Alexandria Day Tour From Cairo: Everything You Need To Know?

Table of Contents  

• Introduction 

• Is Alexandria, Egypt, worth visiting?

• Major locations that tourist visit on a Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo 

• What is the distance from Cairo to Alexandria? 

• How far is Alexandria from Cairo by train? 

• Is it safe to drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

• How much does the train from Cairo to Alexandria cost?

• Which is better to visit, Cairo or Alexandria?

• Is it safe for Americans to travel to Alexandria, Egypt?

• How much does the train from Cairo to Alexandria cost?

• Which is better to visit, Cairo or Alexandria?

• Is it safe for Americans to travel to Alexandria, Egypt?

• Which is better, Alexandria or Sharm el Sheikh? 

• Conclusion 

Introduction 

Alexandria is the port city situated on the Mediterranean coastline in Egypt, on the western edge of the River Nile Delta. This is the historically famous port city that was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC; travelers in Egypt can visit the city on a day tour from Cairo. Yes, with a drive of 2-3 hours you can reach Alexandria from Cairo and can explore famous landmarks. In this blog, mentioning everything you need to know for a  day tour to Alexandria from Cairo, follow the practical guidelines and plan effectively your day trip on an Egyptian vacation. 

Is Alexandria, Egypt, worth visiting? 

Yes, Alexandria offers a completely different exploration experience to the travelers as compared to Luxor or Aswan. The vibe of the city has a perfect coastal feel with sea views, the architecture of the city has a Greek-Roman touch, and historical buildings are preserved well. It is a tourism hub of Egypt, especially for travelers who have a keen interest in learning about history beyond the pharaonic era. The city reflects cultural diversity, as with Coptic architecture, one can see the modern-day Islamic buildings as well.  

Major locations that tourist visit on a Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo 

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa  

It is a 2nd-century AD archaeological site that is also considered one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages; the architecture of the monument reflects a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman culture. The catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are famous for their 35-meter-deep subterranean burial complex. 

Pompey’s Pillar  

The Pompey pillar is built between 298 and 302 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian, known as the Roman triumphal column, standing tall nearly around 27 meters. It is unique because of its construction, as it is composed of a single red Aswan granite stone, making it a rare monument. It’s a must-visit for the tourist on a day tour from Cairo to Alexandria.  

Qaitbay Citadel  

It is a famous fortress built by the Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay between 1477 and 1479 AD, constructed on the ruins of the ancient, famous lighthouse of Alexandria, making it an important historical monument. Today the Qaitbay Citadel house maritime museum has paintings and ruins of the lighthouse, which makes it a major tourist location. 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina 

It is a major research center, library, and cultural center located on the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria, Egypt. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major tourist spot; inside its premises, a spherical building provides scientific and interactive shows. It is a must-see for visitors who are interested in knowing about art, history, architecture, and modern culture. 

So, while getting your trip planned after or before a Nile cruise in Egypt, ensure you visit the abovementioned places. For lunch you can try the cafes in Alexandria, as they offer the best coastal and international cuisine. 

What is the distance from Cairo to Alexandria? 

The distance between the Cairo and Alexandria is 218 km; with a car drive, the distance can be covered in 2 hours and 28 minutes. By taking an early morning ride from Cairo, tourists will have a complete day to explore the major places in Alexandria. 

How far is Alexandria from Cairo by train? 

By public transport, the distance of 218 km (135 miles by road) from Cairo to Alexandria is covered by train ideally in 2 hours 7 minutes to 2 hours 28 minutes, depending upon when you are boarding the train. Some will take less time, and local trains with more stops may take more time to reach Alexandria from Cairo. 

Is it safe to drive from Cairo to Alexandria?

Yes, driving from Cairo to Alexandria is generally safe. The most traveled route is the desert road, a straight highway connecting both the major cities, offering a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours. However, in Egypt, while driving, one needs to be attentive and vigilant. So, for tourists, it is advised to take a paid taxi or public transport for commuting. 

How much does the train from Cairo to Alexandria cost?

The train tickets for tourists cost somewhere between $15 and $50 in Egyptian pounds; it is around 700–2500+ EGP. Costs for the train for a one-day tour to Alexandria from Cairo can vary depending on the type of train and classes; second-class AC tickets have low pricing compared to other options. 

Which is better to visit, Cairo or Alexandria?

Both tourists should explore Cairo and Alexandria; each is best for different aspects. The difference that travelers will see is that during Cairo exploration or on an Egypt river cruise, visitors will learn about the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms of Egyptian Civilization. However, in Alexandria you will witness the modern Greek-Roman architecture that became popular in Egypt after the decline of the pharaohs. 

Is it safe for Americans to travel to Alexandria, Egypt?

Yes, Americans can travel to Alexandria; it’s a major destination for them with established infrastructure. Travelers, including Americans, typically experience friendly local interactions and easy-to-access services and facilities by the travel companies and authorities. The only advice is that they should stay updated on travel advisories by the embassies. 

Which is better, Alexandria or Sharm el Sheikh? 

Both the locations offer different experiences, so in terms of which offers better solely depends on the traveler’s taste and choice of where they want to visit. In Alexandria they will get historical exploration, cultural experiences, and an urban coastal atmosphere. Whereas Sharm El Sheikh offers beach resorts, luxury relaxation, diving spaces, and water activities. Tourists can add these locations to their packages of all-inclusive Nile cruises as a bonus to explore before and after the river sailing journey. 

Conclusion  

A day trip from Cairo to Alexandria is a practical and rewarding addition for travelers to their Egyptian vacation. It is advised to plan the trip in advance and take a comfortable way to commute between cities rather than congested public transport. By taking a drive of around 2.5 hours, travelers can reach Alexandria, and after finishing exploration, they can also return back to Cairo in a day; for travelers seeking a fulfilling Egyptian experience, this day tour is a must-add-on.