If you’re planning a Cairo to Alexandria day trip, you’ve got two main choices: train or car. Both can work. The annoying part is that most guides make it sound like you can do everything, perfectly, with zero traffic, zero queues, and a magical lunch that appears the second you get hungry. Real life is different.

This post is the simple version. It’s written to help you pick the right transport, build a route that actually fits in a day, and avoid the time-wasters that steal half your trip.

Alexandria is Egypt’s coastal city with a totally different feel from Cairo. You’re not going for pyramids and desert views. You’re going for sea air, old history, and a day that feels a bit lighter. The main “headline stops” most people want are:

Now, the big decision: train vs car.

  • Pick the train if you want a simple ride where you can sit, switch off, and not deal with driving. The official place to check rail info is Egyptian National Railways, so you’re not relying on random blog timetables.

  • Pick a car (or private transfer) if you want to control your timing, fit more stops in, and avoid the “station + taxi + waiting” parts. This is especially helpful if you’re travelling as a family, or you just hate anything that feels uncertain.

Here’s the key thing people don’t like hearing: a great day trip is usually 3–4 main stops, not 7. The moment you try to squeeze in every single idea, you end up rushing the best bits and spending too much time moving around.

So the plan in this guide is:

  • start early (so your first stop feels calm),

  • do the underground stuff first (before the crowds),

  • hit your big sea-view stop mid-day,

  • then finish with the library or a relaxed seaside break (so your last hours feel easy, not chaotic).

Quick facts (distance, timing, and the start time that actually works)

A Cairo to Alexandria day trip can be easy… or it can turn into a long, messy day where you spend more time “getting there” than actually enjoying Alexandria. These quick facts help you plan the smooth version.

How far is Cairo from Alexandria?

Most sources put Cairo ↔ Alexandria at around 220 km (give or take depending on where in Cairo you start and where in Alexandria you finish).
That’s why you’ll see travel times that can swing a lot — because 10–20 km of city driving at the start or end can change your day more than you think.

How long does it take?

Realistic, normal travel time is roughly:

  • Around 2.5–4 hours one way, depending on transport type, traffic, and how “door-to-door” your route is.

Here’s the honest bit:

  • A train can be very steady once you’re on it, but you still need time to get to the station, find your platform, and then get from the station in Alexandria to your first stop.

  • A car/private transfer is more direct, but road traffic can add time, especially leaving Cairo.

The start time that makes the day feel good

If you want a day trip that doesn’t feel rushed, aim to arrive in Alexandria in the morning. That usually means leaving Cairo early enough that your first main stop starts before the day gets busy.

A simple target:

  • Leave Cairo early morning so you’re walking into your first attraction around late morning at the latest.

If you leave late, your day turns into:

  • travel → one rushed stop → quick photo → travel → dinner → travel back

Train basics (the simple version)

Cairo’s main rail hub for intercity trains is commonly known as Ramses Station (Misr Station).
In Alexandria, the main terminus is Alexandria railway station (often linked with the wider station area and connections like Sidi Gaber).

If you want official rail info, start with Egyptian National Railways rather than random timetable screenshots.

Car/private transfer basics (when it’s the smarter choice)

A car is usually the best choice if:

  • you’re with family (less faff)

  • you hate uncertainty

  • you want to control your stops and timing

  • you want a clear “start here, finish here” day

It’s also the simplest way to avoid the “station + taxi + waiting” chain that can steal time.

Your day-trip maths (so you don’t overbook yourself)

A true day trip has a hard limit. Roughly:

  • 4–8 hours total can disappear into travel + station time + moving between stops.

So the winning move is to plan 3–4 main stops, not 7.

A day-trip-friendly stop count looks like:

  • 1 underground/history stop

  • 1 big sea-view stop

  • 1 modern/cultural stop

  • 1 relaxed seaside break (optional)

That’s how you finish the day feeling like you actually experienced Alexandria.

Qaitbay Citadel

Train option (how it feels, where you lose time, and a simple route that works)

Taking the train for a Cairo to Alexandria day trip is the “low-effort” option once you’re seated. You can relax, scroll, nap, and not think about traffic. The catch is that trains don’t start at your hotel door, and Alexandria sights don’t start at the station gate — so the hidden time is usually: getting to the station, waiting, then sorting taxis at the other end.

What the train day feels like (honest version)

  • Good: predictable once you’re moving, no driving stress, you arrive in the city centre-ish and can start sightseeing.

  • Not so good: stations can feel busy, you can lose time if you arrive too late and miss your train, and you still need taxis to reach the main attractions.

If you want official rail info (instead of random timetable screenshots), use Egyptian National Railways as your starting point.

Which stations matter (keep it simple)

In Cairo, the main hub people mean is Ramses Station (Misr Station).
In Alexandria, you’ll usually hear about Alexandria railway station and also Sidi Gaber depending on the service and where you want to start.

The practical takeaway: choose the station that makes your first stop easiest, not the one that “sounds famous”.

Where people waste time (so you don’t)

These are the classic time-sinks on a train day trip:

  1. Leaving for the station too late
    Cairo traffic + station queues = missed train = day ruined.

  2. No plan for the first taxi
    You arrive, you stand around, you negotiate, you drift.

  3. Trying to do too many stops
    Alexandria looks compact on a map, but moving around still eats time.

Rome2rio’s overview shows the Cairo–Alexandria trip is often presented as roughly 220 km with travel times that can vary — which is exactly why your “buffer time” matters.

A simple train-based day plan that actually works

This is a clean route that keeps stops close-ish and avoids overbooking your day.

Step 1: Early train out of Cairo

  • Aim to be at the station with enough time to find the platform and settle.

  • Your goal is arriving Alexandria early enough that your first stop doesn’t feel rushed.

Step 2: First stop (history, underground, quick win)

  • Start with a “proper” attraction while your energy is high. Underground/catacombs-style places are great early because they’re cooler and often feel calmer.

Step 3: Midday stop (big sea-view moment)

  • Head to your main seaside “wow” stop (citadel / strong viewpoint type place).

  • Keep lunch simple near this area so you don’t spend an hour hunting a perfect restaurant.

Step 4: Late afternoon (library OR relaxed Corniche break)

  • Finish with one cultural stop or an easy seaside walk. This keeps your last hours light instead of chaotic.

Step 5: Taxi back to the station + train to Cairo

  • Build in time to get back to the station. Don’t leave it “tight”. Tight plans break.

Quick taxi tips (because train days still need taxis)

  • Agree price before you get in.

  • Say the destination clearly.

  • If someone feels pushy, step away and ask the next driver.

Car option (when it’s worth it, who it suits, and the time-saving route)

Doing a Cairo to Alexandria day trip by car (private car, driver, or pre-booked transfer) is usually the smoothest way to run the day because it’s door-to-door. No stations, no platforms, no “now we need a taxi” moments. You control the pace, and that’s the difference between a calm day and a stressed one.

When a car is 100% worth it

Pick a car/private transfer if any of these sound like you:

  • You’re travelling as a family (kids + stations = extra faff).

  • You’ve got older parents with you and you want fewer steps and fewer surprises.

  • You hate uncertainty and you want the day to run like a plan.

  • You want to see 3–4 places without constantly checking the clock.

  • You’re doing a short Egypt trip and you don’t want your “Alexandria day” eaten up by logistics.

When the train might be better

Be honest with yourself:

  • If you love the idea of sitting back and letting the journey happen,

  • If you don’t mind station time,

  • If you’re happy with a simpler, lighter itinerary,
    then the train can still be fine.

But if you want the easiest “no-stress” version, car wins most of the time.

The car day that actually works (a simple route)

The biggest advantage of a car is that you can plan the day in a clean order and avoid bouncing around.

Here’s the time-saving structure:

1) Start early and go straight to your first main stop
This is where car travel feels amazing: you arrive and begin. No extra transfers.

2) Do your “indoor or underground” stop first
Put your catacombs / indoor history stop at the start of the day. It’s cooler, it’s easier, and you’re fresh.

3) Move to your big sea-view stop mid-day
This is your “main photo moment” — citadel area, sea views, Corniche vibe. Do it when the light is good and you’re not rushing.

4) Keep lunch simple and close
With a driver, you can pick a sensible lunch spot near where you already are. The rule is: don’t cross the city just to chase a restaurant. That’s how you lose an hour.

5) Finish with one calm stop
Choose one:

  • the library (if you want something cultural and modern), or

  • a relaxed Corniche walk / coffee break if you want the easy version.

Then you head back before the day turns into a late-night mission.

What to tell your driver (so you don’t waste time)

Whether it’s a private transfer or a hired car, say this clearly at the start:

  • “We’re doing 3–4 stops max.”

  • “No shopping stops.”

  • “We want a short lunch and then continue.”

  • “We want to leave Alexandria at X time.”

That one sentence about “no shopping stops” saves you from the classic detour problem.

Hidden bonus of a car: you can keep the day flexible

If a place is crowded or you’re not feeling it, you can switch the order. That flexibility is what makes the day feel relaxed.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Best 1-day itinerary (Catacombs → Citadel → Library → seaside break)

This is my favourite Cairo to Alexandria day trip itinerary because it stays realistic. It gives you proper highlights without turning the day into a sprint. You’ll do 3 main stops plus one easy seaside break.

It also works whether you’re coming by train or car — you just adjust the start time and how long you spend moving around.

Quick timing reality check (so your plan doesn’t break)

Cairo to Alexandria is often shown as around 220 km driving distance.
So your day only feels relaxed if you:

  • start early, and

  • don’t overbook your stop list.

If you’re aiming for “calm”, think 3 main stops max plus a quick stroll/coffee at the end.

Stop 1 (morning): Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Start with the catacombs because it’s cooler, it’s interesting, and it feels like a “proper” win early in the day.

Helpful practical detail:

  • The official ticketing site lists opening hours from 9:00 am with last entry 4:00 pm (and shorter last entry in Ramadan).

How long to spend:

  • Roughly 45–90 minutes, depending on your pace.

Simple tip:

  • Go first so you’re not doing underground stairs when you’re already tired.

Stop 2 (midday): Qaitbay Citadel (your big sea-view moment)

This is your main “wow” stop. It’s the one people remember because you get proper sea air and views.

Two useful planning details:

  • The official ticket site lists opening from 9:00 am, with last entry 7:00 pm in summer and 5:00 pm in winter (and earlier last entry in Ramadan).

  • The Ministry’s “Discover Egypt’s Monuments” page lists ticket prices for foreigners (adult and student).

How long to spend:

  • 60–90 minutes is plenty unless you love fortifications and want to take it slow.

Lunch rule (so you don’t waste time):

  • Eat near this area and keep it simple. Chasing a “famous spot” across town can burn an hour.

Stop 3 (afternoon): Bibliotheca Alexandrina (or swap it for a Corniche chill)

If you want one modern, cultural stop, make it the Bibliotheca. It’s a good contrast after tombs + fort.

Planning details straight from the library’s official pages:

  • Main Library hours are listed as Sun–Thu 10:00 am–7:00 pm and Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm.

  • They also publish guided tour schedules and visitor info.

How long to spend:

  • 60–90 minutes.

If you’re not in the mood for a “proper” visit:

  • Swap the library for a Corniche walk + coffee. This keeps the end of your day light and enjoyable.

Seaside break (final): 30–60 minutes, no pressure

This is the part that makes Alexandria feel like Alexandria.

Do:

  • A short Corniche walk

  • A cold drink

  • A sit-down break with a view

Don’t:

  • Add another “major attraction” here. This is your soft landing before heading back to Cairo.

Who this itinerary is perfect for

  • First-timers who want the main highlights without stress

  • Families (because it’s not overloaded)

  • Anyone who hates chaotic days and wants a clean plan

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Costs you should expect (honest ranges)

Money on a Cairo to Alexandria day trip isn’t just “transport + tickets”. The real cost is transport, entrance fees, local taxis, plus food and small extras. Here’s the simple, realistic way to budget it.

1) Attraction tickets (the bits you can predict)

If you follow the itinerary from Section 5 (Catacombs → Qaitbay → Library), your main paid tickets are usually the first two.

  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: EGP 200 for “Other Nationality” adult, EGP 100 student (official ticket site).

  • Qaitbay Citadel: ticket prices are listed on Egypt’s official monuments pages (they publish foreigner pricing there).

Tip: ticket prices can change, so if you want zero surprises, check the official monument ticket pages the day before.

2) Train costs (what you’ll actually run into)

Train pricing is the part that gets messy because:

  • some sources show local price tables,

  • and foreigners can sometimes see different pricing depending on service/class and how/where you buy.

A Cairo government page shows a Cairo → Alexandria fare table of EGP 80 (first class) and EGP 65 (second class).
But other third-party schedule sites show wide ranges by train type/class (for example, up to a few hundred EGP for higher classes).

Practical budgeting rule:

  • Budget “low” if you’re on a standard local service,

  • budget “higher” if you’re choosing faster/VIP-style trains or buying via travel platforms.

And for the most reliable info, always start with Egyptian National Railways for schedules/official guidance.

3) Car / private transfer costs (what you’re paying for)

With a car/driver you’re paying for:

  • door-to-door convenience,

  • time saved,

  • less faff,

  • and an itinerary that doesn’t break because you missed a train.

Prices vary massively by car type, group size, and whether it’s a tour vs a pure transfer, so instead of guessing numbers, the clean way to handle it in the article is:

  • point readers to your Request a private transfer page for a quote, and

  • explain what that quote replaces (train + taxis + delays).

4) Local taxis inside Alexandria (small but sneaky costs)

Even if you take the train, you’ll likely use taxis to connect stops. This is where “small costs” can add up.

Budget approach:

  • assume you’ll pay for multiple short rides between attractions (station → Catacombs → Citadel → Library → station).

  • agree the price before you get in.

5) Food and drinks (keep it simple)

Alexandria is easy for food, but the trap is spending too long hunting “the perfect place”.

Budget rule for a day trip:

  • one proper meal + a couple of drinks/snacks

  • add a little extra for seaside stops because you’ll be tempted.

6) The “honest budget” summary

Use these as simple budget buckets (not exact numbers), because prices shift:

  • Train day: train tickets + 3–5 taxi rides + 2 main entry tickets + food

  • Car day: driver/transfer cost + 2 main entry tickets + food (and you usually need fewer taxis)

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Most Cairo to Alexandria day trip plans go wrong for the same boring reasons. Fix these, and your day suddenly feels easy.

Mistake 1: Leaving Cairo too late

If you leave late, you arrive when places are busy, you queue more, and your itinerary shrinks fast.

What to do instead:

  • Plan to arrive in Alexandria in the morning.

  • If you’re taking the train, leave extra time for station faff (finding the platform, crowds, last-minute stress).

Mistake 2: Trying to do “everything”

Alexandria isn’t a checklist. The day trip sweet spot is 3–4 main stops, not 7.

What to do instead:

  • Pick one underground/history stop, one sea-view stop, one modern/cultural stop, then finish with a short Corniche break.

  • If you add a stop, remove a stop. Don’t just keep stacking.

Mistake 3: Bad stop order (doing the hardest stuff when you’re tired)

People often do the catacombs late, when they’re hot, hungry, and fed up. That’s when it feels like hard work.

What to do instead:

  • Do Catacombs first (cooler, calmer, quick win).

  • Do Qaitbay mid-day (best vibe and views).

  • Do Library or Corniche last (easy finish).

Mistake 4: Losing an hour “getting between stops”

This happens when you land in Alexandria and start deciding everything on the spot.

What to do instead:

  • Decide your route before you travel.

  • If you’re on the train: know your first taxi ride destination, and don’t stand around negotiating forever.

  • If you’re in a car: tell the driver the exact order and keep it tight.

Mistake 5: Getting dragged into shopping detours

This is the silent trip killer. “Quick stop” turns into 45 minutes of pressure-selling.

What to do instead:

  • Say it clearly at the start: “No shopping stops.”

  • If someone tries it anyway: “No thanks, straight to the next place.”

Mistake 6: Planning a perfect lunch that doesn’t exist

People waste ages trying to find the “best” place, then eat late, then everything else feels rushed.

What to do instead:

  • Keep lunch simple and close to where you already are (especially near the citadel/seafront area).

  • Save the “food adventure” for a longer Alexandria stay.

Mistake 7: Leaving Alexandria too late

Leaving too late turns your day trip into a late-night slog back to Cairo.

What to do instead:

  • Pick a hard leave time and stick to it.

  • Build a buffer so you’re not panicking at the station or stuck in traffic.

What to pack (simple list + comfort hacks)

A Cairo to Alexandria day trip is one of those days where the right small items make everything smoother. Alexandria is cooler than Cairo because it’s on the coast, but you’ll still deal with sun, walking, and the usual “where is a toilet / where is my charger” moments.

The small day-bag list (this is enough)

You don’t need a huge backpack. A small crossbody or small day bag is perfect.

Bring:

  • Water (one bottle you actually finish, not a heavy litre you carry all day)

  • Sunglasses (sea glare is real)

  • Sunscreen (especially face, neck, and ears)

  • Power bank + cable (maps + photos = dead phone)

  • Tissues + hand sanitiser (always useful)

  • Small cash (for quick buys, tips, taxis)

  • ID + ticket screenshots (train/tour confirmation, museum/library info)

  • Light layer (sea breeze can feel chilly later, even if it’s warm at noon)

Optional but smart:

  • Snacks (something salty + something sweet)

  • Plasters (new shoes or long walking = blisters)

  • Motion sickness tablets (if you get travel sick in cars)

  • A foldable tote bag (handy if you buy a drink or small bits)

What to wear (so you’re comfy all day)

  • Comfy shoes you’ve already worn before

  • Light, breathable clothes (you’ll walk and you’ll warm up)

  • A light jacket or overshirt if you’re doing the Corniche late afternoon

If you’re doing the Catacombs, don’t wear anything that makes stairs annoying. Keep it simple.

Tiny comfort hacks that save the day

  • Save key places offline: screenshot your itinerary order and your return plan (train time / driver meeting point).

  • Have a “hard meet point”: if you’re with friends/family, pick one easy place to meet if anyone gets separated.

  • Don’t carry valuables loosely: keep phone and cash in a zip pocket or inside bag pockets.

  • Plan your toilet moments: use toilets when you see them at major stops. Don’t assume the next place will be perfect.

If you’re taking the train

Extra train-friendly items:

  • A small snack + water for the ride

  • Something light to do (music/podcast) because it makes the journey feel shorter

  • A photo of your ticket or booking info ready on your phone (so you’re not searching through emails)

For official rail info, start with Egyptian National Railways.

If you’re going by car/private transfer

Extra car-friendly items:

  • Neck pillow (sounds silly, feels amazing on the way back)

  • Wet wipes (quick refresh before you head home)

 

Book it the easy way

If you want your Cairo to Alexandria day trip to feel smooth, the biggest win is removing the fiddly bits: station stress, taxi negotiations, and the “where are we going next?” chaos.

You’ve basically got two easy ways to do it.

Option 1: Book the full day tour (best for most people)

This is the simplest “no-thinking” option because it bundles the day into one plan.

Use this when:

  • you’re short on time

  • you don’t want to manage logistics

  • you want a clean route with a driver and a clear schedule

Option 2: Do it your way with a private transfer (best for custom days)

This is perfect if you want the freedom of a car but you still want the easy setup.

Use this when:

  • you want the same itinerary but at your own pace

  • you want to add a longer seaside break

  • you’re travelling with kids or parents and need flexibility

  • you want a hard “leave time” back to Cairo without stress

The simplest decision rule (so you don’t overthink)

  • If you want maximum ease: pick the tour.

  • If you want maximum flexibility: pick the transfer.