How to get from Cairo to Alexandria

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Egypt · Urban & Cultural · Alexandria · Cairo

Cairo to Alexandria is an easy 220–230 km hop along the Nile Delta. Your main choices are Egypt’s frequent intercity trains, comfortable VIP buses, a private transfer (good with luggage or late arrivals), or a self-drive on the Desert or Agricultural Highways. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.

At A Glance (Cairo to Alexandria)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (ENR) ~2h20–3h (direct) Fast, comfy, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 120–420 one-way (class/express) » ENR (official) | station info
🚌 VIP Bus (Go Bus / Blue Bus) ~3–3.5h (traffic-dependent) Budget, frequent departures
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 150–350 one-way » Go Bus (official) | Blue Bus (official)
🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi ~2.5–3.5h (pickup to drop) Door-to-door with luggage or groups
🏷️ Cost: ~US$90–180 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | Welcome Pickups Cairo
🚘 Self-Drive (Desert/Agricultural Highways) ~2.5–3.5h (route/traffic) Flexibility, side trips on the coast
🏷️ Cost: Car ~US$30–60/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & most reliable: Intercity train (frequent, comfortable, city centers at both ends).
  • Cheapest (still comfy): VIP buses with multiple daily departures.
  • Easiest door-to-door: Private transfer—great with big luggage, kids, or late-night arrivals.
  • Most flexible: Self-drive—add coastal or delta stops, but factor urban traffic.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy ahead for peak days: Trains and top bus classes fill up—book early on ENR (official), Go Bus, or Blue Bus.
  • Stations & terminals: Cairo’s main train is Ramses (Misr) Station; Alexandria has Misr and Sidi Gaber. Major bus hubs include Cairo Gateway/Turgoman and Go Bus Almaza.
  • Last-mile rides: Use metered taxis or apps (Careem/Uber in large cities). For fixed long-distance pricing, check GetTransfer or arrange with your hotel.
  • Stash bags if sightseeing: Find short-term storage via Radical Storage Cairo or Radical Storage Alexandria.
  • Where to stay: For late arrivals, pick near the station—browse Alexandria hotels.

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (ENR) — Fast & Comfortable

City-center to city-center Frequent Seat classes vary

  • Overview: Egypt National Railways runs frequent expresses from Cairo Ramses (Misr) Station to Alexandria Misr and Sidi Gaber. Ekspres/AC services offer reserved seating; faster trains make fewer stops.
  • How to book (with price): ~EGP 120–420 one-way depending on class/time. Book on the ENR official site or at station counters. For travel planning and station orientation, skim Ramses Station info.
  • Pros: Quick, comfortable, avoids highway traffic. Cons: Popular departures can sell out; luggage space is finite at peaks.

Step-by-step: Intercity Train

  1. Get to the Cairo Ramses (Misr) Station concourse by taxi or ride-hail (Uber/Careem). Allow 20–30 minutes extra for traffic/security.
  2. Buy or collect your ticket (online QR or counter). Check the departures board for the platform and train number to Alexandria (Misr/Sidi Gaber).
  3. Board your coach and keep your ticket/ID handy. Store large bags in overhead racks or at carriage ends.
  4. On arrival at Alexandria, continue by taxi or tram to Corniche hotels. Sidi Gaber is convenient for eastern neighborhoods.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ramses / Sidi Gaber / Misr)

  • Cairo Ramses (Misr) Station: Central, metro-connected; signed entrances and security screening at doors.
  • Alexandria stations: Misr (downtown) or Sidi Gaber (east side)—choose based on your hotel.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — VIP Bus (Go Bus / Blue Bus) — Budget & Frequent

Low cost Many departures Highway traffic

  • Overview: Modern coaches with AC/recliners run Cairo–Alexandria day and night. Popular pick-ups include Cairo Gateway (Turgoman) and Go Bus Almaza; drop-offs include Alexandria Sidi Gaber and Al Morsy Abou El Abbas area, depending on line.
  • How to book (with price): ~EGP 150–350 each way. Reserve seats and choose service class on Go Bus (official) or Blue Bus (official).
  • Pros: Cheap, frequent, multiple boarding points. Cons: Travel time varies with traffic and rest stops.

Step-by-step: VIP Bus

  1. Choose a departure terminal close to you (e.g., Cairo Gateway/Turgoman or Go Bus Almaza) and a convenient drop in Alexandria (often Sidi Gaber).
  2. Book seats/class on the operator’s official site. Screenshot your ticket/QR.
  3. Reach the terminal 20–30 minutes early via taxi or ride-hail. Find your bay by company name + service number.
  4. On arrival in Alexandria, use taxi or tram to reach your hotel along the Corniche.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cairo Gateway / Almaza / Sidi Gaber)

  • Cairo Gateway (Turgoman): Central long-distance terminal; expect security screening at entry.
  • Go Bus Almaza: East Cairo pickup with frequent services to Alex.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi — Door-to-Door Ease

Direct Great with luggage Higher cost

  • Overview: A prebooked car or van picks you up at your Cairo hotel/airport and drops you at your Alexandria address or hotel—no stations or terminals.
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$90–180 per vehicle (sedan→van). Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer (Cairo) or arrange a meet-and-greet on Welcome Pickups.
  • Pros: Fast, private, tailored rest stops. Cons: Costs more than train/bus; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and party size on GetTransfer or set a flight/hotel pickup on Welcome Pickups.
  2. Confirm what’s included (tolls, waiting time, luggage). Share your exact hotel pin for smoother pickup.
  3. Ride ~2.5–3.5 hours depending on route (Desert vs Agricultural Highway) and Cairo/Alexandria traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

  • Cairo pickup: Any hotel/airport/apartment—drivers usually message you on arrival.
  • Alexandria drop: Corniche hotels (Stanley–Montaza) or downtown (near Misr Station/Library of Alexandria).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive — Maximum Flexibility

Freedom Scenic coast Urban traffic

  • Overview: Pick up a rental in Cairo and drive the Desert Highway (quicker) or Agricultural Highway (Rural) to Alexandria. Expect tolls and busy city driving at both ends.
  • How to book (with price): Cars from ~US$30–60/day. Compare suppliers/insurance on Booking.com Car Rental (Cairo).
  • Pros: Stop where you like; easy detours to El Alamein or the coast. Cons: Navigation, parking, and dense traffic in Cairo/Alex can be stressful.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Cairo (airport or downtown). Ensure valid license/IDP, insurance, and a toll payment method.
  2. Set navigation to Alexandria Corniche or your hotel. Choose Desert Highway for speed, Agricultural for scenery.
  3. Plan fuel/rest stops; avoid rush-hour entries into Alexandria if possible.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Corniche)

  • Pickup: Airport desks tend to have longer hours; downtown offices may close early Fridays.
  • Parking: Many hotels on the Corniche have valet/garage—call ahead.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cairo to Alexandria)

Train or bus—what’s better?
Trains are fastest and most comfortable city-center to city-center. VIP buses are cheaper and run often, but timing depends on traffic.

Which Alexandria station should I choose?
Misr Station is central/downtown; Sidi Gaber is convenient for the eastern Corniche (Stanley–Montaza).

How long does the trip take by road?
Roughly 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on route and traffic at each city’s approach.

Are there flights between Cairo and Alexandria?
Very limited and rarely faster door-to-door once you factor airport transfers. Overland options are usually better.

Can I bring big luggage on trains/buses?
Yes—store large bags in overhead racks or luggage areas (trains) and in the undercarriage (buses). Keep valuables with you.

Where to stay in Alexandria?
Corniche districts (Stanley–Gleem–Saba Pasha–San Stefano) or downtown near the Library and Misr Station. Compare on Booking.com.

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