Arrival in five steps
| Step | What you do | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Visa | Show your e-visa or buy the stamp at the bank counter | Pay only at the official counter; details in our Egypt visa guide |
| 2. Passport control | Show your passport with the visa | According to our sources the passport should still be valid for six months |
| 3. Baggage | Find the belt for your flight | The airport has two terminals (1 and 2) |
| 4. Cash and SIM | Sort out cash, install an eSIM before you fly | Tipping and cash: money in Hurghada |
| 5. Transfer | Pre-booked, hotel transfer, taxi or Uber | Agree the price before getting in |
Distances from the airport to hotel areas
| Destination | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Hurghada centre (El Dahar) | 5 to 13 km depending on the 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 confirm when booking |
Indicative figures from guides and tour operator documents; they depend on the hotel and the traffic.
Choosing your transfer
- Pre-booked private transfer: worth it for a late arrival, children or lots of luggage. One example: private airport transfer in Hurghada.
- Hotel transfer: ask the price and journey time when booking; important for far-away hotels in Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay or El Gouna.
- Taxi or Uber: prices and tips in our guide to taxis, Uber and prices. Agree the price before getting in.
- Bus: we found no reliable timetable from the airport: do not rely on it for a night arrival.
If you would rather not look for a taxi on arrival (night flight, family, lots of luggage, first visit), Welcome Pickups offers a private transfer booked in advance: a fixed price agreed before you travel, an English-speaking driver waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name, and flight tracking if you are delayed. Price seen on their site in October 2026, HRG → Hurghada: from €13 for a sedan. Read the cancellation terms shown on their site before booking. If you travel light and are happy to follow the meter or negotiate, a taxi taken on the spot costs less.
Traps on arrival
- Touts in the hall selling the same visa stamp for more.
- Taxi drivers with no meter and no price named beforehand.
- Fake visa websites: only the official portal is reliable. More in scams in Hurghada.
For the full detail on destinations and prices, see airport to centre and hotels; to choose a hotel close to the airport see hotels near the airport.
FAQ
Do I need a visa on arrival in Hurghada? Most travellers do: either an e-visa before the trip or the stamp at the bank counter before passport control. Check whether your nationality is exempt on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
How do I get from Hurghada Airport to my hotel? By pre-booked transfer, hotel transfer, taxi or Uber. Agree the price before the ride.
How far is the centre from the airport? About 5 to 13 km, roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the point.
How long is the drive to El Gouna? About 25 km; ask for the journey time when you book.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 29 October 2026.
