Ramsis station — Local services in Cairo

As of the time of writing, if you are not Egyptian, you need to go upstairs to the left in order to purchase train tickets (unless youre going for the sleeper car).

People nonchalantly smoke inside the station. The upstairs dining area was spacious and calm, but not unpeopled.

At the foreigners ticket purchasing office, you will stand in line and need to show ID. Payment is accepted by card or cash, but in dollars - not pounds. For me, anyway. I was there to inquire about train options, prices, and timetables to Luxor or Aswan, since information is scantly available online. the kind woman staffing the only one of 3 ticketing windows in that room spoke English well and handwrote daily train departure times and prices for first and second class train coaches. The information seems easy enough to post online or at least via signage, but alas, the good ol' Nile way prevails.

It seems a bit unstrategic that these prices are not only magnitudes more expensive than the ticket prices for locals/nationals, but are comparable to the price of flying. This high price, along with frequent delays, inefficient hassle of a ticketing process, and the long duration of travel really unfortunately deters more people from riding the train. I could not purchase tickets on behalf of a group in advance of or travel- was told all travelers needed to be personally present. Really hope that the policies and procedures around foreigners taking the passenger trains can be streamlined. Obviously a lot of infrastructural attention is aimed at new monorails, high speed trains, subways, etc., but the old rail routes contain so much modern history, plus sights you could never see from the agricultural or desert highways.

I wandered around the station a bit and also checked out the railway museum, which testifies to past glory days...

My recent visit to Ramsis Train Station left me impressed with its impeccable cleanliness and overall positive experience. From the moment I stepped foot inside, it was evident that this transportation hub prioritizes cleanliness and maintenance.

Ramsis Train Station boasts a remarkable level of cleanliness throughout its premises. The floors were spotless, and the seating areas were well-maintained and free from any litter or debris. The restrooms were also clean and well-stocked with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable visit for travelers.

Aside from its cleanliness, Ramsis Train Station also excelled in providing a pleasant experience for visitors. The staff members were courteous, helpful, and readily available to assist with any inquiries or concerns. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor added a welcoming touch to the overall atmosphere of the station.

Navigating the station was made easy by clear signage and information boards, ensuring that travelers could easily find their way around. The waiting areas were comfortable, with ample seating and well-regulated air conditioning, making the overall waiting experience more enjoyable.

Furthermore, the station's central location and accessibility to various transportation options made it a convenient choice for travelers. Whether arriving or departing, Ramsis Train Station proved to be an efficient and well-connected hub.

In conclusion, Ramsis Train Station sets a commendable standard for cleanliness and provides a pleasant and hassle-free experience for travelers. Its well-maintained facilities, helpful staff, and convenient location make it a top choice for anyone utilizing the train services. I highly recommend Ramsis Train Station to anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable...

A lot of unexpected changes occured since I Iast set foot in Ramses Station. There is a blue barricade which separates the microbuses from the pedestrian entrance. I found myself on the wrong side of the barricade fencing and had to go all the way around and through very short tempered drivers and highly irate customers. At the usual spot I always went to purchase tickets, I was told to go upstairs at the new office. A Syrian guy and I made a dash fr the upstairs office which was inside the station, through the restaurant, to the right. There I was told that Arabs and Egyptians pay the usual fee for first and second class coaches, but foreigners pay six times more. 😔 The reasoning is going to be that foreigners earn more or have USD ,but instead of attracting us, we are more inclined to use Bus companies and microbuses where we pay the same and where we are not given any special treatment, and where we are treated just like everyone else...not that the change in train ticket fair for foreigners was going to get you any special treatment anyway. Boo hoo to my favourite scenic trips by train from...