How to Get to Cairo from Alexandria?
Private car, taxi, train, or bus — here’s exactly how travelers make the 220 km run between Egypt’s two biggest cities, what it costs, and how to do it safely and comfortably.
If you’re standing in Alexandria wondering how to reach Cairo — for a flight connection, a Pyramids day trip, or a permanent move onward — you have four realistic options: a private door-to-door transfer, a taxi, the train, or an intercity bus. Each has a different balance of price, comfort, and reliability. This guide breaks down all of them, plus what to expect once you land at Cairo Airport and need to keep moving — including transfers onward to Sharm El Sheikh, which is one of the most common follow-on trips travelers ask us about.
01Your four ways from Alexandria to Cairo
Private car / limousine
Door-to-door pickup from your hotel or the airport, fixed price agreed before you travel, air-conditioned car, and a driver who handles the desert road for you. Best option if you value time, comfort, or are traveling with luggage or family.
Street or app taxi
Cheaper on paper, but intercity taxi trips need negotiation, and not every driver is licensed for long-distance routes. Fine for short hops within a city; less ideal for a 220 km desert crossing.
Train (Cairo–Alexandria line)
Comfortable and affordable, especially in first or second class, but you’re tied to station timings on both ends and still need transport to/from each station.
Intercity bus
Several companies run this route hourly. It’s the lowest-cost option, though travel time can run longer once you add boarding and stops.
Skip the guesswork.Tell us your pickup point and time on WhatsApp, and we’ll confirm a fixed price for your Alexandria–Cairo transfer in minutes.
Get a price02Are taxis safe in Cairo?
Generally, yes — Cairo’s taxi scene has improved a lot over the last decade. White metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used by locals and tourists alike, and serious incidents are rare. That said, a few habits keep the experience smooth:
- Prefer app-based bookings over hailing an unmarked car off the street, especially at night or from the airport.
- Agree on the fare (or confirm the meter is running) before the car moves.
- Keep your phone charged and share your trip status with someone if you’re traveling solo.
- For long intercity routes like Alexandria–Cairo, a pre-booked private driver is simply more predictable than flagging a taxi for a 220 km trip.
In short: Cairo taxis are safe for everyday city trips, but for airport pickups and intercity transfers, a licensed private transfer removes the guesswork entirely.
03Cairo Airport: taxi, private transfer, and app options
Cairo International Airport (Terminal 1, 2, and 3) sits about 45–75 minutes from the city, depending on traffic and which terminal you land at. You’ll typically see three ways to leave the airport:
| Option | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo Airport private transfer | Driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, fixed price, no meter surprises. | First-time visitors, families, night arrivals |
| Airport taxi rank | Official taxi counters inside arrivals; agree the fare at the counter before boarding. | Short, simple hotel transfers |
| Egypt taxi app (ride-hailing) | Book from your phone once you have local data or airport Wi-Fi; price is shown upfront in-app. | Solo travelers comfortable navigating pickup zones |
A common question we get is about the number 19970 — this is the Cairo Airport taxi hotline/counter code some travelers reference when arranging an official airport taxi at the terminal. It’s separate from private transfer bookings, which are arranged in advance and don’t require standing in a queue.
04Cairo airport taxi price to Sharm El Sheikh
Because many travelers land in Cairo and continue straight to the Red Sea, this is one of the most-asked questions we get — even though it’s a different route from Alexandria–Cairo. Two realistic ways to cover it:
| Route | Typical distance | Typical duration | Indicative price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo Airport → Sharm El Sheikh (private car) | ~490 km | 6–7 hrs | Ask on WhatsApp for current rates |
| Cairo Airport → Sharm El Sheikh (domestic flight) | ~330 km air | ~1 hr flight | Varies by airline/season |
Taxi Egypt Sharm El Sheikh rates for the overland route vary by season, vehicle type, and whether you’re booking a one-way transfer or a return. Because it’s a long desert drive, price and driver reliability matter more here than almost anywhere else in the country — we’d always recommend confirming rates and vehicle details before you fly, rather than negotiating cold at the arrivals hall.
Good to know: Whether it’s Alexandria to Cairo or Cairo Airport to Sharm El Sheikh, the price you’re quoted should already include fuel, tolls, and the driver — ask upfront so there are no surprises on arrival.
05Booking your Alexandria–Cairo transfer
The simplest way to lock in a transfer is to message your pickup address, date, and time directly — no app download, no forms. We reply with a fixed price and a driver assigned to your trip before you set off.
Ready to book?Send us your travel date and pickup point, and we’ll confirm your Alexandria to Cairo car within minutes.
Message us now06Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Alexandria to Cairo?
By private car or taxi via the desert road, plan on 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic near Cairo’s outskirts. The train and bus can take slightly longer once you include station or terminal time.
Is it better to take a train or a private car?
The train is a comfortable, affordable option if your schedule matches its timetable. A private car costs more but picks you up at your door and drops you exactly where you need to be — useful if you’re catching a connecting flight or arriving with luggage.
Are taxis safe in Cairo for tourists?
Yes, for everyday trips — just confirm the fare or meter before departure, and prefer app-based or pre-booked cars for airport runs and long intercity distances.
What’s a fair Cairo airport taxi price?
It depends on your destination within Greater Cairo and the vehicle type. Always confirm the price before boarding, whether at the official taxi counter, through an Egypt taxi app, or with a pre-booked private transfer.
Can I arrange transport onward to Sharm El Sheikh from Cairo Airport?
Yes — most travelers either fly domestically or book a private overland transfer. Message us with your travel date for current Cairo airport taxi Sharm El Sheikh rates and availability.
Traveling between Alexandria, Cairo, or onward to the Red Sea? El Masry Limousine arranges fixed-price, driver-met transfers across Egypt — no meters, no queues, no guessing.
