Alexandria Day Trips from Cairo

Most journeys to Egypt begin and end in Cairo, but a mere 3-hour drive from the capital will bring you to Egypt’s second largest city—Alexandria. Here’s how to visit this culturally rich seaside metropolis, at once both ancient and modern, that could not feel more different from the nation’s capital.

Group Tours

For travelers on a budget, a group tour offers a wallet-friendly way to experience Alexandria while benefiting from the insight of a local guide and the intimacy of a small group. Depending on the day trip you choose, you might visit the former site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Roman Amphitheater, the Catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa, the Library of Alexandria, the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar, and Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque (El Mursi Abul Elabas).

Private Tours

Booking a private full-day tour from Cairo to Alexandria means you’ll have your guide—even an Egyptologist guide, depending on the option you choose—all to yourself, freeing you up to ask as many questions as you like. An added benefit is a more flexible itinerary (and some tours are completely customizable); spend time exploring the points of interest that intrigue you and skip the ones that don’t. 

Things to Know

• Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast, 137 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Cairo.

• Day trips to Alexandria can last anywhere from six to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo.

• Choose a small-group tour or a private tour guide.