Port information & tips for Alexandria
Alexandria is the legendary pearl of the Mediterranean and serves as a fascinating gateway to Egypt's millennia-old history. The city impresses with its cosmopolitan flair, a magnificent waterfront promenade, and the harmonious blend of ancient splendor and vibrant modernity. Located directly near the port are world-class sights such as the impressive Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the majestic Citadel of Qaitbay, and the mystical Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Your cruise ship docks at the modern Alexandria Cruise Terminal, which is situated in the immediate vicinity of the city center. Thanks to its central location, travelers can comfortably reach the historic old town and the bustling Corniche within a few minutes by taxi or shuttle service, allowing them to dive directly into their Egyptian adventure.
Alexandria is Egypt's most significant cruise port, welcoming travelers at the modernized Alexandria Passenger Terminal located directly on the western edge of the Corniche. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach the city's historical landmarks and the terminals via well-developed transport links.
Airplane
Travelers from the DACH region primarily use Cairo International Airport (CAI), located approximately 220 kilometers away, which offers direct flights from major hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. The regional Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is situated about 50 kilometers from the port and serves as an alternative for connections via international hubs.
Transfer & Shuttle
The drive from Cairo Airport to the port via the Alexandria-Cairo Desert Road (Highway 75) takes about two and a half to three hours and can be comfortably planned with private transfers or organized shuttle buses from the cruise lines. Within Alexandria, taxis and limousine services also provide a direct connection from the Misr main railway station, located about three kilometers away, to the ship terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the longer transfer times from Cairo and the impressive cultural diversity, we recommend arriving one day before your cruise and staying overnight at one of the hotels along the Corniche. This ensures a relaxed start to your vacation and also allows for a visit to the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina or the Citadel of Qaitbay in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Alexandria is Egypt's most significant cruise port, welcoming travelers at the modernized Alexandria Passenger Terminal located directly on the western edge of the Corniche. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach the city's historical landmarks and the terminals via well-developed transport links.
Airplane
Travelers from the DACH region primarily use Cairo International Airport (CAI), located approximately 220 kilometers away, which offers direct flights from major hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. The regional Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is situated about 50 kilometers from the port and serves as an alternative for connections via international hubs.
Transfer & Shuttle
The drive from Cairo Airport to the port via the Alexandria-Cairo Desert Road (Highway 75) takes about two and a half to three hours and can be comfortably planned with private transfers or organized shuttle buses from the cruise lines. Within Alexandria, taxis and limousine services also provide a direct connection from the Misr main railway station, located about three kilometers away, to the ship terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the longer transfer times from Cairo and the impressive cultural diversity, we recommend arriving one day before your cruise and staying overnight at one of the hotels along the Corniche. This ensures a relaxed start to your vacation and also allows for a visit to the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina or the Citadel of Qaitbay in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Alexandria Passenger Terminal is located close to the city center and, thanks to its modern infrastructure, allows for a convenient start to your stay.
On foot
The famous Corniche waterfront promenade and the lively downtown neighborhoods can be reached in a relaxed walk of about 15 to 20 minutes. This path leads you directly into the heart of the metropolis and offers your first views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Taxi and ride-sharing services
Numerous taxis wait directly outside the port exit and offer a comfortable connection to more distant highlights such as the Library of Alexandria. In addition, modern vehicles can be ordered via well-known smartphone apps to take you safely and directly to your desired destination.
The historic tram
Alexandria has one of the oldest tram networks in the world, with stops located near the port that conveniently connect the various districts. A ride on the tram is an affordable and charming way to experience the local culture and cityscape authentically.
To experience the treasures of the Mediterranean metropolis Alexandria to the fullest, we recommend exploring along the picturesque coastline as well as visiting its world-famous cultural monuments.
Citadel of Qaitbay & The Corniche
The majestic fortress sits directly at the entrance to the East Harbor on the foundations of the ancient lighthouse and offers visitors a fantastic panoramic view over the deep blue Mediterranean Sea thanks to its exposed location. A subsequent stroll along the Corniche is perfect for soaking up the maritime atmosphere and leads directly past charming cafes and the pulsating life of the port city.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
This architectural masterpiece is a modern tribute to the legendary ancient library and impresses with its striking facade tilted towards the sun as well as light-flooded reading rooms. Its central location makes it an ideal destination for those interested in culture; additionally, the complex houses fascinating museums and art galleries in a state-of-the-art atmosphere.
Montaza Palace Gardens
The extensive park grounds on the eastern edge of the city combine magnificent royal architecture with idyllic pine groves and well-kept sandy beaches for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle. Thanks to the combination of historic palaces and direct access to the sea, this location is a rewarding destination for a relaxed shore excursion in an exclusive flair.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The impressive Bibliotheca Alexandrina is easily accessible by taxi from the port in about fifteen minutes and represents an architectural masterpiece directly on the Corniche as a modern interpretation of the ancient world library. Thanks to its light-filled, terraced reading rooms as well as the integrated museums and exhibitions, this place offers a fascinating blend of history and contemporary design. The air-conditioned rooms and the well-maintained outdoor areas, including small cafés, also provide an ideal environment for a relaxing stay away from the lively city center. It is best to visit the library directly in the morning to explore the architecture in peace, and for safety's sake, plan your return trip to the port ninety minutes before your ship's departure.
The return journey to the Alexandria Cruise Terminal is very convenient and safe thanks to the port's central location. Plan for a small time buffer due to the lively traffic in the city to ensure you reach your ship relaxed and on time.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
The distinctive yellow and black taxis can be found everywhere along the Corniche as well as at central squares like Midan El Tahrir and directly in front of major hotels such as the Steigenberger Cecil. In addition, using apps like Uber or Careem offers a convenient way to travel directly to port gate Bab 10 at a fixed price, with drivers navigating you safely through the city traffic.
Cruise Shuttle and Organized Transfers
Many cruise lines offer shuttle buses that pick you up at central meeting points near the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or at Manshia Square and take you directly to the terminal. Furthermore, private transfer providers and tour buses often wait at the parking lots of major sights, so you can arrive at the pier on time and without the effort of navigation thanks to these organized return trips.
On Foot
From the lively El Manshia district, the way back to the port is easy to find and can be comfortably managed via the waterfront promenade. Access to the terminal is secure through the guarded port gate Bab 10, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the city center and guarantees a protected path back to the ship thanks to the presence of tourist police.
