Distance 477 km (298.1 miles) | |
Price range US$13-US$132 | |
Ride Duration Range 6h-7h | |
Earliest Departure 22:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 6h
Cheapest bus: US$14
By traveling from Alexandria to Siwa, you'll leave behind the hustle and bustle of one of Egypt's most historical cities and replace it with the desert's peacefulness.
Over the past few years, thanks to social media, Siwa has been firmly on the maps of travelers. Dreamy photos and videos of people floating in unbelievably turquoise pools have encouraged those mesmerized to make the journey.
Between visiting the pools and ancient ruins, relax in the serene desert camps and reward your muscles with a trip to the natural hot springs scattered around the area.
It's not difficult to see why people claim Siwa is magical.
There are two ways to travel between Alexandria and Siwa — by minivan and car.
The journey takes 6-7 hours, with the minivan taking slightly longer than the car. However, shared minivans are the cheapest way to get from Alexandria to Siwa.
Minivans have only one daily departure, traveling overnight, while a private car means you can leave whenever you like.
Not sure which transport to take from Alexandria to Cairo? Keep reading our detailed guide to book the perfect option.
Many people arrive in Siwa excited to float like a feather in the salt pools. They are surprised to discover this magical oasis has much more to offer. Check out our favorite things to do in Siwa to start planning your desert escape:
Float in the salt pools. The brilliant blue of the water is transfixing, and the weightless feeling is a unique and unforgettable experience. But with a 95% salt concentration, make sure not to get any water on your face, especially not in your eyes! And do not shave before you go. Trust us.
Stay in a desert camp. You'll find a selection of desert camps dotted just outside the center of town. Don't worry, you won't actually be sleeping in tents. These are essentially hotels and feel like a true oasis. Many of them are thriving with greenery, flowers and a selection of hot and cold pools. They're the perfect place to stay in Siwa!
Visit Shali Fortress, the original old city and castle of Siwa. Climb the ruins and admire the views, made even sweeter because it's free to enter. Nowadays, you'll have to use your imagination to picture what the city used to look like.
Go for sunset at Fatnas Island. The restaurants there have the perfect set-up with floating pontoons and chairs lined up like you're at the cinema. But instead of a movie, you'll be watching a glorious sunset.
Go on a desert safari. You won't see many (or any) animals on this safari, but you will hop in a 4x4 and go crashing around the sand dunes. You'll hold on for your life at some points, but the adrenaline kick is fun. A break in the middle offers you a chance to try your hand at sandboarding down the dunes.
There are two ways to get from Alexandria to Siwa: by minivan and car.
The shared minivans are the cheapest way to get from Alexandria to Siwa, with prices starting from $11 per person.
The journey takes around seven hours, and the minivan travels overnight, leaving at 11 p.m. This is the only daily departure.
Minivans leave from two departure points – El Raml Station and Alexandria New Station — and arrive at Siwa Bus Station.
Thankfully, minivans have air conditioning, saving you from the scorching desert heat, even at night. A downside to the minivans is that they're not super spacious.
If the minivan's one daily departure doesn't work for you or you'd like your own vehicle, consider booking a private car.
Prices start from $110 for the entire car, fitting a maximum of three passengers.
The journey is slightly faster, taking six hours, and you'll also benefit from hotel pick-up/drop-off. And as it's a car just for you, it's up to you when you want to leave Alexandria for Siwa.
Most people travel from Alexandria to Siwa overnight but don't expect a great night of sleep.
But no matter what time go, the road can get pretty bumpy, and drivers often don't slow down to avoid these bumps, sometimes making sleeping a bit tricky.
Additionally, throughout Egypt, you'll find military checkpoints. Some of these can be found on this route, so be prepared for these along the way.
The time you choose to visit Siwa is pretty essential. Choose the wrong time, and you'll feel like a raisin left out in the sun after only a few minutes. It's the desert, so this place gets HOT!
The best time to visit is between November and March. During these months, the temperatures are bearable, and you'll be able to do all the activities without constantly dripping with sweat. At this time, temperatures can range from 20-30°C (68-86°F).
In summer, temperatures can go way beyond 40°C (104°F).
After the sizable bus journey from Alexandria to Siwa, you'll probably want to give your butt a rest before hopping back on the bus right away.
We recommend spending at least three days in Siwa. This gives you enough time to float about in the pools, explore the city's attractions, and enjoy your desert camp. Take in the tranquility of the desert and relax!
The places you can visit directly by public transport are somewhat limited from Siwa. You can either head back to Alexandria or travel to Cairo.
Use the capital city as a jumping-off point for other destinations in Egypt, like Luxor, Aswan, or Hurghada.
If you haven't visited Cairo yet, explore the incredible Pyramids of Giza, get lost in the Khan el-Khalili market and eat your bodyweight in koshary — Egypt's national dish, which can be found almost everywhere.
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