Borg El Arab Airport is 40 km from central Alexandria, which makes it one of the farther-from-city airports you will encounter. That distance drives the cost up compared to airports closer to their cities.
Negotiated taxi
There are no metered taxis at HBE. You negotiate the fare with a driver outside the terminal. There is no published fare for this trip. Alexandria taxis do not run on a published airport tariff and most are not metered in practice, so the fare is whatever you agree before you get in. Ask your hotel what their guests currently pay — a live local number beats any figure printed in a guide, particularly with the Egyptian pound moving as it has.
Fixed-price private transfer
HBE Alexandria City Center
From€46for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Drivers will start well above the going rate. Be polite but firm. If the first driver will not come down, walk to the next one. Having the fare range written on your phone to show (in Arabic numerals if possible) can help.
Montaza and eastern Alexandria are further, so they cost more; Agami and the western beach areas are closer to the airport, so they cost less.
Pre-booked private transfer
A sedan (up to 3 passengers) to central Alexandria: a fixed price, quoted before you book.
A minivan (up to 7 passengers) to central Alexandria: a fixed price, quoted before you book.
These prices are fixed at booking and paid in advance. No negotiation, no cash needed on arrival. The vehicles are air-conditioned and in good condition. For the 40 km journey in Egyptian heat, air conditioning is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
Longer distances
To El Alamein (100 km): a private transfer fixes the price before you book; a negotiated taxi does not.
To Marsa Matrouh (300 km): private transfer, at a fixed quoted price.
To Cairo (220 km): private transfer, at a fixed quoted price. A negotiated taxi will open high, and on a journey this long vehicle quality matters as much as the fare — a transfer is strongly preferred.
Currency notes
Egypt's currency has seen significant fluctuation in recent years. The Egyptian pound has moved a great deal in recent years, which is exactly why this page gives you the structure of each fare rather than a number that would be wrong by the time you read it. Dollar-denominated private transfers protect you from currency surprises. If paying a taxi in pounds, check the current rate on your phone before negotiating.
ATMs at the airport sometimes run out of cash or have low withdrawal limits. Bring some US dollars or euros as backup — taxi drivers will sometimes accept foreign currency, though at a poor rate.
Bottom line
The 40 km distance means you cannot get to Alexandria for pocket change. A negotiated taxi is the cheapest option but requires effort and confidence. A pre-booked transfer removes all friction and is the better value when you account for the time, stress, and comfort difference — especially in summer.