Four horses, four carriages and three ticket classes marked the beginning of Alexandria’s tram story, powered by a different kind of horsepower.
In 1860, British engineer and merchant Sir Edward St. John Fairman received permission to build a railway linking Alexandria with Ramleh, a growing seaside suburb. The first horse-drawn service began on 8 January 1863, with first-, second- and third-class carriages catering for different budgets.
By 1865, the railway also delivered letters to post offices near its stations, connecting holidaymakers with seaside retreats, students with schools, and communities with the growing city.
Like everything else, Alexandria’s tram network evolved and modernised over time. Horse-drawn trams gave way to steam locomotives in August 1863, followed by electric power in 1903–1904, ushering in a new era for the city’s tram network.
Next came the iconic double-decker trams! Their distinctive two-tier carriages offered passengers a unique perspective on the city’s bustling streets and became a much-loved symbol of Alexandria.
In April 2026, Alexandria’s historic Raml tram line embarked on an exciting new chapter, temporarily suspending services for a major modernisation project, with reopening targeted for around 2028. As the city prepares to bring this beloved transport icon into the future, one question remains: will the charming traditional double-decker carriages make a comeback? We can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for this historic tramway!
