Independent Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo

Alexandria is 220km (135mi) northwest to Cairo and the best way to travel there from Cairo is by train. Every day from 06:00 to 22:30, there are 16 trains available for tourists' choices and there are 2 kinds of them: Special Trains and Spanish Trains. Special Trains have less midway stops and a single trip is about 2.5 hours. Spanish Trains have more stops and the duration for a one-way ride is around 3.5 hours. Both of them have first class seats and second class seats. Compared with second class seats, the first class seats are more spacious and cleaner and the cabins are equipped with air-conditioners. Their ticket fare varies from EGP58 to EGP130.

The trains usually depart from Cairo Ramses Station and arrive at both Sidi Gaber Station in the east of Alexandria and Alexandria Station in the city center, which is also called Misr Station. Because the city center gathers more scenic spots, you are recommended to get off at the Misr Station.

If you set off by Special Train at 08:00, you will arrive at Misr Station at around 10:30 and then may start today's sightseeing immediately.

First, you may take a taxi from the train station to Pompey's Pillar, which is 2.2km (1.4mi) or 10 minutes' drive away. If you would like to walk there, go westwards along the tram track; when arriving at a market, you will see the Pillar not far away. The total walking time is about 30 minutes. The admission fee of this scenic spot is EGP20 per person.

After, walk southwest along Amood Al Swari for about 550m (600yd), taking 7 minutes or so, you will reach Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. This is a cemetery built in 2nd century and its highlight is the perfect combination of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. Its entry ticket costs EGP25 per person.

The next recommended stop is Citadel of Qaitbay about 6.5km (4mi) away. To save time, you may take a taxi to get there directly, needing about 20 minutes on the way. It is the landmark of Alexandria, open from 08:00-17:00 every day and the ticket fare is EGP30 per person.

Around the Citadel there are many restaurants and you may choose one to have lunch.

In the afternoon, it is advised to go eastwards along Corniche to visit Alexandria Library. The distance is about 4km (2.5mi). If on foot, it needs about 50 minutes; if by taxi, it needs 10 minutes or so. On the way, do not miss appreciating the beautiful Mediterranean scenery. The opening time is 10:00-19:00 from every Sunday to Thursday, 14:00-19:00 on Fridays and 12:00-16:00 on Saturdays. Ticket fare is EGP10 per person. At 13:00 and 15:30 within the opening time, there is free introduction about the Library in English.

Then, continue to visit Alexandria National Museum about 1.5km (0.9mi) south to the Library and taking about 20 minutes to walk there. The museum is open from 09:00 to 16:00 on usual days and to 15:00 during holidays. The entry ticket costs EGP30 per person.

At the end of the day, go back to Misr Station, which is 1.3km (0.8mi) southwest to the Museum and about 18 minutes walking away, then take a train to return to Cairo.

Warm Tips：
• In case the tickets for trains back to Cairo are sold out, you are advised to purchase one upon arrival at Misr Station in the morning.
• If time permits, you may also pay a visit to Ancient Roman Theater about 400m (440yd) to the north of Misr Railway Station before taking the train to go back. Its opening time is 09:00-16:00 and ticket fare is EGP10 per person.