View source for Transport in Egypt

{{Short description|Ministry of Transportation in Arab Republic of Egypt}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Life in Egypt}}

'''[[Transport]] in [[Egypt]]''' is centered in [[Cairo]] and largely follows the pattern of settlement along the [[Nile]]. The [[Ministry of Transportation (Egypt)|Ministry of Transportation]] and other government bodies are responsible for transportation in Egypt, whether by sea, river, land or air.

With regards to rail, air and waterway travel, the main line of the nation's rail system follows along the Nile river and is operated by [[Egyptian National Railways]]. In addition to overseas routes, [[Egypt Air]] provides domestic air service to major tourist destinations from its Cairo hub. The Nile River system (about {{Convert|1600|km|mi|abbr=on}}) and the principal canals ({{Convert|1600|km|mi|abbr=unit}}) are important locally for transportation. People still travel via the Nile, mainly between Cairo and Aswan. The [[Suez Canal]] is a major waterway for international commerce and navigation, linking the [[Mediterranean]] and [[Red Sea]]. Major ports are [[Alexandria]], [[Port Said]], [[Damietta]] on the Mediterranean and [[Suez]] and [[Safaga]] on the Red Sea.

==Road system==
{{main|National Roads Project}}
[[File:Qesm Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt - panoramio (6).jpg|thumb|280px|Road in [[Marsa Alam]].]]

Egypt has significantly expanded and modernized its road network, primarily through the [[National Roads Project]], which aims to construct 7,000 km of new roads. By 2024, 6,300 km had been completed at a cost of 155 billion Egyptian pounds, increasing the total length of main roads by 29.8% to 30,500 km, compared to 23,500 km in 2014. Additionally, 8,400 km of roads have been upgraded at a cost of 110 billion Egyptian pounds, out of a 10,000 km target. These improvements have enhanced Egypt’s Road Quality Index, which rose from 2.9 points (118th place) in 2015 to 5.53 points (18th place) in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lca.logcluster.org/23-egypt-road-network |title=Egypt Road Network |publisher=Logistics Capacity Assessment |access-date=3 March 2025}}</ref>

Egypt is integrated into regional road networks, with two routes in the [[Trans-African Highway network]] originating in [[Cairo]] and multiple highway links connecting to [[Asia]] through the [[Arab Mashreq International Road Network]]. While national highways remain the primary mode of transport, the country has developed an extensive system of 4-lane highways that function as [[Controlled-access highway|freeways]], though they accommodate mixed traffic, making them slower than dedicated motorways.

Despite infrastructure improvements, traffic regulations are poorly enforced and frequently disregarded,<ref name=travel/><ref name="Accident_2015">{{cite news |title=Two Ukrainian tourists killed in Hurghada bus crash |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/130009/Egypt/Politics-/UPDATED-Two-Ukrainian-tourists-killed-in-Hurghada-.aspx |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=English Ahram |date=12 May 2015}}</ref> resulting in one of the highest rates of road fatalities worldwide per miles driven.<ref name=travel>[https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html "Egypt"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022140939/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html |date=2013-10-22 }}. [[Travel.state.gov]] (March 19, 2008). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].''</ref>

Some of the country's major motorways include:

*[[Cairo–Alexandria desert road|Cairo - Alexandria Desert Road]]: It runs between [[Cairo]] and [[Alexandria]], with an extension of {{Convert|215|km|mi|abbr=unit}}, it is the main motorway in Egypt.
*[[International Coastal Road]]: It runs from [[Alexandria]] to [[Port Said]], along the Northern Nile Delta. It has a length of {{Convert|280|km|mi|abbr=unit}}. Also, amongst other cities, it connects [[Damietta]] and [[Baltim]].
*Geish Road: It runs between [[Helwan]] and [[Asyut]], along the Nile River, also connecting [[Beni Suef]] and [[Minya, Egypt|Minya]]. Its length is {{Convert|306|km|mi|abbr=unit}}.
*[[Ring Road (Cairo)|Ring Road]]: It serves as an inner ring-road for [[Cairo]]. It has a length of {{Convert|103|km|mi|abbr=unit}}.
*[[Regional Ring Road (Egypt)|Regional Ring Road]]: It serves as an outer ring road for [[Cairo]], also connecting its suburbs like [[Helwan]] and [[10th of Ramadan City]]. Its length is {{Convert|130|km|mi|abbr=unit}}.

== Railways ==
{{Main|Egyptian National Railways}}
[[File:Railways in Egypt.svg|thumb|Egypt railway network<br/><br/>{{RailGauge|1435mm|allk=on|al=on}}]]
Egypt's railway system is the oldest in [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]], with its first line between [[Alexandria]] and Kafr Eissa opening in 1854. As of 2018, the network spans approximately {{Convert|5085|km|mi|abbr=unit}} and is operated by [[Egyptian National Railways]], carrying around 800 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually. A modernization program was initiated in 2007 to enhance safety and infrastructure.<ref>[http://www.railwaygazette.com/features_view/article/2007/08/7643/egyptian_investment_will_raise_safety_standards.html Egyptian investment will raise safety standards] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023213414/http://www.railwaygazette.com/features_view/article/2007/08/7643/egyptian_investment_will_raise_safety_standards.html |date=2007-10-23 }}. ''[[Railway Gazette International]]'' August 2007.</ref>

In 2021, Egypt signed a $4.5 billion contract with [[Siemens Mobility]], [[Orascom Construction]], and [[Arab Contractors]] to construct and maintain a {{cvt|660|km}} high-speed electrified railway connecting [[Ain Sokhna]], [[Mersa Matruh]], and [[Alexandria]]. Known as the "Green Line" or "Suez Canal on Rails," it is designed for both passenger and freight transport. Siemens will supply [[Siemens Velaro|Velaro]] high-speed trains, [[Siemens Desiro|Desiro]] regional sets, and [[Vectron (locomotive)|Vectron]] freight locomotives. In 2022, the project expanded to include two additional lines linking [[Greater Cairo]] to [[Aswan]], and [[Luxor]] to [[Hurghada]] and [[Safaga]].<ref name="2022-05-30-rt">{{cite news |title=Siemens Mobility secures high-speed rail contract in Egypt |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/siemens-mobility-rail-contract/ |access-date=30 May 2022 |work=Railway Technology |date=30 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="2022-05-29-dw">{{cite news |title=Egypt signs €8 billion deal with Siemens for high-speed rail system {{!}} DW {{!}} 29.05.2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-signs-8-billion-deal-with-siemens-for-high-speed-rail-system/a-61967258 |access-date=30 May 2022 |work=DW.COM |date=29 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="2022-05-29-zawya">{{cite news |title=Siemens seals $8.5bln deal to build mega hi-speed rail in Egypt |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/siemens-seals-85bln-deal-to-build-mega-hi-speed-rail-in-egypt-ug14b4f0 |access-date=30 May 2022 |work=Zawya |date=29 May 2022}}</ref>

The [[Cairo Metro]] currently operates three lines, with a fourth under construction and further expansions planned. Additionally, an [[Alexandria Metro]] system is under development to improve urban transportation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/138743/Phase-1-of-Alexandria-Metro-Construction-Ongoing-Says-Ministry-of |title=Phase 1 of Alexandria Metro Construction Ongoing, Says Ministry of Transport |publisher=Egypt Today |access-date=3 March 2025}}</ref>

== Waterways ==
Egypt has {{Convert|3500|km|mi|abbr=unit}} of navigable waterways, including the [[Nile]], [[Lake Nasser]], the [[Mahmudiyya Canal]] connecting [[Alexandria]] with the Nile, as well as numerous smaller canals in the [[Nile Delta]]. The [[Suez Canal]], spanning {{Convert|193.5|km|mi|abbr=unit}}, serves as a major maritime route, accommodating oceangoing vessels with a maximum draft of 17.68 meters (as of 2011).<ref name="CIA World Factbook" />

=== Nile River ===
The [[Nile River]] system (about {{convert|1600|km|mi|abbr=on}}) and the principal canals (1,600&nbsp;km) are used for local transportation.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} [[Motorboats]], [[ferries]] and [[feluccas]] are common means of transport along the Nile.

=== Suez Canal ===
[[File:USS America (CV-66) in the Suez canal 1981.jpg|thumb|The [[Suez Canal]]]]
The [[Suez Canal]] is a critical maritime corridor connecting the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the [[Red Sea]], facilitating global trade since its completion in 1869. Built under the direction of [[Ferdinand de Lesseps]], it established a direct shipping route between [[Europe]] and [[Asia]], significantly reducing travel distances by eliminating the need for passage around the [[Cape of Good Hope]]. The canal has undergone multiple expansions to meet the growing demands of international shipping. In 2021, over 20,600 vessels transited the canal, averaging 56 ships per day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Number of ships passing through the Suez Canal from 1976 to 2021|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1252568/number-of-transits-in-the-suez-cana-annually/|publisher=Statista|date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

To enhance capacity, the Egyptian government initiated an expansion project in 2014, widening key sections and increasing the daily transit capacity from 49 to 97 ships.<ref name="SuezExpansion">{{cite news |title=New Suez Canal project proposed by Egypt to boost trade |url=http://www.caironews.net/index.php/sid/224460353 |access-date=7 August 2014 |publisher=Cairo News |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129022814/http://www.caironews.net/index.php/sid/224460353|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Suez Canal Area Development Project#New Suez Canal|New Suez Canal]], inaugurated in 2015, introduced a parallel lane and deepened sections of the original canal, reducing transit times from 18 to 11 hours and minimizing delays for vessels.

== Pipelines ==
As of 2018, Egypt's pipeline infrastructure includes {{Convert|486|km|mi|abbr=unit}} of condensate pipelines, {{Convert|74|km|mi|abbr=unit}} of condensate/gas pipelines, and an extensive {{Convert|7,986|km|mi|abbr=unit}} network for natural gas. The country also operates {{Convert|957|km|mi|abbr=unit}} of liquid petroleum gas pipelines, {{Convert|5,225|km|mi|abbr=unit}} for crude oil, and {{Convert|37|km|mi|abbr=unit}} designated for oil, gas, and water transport. Additionally, Egypt has {{Convert|895|km|mi|abbr=unit}} of refined product pipelines and {{Convert|65|km|mi|abbr=unit}} for water distribution.<ref name="CIA World Factbook">{{cite web |title=Africa - Egypt - Transportation |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/egypt/ |website=CIA World Factbook |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="Map of Pipelines">{{cite web |title=Eastern Mediterranean Pipelines |url=https://energyegypt.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/pipeline_scipione_eng.jpg |website=Energy Egypt |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>

== Ports==
Egypt has 15 commercial ports<ref name="Commercial Ports">{{cite web |title=Commercial Ports |url=http://mts.gov.eg/en/sections/10/1-10-Commercial-Ports |website=Maritime Transport Sector - Government of Egypt |publisher=Egypt Government |access-date=17 September 2018}}</ref> and 29 specialized ports. The specialized ports include 5 tourist seaports, 12 petroleum seaports, 6 mining seaports, and 
6 fishing seaports.<ref name="MTS_General_Stats">{{cite web |title=General Statistics |url=http://mts.gov.eg/en |website=Maritime Transport Services |access-date=17 September 2018}}</ref>

===Commercial Ports===
* [[Ain Sokhna port|Ain Sokhna Port]]
* [[Alexandria Port]]
* [[Dekhela]] Port
* [[Damietta Port]]
* [[Port Said Port]]
* [[Suez Canal Area Development Project#East Port-said Port|East Port Said Port]]
* [[Suez Canal Area Development Project#Arish Port|Arish Port]]
* [[Suez Port]]
* [[Suez Port#Geography|Petroleum Dock Port]]
* [[Suez Canal Area Development Project#El-Adabiya Port|Adabiya Port]]
* [[Suez Canal Area Development Project#El-Sokhna Port|Sokhna Port]]
* [[Nuweiba]] Port
* [[El Tor]] Port
* [[Sharm El Sheikh#Economy and tourism|Sharm El Sheikh Port]]
* [[Hurghada]] Port
* [[Safaga|Safaga Port]]

== Merchant marine ==
In 2018, the number of Egypt's sea vessels, according to the CIA World Factbook is 399 as follows:

* [[Bulk carrier]]: 14
* [[Container ship]]: 8
* [[Cargo ship|General cargo]]: 33
* [[oil tanker|Petroleum tanker]]: 36
* Other: 308

== Airports ==
{{main list|List of airports in Egypt}}
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=CAI}}
[[File:Cairo Int. Airport - NASA.JPG|thumb|Satellite image of [[Cairo International Airport]]]]
[[Cairo International Airport]] is used by numerous international airlines, including the country's own [[Egypt Air]] and [[Nile Air]].

===Airports with paved runways===
''Total:'' 72

''Over 3,047 m:'' 15

''2,438 to 3,047 m:'' 36

''1,524 to 2,437 m:'' 15

''914 to 1,523 m:'' 0

''Under 914 m:'' 6

===Airports with unpaved runways===
''Total:'' 11

''2,438 to 3,047 m:'' 1

''1,524 to 2,437 m:'' 3

''914 to 1,523 m:'' 4

''Under 914 m:'' 3 (2013)

== Heliports ==

* 7 (2013)

== Monorail ==
{{main|Cairo Monorail}}
Egypt is currently constructing a two-line [[monorail]] [[rapid transit]] system in the [[Greater Cairo]] region. Upon completion, it is projected to be the longest driverless monorail system in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Egypt's Cairo Monorails Project, which will be the longest driverless - Hill International, Inc. on LinkedIn {{!}} 69 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6881253143993204736/ |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> The system will provide the first public transport link between the [[New Administrative Capital]] and [[6th of October City]] with the greater Cairo metropolitan area.<ref name="New Civil Engineer">{{cite magazine |last1=Stein |first1=Joshua |title=£2bn Egypt monorail project reaches milestone with ground investigation underway |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/2bn-egypt-monorail-project-reaches-milestone-16-04-2020/ |magazine=New Civil Engineer |accessdate=21 August 2020 |language=en |date=16 April 2020}}</ref> The 53 km line connecting the [[New Administrative Capital]] to eastern [[Cairo]] is expected to have a travel time of approximately 60 minutes, while the 42 km line linking [[6th of October City]] to [[Giza]] is expected to take around 42 minutes.<ref name="CITYFLO">{{cite web |title=INNOVIA monorail 300 / CITYFLO 650 - Cairo, Egypt |url=https://rail.bombardier.com/en/solutions-and-technologies/worldwide-projects.html/bombardier/projects/middle-east-africa/egypt/innovia-monorail-300---cityflo-650---cairo--egypt/en |website=Bombardier Transportation |publisher=[[Bombardier Inc.|Bombardier]] |accessdate=21 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711111926/https://rail.bombardier.com/en/solutions-and-technologies/worldwide-projects.html/bombardier/projects/middle-east-africa/egypt/innovia-monorail-300---cityflo-650---cairo--egypt/en |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==

* [[Transport in Cairo]]
* [[Arab Union for Land Transport Company]]
* [[List of bus companies#Egypt|List of bus companies in Egypt]]
* [[List of lighthouses in Egypt]]

==External links==
* [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/egypt_pol97.jpg Map]
* [https://enr.gov.eg Egyptian National Railways]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180224032639/http://bus.com.eg/ The Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport] (archived 24 February 2018)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{CIA World Factbook}}
{{Economy of Egypt}}
{{Asia in topic|Transport in}}
{{Africa in topic|Transport in}}
{{Motorways in Africa}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transport In Egypt}}
[[Category:Transport in Egypt| ]]