Egypt Raises Metro and Train Fares to Improve Services and Cover Costs
Egypt's Ministry of Transport has announced new fare increases for metro and railway services. This move aims to help cover rising operational costs and support ongoing efforts to improve public transportation quality across the country.
MA Mohamed Ahmed·· 8 min read
The Egyptian government has announced updates to metro and railway ticket prices in Egypt. This is part of a plan to address rising operating costs and enhance the quality of public transportation services, while keeping some fare categories unchanged.
New Metro Ticket Prices 2026
The adjustments included some metro fare categories in Egypt, while others remained unchanged. Here are the new prices:
For up to 9 stations: 10 EGP instead of 8 EGP.
For up to 16 stations: 12 EGP instead of 10 EGP.
For up to 23 stations: 15 EGP (unchanged).
For more than 23 stations up to 39 stations: 20 EGP (unchanged).
These fares apply to all three metro lines in Greater Cairo.
Railway Ticket Prices in Egypt After the Increase
According to the Ministry of Transport's statement, train ticket prices have been adjusted by varying percentages depending on the route type, as follows:
Long-distance train ticket prices increased by 12.5%.
Short-distance train ticket prices increased by 25%.
This step is part of the Egyptian National Railways Authority's development plan to improve train services nationwide.
The Ministry of Transport encouraged citizens, especially students and employees in both public and private sectors, to subscribe to metro and train services. Monthly and quarterly subscriptions offer significant discounts compared to daily ticket purchases, helping to reduce daily commuting costs.
Why Did Egypt Raise Metro and Train Fares?
The Ministry of Transport attributed the decision to adjust metro and railway fares to several economic and operational factors, most notably:
**Rising Operating and Energy Costs**
The Egyptian National Railways Authority and the National Authority for Tunnels face financial pressures due to the global rise in petroleum product prices, a significant portion of which is imported using foreign currency. Additionally, electricity prices have increased over recent years.
**Rising Maintenance and Spare Parts Costs**
Financial burdens also include the costs of maintaining railway trains and metro cars, amidst rising prices for spare parts and operational supplies, in addition to implementing development programs and upgrading the efficiency of the transport network's infrastructure.
**Increased Employee Wages**
Operating costs also increase with periodic raises in wages for employees of the Egyptian National Railways Authority and the National Authority for Tunnels, as part of the state's policy to improve the living standards of government sector employees.-
