Today's Alexandria–Cairo Trains: Timings and Fares

Egyptian National Railways runs a dense schedule of trains connecting Alexandria to Cairo every day, and Thursday, 6 August 2026 is no exception. The timetable includes three distinct service classes — first-class air-conditioned, second-class air-conditioned, and third-class air-conditioned — alongside the high-speed Talgo service, with departures from early morning until late night.

For first class, seven trains operate, with tickets priced at 220 Egyptian pounds for most services except the Talgo (400 EGP). The earliest first-class departure is at 5:00 a.m. (train 1904) and the latest at 8:10 p.m. (train 1902). Second-class air-conditioned offers nine departures — including three Talgo runs at 275 EGP — and a standard fare of 170 EGP. The day starts with the 5:00 a.m. train 1904 and ends with the 10:15 p.m. service (train 934). Budget-conscious travellers can opt for third-class air-conditioned, where tickets cost just 90 EGP; only three trains are available in this class: 5:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Booking has become increasingly digital. Passengers can buy tickets at station counters (Ramses, Sidi Gaber, Alexandria) or use the official website and the ENR mobile app, which supports debit/credit card and digital wallet payments. The app also shows real-time seat availability and allows cancellations or modifications. After payment, a QR-coded electronic ticket is sent by email and can be scanned at the platform gate or shown to the inspector on board.

What the Full Schedule Reveals About Your Travel Options

Widening the Price–Speed Spectrum

A trip from Alexandria to Cairo now costs anywhere from 90 EGP to 400 EGP, with journey times ranging from about 2 hours 30 minutes on a Talgo express to over 3 hours on standard services. The Talgo trains (2022, 2024, 2026) command a premium — 400 EGP in first class, 275 EGP in second — but save roughly 30–40 minutes compared to regular air-conditioned trains. For commuters and students who can plan around a narrower schedule, the 90 EGP third-class option remains the most affordable public transport link between the two cities, though with only three daily departures the service is far from on-demand.

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The Shift to Self-Service Booking

ENR’s push into online and app-based reservations is a meaningful change for a network that, until recently, relied almost entirely on counter sales. The QR-code ticketing reduces boarding friction and gives the operator real-time load data. However, the full schedule and price transparency now easily available on a smartphone also make it simpler for passengers to compare competing modes — such as intercity buses or ride-sharing — which reinforces the need for the railway to maintain its punctuality and price advantage.

How to Book and Get the Best Value on Your Journey

  • Match the train to your budget and timetable. If time is tight, choose a Talgo departure (7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. or 6:50 p.m.) at 275–400 EGP. If cost is the priority, the 90 EGP third-class trains (5:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.) offer the lowest fare on the route.
  • Book digitally to save time at the station. The ENR website and app accept Visa, Mastercard and digital wallets. Generate your QR-code ticket in advance to skip the counter queues, especially during peak morning and evening travel windows.
  • Arrive early for counter purchases. If paying cash at Ramses, Sidi Gaber or Alexandria stations, aim to reach the ticket window at least 45 minutes before departure, as lines can be long for the popular mid-morning and late-afternoon services.
  • Check seat availability live. The app shows which trains still have seats — use it to avoid sold-out trains and to pick a service where you can travel comfortably.