Cairo to Alexandria and El Alamein: train or private car?
Alexandria is about 220 km from Cairo — around 3 hours by car on the Desert Road; El Alamein and New Alamein on the north coast are about 260 km. Trains run Cairo–Alexandria several times a day (timetables on the ENR site), but not door to door. A private car costs from $200 one way and from $260 for a day trip, per car. Prices checked .
- Cairo → Alexandria ≈ 220 km · 3 h
- Cairo → El Alamein ≈ 260 km · 3.25 h
- Day trip Alexandria from $260 per car
- Alexandria airport Borg El Arab (HBE)
Train or car — which is better?
The train runs from Cairo Ramses station to Alexandria (Sidi Gaber / Misr station); timetables and tickets are on the Egyptian National Railways site. It suits a single traveller going city to city. A car is better with luggage, with children, from a Giza or airport hotel, or when you want to see the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Library and the catacombs in one day.
Can I visit Alexandria in one day from Cairo?
Yes: about 6 hours on the road in total and 5–6 hours in the city. Leave Cairo at 7 a.m. to be back in the evening.
How do I get to El Alamein and New Alamein?
El Alamein (the war cemeteries and museum) and the New Alamein resort towns are on the north coast west of Alexandria; there is no direct train to the resorts. A car from Cairo takes about 3.25 hours.
How much is a private car Cairo → Alexandria / El Alamein?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan (Hiace) | Bus (Coaster) | Premium van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo to Alexandria by private car one way | $200 | $275 | $490 | $440 |
| Alexandria day trip from Cairo driver waits, back the same day | $260 | $330 | $600 | $530 |
| Cairo to El Alamein & New Alamein (North Coast) one way | $260 | $330 | $600 | $530 |
| Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) to Alexandria one way | $50 | $70 | $135 | $115 |
Where do I land if I fly straight to Alexandria?
Alexandria’s airport is Borg El Arab (HBE), about 50 km south-west of the city — around an hour by car. We meet flights there day and night.
Sources and checks
- Egyptian National Railways — timetables and tickets — Egyptian National Railways (ENR); checked by us
- Egyptian monuments: opening hours and tickets — Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; checked by us
You may also need
- Arriving at Cairo Airport (CAI) — also at night: visa, exit, the ride to your hotel
- Arriving at Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) — also at night: visa, exit, the ride to your hotel
- Cairo to Siwa Oasis: the long road, done in one car
- Cairo Airport transfers
Questions
How far is Alexandria from Cairo?
About 220 km, around 3 hours by the Desert Road.
How much is a car from Cairo to Alexandria?
From $200 per car one way; a day trip with the driver waiting from $260.
Is there a train?
Yes, from Ramses station several times a day; check the ENR timetable.
How far is El Alamein?
About 260 km from Cairo, around 3.25 hours.
Can you pick us up at Borg El Arab airport?
Yes, Borg El Arab (HBE) to Alexandria hotels is a separate transfer.
Are tickets included?
No, entrance tickets are paid at the sites.