Car Rental in Alexandria, Egypt: A Practical Guide

Drivers can pick up vehicles at Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) or select city locations, provided they have the correct licensing and deposit.

Navigating a car rental in Alexandria, Egypt, is a practical option for travelers wanting to explore the Mediterranean coast and desert highways independently. However, driving in Egypt's second-largest city—home to over 5.2 million residents—comes with unique local challenges. While public transit or ride-hailing is often preferred for short trips within the chaotic city center, a rental car is highly useful for longer journeys, such as driving the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road. To secure a vehicle, you must prepare the correct documentation, including an International Driving Permit (IDP), and understand the local parking customs managed by informal attendants. This guide outlines essential driving rules, pick-up locations at Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), deposit requirements, and typical costs to help you navigate the rental market safely in 2026.

L'essentiel

Driving in Alexandria requires adapting to local traffic flow and regulations. Traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are strictly monitored by radar networks: expect 50–60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 100–120 km/h on desert highways. Speeding violations carry heavy fines ranging from EGP 2,000 to EGP 10,000.

To rent a car, the typical minimum age is 21, though some providers allow drivers aged 18–20 with a surcharge, and others set the minimum age at 25. You must present a valid passport, a home-country driver's license held for at least 1 to 2 years, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is legally required if your home license is not in English or Arabic.

Parking is highly informal. Street parking is managed by local attendants called 'soyyas' (singular 'sayes'). They assist with parking and guard your vehicle. It is customary to tip them EGP 5 to EGP 20. Do not assume street parking is free or unregulated, as parking in prohibited areas leads to fines or towing.

Price overview and booking timing

Rental prices in Alexandria vary based on the provider and vehicle class. When renting from local providers like Brothers EGY, standard rental agreements require a security deposit ranging from EGP 25,000 to EGP 40,000. This deposit is typically blocked on a credit card matching the primary driver's name. However, purchasing full protection insurance can reduce this deposit to zero.

For travelers planning a one-way trip, major international agencies like Avis offer one-way rentals between Cairo and Alexandria for a standard fee of approximately USD 80. To secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you require specific vehicle types or plan to pick up the car directly at the airport during peak travel seasons.

Where to receive your vehicle

The primary hub for car hire in Alexandria, Egypt, is Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), located approximately 40 to 50 km from the city center. Renting at the airport is highly convenient for international travelers, allowing them to bypass city traffic immediately upon arrival.

Rental desks for major international and regional agencies are located inside the International Arrivals Hall. Available companies at HBE include:

• SIXT
• Avis
• Budget
• Payless
• Green Motion

When picking up your vehicle, ensure you have your physical credit card, passport, home driver's license, and IDP ready for verification at the desk. While some local agencies also operate within the city limits, picking up your vehicle directly at the airport terminal remains the most straightforward option for foreign visitors arriving by air.

Road trip tips from the city

Having a rental car in Alexandria opens up opportunities to explore the surrounding regions and neighboring cities. The desert highways connecting Alexandria to other major hubs are well-maintained, though you must remain vigilant of radar speed traps. Here are a few practical routes you can take from the city:

• Cairo: ~220 km, ~2 h 45 min via the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road to visit the Pyramids and the capital.
• El Alamein: ~120 km, ~1 h 30 min to explore the historic WWII battlefields and Mediterranean beaches.
• Marsa Matruh: ~290 km, ~3 h 30 min for a scenic drive along the coast to see pristine white-sand beaches.
• Rosetta (Rashid): ~65 km, ~1 h 15 min to see where the Nile meets the Mediterranean and view Ottoman-era architecture.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.