Driving and Traffic in Egypt

As a foreigner coming to Egypt, the only way you can stay relaxed while being in a car, is to completely give up all control that you think you have.  Then you need to trust that your Egyptian driver knows what they are doing and put the rest of your trust in God!

I am actually more relaxed riding in a car in Egypt than I am at home, but if you are new to the chaos of the traffic here, you may have the opposite reaction.  There are lanes, signs and lights, but they are merely suggestions.  There is a rhythm and flow to the traffic that is unlike anywhere else. It is common more to hear horns than not.  The way you honk is it's own language.  I do not know this language, but I can definitely tell if it is a pleasant message or not.

There was even a documentary made called "Cairo Drive" and here is a trailer for it to give you a better visual of what it is like:

Here are some warnings and suggestions that I found from a website for foreigners moving to Egypt who want to drive: 
"Egypt has many road hazards to contend with. These include a lack of stop signs and traffic lights, drivers’ disregard for lane markings, and donkey carts in the road. Drivers are also likely to encounter stationary vehicles in the middle of the road, trucks driving the wrong way down one-way streets, and mini-buses stopping suddenly to allow passengers to disembark in the middle of the road. Drivers in Egypt are also reluctant to use their headlights in the dark and are also not good about indicating before turning. It is best to avoid driving at night if possible." 

If you are riding in a vehicle, I highly suggest you keep your arms inside the car at all times. Cars come inches from each other in crowded traffic. I have been in more than one vehicle where the side view mirror had been ripped off from other vehicles getting too close and passing.

It is truly and adventure riding in Egypt, especially in crowded and busy Cairo.  You never know what you are going to see. Here are some examples of things you may see (pictures found on the Internet):

Massive Traffic Jam.  Sometimes there are traffic police in the middle that help direct at certain intersections.

Donkey carts are very common.  You will see them carrying a variety of items. This particular cart has propane because a lot of people's hot water in their homes run on it.  You know when they are passing through your neighborhood because they clank the side of one with metal.  If you need one, your bawaab (doorman) or yourself goes outside and they exchange your old one for a new one.  


Delivery of bread


I believe this is a truck carrying garbage that has been collected

                           A herd of goats needing to cross the street

People walking through traffic to cross the street


Families riding together on a motorcycle; you rarely see anyone with helmets on.

When I was coming from the airport last month, I witnessed a man laying down, on his stomach with his legs out like superman, riding a motorcycle down the freeway!  Talk about living life dangerously; I wish I had a picture of that to share!!!




Every restaurant delivers in Egypt


Horse carts...



Tissue salesman.  You will find people selling a variety of things where there are traffic jams and it is slow moving.

The best way describing having to cross a busy street as a pedestrian is comparing it to the Atari game of Frogger.   Which also reminds me of one of my favorite Seinfeld Episodes; does anyone remember this? 

Ok, back to crossing the road in Egypt.  The safest way to do it is to position yourself next to an experienced Egyptian who is also crossing the street and go as soon as they do.  You always have to remember that pedestrians do not have the right of way here.



So, I hope that gives you some insight to what driving and traffic is like in Egypt.  If you come to Egypt, be ready for an adventure as soon as you leave the airport.  It is definitely an experience you will never forget!