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How to Get to Tanta

How to Get to Tanta

Tanta Gharbia, Egypt Travel Guide

Air Travel to Tanta

Arrival Airports

Tanta does not host a major international airport. Travelers typically fly into Cairo or Alexandria and then travel to Tanta by road or rail.

Main Hubs

  • Cairo International Airport (CAI): Egypt's largest, ~90-110 km SE of Tanta.
  • Borg El Arab Airport (HBE): Near Alexandria, ~90-100 km NW of Tanta.
  • Airlines: EgyptAir (CAI), Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates (CAI), regional carriers (HBE).

Flight Routes & Costs

CAI has direct flights from major global hubs. HBE focuses more on local connections.

Booking Insights

  • CAI Routes: New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Istanbul, etc.
  • Flight Prices: Peak during high season (Oct-April) & holidays. Lower June-Aug.
  • Finding Deals: Use services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Cairo Airport CAI

Largest airport, extensive facilities, global connections.

Borg El Arab HBE

Smaller airport, provincial and low-cost carriers.

Flight Price Trends

Lowest prices during summer low season (June-August).

Airport Transfers to Tanta

From CAI to Tanta

  • Taxi: EGP 800-1500 ($26-$50), 1.5-2.5 hours. Negotiate or use ride-hailing.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked, convenient, slightly higher cost.
  • Bus + Taxi: Cheapest but time-consuming. Airport bus to Cairo station, then intercity to Tanta.
  • Car Rental: Available at CAI, but self-driving not generally recommended.

From HBE to Tanta

  • Taxi: EGP 700-1200 ($23-$40), 1.5-2 hours. Negotiate or use ride-hailing.
  • Private Transfer: Direct and comfortable.
  • Bus + Taxi: HBE to Alexandria city center, then intercity to Tanta.
  • Car Rental: Available at HBE, self-driving not generally recommended.

Airport Facility Overview

CAI Facilities

Three main terminals, duty-free, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi.

HBE Facilities

Smaller, single terminal, basic duty-free, eateries, currency exchange.

Car Rental Desks

Both airports feature car rental services for self-driving.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Tanta serves as a major railway hub with frequent and reliable connections.

Egypt National Railways

  • Routes: Frequent services to/from Cairo (Ramses Station) and Alexandria (Misr Station).
  • Classes: First Class (A/C, comfortable), Second Class (A/C), Third Class (basic).
  • Journey Time: ~1.5-2 hours from Cairo or Alexandria.

Long-Distance Buses

Bus services offer another convenient way to reach Tanta.

Bus Services

  • Bus Stations: Tanta has a central bus station.
  • Companies: Go Bus, Blue Bus, West & Middle Delta Bus Co.
  • Routes: Frequent services to/from Cairo and Alexandria.

Car Rental & Driving

Car rentals are possible, but self-driving is not recommended for most tourists.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: National driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Road Conditions: Major roads are good; city traffic is chaotic and aggressive.
  • Safety Concerns: High accident rates, poor signage, night driving is risky.

Tanta City Driving

Road circumstances within Tanta and other Egyptian cities are often congested.

Urban Navigation

  • Congestion: City roads are often congested.
  • Parking: Difficult to find in the city center.
  • Shared Roads: Pedestrians, microbuses, tuk-tuks share the roads.

Driving Recommendation

  • Self-driving is not recommended for most tourists.
  • Unless very comfortable with challenging driving conditions.
  • Public transport or ride-hailing apps offer safer alternatives.
  • Border crossing information is not applicable for Tanta (inland city).
  • Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for Tanta.
  • Tanta has no direct access to sea or major navigable rivers.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Tanta by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations.

Smooth Exit

  • Exit Fees: None usually charged, included in air ticket.
  • Security Checks: Expect multiple security checks at airports.
  • Documents: Ensure all your travel documents are in order.

Airport Timing

Allow ample time for travel from Tanta to the airport and for check-in.

Departure Schedule

  • International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Travel to The airport: Allow 1.5-2.5 hours from Tanta to CAI or HBE.
  • Buffer Time: Plan for potential traffic delays.

CAI Facilities

Comprehensive facilities for departing travelers.

HBE Facilities

Similar facilities to CAI but on a smaller scale.

Tanta Stations

Train and bus stations offer basic amenities.

Final Departure Tips

Airport Departure

For convenience upon arrival, especially after a long flight, arrange a private transfer or use a ride-hailing app directly from Cairo or Borg El Arab Airport to Tanta.

Checklist

  • Reconfirm flight status 24-48 hours prior.
  • Have all travel documents readily accessible.
  • Convert any remaining local currency if not needed.

Tanta Station Departure

Tanta's public transport by train and bus stations offer basic facilities like ticket counters, waiting areas, and small kiosks for refreshments.

Tips for Departure

  • Arrive at the station 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Ensure train/bus tickets are booked in advance during peak times.
  • Confirm departure platform/gate upon arrival at the station.

Consider Flight Compensation

Delayed Flights

If your flight was delayed, you might be eligible for compensation.

Canceled Flights

Flight cancellations can also lead to compensation claims.

Claim Assistance

Services like AirHelp help claim up to €600.

Travel Insight

Use ride-hailing apps for transparency and safety.

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