How Far is it From Turkey to Egypt? Exploring the Distance Between Two Fascinating Destinations

With their rich histories, cultural treasures, and beautiful landscapes, Turkey and Egypt are two of the most captivating countries to visit in the Eastern Mediterranean region. But for travelers hoping to experience both, a key question arises just how far is it from Turkey to Egypt?

In this article, we’ll examine the geographical distance and travel time by air, land, and sea between these transcontinental countries We’ll also highlight top attractions in Turkey and Egypt to fuel your wanderlust. Whether you’re planning an epic overland journey or a quicker getaway, let’s uncover the distance between two of the world’s most magical destinations!

Straight Line Distance From Turkey to Egypt

As the crow flies, the straight line distance between Turkey and Egypt is approximately 1,409 km or 876 miles.

To put this in perspective, that’s about the distance from Chicago to Orlando or London to Berlin. For a commercial passenger jet traveling at around 560 mph, it would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly direct between the two nations without stopping.

Specifically it’s 1409 km from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Turkey lies northwest of Egypt with Istanbul straddling both Europe and Asia. The closest distance is where Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast approaches Egypt’s northeast corner.

Driving Distance and Land Route From Turkey to Egypt

For road trippers excited to drive between Turkey and Egypt, the journey is much longer by land.

The most direct land route passes from Istanbul down through Turkey, then crosses briefly into Syria before entering Egypt. However, due to ongoing safety concerns, the Syrian section should be avoided.

The safer alternative is driving south through Turkey, then taking a ferry from Tasucu, Turkey across the Mediterranean Sea to Port Said, Egypt. From there, continue traveling south to Cairo. This route covers approximately 5,000 km or 3,100 miles and would take around 50 hours of non-stop driving.

Travelers can stretch this into a 2-3 week overland adventure, stopping to see highlights like Cappadocia, Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Damascus and Aleppo in Syria, and cruising the Nile in Egypt. For history buffs, this is an incredible way to connect two of the world’s oldest and greatest civilizations!

Travel Time By Air Between Turkey and Egypt

For those short on time, flying is the fastest way to cover the 1,409 km distance between Turkey and Egypt.

Direct flights connect the major airports of Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey to Cairo and other airports in Egypt. Flying time is approximately 3 hours between Istanbul and Cairo or Ankara and Cairo.

Several major airlines like Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, and Lufthansa offer daily nonstop services. One-way fares are generally around $200-300 USD depending on season and availability.

Connecting through another European or Middle Eastern hub like Doha, Dubai or Athens adds a few more hours to the total journey.

Travel Time By Sea Between Turkey and Egypt

Maritime travel used to be common between Turkey and Egypt, but direct passenger ferries were suspended in 2020.

Currently, the only sea route requires first taking a ferry from Turkey to Cyprus, then another ferry from Cyprus to Port Said, Egypt. This indirect sea journey takes around 16-20 hours total.

In the past, direct ferries took around 10-12 hours to sail between Turkey’s Taşucu port and Egypt’s Port Said before border restrictions halted service. Hopefully these convenient sea links will resume again soon!

Top Sights to Visit in Turkey

From its cosmopolitan cities to fairy tale landscapes, Turkey offers endless sights to explore. Here are some top attractions to visit when traveling from Egypt:

• Istanbul – This epic metropolis spanning Europe and Asia boasts architectural treasures like the Hagia Sophia.

• Cappadocia – Otherworldly terrain with underground cave dwellings and epic sunrise hot air balloon rides.

• Ephesus – Walk the remarkably preserved marble streets of this iconic ancient Greek and Roman city.

• Pamukkale – Admire the stunning white calcite terraces and Cleopatra’s ancient pool.

• Göreme National Park – See the incredible rock-cut churches and cave homes of early Christians here.

Don’t Miss Sites to See in Egypt

Egypt dazzles visitors with its archeological wonders, lively bazaars, and timeless culture. Must-see attractions include:

• Pyramids of Giza – Marvel at Egypt’s legendary pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders.

• Valley of the Kings – This hidden valley houses the elaborately decorated tombs of pharaohs and nobles.

• Karnak Temple – Wander one of the largest temple complexes ever constructed in ancient Egypt.

• Luxor Temple – Admire soaring columns, statues, and hieroglyphics at this temple dedicated to Amun-Ra.

• Abu Simbel – Visit the enormous rock-cut temples of Ramses II relocated here during the Aswan Dam construction.

Experience the Rich Cultural Exchange Between Turkey and Egypt

From trade to architecture to food, Turkey and Egypt have exchanged cultural influences for millennia. You can see this blending of cultures in Turkish coffee and sweet pastries, Egypt’s Ottoman-style architecture, and the vibrant bazaars found across both countries.

Bridging the distance between these legendary destinations provides an epic opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history, diversity, and enduring monuments of two great civilizations!

So now you know it’s around 1,409 km as the crow flies or a 50 hour road trip between Turkey and Egypt. However you choose to embark on this journey, the treasures that await on either end are sure to inspire. Let the call of ancient sites, azure waters, and welcoming cultures pull you across the miles!