As some of you may or may not already know, I am currently living and working in Cairo. My father's family home is in Alexandria. I have become an expert of some sort when it comes to taking the train to Alexandria. I have been commuting between the two cities regularly for the past 5 years now.
Why the train you may ask? Well, there are many truths to the matter. When I moved to Cairo I decided to give my sister my car, so that I wouldn't have to deal with the traffic and the tedious task of trying to find a parking spot whenever I decided to go some where. Plus, it reduced my expenses greatly!
I suppose that in some very indirect way, I am also doing my part in trying to reduce the pollution that now looms over the city like a constant black rain cloud.
Another reason I take the train is because after a long week and day of work, the last thing I would want to do is add to my stress level by driving through Cairo on a Thursday afternoon and fight my way to the desert road. I would much rather unwind. In addition I don't really think I would have the energy or the alertness that I would need to drive. At least while I'm on the train I can sit back relax, watch a movie on my laptop, enjoy the view, read a book, listen to my iPod and even take a nap. I wouldn't be able to do that if I was in the car.
It is always best to book your tickets ahead of time. The earliest you can book is two weeks before you are due to leave. If you live in Heliopolis, Cairo (the ancient city of the sun), then you have no idea how blessed you are. Instead of having to trek all the way down town, to Ramses station, you can just hop over to Central Almaza. There you can buy your train ticket. If you are visiting the country and would like to pay Alexandria a visit, then I am fairly sure that you can ask the receptionist at the hotel to book and purchase your tickets for you. Just make sure that you give the exact date that you would like to go. (If you are in Alexandria then you have no choice to go to either Sidi Gabr or Alexandria station to get you ticket).
If you're a spontaneous person and like to take trips on the whim, you can get on the train and try you luck. You will be able to purchase a ticket at the ticket booth, if you don't you can buy one on the train, it will cost you double though and you may not have a seat for the entire duration of the train ride.
IMPORTANT NOT!! Be warned that not all the trains are direct. (It makes a difference)
A direct train will get you to Alexandria (or Cairo) in two and half hours, with a brief (possible) stop in Tanta. If you don't take a direct train, then you will be stopping at every station between Cairo and Alexandria and that could take you 4 hours or more!
If you are planning on taking a trip to, or from Alexandria, then may I be so bold as to suggest that you should ALWAYS travel first class. The reason being is that the cars are air-conditioned, the seats are comfortable (they recline, have a foot rest and a pull out table) and it's not as dirty as the rest of the classes. The up keep of the trains are unlike trains in Europe or North America. It's quite….ummmm…..disappointing to say the least and misleading, especially since it is classed as 1st class. The pocket that is in front of your chair is caked in years worth of dust and dirt. The pull out tables that are in the arm of the chair are not as bad, because many people haven't discovered their location. To be on the safe side bring along your hand sanitizer and your wet tissues to wipe it down before you place any perishables on it.
The water closet is a HEALTH HAZARD! I don't think it has been cleaned since the train was first put on the tracks. I don't think you could carry enough wet tissues or toilet seat covers to make you feel safe. So, my advice is make sure you go to the toilet before you get on the train and try not to drink at least an hour before you depart for the station, you don't want to be sat crossed legged with a bladder that is ready to explode for the whole journey.
There is a food cart that passes up and down the isles a few times during the trip. They offer drinks (water, canned soft drinks, tea & Nescafe) and pre-packed sandwiches. You can also order breakfast, lunch or dinner on the train too. It smells delicious but after seeing the condition of the toilets, I wouldn't risk eating a meal on the train. I fight enough germs and bacteria on a daily basis. I strongly recommend that you have lots of change, to pay for the beverages or food you buy.
Another helpful note; the man pushing the food cart will no charge you when you order the food, he will charge you 15-20 minutes before you reach your destination. (Don't ask me why, I am still trying to figure it out)
You will also need change to tip the man in charge of the car you are in, if you entrust him with your luggage or if he carries it on for you and places it over you seat. If you don't have one or two bags 5 LE is sufficient. If you have more then 10-15LE is very generous. If you need a porter to take your luggage and push it on the big trolley, they charge the locals 5LE for that service. Don't get suckered in to paying too much.
The train is usually arrives and leaves promptly. There have been occasions when the train pulls in to Sidi Gaber (1st stop in Alex), really late because of work on the tracks or problems with other trains.
I hope this helps you. Enjoy your trip
http://speakingupandspeakingoutfromcairo.wordpress.com
Train Rides To And From Alexandria
I used and still use to go to and from Alex to Cairo by microbus!
It is cheap and the conditions of traveling are quite good.
Bus station is in Ramses Square, Mubarak metro station, and buses go in different places in Alex.
The best ones go in Km 21 Alexandria, they are air conditioned, and video watching, and the journey lasts around 3 hours, with one stop, usually at a petrol station in the road.
Better it s to use your own car, pollution with one + or one - is the same, about expenditures, I should invite you to travel by your own car in Europe, where the cost of fuel is up to 1 euro/ 1 liter! No comments!
you didnt talk about the worst train in Egypt
it takes 4 hours to reach from alex to cairo
it stops alot and you can catch it if you run fast 
Never I travel in Egypt by train! That s why I didn t talk!
They look dusty, and unfinished!
I lived in Alex in 6th October, so was easily for me to get a bus from KM21!
Drivers are nice, and most people are good, they get you well!
The trains are not THAT bad.
One thing for sure is that they are less crowded than the buses and more seating are more comfortable and spacious.
For someone who has never been to Egypt or knows the language they would find it hard taking the RIGHT bus.
I'm not against bus transportation, it is effective and economical, but it's not my preferance.
Thanks for participating 
" Degustibus non disputandum!" said Romans, in English :" The tastes aren t the same for all people" so, what could be comfortable for others could be less for me!
I said only my opinion!
I prefer buses cause they are cleaner and more comfortable, and they fit with my personality! No need to book, just go at bus station, get into one and wait to be full and they go! No timetable for buses, no hurry that you lose one, simple and no stress!
I've taken the train from cairo to Alex a few times. Im American and My husband(egyptian) and I didnt bother with going 1st class. It was sufficient and cheap. I guess it would make a difference in the summer if all the cars are'nt air conditioned tho. The toilet are Awful!!! but one of the workers ont he train was nice enough to escort me to a better bathroom and it was just fine comparable to any other public bathroom in Egypt 
no comment BUT we did take the bus back to Cairo once and it seemed to be very close to the price of the train maybe 10le difference. and my husband and I both agreed we wouldnt do it again. I MUCH prefered the train to the buses
Exactly what I said! " Degustibus non disputandum" !
And I try not to use " strange toilette" protecting myself of viruses, and who knows...!
And by the way! As an American, English native, I mean you should not use the definite article " the" with a season!
So correct it is " in summer", not in the summer!
And I tell this, not because you prefer trains, not buses like me, I tell just because you re native English , and I am not 
I really wonder, if it's that disgusting, then what on the Earth makes you commuting using the train?
Frankly, I feel sorry that transportation services are not in a good form, not even appropriate.
I have taken the train couple of times in my life but I had not experienced using the toilets as I am not used to go to Public W.C due to many reasons.
In your article, you were realistically-based but rather ironical, which I have to say since I am an Egyptian.
I really wanted to post comments regarding many points in your articles, but can not for the limitness of time.
As Valibical said, every one has is own sort of taste, taking the train is just as taking a bus, both are double-edged sword.
Every thing is life has its own merits and demerits, so taking the train is relatively preferable to each one depending on his own surrounding conditions.
As for me, I prefer traveling with my own car for many reasons. (I do not have a car just a motorcycle)
regarding the point you mentioned why the Guy do not charge you till the last 15-20 minutes, I do not think it's that difficult to absorb this, if you are a famous-restaurant visitor you would have found out the reason behind
See ya
Concerning using public toilette, I don t use it no matter they re in Egypt or other part of the world! They could be in very good condition at the first sight, but in fact to be a source of infection. people that are resistant at bacteria, viruses and other dangers, maybe have not a problem!
ok I'll b e the first to admit..as a native English speaker I am a little lazy with my grammar or using proper English...(which i think a almost all native speakers of any language are this way..or at least have there own shorts cuts) but as far as I know in the summer is more correct them just in summer "in summer" just sounds strange...like not complete but maybe thats ust me and my crappy native English
English Grammar , both British and American says that with days of the week, seasons, .... it is used " 0 Article- Zero Article"
We could use " the summer..." only in constructions where the noun is an attribute " the summer time", where definite article " the" is used for " time" not for " summer".
And I tell this because all the time when I try to get a job, they find me " not native speaker" of English language, so they said " I don t have the sense of the language"!
Ladies this isn't a spitting contest!
We are humans and we make mistakes, Native or Not.
Valibilic thanks for clarifying it for us. I now know the difference and will make a consious effort to speak and write correctly.
Eypicanmeraty, don't worry girl, I knew exactly what you were saying.
thanks Irish Alex. Sorry... I didnt see you post before i posted my last response..and again sorry for arguing on your post 
I like your post by the way
No worries girlfriends. I have an Irish temper and the slightest thing can set me off. However, let us not lose focus, we are here to HELP one another ADJUST to new cultures, environments and ways of life.
Eypicanmeraty, Thank you, I'm glad you liked the post
@IrishAlexandrian ...Just wanted to say you are doing a gr8 job here on the forum and i agree on your views regarding the trains. I also heard that you can book your tickets online now but i never tried that before.
@Eypicanmeraty ....Totally agree , buses are very boring and it could take you 2 hrs ( the whole period of Alex-Cairo ) when u reach cairo and ur destination is Almaza or Cairo Airport. Also if you need to get some sleep , it would be rather impossible at the driver always has some music tape on high volume to keep himself awake !! or some rubbish movie or play on the TV...They should have a sign that says no sleeping..not to mention the hostess that wakes up u if she feels that u will sleep asking u if you would need any food or drink.
Where as on the train, i simply put the IPOD on my ears and sleep calmly...you can also smoke at some places of the train if u are a smoker. worst time in a train is when u got kids crying that could be annoying but i guess you find that anywhere !
@valibilic....as an Egyptian i advise you not to take microbus from Cairo to Alex or vice versa as the drivers are usually on weed or drunk and u never know what could happen at the desert road , regardless of the entertainment that you speak of. Personally i stopped using them after several past experiences.
Again i believe Spanish & Torbeeny direct trains are most reliable.
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