Misr Railway Station (Misr Station) - Image 1
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Misr Railway Station Cairo

4.2
·782 reviews·, Egypt

A historic Cairo station with grand architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into Egyptian train travel and local life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Day before travel

Secure tickets smoothly

CrowdLow
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Misr Railway Station (Misr Station) - Image 1

Misr Railway Station Cairo

Best Time

Day before travel

Secure tickets smoothly

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Cairo station with grand architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into Egyptian train travel and local life.

4.2
(782 reviews)

"Beautiful old station with lots of character, but don't go near the café as they will charge you 45LE for a coffee."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Buy Tickets Early

Non-Egyptians need separate tickets. Buy a day ahead to avoid queues and ensure availability. :admission_tickets:

🚫 Avoid Talgo Trains

Overpriced and often overcrowded for foreigners. Stick to regular trains for a better experience. :warning:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Station Architecture

Historic Station Architecture

Main Hall

Admire the beautiful, character-filled architecture of this historic station, a testament to a bygone era.

Local Travel Experience

Local Travel Experience

Train Carriages

Experience authentic Egyptian travel by sharing a train with locals, observing their respectful and kind interactions.

Onboard Refreshments

Onboard Refreshments

Train Cafe/Carriage

Enjoy a Turkish coffee on the train for a delightful buzz, but be wary of station cafes charging exorbitant prices.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Train Tickets in Advance

For non-Egyptian citizens, booking train tickets to Cairo from Alexandria in advance is crucial. Foreigners often need a separate, more expensive ticket than locals. Consider purchasing a day before to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a smoother journey. Reddit

Choose Your Train Wisely

Avoid the Talgo train due to its high cost and poor experience for foreigners. Opt for regular 2nd-class trains for a comfortable, affordable, and authentic travel experience. Fast trains are recommended for shorter travel times. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Day before travel
Why
Secure tickets smoothly
Crowd
Low
When
Morning fast trains
Why
Quickest journey to Cairo
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is your sign to visit Alexandria in Winter 🚏 #alexandria #egypt #winter
@jrasran
111.5K likes • 977.3K views

🎯 Buy Tickets Early

Non-Egyptians need separate tickets. Buy a day ahead to avoid queues and ensure availability. Reddit :admission_tickets:

🚫 Avoid Talgo Trains

Overpriced and often overcrowded for foreigners. Stick to regular trains for a better experience. Reddit :warning:

#egyptian_tik_tok #egypt #alexandriaegypt #newlibraryofalexandria #traveltiktok
@thefatpassport
58.2K likes • 1.5M views
In memory of #day_9 ✨ "بتقولي حاجات تقيله بهزار وهي بتزعلني" by Toty . - Sisters ❤️ . #life #memories #goodbye #misrstation
arwaharga
16 likes • 0 views

☕ Beware Station Cafes

Station cafes can be very expensive (e.g., 45LE for coffee). Enjoy onboard options instead. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚆 Embrace Local Travel

2nd class offers a natural, respectful experience with kind fellow passengers. Reddit :train2:

In memory of #day_19 ✨ "هما فاكرينك بنت عادية وانت مش اي بنت" "لو انت مش عايزة كدا متخليش الناس تحبك" . - Saying my goodbyes to the city where I found love, home, and peace. - Sleeping train - Soundest sleep I got in two weeks - Club car+coffee - Cairo and its humidity - Toty - Aya's Birthday present - Asmaa's Homemade food - Sleep the day away . @enasssx , @youoo_harga @samoharga . #life #m...
arwaharga
15 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Buy Tickets Early

Non-Egyptians need separate tickets. Buy a day ahead to avoid queues and ensure availability. Reddit :admission_tickets:

🚫 Avoid Talgo Trains

Overpriced and often overcrowded for foreigners. Stick to regular trains for a better experience. Reddit :warning:

☕ Beware Station Cafes

Station cafes can be very expensive (e.g., 45LE for coffee). Enjoy onboard options instead. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚆 Embrace Local Travel

2nd class offers a natural, respectful experience with kind fellow passengers. Reddit :train2:

🚗 Consider City-to-City Taxi

For convenience, InDrive City-to-City taxi offers a direct and comfortable alternative to trains. Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(782 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Misr Railway Station is praised for its beautiful, historic architecture and the authentic travel experience it offers. While the station itself is charming, visitors are advised to be cautious of expensive cafes. The train journeys are generally comfortable and a great way to see local life, though foreigners should be aware of ticket pricing differences and avoid certain train types.

"FYI non Egyptian citizens/tourists - you’ll need to buy a separate ticket than your Egyptian friends. Alex to Cairo was $30 so it’s not crazy, compared to the Egyptian price it’s a huge difference but hey it’s all good. We did the regular train in 2nd class.

So give yourself time to wait in line and purchase from the window, they have to give you a special ticket. My friend and I went the day before and it made the next day seamless.

The train itself is comfortable and got us to Cairo on time. I had the Turkish coffee on the train and it had me buzzing, it was lovely!"

Zachary O'Connor

"NEVER TAKE A TALGO TRAIN (or any other train) IF YOU ARE FOREIGNER.
It's ridiculously overpriced ($90 for 2 person), can't be purchased online, and provides awful experience (can't be purchased online, overcrowded in the 1st class with locals who have much cheaper price, no legroom, steward begging for tips for doing literally nothing).

We drove from Cairo to Alexandria with the InDrive City-to-City taxi. We booked in advance, the driver took us from the hotel, and in 2:45 we were in the Alexandria, cost us $30 and was perfect.
Reverse trip with Talgo took 4:00 total (including 2 taxies from and to train station), cost $100, and made regret about that decision every second of the trip."

Vlad Tiazhov

"Better to take the train than the bus or the car to go to Cairo
There are fast trains at 7:00 am and 2 pm that arrive after two hours
The other trains are too long"

Vassilia S

What People Like

Historic architecture
Authentic local travel
Respectful passengers

What People Dislike

Expensive station cafes
Foreigner ticket pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended way is by train. Opt for the fast trains departing at 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, which take about two hours. Avoid the Talgo train as it's significantly more expensive for foreigners and can offer a poor experience. Reddit+1 Alternatively, consider using an InDrive City-to-City taxi for a comfortable journey, though it may be pricier than regular trains. Reddit

Trains are a popular choice, with fast trains being the most efficient. Reddit+1 For a more direct and door-to-door service, a City-to-City taxi service like InDrive is available and can be booked in advance. Reddit Buses are also an option, but trains are generally preferred. Reddit

Yes, taxis are generally available outside the station. However, for a more reliable and pre-booked service, especially for longer distances or specific destinations, ride-sharing apps like InDrive are recommended. Reddit

Fast trains typically take around two hours. Reddit+1 Other, slower trains can take significantly longer, so it's best to choose the faster options if time is a concern. Reddit

Yes, you can travel back to Cairo from Alexandria by train. It's advisable to book your return tickets in advance, especially if you are a foreigner, to secure the correct fare and avoid issues. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For non-Egyptian citizens, it's essential to purchase your ticket from a dedicated window, as you'll need a separate, more expensive ticket than locals. Reddit It's highly recommended to buy your tickets the day before your travel to avoid long queues and ensure a seamless experience on your departure day. Reddit

Yes, there's a significant price difference between tickets for Egyptian citizens and foreign tourists. Reddit Foreigners will need to purchase a separate ticket, which is more expensive but still considered reasonable compared to some other travel options. Reddit

Online booking for regular trains might be limited or unavailable for foreigners. The Talgo train, in particular, cannot be purchased online. Reddit It's best to plan on purchasing tickets in person at the station, ideally a day in advance. Reddit

Foreign tourists will pay a higher price for train tickets compared to Egyptian citizens. For example, a trip from Alexandria to Cairo could cost around $30 for a foreigner, while locals pay much less. Reddit

Second class on regular trains offers a comfortable and authentic experience, allowing you to travel alongside locals. Reddit First class is also available but can sometimes be less crowded and potentially less engaging for experiencing local travel. Reddit

🎫 🚆 Onsite Experience

Misr Railway Station is described as a beautiful old station with a lot of character. Reddit It offers a glimpse into authentic Egyptian travel, with passengers being respectful and kind. Reddit It's a place where you can observe local life and experience the hustle and bustle of a major transportation hub. Reddit

While there are cafes at the station, be cautious as prices can be very high for tourists. Reddit Coffee at a station cafe was reported to cost 45LE. Reddit Onboard the train, you can purchase Turkish coffee, which is often recommended. Reddit

Riding a regular 2nd-class train provides a natural and authentic experience, allowing you to see how locals travel between cities. Reddit Passengers are generally respectful, kind, and helpful. Reddit The journey can be quite comfortable, especially if you opt for the faster trains. Reddit

While the primary focus is transportation, the journey offers glimpses of the Egyptian landscape. The sea views during the Alexandria to Cairo leg can be particularly pleasant. TikTok+1

Regular 2nd-class trains are generally clean and comfortable. Reddit While legroom might be an issue on some trains (like the Talgo), standard trains offer a decent level of comfort for the journey. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, you can purchase refreshments like Turkish coffee onboard the train. Reddit However, it's advisable to be cautious about food options at the station itself, as prices can be inflated for tourists. Reddit

There are cafes at the station, but reviews suggest they are very expensive for tourists. For example, a coffee can cost around 45LE. Reddit It's generally better to eat before you board or look for options in Alexandria or Cairo. Reddit

Alexandria is famous for its street food, including delicious liver sandwiches (kebda) TikTok and affordable hummus by the sea. TikTok You can also find fresh smoothies TikTok and unique desserts like Freska and waffles. TikTok

While the station itself has pricey cafes, Cairo offers a vast array of dining experiences. You can find everything from traditional Egyptian street food to international cuisine. Exploring neighborhoods outside the immediate station area will yield more authentic and affordable options. TikTok

Seek out local street food vendors for authentic flavors like liver sandwiches TikTok and hummus. TikTok Many small cafes and dessert shops offer unique local treats. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the station's beautiful old architecture offers many photographic opportunities. Reddit Capturing the character of the building and the local life within it can make for compelling shots. TikTok

Focus on the architectural details, the bustling platforms, local commuters, and the general atmosphere of this historic transport hub. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always wise to be discreet and respectful of passengers and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without their consent. TikTok

Street photography capturing the city's vibrant life, seaside views, and historical sites is popular. TikTok+2 Bicycle rides by the sea also offer picturesque moments. TikTok

Yes, photographing the trains, especially the older models, can add to the historical charm of your shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Traveling with children via Misr Railway Station requires a bit of planning. Ensure you purchase tickets in advance, ideally the day before, to avoid long waits that can be challenging with kids. Reddit Opt for the regular 2nd-class trains for a more engaging and comfortable ride where children can observe local families. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as station cafes can be expensive, and onboard options might be limited. Reddit The journey itself can be an adventure, offering a unique glimpse into Egyptian life. Consider booking a taxi service like InDrive for a more direct and less stressful transfer to and from the station, especially with younger children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Misr Railway Station is a gateway to affordable travel if you know how to navigate it. The key is to avoid the Talgo train and opt for regular 2nd-class tickets, which are significantly cheaper for locals and still the most economical option for foreigners compared to other choices. Reddit+1 Buying tickets a day in advance is crucial to secure the best prices and avoid last-minute markups. Reddit Pack your own food and water to bypass the overpriced station cafes. Reddit While taxis are an option, the train offers a budget-friendly way to experience local travel and see the country. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Misr Railway Station is a photographer's delight with its stunning old architecture and bustling atmosphere. TikTokReddit Capture the intricate details of the building, the dynamic scenes on the platforms, and the candid moments of local commuters. TikTok Be respectful when photographing people; casual shots are generally fine, but avoid intrusive close-ups without permission. Reddit The trains themselves, especially older models, add a vintage charm to your photos. TikTok Consider visiting a day before to scout the best angles and lighting conditions without the pressure of an imminent departure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Train Travel for Foreigners

Traveling by train in Egypt, particularly from Misr Railway Station in Cairo, requires some specific knowledge for foreign visitors. Unlike locals, non-Egyptian citizens must purchase a separate ticket, which is considerably more expensive. Reddit This distinction means you'll need to head to a specific ticket window. To avoid the stress of last-minute purchases and potential queues, it's highly recommended to buy your tickets the day before your intended travel. Reddit This proactive approach ensures a smoother departure and allows you to focus on enjoying your journey.

When choosing your train, be aware of the different types available. The Talgo train is often cited as an experience to avoid due to its high cost for foreigners and potential for overcrowding, even in first class. Reddit Instead, opt for the regular 2nd-class trains. These offer a more authentic and comfortable travel experience, allowing you to interact with and observe local life. Reddit Fast trains, particularly those departing in the morning and early afternoon, are ideal for reaching Alexandria from Cairo efficiently, typically taking around two hours. Reddit+1

For those seeking ultimate convenience, consider alternatives like the InDrive City-to-City taxi service. While potentially more expensive than a standard train ticket, it offers a direct, door-to-door service that can be very appealing, especially if you have a lot of luggage or prefer not to navigate station complexities. Reddit Ultimately, whether you choose the train or a taxi, planning ahead and understanding the nuances of travel for foreigners in Egypt will significantly enhance your journey. Reddit

The Charm of Misr Railway Station

Misr Railway Station, also known as Cairo Central Station, is more than just a transit point; it's a destination in itself, boasting a beautiful old architecture that evokes a sense of history and grandeur. Reddit Its character-filled design makes it a popular spot for photography, offering a glimpse into Egypt's past. TikTokReddit The station is a vibrant hub where you can witness the daily rhythm of local life, observing how Egyptians travel between cities with a sense of respect and kindness towards one another. Reddit

While the station's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, visitors should be mindful of the dining options within. Cafes located directly at the station can be surprisingly expensive for tourists, with reports of high prices for simple items like coffee. Reddit It's often more economical and enjoyable to grab a bite before arriving or to wait until you reach your destination. However, the onboard experience on the trains can be pleasant, with options like Turkish coffee available to enhance your journey. Reddit

For many, the true value of Misr Railway Station lies in the authentic travel experience it facilitates. Riding the regular trains, especially in 2nd class, provides a natural way to connect with the local culture and see how Egyptians navigate their country. Reddit It’s a chance to step away from the typical tourist path and immerse yourself in the everyday flow of Egyptian life, making the journey as memorable as the destination. Reddit

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