Alexandria to Cairo tickets

About the ride from Alexandria to Cairo

Traveling from Alexandria to Cairo is a breeze, thanks to affordable public transportation and regularly maintained roads. Choose from a bus, a train, a car or a minivan to travel the 219 km (136 miles).

Both cities are must-visits on any trip to Egypt. 

So, after taking in the Hellenistic ruins and spending time near the Mediterranean Sea, head south to explore the exciting capital city, the Pyramids at Giza, and the impressive ancient wonders that millions of visitors flock to Cairo to see each year. 

Six things to do in Cairo

Cairo, Egypt's capital, is packed with plenty of things to see and do. Here is a list of some of our topic suggestions:

1. Visit the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx — a 30-minute ride from the city.

2. Wander through the Grand Egyptian Museum.

3. Shop at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

4. Take a felucca ride along the Nile.

5. Climb Cairo Tower to get some impressive 360° views of the city.

6. Take a tour of Saqqara and Dahshur, Egypt's largest archeological site.

How to get from Alexandria to Cairo

There are a few options to get you to Cairo from Alexandria that are perfect for any travel style and budget. You can take the bus, ride the train, or hire transportation. 

Bus

The cheapest way to get to Cairo is to take the bus. Tickets start at $4. The ride takes about three hours, and there are several daily departure times to work with your schedule.

Buses typically have AC and a TV screen, but you'll want to bring a book or download a podcast to keep you entertained along the way. 

Seats are comfortable enough for a short ride, and you can easily store your luggage underneath the bus during the ride. 

Be mindful that there aren't always bathrooms on board, and the bus may not stop along the way, so use the facilities at the bus stop before you set off.

There are various departure and arrival spots strew throughout both cities. Make sure you pick the most convenient place when you are booking. 

Train

The train is a safe and scenic way to get from Alexandria to Cairo. There are several daily departures; the ride typically takes 1.5-2 hours. Prices start at $42 per seat.

You have the option of booking a first-class or second-class seat on the train. 

First Class Train: These trains are sleek and modern and sometimes have individual TV screens on the back of the comfortable seats. It is set up with one row of very comfortable single seats and one row of two seats right next to each other, divided by an aisle.

Second Class Train: These cabins have standard train seats, with two seats on either side of an aisle. Seats are relatively comfortable, but there are no special amenities like WiFi or TVs. 

There is also a French Express train. These are older trains that take about two hours to get from Alexandria to Cairo. There is a first and second-class option, similar to the other trains, but the seats are almost identical. The main difference is that first-class cabins have a row of single seats, whereas second-class cabins have two seats on either side of a narrow aisle. 

As an important sidenote, women often vote for the train as the safest way to travel solo, so keep this in mind if you are planning a trip on your own.

Minivan

Booking a seat in a shared minivan is another great way to travel to Cairo. The ride takes about 2-3 hours and has plenty of amenities despite the low price tag of $7. 

You can expect reclining seats, charging ports, and AC. You'll depart and arrive at various places in each city, depending on the operator you choose.

For a few dollars more, your driver can pick you up at your hotel in Alexandria and drop you off at either the Cairo Airport or your next accommodation. Tickets for this convenience start around $16. 

You will share the ride with other travelers, but the amenities may make it more comfortable than the bus. 

If you're traveling with a small group, you can hire a private minivan. Prices are around $80 for the vehicle. 

Private cars 

Hiring a private car is your final option to get you from Alexandria to Cairo. Travel time is around 2.5-3 hours.

Most cars come equipped with AC, charging ports, and occasionally, even WiFi. You will have the entire vehicle to yourself and will be picked up from the location of your choice in Alexandria and dropped off at your hotel or accommodation in Cairo.

While private transport is more expensive than the bus or minivan, it is affordable, especially if you share the ride with your travel partners. Prices for the vehicle start around $60. 

The best part about selecting this ride is you get to set your schedule and can request that the driver stop for snacks or a bathroom break along the way.

About the journey to Cairo from Alexandria

Located just 219 km (136 miles) southeast of Alexandria, Cairo is easy to visit. 

The Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road is mostly well maintained, as it is an essential transportation route for the country. However, there are times when you may experience uneven roads or find them riddled with potholes if roadworks haven't been able to keep up with repairs.

No matter the road condition, you will find it a scenic drive through the desert. Book your trip during the daylight hours to gaze out the window and take in the picturesque landscape.

Best time to visit Cairo

Egypt's capital is truly a year-round destination. However, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip.

Winter is ideal if you want to avoid the oppressive heat. October through December is the coolest time of year, but temperatures are still pleasant to spend days exploring outside. This is the busiest time of year, though, so be prepared to battle the crowds at the main tourist attractions.

The summer months of June through September are hot, hot, hot. Temperatures soar to 30-40℃ (86-104℉) but can reach upwards of 50℃ (122℉)! The benefit of traveling during the summer is that many travelers head to the Red Sea and escape the city's oppressive heat. If you do decide to visit during this time, plan to hit the sites early and spend the afternoons by the pool.

Overall, the best time to visit is in April and May. The weather is absolutely gorgeous, with temperatures averaging between 25-32℃ (77-90℉), crisp, clear blue skies, and fewer crowds than in the winter months. ​

Where to go after Cairo

There are many great places to explore after you've spent time in Cairo. 

You can head to Luxor, which is only a one-hour flight. Domestic flights are very reasonably priced and have several daily departures. You can't visit Egypt without seeing Karnak and spending time on the Nile.

Sharm El Sheikh is another excellent option, especially if you love the beach. The best way to get here is to take an hour-long direct flight from Cairo. Once you're here, you can spend time at the Red Sea and experience some of the most magical snorkeling and diving in the entire world.

If you're a history buff, Suez is the place to visit for you. Home to the famous Suez Canal, this city is packed with fascinating tales from the past. It is also only a two-hour bus ride from Cairo to Suez, perfect if you aren't keen on the idea of jumping on a flight from Cairo.

No matter what you're interested in, Egypt has plenty of unique attractions to explore.