There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Alexandria into a quick city adventure. From HBE, the Taxi / Minibus can get you into town in around 120 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of HBE:
- Can you legally enter Egypt? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 120-minute journey each way by Taxi / Minibus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EGP. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
What’s Worth Seeing in Alexandria
For a layover visit to Alexandria, we’d suggest Citadel of Qaitbay and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside HBE — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Borg El Arab VIP Lounge
- Borg El Arab Duty-Free
Eating Well on a Alexandria Layover
In Alexandria
If you make it into town, Fish Market is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant.
Inside HBE
If you’re staying in the terminal, HBE Airport Cafe is your main option. Terminal Grab & Go works too if you want something quick.
Transport from Borg El Arab International Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Minibus | ~120 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~140 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi / Minibus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Alexandria, budget roughly $23 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $8 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at HBE
Luggage storage is available at Luggage storage facilities are generally not available at Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE).. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Alexandria.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HBE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Alexandria itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Egypt that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at HBE
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HBE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Alexandria genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.