Borg El Arab International Airport transfer
This page explains private transfers from Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), the airport that serves Alexandria, to hotels in Alexandria itself and to Giza and central Cairo at the far end of the desert road. Rides take a little over an hour into Alexandria and roughly two and a half to three hours to Cairo.
- Airport code
- HBE
- City
- Alexandria
- Route guides
- 1
HotelTaxi books each trip with a local transfer company that works this airport. You reserve online or on WhatsApp, the total price is fixed before you confirm, and your driver meets you in arrivals holding a sign with your name.
Transfers from this airport
Where is Borg El Arab Airport?
HBE lies in open desert south-west of Alexandria, in the Borg El Arab area, about 50 km by road from the city centre. Since the old El Nouzha airport inside the city stopped handling flights, it is the airport for Alexandria and much of the western Nile Delta. You may also see it listed as Alexandria International Airport; the code HBE stays the same.
The distance is the reason most travellers arrange a car in advance. There is no rail link to the terminal, and the drive crosses industrial zones and empty desert before reaching the edge of the city, so a pre-booked private ride is the simplest way to reach a hotel with luggage.
Drive times from HBE
- Alexandria
- 50 km, usually 66–83 minutes. Corniche hotels, the historic centre, Stanley, Gleem and the eastern districts towards Montaza.
- Giza Pyramids
- 211 km, usually 153–192 minutes along the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road, which ends next to the Giza Plateau.
- Downtown Cairo & Zamalek
- 215 km, usually 147–184 minutes. The same desert road, then across western Giza to the Nile and the island of Zamalek.
Why some travellers land at HBE for Cairo
Flights from the Gulf states and some European charters land at Borg El Arab, and fares or schedules sometimes suit better than Cairo. The trade-off is a long road trip: the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road is a wide, multi-lane toll motorway with large service areas, but it is still close to 200 km of driving before city traffic begins.
If you plan to see both cities, landing at HBE and spending a few days in Alexandria before driving on to Cairo spreads the journey sensibly.
Meeting your driver at arrivals
Borg El Arab has a compact passenger terminal, so finding your driver is usually straightforward. Add your flight number when you book: the local provider follows the arrival time and adjusts the pickup if the plane lands early or late.
After passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, your driver waits at the meeting point in the arrivals area with a name sign. The exact spot is confirmed by phone or WhatsApp before or on landing.
Choosing the right vehicle
- Private car
- Suits one to three passengers with normal luggage, for city hotels in Alexandria or the long drive to Cairo.
- Minivan
- Up to about seven passengers. A sensible choice for families visiting relatives, Gulf holiday groups with many suitcases, or anyone wanting more room on the three-hour Cairo run.
- Larger vehicles and extras
- Bigger groups can request a larger vehicle. Child seats are available on request, and bulky items such as diving gear or bicycles should be declared when booking.
Seasons and the North Coast
Alexandria is a year-round city with mild winters, but summer is its busiest time: Egyptian families and visitors from the Gulf come for the sea breeze, and traffic along the Corniche grows heavy in the evenings.
The airport is also convenient for the North Coast, known in Egypt as Sahel, the long strip of beach resorts stretching west towards El Alamein. In July and August many holidaymakers head there, so roads around Alexandria are busier on summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Borg El Arab Airport from Alexandria?
About 50 km by road to the city, usually 66–83 minutes depending on which district your hotel is in. Hotels in the east near Montaza take longer than those in the western centre.
Can I take a private transfer from HBE to Cairo?
Yes. Giza and central Cairo are around 211–215 km away via the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road, roughly two and a half to three hours. The price is agreed in full before you book and covers the whole private ride.
Is HBE the same as Alexandria International Airport?
Yes. Borg El Arab International Airport is now often called Alexandria International Airport, while the passenger code remains HBE. It is the airport that handles commercial flights for Alexandria.
Will my driver wait if my flight is late?
Yes, as long as your flight number is in the booking. The local provider tracks the arrival and the price does not change because of a delay.
Can I stop on the way to Cairo?
A short break at a service area on the desert road is normally possible; mention it when booking. Longer detours, such as sightseeing on the way, should be agreed in advance so they can be included in the price.