Arriving at Hurghada airport
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the new complex opening in December 2014. Air Cairo is the main airline; EgyptAir and European carriers such as easyJet, Eurowings, Condor, Jet2.com, TUI Airways and Wizz Air also fly here, often seasonally.
The visa on arrival
Most travellers must get a visa before passport control, either online (e-visa, on the official visa2egypt portal) or on arrival at a bank counter. Sources disagree on the visa-on-arrival fee: 25 dollars until the end of February 2026, 30 dollars announced from March 1, 2026, and one press article mentions 45 dollars without a clear date. Check the current amount on the official portal or with the embassy before you leave. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Buy the sticker only at the official bank counter: touts offer the same sticker at a higher price in the hall.
Distances from the airport
| Destination | Distance from the airport | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Central Hurghada (El Dahar) | 5 to 13 km depending on the drop-off point | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Sahl Hasheesh | 18 to 25 km | 25 to 40 minutes |
| Makadi Bay | 25 to 31 km | 30 to 40 minutes |
| El Gouna | about 25 km | to be confirmed when booking |
Indicative distances and times taken from tour operator documents and encyclopaedias; they vary with the hotel and the traffic.
The taxi
A taxi to central Hurghada costs about 10 to 15 euros according to one guide; the ride takes around 15 minutes. Ordinary taxis do not always have a meter and are often small, sometimes without air conditioning: agree the price before getting in, luggage included, and check that the meter works if there is one. Branded taxi companies apply fixed, posted tariffs. Keep small change to pay without a discussion.
The pre-booked transfer
For a late arrival or a family, a private transfer booked online avoids any haggling: one comparison site quotes between 8 and 11 euros for a sedan or small minibus to the centre, and a shared shuttle service from about 3 euros per person; these prices only apply to the offer quoted on the date of the search. For a more distant destination (El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh), ask for the price in advance. To compare, you can book a taxi or transfer in advance. Many hotels also offer an airport transfer: ask for the rate when you book and confirm your arrival time.
The bus
Sources do not agree: one reports buses leaving near the terminal once full, another says there is no public bus network from the airport. We found no reliable fare or timetable: do not count on it for a night arrival, and ask your hotel.
Which transfer to choose
| Option | Price noted | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi on the spot | about 10 to 15 € to the centre, to be negotiated | Daytime arrival, nearby destination |
| Pre-booked private transfer | about 8 to 11 € to the centre | Late arrival, family, luggage |
| Shared shuttle | from about 3 € per person | Small budget, light luggage |
| Hotel transfer | set by the hotel | Distant hotel (Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, El Gouna) |
Indicative prices from guides and comparison sites, to be confirmed when booking.
Getting to the airport for your departure
For the return trip, allow a margin: arrive at the airport well before your flight, all the more so as it is very busy in high season. If you are staying in Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay or El Gouna, book the transfer with your hotel the day before.
Going further
To choose your area, read our guide where to stay in Hurghada. To sort out getting around and tipping, see money and tipping in Hurghada and getting around Hurghada; for pitfalls to avoid on arrival, our guide to scams in Hurghada.
