4 min readEgyptMay 2025

Egypt Airport Transfers: Your Complete Guide to Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada Airports

Welcome to Egypt's Red Sea Riviera! 🇪🇬

The Red Sea coast of Egypt is one of the most extraordinary holiday destinations in the world — and one of the most underappreciated. World-class coral reefs, genuine luxury all-inclusives at unbeatable prices, and ancient wonders accessible by short-haul flight from within the country.

But getting from the airport to your resort requires knowing what to expect. Egypt's Red Sea airports are busy, the arrivals process can be slow, and having a private transfer arranged in advance transforms the experience entirely.

Egypt's Two Red Sea Airports

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Located near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately 18km from Naama Bay. One of Egypt's busiest tourist airports with direct charter and scheduled flights year-round from the UK and Europe.

SSH can feel hot and crowded on peak evenings when several large charter flights land simultaneously. Budget 45–60 minutes from landing to the arrivals hall.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG)

Gateway to El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay. A modern airport with high-volume package holiday traffic from the UK, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Like SSH, HRG can be busy during peak periods. A pre-booked transfer means you exit the arrivals hall and walk straight to your waiting driver.

Why You Should Always Pre-Book Your Egypt Transfer

Outside the arrivals areas at both SSH and HRG, there is a mix of official airport taxis, unlicensed vehicles, and resort transfer buses. The quality varies enormously — and for first-time visitors to Egypt, arriving after an overnight flight, navigating this is genuinely confusing.

Pre-booking a licensed private transfer means:

Fixed, agreed price before you fly — no negotiating in 30°C heat after a 5-hour overnight flight.

Named driver waiting in the arrivals hall — your driver holds a sign with your name. The moment you clear customs, you're met.

Flight monitoring as standard — if your charter flight is delayed, your driver knows and adjusts automatically. No extra charge.

Air-conditioned vehicle — Egypt's Red Sea coast in summer regularly exceeds 38–40°C. After a long flight, a cool comfortable vehicle is essential.

Licensed, insured, vetted driver — complete peace of mind in an unfamiliar country at the start of your holiday.

Transfer Times from Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)

| Destination | Approx. Transfer Time | |---|---| | Naama Bay Hotels | 15–20 min | | Sharks Bay | 15–20 min | | Ras Nasrani | 20–25 min | | Nabq Bay | 30–40 min | | Dahab | 1h 15m – 1h 30m |

Transfer Times from Hurghada (HRG)

| Destination | Approx. Transfer Time | |---|---| | Hurghada Town | 15–25 min | | El Gouna | 25–35 min | | Sahl Hasheesh | 30–40 min | | Makadi Bay | 40–50 min | | Soma Bay | 50–60 min |

What to Expect on Arrival

Visa — UK passport holders need a visa. The e-Visa (apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel, ~$25 USD) is fastest — it means you go straight to the immigration desk rather than the visa-on-arrival queue.

The arrivals hall — your private transfer driver will be waiting here with your name on a sign. Walk past the taxi desks and informal transport offers and make your way directly to your driver.

The drive to your resort — sit back, enjoy the air conditioning. The dramatic, arid mountains of the Sinai Peninsula on one side, glimpses of the Gulf of Aqaba on the other — a compelling introduction to Egypt.

Essential Tips for Egypt Arrival

Baksheesh (tipping) — Egypt has a genuine tipping culture. Tip your driver 10–15%. It's expected and genuinely appreciated.

Currency — change money at your hotel or a bank, not the airport. USD accepted at most tourist businesses; Egyptian Pounds needed for local markets.

Stay hydrated — the combination of a dry flight and Egyptian heat dehydrates you quickly. Drink water before leaving the plane.

Carry your booking confirmation — have a screenshot saved offline. Your driver will confirm your name and booking reference on arrival.

Book Your Egypt Transfer with My Holiday Taxi

Arrive at SSH or HRG and be at your Red Sea resort — pool side, sea view, cold drink in hand — within 20–50 minutes. No airport forecourt chaos, no uncertain vehicles, no wasted time. Book today and travel with complete confidence. 🌊