Taxis: negotiate before getting in
Taxis are the most common way to get around. A 2026 travel guide estimates a ride from the airport to the hotel at about 150 to 300 EGP depending on distance, and warns that drivers often quote foreigners several times the real price. Apply three rules: fix the price before getting in, have small change (notes of 50 and 100 EGP), and ask your hotel for the usual fare to your destination. If the driver refuses, take another.
Minibuses (microbuses)
Minibuses run along the town's main road and cost far less than taxis; one guide describes them as up to ten times cheaper. They are the cheapest way for short rides along the road, but stops are not always marked and destinations are asked of the driver or passengers. They suit large luggage poorly. No single official fare was found: ask the price on board before leaving.
Uber and ride-hailing apps
Uber works in Hurghada and lets you know the price in advance. According to a rate card published by Uber (undated), the base fare is about 6.50 EGP, plus 2.25 EGP per kilometre and 0.33 EGP per minute, with a minimum of 12 EGP; these values may have changed. One traveller reports in April 2026 that at the airport, drivers often ask you to cancel the ride and pay cash: on arrival it is better to book a transfer in advance (see Hurghada airport and the centre).
Private transfers
For the airport, excursions and long trips, a private driver booked through the hotel or an agency avoids haggling. Prices published by operators: a private Hurghada–Cairo transfer is offered from about 235 USD per car for two people and about 284 USD for an eight-seat minibus (offers of October 2026). For neighbouring resorts such as El Gouna, Makadi or Safaga, ask for a firm price.
Car hire
Hiring a car lets you explore freely, but distances are long and local driving takes getting used to. Check the required documents, the insurance and the excess with the rental company before booking. Many travellers find it simpler to combine taxis, Uber and organised excursions.
A few distance markers
- Safaga: about 50 to 65 km south, around 50 minutes by road.
- The Giftun islands: reached by boat only, from the marina; see Giftun Island.
- Excursions to Luxor or Cairo are long days: book an organised departure or a private driver.
Practical tips
- Keep small change in Egyptian pounds; see money and tipping in Hurghada.
- Keep your hotel's name written in Arabic or a screenshot of the map for the driver.
- To avoid nasty surprises, also read scams to avoid in Hurghada.
- To choose where to stay according to your trips, see where to stay in Hurghada; to estimate what rides cost, see the travel budget in Hurghada.
