Cairo to Alexandria

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Cairo and Alexandria sit just over 220 kilometres apart, connected by one of Egypt's most-used rail corridors, a busy motorway and a fleet of long-distance buses. It is an easy day trip in either direction — if you choose the right mode. Here is how each option stacks up.

The quickest and most comfortable way: Egyptian National Railways express

Egyptian National Railways (ENR) runs frequent express trains between Cairo Ramses station and Alexandria Misr station, with some services also calling at Sidi Gaber in Alexandria's eastern suburbs. Journey time on the fastest express services is roughly 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes; slower stopping trains take closer to 3 hours.

First-class air-conditioned coaches are comfortable and reasonably priced by international standards. Seats in the air-conditioned carriages — marked as "Spanish" or "French" stock depending on the train — come with assigned places, and it is worth booking ahead for peak times such as summer weekends and public holidays. Second-class air-conditioned seats are also available and very affordable. Standard (non-AC) third class exists but is best avoided on this corridor in summer heat.

Trains run frequently throughout the day, from early morning to late evening, which gives you flexibility even if you do not book ahead. Tickets are available at Ramses station's windows or through the ENR website, though international visitors sometimes find walk-up purchase at the station more straightforward.

The cheapest way: long-distance bus

Several companies run air-conditioned coaches between Cairo and Alexandria, with the most commonly used services departing from Turgoman Garage (also spelled Torgoman) in central Cairo. West and Mid Delta Bus Company is the dominant operator on this route. Journey time is typically 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours in good traffic, but the journey can stretch to four hours or more if you travel at peak times or during summer, when the motorway becomes heavily congested.

Fares are low, and buses run throughout the day. The trade-off is that you are dependent on road conditions — and Egypt's Desert Road between the two cities can see serious tailbacks, especially on Friday evenings when Alexandrians return from Cairo.

In Alexandria, most buses terminate near Moharam Bek or at a depot east of the city centre, requiring a taxi or microbus to reach central areas. Factor this transfer into your planning.

The fastest door-to-door option

There are no scheduled flights between Cairo and Alexandria — the journey is short enough that flying is not offered commercially. Between the train and the bus, the express train is nearly always the faster and more predictable option once you account for road traffic variability.

The scenic way: driving the Desert Road or the Agricultural Road

The drive from Cairo to Alexandria offers two main route options. The Desert Road (the newer motorway, also known as the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road) is the faster choice in low traffic, at around 220 km and under 2 hours in good conditions, but it offers little scenery — as the name suggests, it cuts through open desert and industrial outskirts.

The Agricultural Road (Tariq Al-Ziraa) runs closer to the Delta's farmland and passes through small towns. It is slower — allow 3 to 4 hours — but gives you a glimpse of rural Egypt's green Delta landscape, a striking contrast to the capital. Fuel stations are plentiful on both routes.

If you are renting a car, check whether your hire agreement permits travel on intercity motorways and keep your documentation handy, as police checkpoints are common on both roads. Driving standards in Egypt can be challenging for visitors unused to Cairo's traffic culture — the motorway is considerably less stressful than city driving, but the approach roads at both ends can be chaotic. See our guide to international driving permits before you travel.

Getting around once you arrive in Alexandria

Alexandria is a long, narrow city spread along 32 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. The train drops you at Misr station or Sidi Gaber station, both well-placed for the city centre and the eastern Corniche area respectively. From the bus terminal, a taxi or rideshare app is the easiest onward option. Alexandria's own tram network, one of Africa's oldest, is an atmospheric way to travel along the Corniche once you are settled.

Which should you choose?

For most visitors, the express train is the clear winner: predictable timing, comfortable air-conditioned seats, city-centre arrival, and no exposure to motorway traffic jams. Take the bus if you are on a very tight budget or need a departure time that the rail timetable does not offer. Drive only if you have a specific reason to need a car in Alexandria or want to stop along the Agricultural Road at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Cairo to Alexandria take?

Express trains take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes. Slower services calling at more intermediate stations take around 3 hours. First-class air-conditioned tickets are recommended for the most comfortable experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

Advance booking is advisable during summer (July–August), public holidays and Friday evenings, when trains fill quickly. On quieter weekdays, buying a ticket at Ramses station shortly before departure is usually straightforward for first and second class.

Is the bus from Cairo to Alexandria reliable?

Coaches on this route are generally comfortable and air-conditioned, but journey times vary considerably depending on traffic. Expect anything from 2.5 hours on a clear morning to 4 hours or more at peak times. The train is the more reliable choice for time-sensitive travel.

Which Cairo station do trains depart from?

Most Alexandria-bound trains depart from Cairo Ramses station (also called Cairo Main), which is accessible by metro on Lines 1 and 2. Always confirm your platform on the day, as station operations can change.