Egypt Facts: Roadways and Railways

Roadways

Two routes in the Trans-African Highway network originate in Cairo. Egypt also has highway links with a neighbouring continent.

Egypt has one of the highest incidence of road fatalities per miles driven in the world. There are few, if any road markings. Most traffic lights in Cairo appear not to function, but rather intersections are staffed by policemen who use subtle finger movements to indicate which cars may move. Traffic rules are routinely ignored by impatient drivers: vehicles travel at high rates of speed, or the wrong way on one-way streets. Pedestrians constantly dodge in and out of traffic, and a variety of animals are commonly on the roads.

Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces, stray animals, and disabled vehicles without lights or reflectors are among the many hazards that can be encountered on highways, especially after dark.

Some roads, especially in the Sinai and southeastern part of the country, are off-limits to foreigners.

Railways

The Egyptian railway system is by far the oldest railway network in Africa and the Middle East. The first line between Alexandria and Kafer Eassa was opened in 1854. Today, the system is about 5,063 km long and is operated by the Egyptian National Railways. ENR carries about 500 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually. A major investment programme is planned to begin in 2007 with the aim of modernising the rail network and improving safety standards.[2] Trains are usually a safe means of transportation in Egypt.[1]

The city of Cairo is served by the Cairo Metro, which is run by the National Authority for Tunnels.