Getting There & Away: Alexandria

Air Travel

Borg El Arab Airport HBE

Main international airport serving Alexandria, about 43 kilometers (27 miles) southwest of the city center.

Operations

Handles most international and some domestic flights.
Serves low-cost carriers from Middle East and Europe.
No direct intercontinental flights.

Cairo International Airport CAI

Egypt's largest and busiest airport, the main gateway for most international travelers.

Connections

Many visitors fly into Cairo, then travel to Alexandria.
Onward travel via domestic flight, train, bus, or private transfer.
Main hub for North America, South America, Asia flights.

Airlines

EgyptAir operates connections from HBE. Low-cost carriers connect HBE to Middle East and Europe.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices are higher during peak tourist season (Oct-Apr) and holidays. Booking well in advance is recommended to secure better rates. Compare on Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities HBE

Borg El Arab Airport offers basic facilities: cafes, small duty-free shops, currency exchange services, and car rental desks.

Airport Transfers to City

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis available, agree on fare beforehand (EGP 200-300).
Uber/Careem offer transparent pricing, book via app.
Ride-sharing often more predictable than street taxis.
Book upon arrival for best price.

Shuttle & Bus

Many hotels offer airport shuttle services.
Pre-book private transfers for convenience.
Public bus options are less convenient for tourists.
Often involve multiple transfers and are not direct.

Air Travel Tips

Fly into CAI

For broader international connections, Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main hub for arrivals.

Domestic Links

EgyptAir operates connections from Borg El Arab (HBE) to other Egyptian cities, for internal travel.

Plan Ahead

Book flights during peak season well in advance for better rates and availability, especially for popular routes.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Egyptian National Railways connects Alexandria with Cairo (Ramses Station) and other major cities across Egypt.

Train Types & Booking

Spanish (Express) Trains: fastest, most comfortable, air-conditioned.
Turbine Trains: slower, still comfortable and air-conditioned.
Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes.

Long-Distance Buses

Land travel is a common and efficient way to reach Alexandria from other parts of Egypt, especially Cairo.

Bus Companies & Time

Go Bus, Blue Bus, and Super Jet are reputable companies.
Frequent services between Alexandria and Cairo.
Journey from Cairo: 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Self-Driving

Self-driving is generally not suggested for tourists in Egypt. Egyptian driving style can be aggressive and chaotic.

Driving Requirements

International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside national license.
Minimum age for rental typically 21-25, depending on the company.
A credit card for a deposit is needed. Rental on DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions

Road signs may not always be in English, making navigation challenging.

Safety on Roads

Major highways, like the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, are generally well-maintained.
Roads within Alexandria can be heavily congested, uneven, and challenging to navigate.
Avoid driving at night outside urban areas due to poor lighting.

Sea/River Travel

Alexandria Port is commercial, not for regular passenger ferries.
International cruise ships occasionally dock for excursions.
No direct Nile River connections to Alexandria.

Immigration procedures at seaports similar to airports.
Have documents ready upon disembarkation.
Check specific cruise line details for port entry.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

Exit fees or taxes are typically included in the price of your airline ticket.

No Separate Payment

You generally do not pay any separate cash fees upon departure.
Confirm with airline for specific ticket inclusions.
Focus on security and check-in times.

Departure Timing

Allow sufficient time for airport, train, or bus station procedures.

Arrival Before Departure

International flights (HBE): plan 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic flights/trains/buses: at least 1 hour before departure.
Allow extra time for Alexandria's unpredictable traffic.

Borg El Arab HBE

Offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including small duty-free shops, cafes, and seating areas.

Train Stations

Misr Station, Sidi Gaber. Usually have small shops and eateries where you can grab a snack or drink before your journey.

Bus Stations

Major bus companies usually have their own dedicated stations or offices in Alexandria with basic amenities.

Getting There & Away