The 40 km distance between Borg El Arab Airport and Alexandria makes arrival planning more important for families than at most airports. Here is what to prepare for.
Inside the terminal
HBE is a small airport and the terminal is straightforward. Immigration can be slow — 20-40 minutes is common — so keep small children entertained with snacks or a device. Baggage claim is a single hall. Restrooms exist but are basic, and dedicated family or baby changing facilities are minimal.
Once you exit customs, you are in a compact arrivals area with a few exchange counters. There is not much in terms of shops or food at this point, so make sure you have water and snacks from the plane.
Why vehicle choice matters more here
The drive to Alexandria is 45-70 minutes. That is a long time in a cramped car without proper air conditioning — and Egypt's heat is serious from April through October. A standard negotiated taxi might be a small, older sedan. For a family of four with luggage, it can be uncomfortable.
A pre-booked minivan transfer ($35-50) gives you space, guaranteed AC, and a professional driver for this substantial drive. This is one of those routes where the transfer premium is not about luxury — it is about basic comfort on a long journey.
Child seats
Child seats are not standard in Egyptian taxis. They are not legally required, and you will not find one at the airport taxi area. If you need a child seat, your options are:
1. Bring your own travel car seat. This is the most reliable approach. 2. Request one through a private transfer company at booking time. Availability is not guaranteed in Egypt — confirm twice.
Egyptian driving can be intense by Western standards. Lanes are treated as suggestions, overtaking is aggressive, and the desert highway to Alexandria is fast. Whether you insist on a car seat depends on your comfort level, but the driving conditions are a reason to take child restraint seriously.
The drive itself
The road from HBE to Alexandria is a modern highway through flat desert terrain. It is not scenic, but it is well-paved. Traffic is usually light between the airport and the city outskirts, but can back up entering Alexandria proper — especially near the Corniche along the waterfront.
Keep the AC running, have water available, and expect the trip to take at least 45 minutes even in good conditions.
Practical tips for families
- Book a minivan transfer in advance. Do not try to fit a family of four plus luggage into a negotiated taxi for a 45-minute drive.
- Bring water and snacks from the plane. Airport shops on the arrivals side are limited.
- Have Egyptian pounds ready if you need to buy anything at the airport. Cards are not widely accepted at the small vendors.
- If traveling in summer, the temperature on arrival can exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Get into an air-conditioned vehicle quickly.
- If your hotel is in the Stanley or Montaza area (eastern Alexandria), the drive is closer to 60-70 minutes. Factor this into nap schedules and feeding times for young children.