Operator profileAbela Trains (Watania Sleeping Train)
Abela Trains (formerly branded 'Watania Sleeping Train') operates Egypt's only overnight sleeper service, a single through train linking Cairo with Luxor and Aswan along the Nile Valley. Abela Trains took over operation under contract with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) in August 2023.
Key facts
Two-berth sleeper compartments, with a mix of older 'Standard' class carriages and newer 'Elite' class cars refurbished with updated interiors from 2025 onward.
Standard baggage allowance carried in the cabin; no strict weight enforcement typical of long-distance sleeper trains.
Board at Cairo's Bashteel ('Upper Egypt') station in Giza; sleeper trains no longer depart from central Cairo's historic Ramses station.
Refund policy varies by booking channel; direct Abela Trains bookings are generally more flexible than third-party resellers.
Since October 2024, all sleeper departures use the new Cairo Bashteel ('Upper Egypt') station in Giza, about 7km west of the historic Ramses station — travellers searching only for 'Cairo Ramses' on booking systems may not find these trains.
Rail passes
No Eurail/Interrail or other international rail pass covers Egypt; tickets are point-to-point, and foreign travellers generally must book online rather than in person.
Routes operated
Luxor 
~10h
Abela Trains
How to book Abela Trains
- Check the route and date on our route page, then note the cabin you want.
- Go to the operator’s own booking site — we never resell or mark up fares.
- Pick your cabin: prices rise as the train fills, so book early for the lowest fare.
- Bring photo ID for border crossings, and arrive a few minutes before departure — there is no airport-style check-in.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can you book Abela Trains?
Tickets usually go on sale around 150 days before departure, and the cheapest fares go first.
Does Abela Trains accept Interrail and Eurail passes?
No Eurail/Interrail or other international rail pass covers Egypt; tickets are point-to-point, and foreign travellers generally must book online rather than in person.
What cabins does Abela Trains offer?
Abela Trains sells Sleeper Cabin, Private Cabin. Comfort and privacy differ a lot between them.
What is the luggage policy on Abela Trains?
Standard baggage allowance carried in the cabin; no strict weight enforcement typical of long-distance sleeper trains.
Can I cancel or change a Abela Trains ticket?
Refund policy varies by booking channel; direct Abela Trains bookings are generally more flexible than third-party resellers.
Which routes does Abela Trains run?
We track 2 Abela Trains routes, including Cairo–Luxor, Cairo–Aswan.