While visiting Cairo in late 2018 I wanted to make a day trip to Alexandria to spend a few hours there taking in the sights and also eating some fresh fish.
While researching it seems there are four ways of making the trip that is not much longer than approx.. 200km:
1. Airplane - Costly and time consuming getting to and from the airports
2. Shared taxis (and also Uber at a rather low price) - Door to door, however most people seem to advise against this option due to the chaotic traffic on this route and the frequency of accidents.
3. Coach - The cheapest option, but shares the disadvantages of the taxi option.
4. Train - Reasonably priced, tickets in both 1st and 2nd class available on this route, and a few different options of trains with a few being quite fast and making the journey in around 3 hours.
I settled for the train option, and in hindsight I am happy about that choice, the journey was timely, safe, comfortable and offered really good value for money. Also had a chance to chat a bit with fellow passengers.
The journey might be a little long for a day trip for some, thus if one wants to relax and spend a bit longer time in Alexandria it might be a good idea to stay over night. It is however possible to make the journey over one day, reserving about 6-7 hours of time for travel, and spending perhaps 5-7 hours in Alexandria to take in the major sights and enjoy a good lunch.
Below would be this train journey in November 2018 described in pictures with price references valid at the time of travel. Prices and train times are available through the
website of the Egyptian railways however it seems at the time only to be possible to purchase the tickets through the ticket offices at the stations.
 |
| The station hall at the Ramses station in Cairo is a sight in itself, the station has some history although it has been modernised in the 21st century |
 |
| Tickets are purchased in the station, fellow passenger helped me to translate but would work fine by pointing at the train number, destination and time on the schedule. Tickets are printed in both English and Arabic |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, on the platform just before departure. Signage both in English and Arabic. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, within the first class compartment. Might be a good idea to bring a jacket or similar, Air-conditioning was working at max. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train. Second class compartment, also with air-condition, difference is that the seats are somehow smaller and do not recline as much, however still pretty comfortable. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, meeting a local commuter train en-route. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, views from the train window. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, passing through agricultural areas in the lush Nile delta region. |
 |
| Cairo to Alexandria by train, food, snacks and drinks are served on trolleys. There is also a designated cafe compartment. Price for tea was 7 Egyptian pounds. |
 |
| The railtway station of Alexandria. a beautiful building. At the time in late 2018 the area outside was undergoing some upgrading work. The train stopped at two stations in Alexandria, however the second and last one being the most likely destination for tourists. |
 |
| Arriving to the Mediterranean sea, about 15min walk from the main station in Alexandria |
 |
| Ramses station in Cairo after sunset upon returning after my daytrip. |
