Getting Around Marsa Matrouh
Marsa Matrouh is a port city on Egypt's Mediterranean coast and the capital of Matrouh Governorate. It sits on the main highway between the Nile Delta and the Libyan border, with a second highway running south through the Western Desert toward Siwa Oasis and Bahariya Oasis. For a visitor, the practical picture is simple: this is a compact, low-key resort town where you get around by bicycle, donkey cart, taxi or bus rather than by any large urban transit system.
Is There a Metro or Tram?
No. Marsa Matrouh has no metro, tram or light rail network, and no local rail service for moving around within the city. Visitors should not expect a Cairo- or Alexandria-style urban transit system here.
Rail Connections
The city does have a railway station, and slow trains run to Marsa Matrouh from Alexandria. This is a way of arriving in the city rather than a way of getting around once you are there. Historically the line reached the town as a single-track railway passing through El Alamein, but for a visitor today the practical point is simply that rail service exists from Alexandria and is slow.
Buses and Public Transport
The West Delta Bus Station is the city's main transportation hub, located on the town's main square. This is where you will find long-distance buses rather than a dense local bus network.
- Marsa Matrouh–Alexandria: buses on this route leave three times daily, at 7AM, 5PM and 10PM. Booking ahead is well advised.
- From Cairo: the most convenient option is the 7:30AM West Delta Bus from Cairo's Turgoman Bus Station. It is timed to arrive in Marsa Matrouh in time to make 1:30PM planes.
- From Alexandria: the fastest route is a West Delta Bus.
Taxis and Shared Taxis
There is no official shared taxi service in Marsa Matrouh. However, sheruts (shared taxis) leave from in front of Abdu's Restaurant, across from the Yousef Hotel, in the early evening. Confirming in advance is highly recommended, since this is an informal arrangement rather than a scheduled service.
Bicycles
Bicycles are the best way to explore Marsa Matrouh and its surroundings. Chinese gear-less models can be rented by the day, with a half-day rate also available. Before accepting a bike, check that it is sturdy, that the brakes are functioning well, and that the handlebars are not cracked or bent. Be aware that driving on sand-covered streets can be quite a challenge for inexperienced cyclists.
Donkey Carts
Donkey carts are a genuine local mode of transport in Marsa Matrouh. The drivers are mostly children who have learned the trade from a very young age. Prices are negotiable, running from a small amount for a short trip within the downtown up to a considerably higher figure for longer journeys.
Walkability
The city is compact enough that its main square, where the West Delta Bus Station sits, anchors the downtown. The waterfront is the focus of the town: Marsa Matrouh features soft white sand beaches and calm transparent waters, with the bay protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural breakwater and a small opening that lets light vessels through. Walking works well for the central area and the beach, but for outlying beaches and sights you will want a bicycle, cart or taxi.
Getting In from the Airport
Marsa Matrouh is served by Marsa Matruh International Airport (MUH). The source material does not describe a dedicated airport shuttle or public bus link into town, so plan on arranging a taxi or a pre-booked transfer for the final leg into the city. Note that the Cairo bus from Turgoman Bus Station is scheduled to arrive in time to connect with 1:30PM flights, which is useful if you are heading the other way.
Practical Summary
- Arriving by bus: West Delta Bus Station on the main square is your hub; book ahead, especially for the Alexandria route.
- Arriving by train: slow trains run from Alexandria to the city's railway station.
- Arriving by air: Marsa Matruh International Airport (MUH); arrange a taxi or transfer, as no airport shuttle is described.
- Getting around town: rent a bicycle (check it carefully first), take a donkey cart for short downtown hops, or use taxis.
- Shared taxis: informal sheruts leave from in front of Abdu's Restaurant in the early evening; confirm in advance.
- No metro or tram: do not plan on urban rail of any kind.