Overview
Egypt's second city and its window on the Mediterranean, Alexandria pairs Graeco-Roman history with a breezy, café-lined Corniche. It is cooler and more relaxed than Cairo, which makes it a rewarding add-on to a Nile trip or a destination in its own right. Most UK travellers searching for cheap flights to Alexandria connect via a European or regional hub, so a little planning goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Alexandria
Alexandria has a true Mediterranean climate. April to June and September to October bring warm, comfortable days and the best balance of pleasant weather and sensible fares. July and August are hot and busy as Egyptians head to the coast, though the sea breeze takes the edge off. Winter, from December to February, is mild but the wettest in Egypt, with the odd storm, so quieter-season flights can be a bargain — see the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct scheduled flights from the UK to Alexandria. The usual routing is a single connection through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or through Cairo with EgyptAir, with total journey times of roughly 8 to 11 hours including the layover; European carriers such as Lufthansa and Air France also connect via their hubs. Alternatively, fly direct from London to Cairo in about five hours with British Airways or EgyptAir, then take a short domestic hop or the train up to Alexandria. It pays to compare a few hub options before booking.
Things to do in Alexandria
Compact and walkable along the seafront, the city rewards a few unhurried days.
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina: a striking modern library and cultural centre honouring the legendary ancient one.
- Qaitbay Citadel: a 15th-century fort built on the site of the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
- Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa: an atmospheric multi-level Roman necropolis blending Egyptian and classical styles.
- Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum: a towering Roman granite column with sphinxes and temple ruins alongside.
- Montaza Palace gardens: royal gardens, pine groves and beaches on the city's eastern edge, lovely at sunset.
At Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)
Alexandria's airport sits around 45 km south-west of the centre, so allow 45 to 60 minutes by road. Pre-booked private transfers are the easiest choice and fixed in price, while official airport taxis are also available — agree the fare before you set off. A shuttle bus links the terminal with central Alexandria and Cairo for budget-conscious travellers.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Alexandria
- Book ahead: for peak summer and holiday periods, roughly two to five months in advance tends to land the best fares — check the price charts on this page.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and travel in spring or autumn, are usually cheaper than weekends and school holidays.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a day or two, or flying into Cairo and continuing overland, can cut the cost noticeably.
- Compare hubs: weigh up Istanbul, Cairo and European connections side by side, as the cheapest carrier changes with the season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Egypt. Most travellers buy the official e-visa online before departure or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport; your passport should be valid for at least six months. The local currency is the Egyptian pound, and although cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, it is wise to carry some cash. No vaccinations are compulsory for travellers from the UK, but stick to bottled water and check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.
