All participants are kindly requested to arrange their transportation to and from the conference venue (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt). Transportation from the Hotel to our premises will be provided only for the speakers; however, daily shuttle bus services from Cairo to Alexandria and back will be provided along with your registration fees (if required).
A) Departing to Alexandria
The distance from Cairo to Alexandria is approximately 220 km northwest. The Cairo International Airport is located about 22 km from downtown Cairo. There are 3 terminals about 6 km apart from each other. The following options are available to move from Cairo International Airport to Alexandria:
1) Trains: Each major city has a central train station. In Cairo, it is Ramses Square; and in Alexandria, it is Sidi Gaber and Masr station. There is a train almost every one hour (see the table below) they are the most comfortable means of travel from Cairo to Alexandria. Train schedules are shown below, but it is recommended that you call ahead to reserve. The number is +(202) 5753555. For more information or for online ticket booking please visit the official website of the ENR (Egyptian National Railways)
www.egyptrail.gov.eg.
2) Buses: Buses are the second option to travel between Cairo and Alexandria, you can choose from several bus companies. West Delta, Super Jet or El Gouna are the companies most popular. Tickets cost range between EGP 25 and EGP 50, and you may call ahead to determine if there are any changes in the bus schedule +(202) 5798181.
If you are arriving at Cairo International Airport and planning to move directly to Alexandria, then you may take the direct (CAIRO-ALEX) buses that are located at Cairo International Airport Terminal One car parking. West Delta and Super jet are the only operating bus companies at the airport. Please see below their prices and schedule.
Caution: On your way approaching the bus station or upon your arrival at the airport, you might come across people who are offering their private cars (which are not taxis), limousine, buses or vans. Please note that, neither these means nor these people are registered as official transportation means and therefore they are not recommended. It is recommended to abide by the guaranteed information and telephone numbers that we are providing in each section.
3) Air Travel: If you do not mind paying extra and do not want to waste your time, domestic air travel is also available between most major cities. Please check (
www.egyptair.com).
B) Transportation within the cities
1) Limousine Services: Limousine services are offered by different companies for fixed fees. Representatives are located, upon arrival, at the airport and at hotel lobbies. To reserve in advance, call Misr Limousine at +(202) 2599381. Limousines from Cairo to Alexandria usually cost between EGP 350 and EGP 500.
2) Public Taxis: Public taxis are found all over the cities of Cairo and Alexandria. Cairo taxis are notable for their black and white color; while taxis in Alexandria are orange-yellow and black in color. When taking a taxi, you should agree on the fee before your ride, as there is no meter in use.
3) Call Taxis: Call Taxi Service is also available in Alexandria and Cairo. Services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. A maximum of 3 passengers is allowed for each ride. Payments are paid in cash only and the fare depends on the distance travelled. It is preferable to call the company at least 30 minutes in advance.
4) Metro (Cairo) and Tram (Alexandria): The cheapest and fastest means of transport in Cairo is the “Metro system” whose station locations are marked by a big red "M" sign. The Metro runs daily from 5:30 am until 12:30 am. Tickets cost one Egyptian pound, and the front wagon of every train is dedicated for women only. In Alexandria, the cheapest (but not the fastest) means of transportation is the Tram, where the tickets cost a quarter of a pound (25 piasters). Like the Metro, the Tram has the first wagon dedicated to women only.
5) Car Rental: If you prefer driving a car and have a valid international license, you can rent a car from car rental services found in all major hotels in the city. To rent a car, you must be over 25 years of age, have a passport, have a credit card, and must pay part of the charge in advance. This is not recommended unless you are familiar with the roadways and directions.