Getting around — Alexandria

The Alexandria and Mediterranean region is immense (1,000 km of coast, 800 km of desert), and requires logistics adapted to your programme.

For Alexandria from Cairo, the Spanish or Turbo train (Ramses station in Cairo, Misr station in Alexandria, 2h30, €15-35/person depending on class, hourly departures) is the most practical option. The bus Go Bus or West Delta (3h, €5-10/person, regular departures from Tahrir Square) is the economical option. The private minivan or private taxi with English-speaking driver (3h, €80-130/vehicle) offers flexibility and comfort. Avoid individual driving — the Cairo-Alexandria road (the 'Desert Road') is dangerous.

In Alexandria, the yellow tram (one of the oldest in the Arab world, in service since 1860) remains picturesque for travel along the corniche — flat fare 1-2 EGP, but slow. Yellow and black taxis are abundant (negotiate the price before or demand the meter, typical ride 30-80 EGP). Uber and Careem work throughout the city and are the most reliable solution for tourists (50-150 EGP per ride in the centre, 200-400 EGP for excursions to Montaza). To visit the scattered ancient sites (catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, amphitheatre, citadel), hire a private driver for the day (€50-80) who can wait for you at each site.

For El Alamein and Marsa Matrouh from Alexandria, the private minivan or private taxi with driver (4h each way, €130-200 for the day including waiting and return) is the most practical solution. The train exists (3h to Marsa Matrouh) but uncomfortable and rare. The bus West Delta (3h30 to Marsa Matrouh, €6-12/person, 4-5 departures per day) is the economical option. A one-day excursion to El Alamein from Alexandria is very feasible.

For Siwa from Cairo or Alexandria, the West Delta bus is the main solution — 3 departures per day from Cairo (8h, €12-20/person) and 2 departures from Alexandria (7h, €10-18/person). Buses are comfortable but the journey is long. The private minivan (8-9h, €250-400 from Cairo) offers more comfort for 4-6 people. Flights Cairo-Marsa Matrouh + transfer to Siwa (5h by road) exist but are little relevant given the rarity of flights. No direct flight to Siwa.

In Siwa, the village centre is walked (5-10 min between main sites). For desert and Great Sand Sea excursions, you must imperatively go through a local 4x4 operator (Siwa Safari Paradise, Siwa Adventures, Adrère Amellal) — individual driving in the desert is prohibited and dangerous. Count €200-500/person for 1-3 days of desert excursion with guide, 4x4, meals and night under Bedouin tent.

For the White Desert (from Bahariya, 360 km south-west of Cairo), the bus from Cairo (5h, €5-10) takes you to Bahariya, where you board with a local operator (White Desert Tours, Western Desert Safari) for 2-3 days of 4x4 excursion. Complete Cairo-Bahariya-White Desert-return Cairo package: €200-400/person depending on standing.