- Receive your e-ticket instantly by email
Tips for Smooth Travel
- Book early, especially during holidays or high season
- Bring your passport when boarding – train staff may ask to check
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
- Sleeper trains include dinner & breakfast, but bring water/snacks
Arriving from Abroad?
If you’re planning your trip from overseas, you can book your train tickets in advance from anywhere in the world using EgyptTrainTickets.com and skip the long queues at Egyptian stations.
Final Thoughts
While the ENR booking system is not foreigner-friendly, platforms like EgyptTrainTickets.com make it simple, fast, and reliable to book trains across Egypt without an Egyptian ID.
Whether you’re traveling from Cairo to Aswan, Luxor to Alexandria, or anywhere in between — book in advance and enjoy the comfort and affordability of Egyptian railways.