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Alexandria is one of Egypt’s most captivating cities to explore, especially if you’re staying in Cairo and have a day to spare. Once the capital of Egypt, this coastal gem offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a fascinating blend of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architecture. When I visited, I had an incredible experience discovering its history, seaside charm, and cultural treasures. If you’re planning a day trip to Alexandria from Cairo (which I highly recommend), keep reading for the top things to see and do in this beautiful city.

How to Reach Alexandria from Cairo

Alexandria is not too far from Cairo as it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to get there by ground transportation. You can reach Alexandria by car, bus, or train depending on your budget and comfort level. I personally booked a guided tour which included transportation from our hotel in Cairo to all the attractions in Alexandria. This made planning so much easier since I did not have to worry about navigating routes, buying tickets, or arranging transfers. If you want you can also book your tour through Klook, the platform I used to reserve many of my tours in Egypt.

Here’s a quick look at the main routes from Cairo to Alexandria, with maps to guide your journey.

• Train to Alexandria:
  • Departs from Ramses Station in Cairo and arrives at Alexandria Railway Station.
  • Journey time: 2.5–3 hours.
  • Options: First-class (more comfort) or Second-class (budget-friendly).
• Bus to Alexandria:
  • Several companies operate daily services, including Go Bus, Super Jet, and West Delta.
  • Buses leave from various stations across Cairo, such as Tahrir Square and Abbasiya.
  • Journey time: 3–3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
  • Usually the cheapest option, but may be less comfortable compared to the train or a private car.

I recommend leaving Cairo early in the morning so you’ll arrive in Alexandria with plenty of time to spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s highlights. When I went, I left around 7:30 am and arrived by 11 am, including a short rest stop along the way for breakfast and a quick restroom break.

Highlights of Alexandria

Once you’ve arrived in Alexandria, the adventure begins! Here are the top sights and experiences you won’t want to miss during your visit.

1. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s most remarkable historical sites, dating back to the 2nd century AD. This underground burial site features winding staircases, carved statues, and chambers decorated with a fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. The stairways are quite narrow, and when I visited it was crowded inside, so I recommend arriving early at opening time to avoid the rush.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 200 EGP for adults (about $5 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Opening Hours:
  • Summer & Winter: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entry)
  • Ramadan: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (last entry)

Here’s the map to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa:

2. Serapeum of Alexandria

The Serapeum was once the grand temple of Serapis, a deity worshipped in both Greek and Egyptian traditions. Although much of the structure has been lost to time, the site is still worth visiting for its impressive remains. The highlight is Pompey’s Pillar, a soaring 26-meter granite column that has become one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll also find sphinx statues that offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient religious history. The Serapeum is located very close to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, making it easy to visit both sites in the same trip.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 200 EGP for adults (about $5 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 15–30 minutes
• Opening Hours:
  • Summer & Winter: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entry)
  • Ramadan: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (last entry)

Here’s the map to Serapeum of Alexandria:

3. Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria Library)

The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a stunning architectural landmark and cultural hub, built to honor the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. Inside, you’ll find much more than books — the complex houses specialized libraries, museums, art galleries, and a planetarium. It’s a place where history, culture, and innovation come together, making it one of Alexandria’s must-see attractions. I found it to be a great spot to learn about the city’s past and present, and it’s an experience I recommend including in your visit.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 150 EGP for adults (about $3 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 2–4 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Friday: Closed
  • Museum and exhibition areas inside the library may have slightly different hours (usually 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, closed Friday).

Here’s the map to Bibliotheca Alexandrina:

4. Citadel of Qaitbay

Another iconic landmark in Alexandria is the Citadel of Qaitbay, perched on the Mediterranean coast. This 15th-century fortress was built on the very site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Originally serving as a defensive stronghold against naval invasions, the citadel today welcomes visitors with breathtaking sea views, spacious courtyards, and historic halls that bring Alexandria’s maritime past to life.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 200 EGP for adults (about $5 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 1–2 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Summer: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry)
  • Winter: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry)
  • Ramadan: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (last entry)

Here’s the map to Citadel of Qaitbay:

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoyed my time in Alexandria. Visiting this historic coastal city gave me the chance to learn even more about Egypt, especially since Alexandria was once the country’s capital. While I took plenty of photos and videos, what stood out most were the insights I gained about the culture and history that make this city so unique.

I was especially glad to visit with a tour guide as it allowed me to dive deeper into the stories behind each site. Standing so close to the Mediterranean Sea was an incredible experience, and the fresh breeze was the perfect balance to Egypt’s heat. If you go, I recommend treating yourself to lunch or dinner by the sea. There’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious food with a view of the waves.

All in all, if you have a full day to spare, I definitely recommend making the trip from Cairo to Alexandria. It’s a day full of history, learning, and unforgettable coastal scenery.