How to Get from Cairo to Alexandria: Train, Bus, and Car
Where Is Alexandria and How Far Is It from Cairo?
Alexandria sits on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, roughly 220 kilometers northwest of Cairo by road. The driving distance depends on which route you take the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road is the most direct and takes about two to two and a half hours in normal traffic, while the older Agricultural Road cuts through the Nile Delta and adds roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
By train, the journey takes between two and a half and three and a half hours depending on the service. Buses typically need three to four hours. The gap between train and bus times comes down to Cairo's traffic buses start their journey from terminals inside the city, while trains depart from Ramses Station and reach open track more quickly.
Most visitors traveling this route are doing a day trip from Cairo, and it is also a common transfer for cruise passengers arriving at Alexandria Port or Borg El Arab Airport. The route is well-traveled, straightforward, and served by multiple transport options throughout the day.
How to Get from Cairo to Alexandria by Train
The train is the most commonly recommended way to travel from Cairo to Alexandria, and for good reason. It avoids road traffic, departs from a central location in Cairo, and arrives near downtown Alexandria. Trains on this route are operated by Egyptian National Railways (ENR) and run throughout the day from early morning until late evening.
Which Trains Run Between Cairo and Alexandria?
Not all trains on this route are the same. There are three broad categories, and the one you choose affects your travel time, comfort, and cost.
Talgo trains are Spanish-made air-conditioned services and the fastest option, covering the distance in about two and a half hours. They offer assigned seating, air conditioning, and the most consistent ride. These are the trains travelers usually mean when they refer to the "best" train on this route.
Air-conditioned Express and Special trains take between two and a half and three hours. First class on these services is comfortable and not dramatically more expensive than second class, which makes first class the better value for most visitors. Second class is adequate in cooler months but can get crowded in summer.
Regular (non-AC) trains take around three to three and a half hours. They are the cheapest option but have no air conditioning and tend to be the most crowded. For a visitor carrying luggage in the Egyptian summer, this is rarely the right choice.
Train Tickets, Prices, and How to Book
Ticket prices for international travelers are set in USD and are higher than the local EGP fares. Second-class tickets generally cost between $20 and $25 USD, while first class ranges from $30 to $35 USD. Talgo trains sit at the higher end of these ranges. Egyptian residents pay considerably less the same Talgo second-class ticket costs around 275 EGP for locals.
You can buy tickets at Ramses Station in Cairo at the ticket windows there is a separate foreign ticket office which some visitors find easier to navigate. Tickets can also be booked through the ENR website. Many travelers prefer to book through their hotel or a travel agency to avoid the queue.
On a regular weekday, showing up 20 to 30 minutes before departure and buying a ticket at the window usually works. On Fridays, during summer, around public holidays, or during Eid, first-class seats sell out and booking at least a day ahead is advisable.
Cairo and Alexandria Train Stations
Trains depart from Ramses Station (also called Masr Station) in central Cairo. The station is large and not always easy to navigate on a first visit allow extra time to find your platform, which is not always clearly signposted. Taxis and ride-hailing apps drop passengers at the main entrance.
Trains arrive at Misr Station (sometimes referred to as Sidi Gaber Station) in Alexandria. The station sits in the Sidi Gaber district, a short taxi ride from the Corniche and most of the city's main sights. From here, you can reach the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the city center in roughly 10 to 20 minutes by taxi.
How to Get from Cairo to Alexandria by Bus
Several bus companies run between Cairo and Alexandria, and the bus is usually the cheapest option for travelers watching their budget. The trade-off is travel time: buses take longer than trains because they have to navigate Cairo's traffic before reaching the open road.
Bus Companies: Go Bus, SuperJet, West Delta, and Blue Bus
Four main companies operate on this route, and they differ more in price and departure points than in comfort.
Go Bus and SuperJet sit in the higher tier. Both offer air-conditioned coaches with assigned seating, and both can be booked through their websites or mobile apps. Go Bus tends to depart from a terminal in Nasr City (east Cairo), while SuperJet mainly departs from Turgoman Station in central Cairo. Journeys take roughly three to three and a half hours with light traffic, longer during peak hours.
West Delta is generally the cheapest of the three. The coaches are functional and air-conditioned, though the overall experience is more basic. West Delta departs from a terminal near Ramses Station in central Cairo, which makes it the most convenient bus option if you are staying in or near downtown.
Blue Bus also serves this route with similar pricing to West Delta and departs from the same general area near Ramses Station.
A one-way ticket typically costs between 150 and 250 Egyptian pounds (roughly $3-5 USD), with Go Bus and SuperJet at the higher end and West Delta and Blue Bus at the lower end.
Where Buses Depart and Arrive
In Cairo, most buses depart from one of two areas: near Ramses Station (West Delta, Blue Bus) or from Nasr City (Go Bus). Both locations are reachable by taxi or ride-hailing app, and they are in different parts of the city.
In Alexandria, nearly all buses arrive at Moharram Bek Bus Station. The station is in a central part of Alexandria, and from there you can pick up a taxi or a ride-hailing app to reach the Corniche, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or other parts of the city within 10 to 20 minutes. Moharram Bek is also connected to Alexandria's local tram network, which is useful if you are heading to the eastern neighborhoods.
The honest answer on bus travel time is three to four hours. Cairo traffic is unpredictable, and a journey that takes three hours on a quiet Tuesday morning can easily stretch past four on a Thursday before a long weekend.
Getting from Cairo to Alexandria by Car or Private Transfer
Driving is the fastest way to cover the distance between Cairo and Alexandria, and it gives you the most flexibility once you arrive. It is also the option with the most variation in cost, depending on whether you are renting a car, taking a taxi, or arranging a private transfer.
Driving the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road
The Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road is the main route connecting the two cities. It covers roughly 220 kilometers and, in light traffic, the drive takes about two to two and a half hours. There is a toll gate along the way, payable in cash or via the electronic smart toll system.
An alternative is the Agricultural Road, which runs through the Nile Delta. It is slightly longer and usually adds 30 to 45 minutes to the journey. Some drivers prefer it during peak holiday weekends when the Desert Road gets congested with North Coast traffic. For a standard visit, the Desert Road is the straightforward choice.
Renting a car is worth considering if you plan to continue traveling beyond Alexandria to the North Coast, for example, or between multiple cities. For a single round trip from Cairo, the cost of a rental, fuel, and tolls usually adds up to more than a first-class train ticket or a private transfer, without the convenience of being able to relax during the journey.
Private Transfer and Taxi Options
A private transfer with a driver is the most comfortable option for visitors who want door-to-door service without navigating Egyptian roads themselves. A one-way private sedan from Cairo to Alexandria typically costs between $50 and $100 USD, with van and minibus options at higher rates for larger groups. Most tour providers charge per vehicle for sedan transfers.
Ride-hailing apps like Uber operate on this route, and the fare will show up in the app before you confirm. Long-distance Uber rides between Cairo and Alexandria are not uncommon, but they can be expensive, and surge pricing during peak hours pushes the cost further. If you are traveling as a group of three or four, a pre-arranged private transfer through a tour provider often works out cheaper per person than individual ride-hailing.
For cruise ship passengers arriving at Alexandria Port, a private transfer is often the most practical way to reach the city's main sights and return to the port on schedule, since public transport from the port area requires an additional connection.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The right choice depends on what you prioritize speed, cost, or convenience and whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or in a group. Here is a practical breakdown.
For speed and reliability: The train, specifically the Talgo or an AC Express in first class. It is the most consistent option timewise, avoids road traffic, and drops you close to Alexandria's center. If you have a fixed schedule a return flight, a booked tour, or a cruise ship departure the train is the safest bet.
For the lowest cost: The bus, particularly West Delta or Blue Bus departing from near Ramses Station. A bus ticket costs less than any train class and significantly less than a private car. The trade-off is travel time and the uncertainty of Cairo traffic.
For comfort and door-to-door service: A private transfer. This is the most expensive option per person if you are traveling solo, but the cost splits well among a group of three or four. It is also the most practical choice for cruise passengers who need to depart from and return to Alexandria Port on a fixed schedule.
For maximum convenience with everything arranged: A private guided day trip from Cairo to Alexandria handles transport, a guide, and sightseeing in one package. Aten Tours offers private day tours from Cairo to Alexandria that include round-trip transport with a driver, a guided visit to the city's main sights, and a return to Cairo the same day which removes the need to figure out trains, buses, or taxis separately.
Arriving in Alexandria: What to Expect
Regardless of how you travel, you will arrive at one of two points: Misr Station if you took the train, or Moharram Bek Bus Station if you took the bus. Both are in central Alexandria, and from either one, a taxi or ride-hailing app can get you to the Corniche, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or the city center in 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
A few practical notes for first-time arrivals:
Getting around: Alexandria has a tram system that runs along the Corniche and through the city center. It is inexpensive and useful for short hops, though it can be slow and crowded during rush hour. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available and are the more practical option if you are short on time or carrying luggage.
The Corniche is the main waterfront promenade that runs along Alexandria's Mediterranean coast. Many of the city's best-known sights the Citadel of Qaitbay, Stanley Bridge, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are either on or near the Corniche. If it is your first time in Alexandria, the Corniche is the easiest reference point for orienting yourself.
What to plan next: This article covers how to reach Alexandria. For a detailed look at the city's main sights, museums, and historic landmarks, the separate guide to places to visit in Alexandria covers each one individually.
All prices mentioned in this article are based on recent published rates and may change at any time. Confirm current fares and costs at the time of your visit.
