Misr Railway Station Cairo
A historic Cairo station with grand architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into Egyptian train travel and local life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure tickets smoothly
Misr Railway Station Cairo
Best Time
Secure tickets smoothly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Cairo station with grand architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into Egyptian train travel and local life.
"Beautiful old station with lots of character, but don't go near the café as they will charge you 45LE for a coffee."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Station Architecture
Main Hall
Admire the beautiful, character-filled architecture of this historic station, a testament to a bygone era.
Local Travel Experience
Train Carriages
Experience authentic Egyptian travel by sharing a train with locals, observing their respectful and kind interactions.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Choose Your Train Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
☕ Beware Station Cafes
Station cafes can be very expensive (e.g., 45LE for coffee). Enjoy onboard options instead. :moneywithwings:
🚆 Embrace Local Travel
2nd class offers a natural, respectful experience with kind fellow passengers. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
☕ Beware Station Cafes
Station cafes can be very expensive (e.g., 45LE for coffee). Enjoy onboard options instead. :moneywithwings:
🚆 Embrace Local Travel
2nd class offers a natural, respectful experience with kind fellow passengers. :train2:
🚗 Consider City-to-City Taxi
For convenience, InDrive City-to-City taxi offers a direct and comfortable alternative to trains. :car:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Alternatively, consider using an InDrive City-to-City taxi for a comfortable journey, though it may be pricier than regular trains.
Trains are a popular choice, with fast trains being the most efficient. 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. Buses are also an option, but trains are generally preferred.
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.
Fast trains typically take around two hours. Other, slower trains can take significantly longer, so it's best to choose the faster options if time is a concern.
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.
🎫 🎫 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. 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.
Yes, there's a significant price difference between tickets for Egyptian citizens and foreign tourists. Foreigners will need to purchase a separate ticket, which is more expensive but still considered reasonable compared to some other travel options.
Online booking for regular trains might be limited or unavailable for foreigners. The Talgo train, in particular, cannot be purchased online. It's best to plan on purchasing tickets in person at the station, ideally a day in advance.
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.
Second class on regular trains offers a comfortable and authentic experience, allowing you to travel alongside locals. First class is also available but can sometimes be less crowded and potentially less engaging for experiencing local travel.
🎫 🚆 Onsite Experience
Misr Railway Station is described as a beautiful old station with a lot of character. It offers a glimpse into authentic Egyptian travel, with passengers being respectful and kind. It's a place where you can observe local life and experience the hustle and bustle of a major transportation hub.
While there are cafes at the station, be cautious as prices can be very high for tourists. Coffee at a station cafe was reported to cost 45LE. Onboard the train, you can purchase Turkish coffee, which is often recommended.
Riding a regular 2nd-class train provides a natural and authentic experience, allowing you to see how locals travel between cities. Passengers are generally respectful, kind, and helpful. The journey can be quite comfortable, especially if you opt for the faster trains.
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.
Regular 2nd-class trains are generally clean and comfortable. While legroom might be an issue on some trains (like the Talgo), standard trains offer a decent level of comfort for the journey.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, you can purchase refreshments like Turkish coffee onboard the train. However, it's advisable to be cautious about food options at the station itself, as prices can be inflated for tourists.
There are cafes at the station, but reviews suggest they are very expensive for tourists. For example, a coffee can cost around 45LE. It's generally better to eat before you board or look for options in Alexandria or Cairo.
Alexandria is famous for its street food, including delicious liver sandwiches (kebda) and affordable hummus by the sea. You can also find fresh smoothies and unique desserts like Freska and waffles.
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.
Seek out local street food vendors for authentic flavors like liver sandwiches and hummus. Many small cafes and dessert shops offer unique local treats.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the station's beautiful old architecture offers many photographic opportunities. Capturing the character of the building and the local life within it can make for compelling shots.
Focus on the architectural details, the bustling platforms, local commuters, and the general atmosphere of this historic transport hub.
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.
Street photography capturing the city's vibrant life, seaside views, and historical sites is popular. Bicycle rides by the sea also offer picturesque moments.
Yes, photographing the trains, especially the older models, can add to the historical charm of your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Train Travel for Foreigners
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. 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. Fast trains, particularly those departing in the morning and early afternoon, are ideal for reaching Alexandria from Cairo efficiently, typically taking around two hours.
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. 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.
The Charm of Misr Railway Station
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. 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.
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. 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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit