Getting Around, Hurghada Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Hurghada, Egypt)
Getting to this part of Egypt is straightforward, with most visitors arriving by air at Hurghada's International Airport. Alternatively, visitors can fly into
Cairo and then travel here using local bus transport.
The town of Hurghada is also accessible by bus from some neighbouring Egyptian countries, although this method can be a fair old trek and may involve some bumpy roads along the way.
Hurghada Airport (HRG) / Arriving by Air
Located a few kilometres south of downtown, Hurghada Airport (HRG) is the most convenient air transport hub to the town. The airport has two runways and limited facilities. Airlines based here include EgyptAir, British Airways, Condor, easyJet, Finnair, TUIfly and UTair Aviation, amongst many others.
There are direct flights to the following international cities -
Amsterdam, London, Berlin and
Frankfurt, while regular domestic flights serve Cairo. Taxi transport is also available for those looking to travel into the town.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a convenient alternative to flying into Hurghada directly and offers a greater choice of flights, including frequent domestic EgyptAir flights to Hurghada.
Car Rental
With petrol being available at low cost in Egypt, renting a car can be a very cost-effective way to travel around Hurghada. The required minimum age when renting a car is 25 years, and international rental firms can be found at the airport and in the town centre. Driving standards in Hurghada and throughout Egypt can be somewhat unpredictable and we advise you to be extremely cautious when driving, until you are familiar with Egyptian driving manners.
Buses and Coaches
The town of Hurghada can be reached by bus from several nearby countries, including Jordan and Israel. While journeys can be lengthy and rough, tickets are mostly very cheap. Inner-city travel is mainly by minibus, which can be annoying due to incessant honking, but minibuses are generally cheap and efficient modes of transport.
Boats and Ferries
Slow and fast ferry services link the town with Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai. Slow ferries run from Sharm el-Sheikh to Hurghada on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from Hurghada to Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (six hours). Faster ferries run both ways on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (one hour and 30 minutes).
Taxis
The omnipresent minibuses are almost as good as taking a taxi, but taxis are widely available though they mostly cater to tourists and fares are priced accordingly. Despite having meters, most taxi drivers will not use them and you should negotiate a fair price before you travel and begin your journey. We advise you to ask your hotel reception to arrange a taxi on your behalf.