Egypt has unveiled the country’s first amphibious bus, a dual-purpose vehicle capable of traveling seamlessly on both land and water. The launch was highlighted at the International Smart Transport and Logistics Exhibition (TransMEA), held in Cairo from November 9 to 11, 2025, where Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inspected the vehicle, dubbed the “Nile Bus.”
The project represents a major milestone in the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to localize transport industries while diversifying tourism experiences across Egypt.
A dual experience for tourists
Operated by the Prime Group—the same company behind the recently launched “Air Taxi” service—the amphibious bus is designed to connect Egypt’s cultural landmarks with the scenic beauty of the Nile.
According to Mohamed El-Sherbiny, operations manager for the project, the bus offers a combined land-and-water tour lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The journey begins with a 20-minute drive from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization through the Ather El Nabi area before transitioning onto the Nile. Passengers can then enjoy views of the Religious Complex and other Old Cairo sites from the river.
The 12-meter-long vehicle complies with European safety standards and holds ISO certification. It has undergone testing in Malta and is equipped with life jackets, emergency lighting, and dedicated river rescue support. The bus carries dual licenses for both road and river navigation and is operated by staff certified by the General Authority for River Transport.
On land, the bus can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, while on water it travels at 15–18 km/h.
Launch plans and pricing
Trial operations are scheduled to begin within three weeks. Tickets are priced between EGP 100 and 250 for Egyptian residents and $15 to $25 for foreign tourists. Passengers will be able to book rides via a dedicated website, mobile app, and QR codes.
While the initial phase focuses on Cairo, authorities plan to expand the service to Luxor and Aswan, introducing open-top models tailored for seasonal tourism.
Part of a broader transport vision
The amphibious bus is one of several innovations reviewed by Madbouly during the TransMEA exhibition. He also inspected the first of 55 new metro trains for Cairo Metro Line 1 and announced the commencement of trial operations for Egypt’s high-speed electric train, which will ultimately connect El Sokhna, Alamein, and Marsa Matrouh.
This initiative underscores Egypt’s push to modernize its transport infrastructure while simultaneously enhancing the country’s tourism offerings, positioning the nation as a regional leader in innovative transport solutions.
