Choosing between Alexandria and Port Said for car shipping to Egypt involves balancing costs, transit times, and port capabilities. As Egypt's two primary automotive gateways, these ports offer distinct advantages depending on your vehicle type, budget, and destination. This guide breaks down critical factors to help you select the optimal port for your car shipping needs.
For comprehensive import strategies, see Ship Cars to Egypt from USA: Complete 2025 Guide.
Capacity: Handles 3.2 million TEU annually with dedicated RoRo facilities
Terminals:
Alexandria Container Terminal: 500,000 TEU capacity
Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal: 400,000 m² yard for containers, general cargo, and cars
Depth: 16.5–18.8m berths accommodate vessels up to 168,000 DWT
NAFEZA Integration: 72-hour customs clearance via Egypt's digital system
EV Readiness: Specialized zones for electric vehicles with 32 reefer plugs
Consolidation Options: Shared containers from $1,500/vehicle via West Coast Shipping
Capacity: Processes 8.7 million tons annually with 900,000 TEU capacity
Terminals:
East Port Said: New RoRo terminal handles 10,000 vehicles
SCCT Container Terminal: 2 million TEU capacity for Post-Panamax ships
Depth: 16–17m berths accommodate 15,000 TEU vessels
Suez Canal Access: 9–10-day transit time savings for Asia/Europe-bound vehicles
RoRo Efficiency: Dedicated ramps process 150 vehicles/hour
Bonded Storage: 75,000-ton capacity for delayed deliveries
| Factor | Alexandria | Port Said |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time (USA) | 47–49 days (NY) | 51–54 days (FL) |
| RoRo Availability | Limited | Dedicated terminal |
| EV Infrastructure | 32 reefer plugs | 12 reefer stations |
| Peak Season Surcharge | +25% (Mar–Sep) | +15% (Mar–Sep) |
| Inland Connectivity | 220km to Cairo | Direct canal access |
Luxury/Classic Cars: Climate-controlled containers at $2,500/dedicated unit
EV Shipments: Certified battery handling and charging stations
Urgent Deliveries: Faster customs via NAFEZA pre-clearance
Case Study: A 2023 Tesla Model Y shipped via Alexandria saved 18 days compared to Port Said using NAFEZA digital processing.
High-Volume Dealers: 10,000-vehicle RoRo capacity
Transshipments: Suez Canal access reduces Asia-Europe transit by 7 days
Project Cars: Bonded storage during restoration
Case Study: A Dubai-based dealer shipped 45 Land Cruisers via Port Said's RoRo terminal at $220/unit trucking costs.
Congestion: 14% longer dwell times during peak season
Solution: Book 60+ days ahead for Q4 shipments
Limited EV Support: No dedicated charging infrastructure
Solution: Use Alexandria for EVs, then truck to final destination
NAFEZA Pre-Check: Avoid 72-hour documentation delays
Tahya Misr Access: Priority slots for high-value vehicles
RoRo Coordination: 48-hour vessel space guarantees
Canal Transit Discounts: 12% fee reduction for dual-port shipments
Alexandria excels in speed and EV readiness, while Port Said offers cost-effective bulk shipping and canal access. For most individual shippers, Alexandria's NAFEZA efficiency and proximity to Cairo make it the preferred choice. Commercial importers benefit from Port Said's RoRo capacities and transshipment advantages.
Contact West Coast Shipping for port-specific quotes and logistics planning.
For full regulatory details, visit Ship Cars to Egypt from USA: Complete 2025 Guide.