Alexandria is 225km northwest of Cairo along the desert highway - close enough for a day trip, far enough that the journey requires planning. Most visitors arrive by bus or train. Flying is an option but rarely the practical choice.
By Bus from Cairo
Go Bus and Blue Bus both operate modern air-conditioned coaches between Cairo and Alexandria. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic and the specific route. Departures run throughout the day from several points in Cairo - check the pickup location carefully when booking, as the departure point varies. Tickets are bookable through the Go Bus app or at stations. Go Bus fares cost approximately EGP 80–130 per person one way (2026); Blue Bus is similar pricing.
Arriving at the Sidi Gaber bus terminal in the eastern part of Alexandria, you will need a taxi or Uber to reach central Alexandria or your hotel. The fare from Sidi Gaber to Downtown is approximately EGP 50–100. For a pre-arranged airport transfer in Egypt, private drivers can meet you at the terminal and take you directly to your hotel.
Bus travel is the most cost-effective and practical option for most Cairo–Alexandria journeys.
By Train from Cairo
Trains depart Cairo’s Ramses Station and arrive at either Sidi Gaber Station (east of centre, convenient for eastern hotels) or the main Alexandria Station (Misr Station, more central). The fastest services take around two hours; slower services run two to two and a half hours. First-class carriages are air-conditioned and comfortable.
Multiple departures operate daily in both directions. Booking ahead is recommended for weekend and public holiday travel, when trains fill. The Egyptian National Railways website and the Masarat app both allow advance booking, though the interface can be unreliable - booking at Ramses Station in person is an alternative for same-day or next-day travel. First-class tickets on the Cairo–Alexandria run cost approximately EGP 70–90; second class is EGP 30–50.
The train is particularly well suited if you are travelling directly to central Alexandria, as the station is more centrally located than the bus terminal.
By Air
Borg el-Arab Airport (IATA: HBE) handles Alexandria’s air traffic. It is located approximately 50km west of the city centre. Domestic flights operate from Cairo and a limited range of international and charter routes use the airport seasonally.
The distance makes flying impractical for the Cairo–Alexandria route: by the time you factor in airport check-in time, the flight itself, and the 45–60 minute taxi journey from the airport into the city, the total elapsed time exceeds the bus journey. Flying makes more sense from Upper Egypt cities or if arriving on an international charter to Alexandria specifically.
From Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan)
Travellers coming from Upper Egypt need to change at Ramses Station in Cairo for Alexandria — there is no direct rail service. The journey from Luxor adds roughly 10–12 hours for the overnight sleeper to Cairo, plus a 2-hour connection time before the next Cairo–Alexandria departure. Most travellers in this situation break the journey with an overnight stay in Cairo rather than attempting the full route in a single day.
From Marsa Matruh and the Western Desert
Buses connect Alexandria to the Mediterranean coast towns. West Delta Bus Company operates services from Marsa Matruh, taking approximately 2.5 hours. From Siwa Oasis, the journey is longer - 7–8 hours - and involves changing at Marsa Matruh or taking one of the less frequent direct services. Travellers routing through the Western Desert toward Cairo often use Alexandria as a transit point.
Getting Around Alexandria
Within Alexandria, the tram is the cheapest option and follows the Corniche. Opened in 1863, it is one of the oldest tram systems in Africa. It is slow and atmospheric - useful for a long coastal journey between the western and eastern ends of the city, less efficient for reaching specific sites on a tight schedule.
Uber and Careem both operate in Alexandria and are the reliable option for point-to-point travel. Taxis are available but fares should be agreed in advance as meters are rarely used. Careem tends to have good coverage across the city.
For full logistics, accommodation, and site planning in the city, see our Alexandria city guide. To explore the city’s highlights with local expertise, guided tours of Alexandria offer half-day and full-day options covering the main historical and coastal sites. To find accommodation near the Corniche or Raml Station, search hotels in Alexandria on Booking.com.