How to get to Hurghada

Sunny Hurghada, stretching along the turquoise coast of the Red Sea, has long earned its status as one of the most popular resorts in Egypt. This lively city attracts travelers year-round thanks to its warm climate and reasonable prices, while the question of how to get to Hurghada is easily solved thanks to a developed transport network. You can reach this tourist oasis via a direct flight, as well as by bus or car from other regions of the country.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the resort is by air transport. The city is served by Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which receives dozens of scheduled and charter flights daily. The terminal is located just a few kilometers from the central part of the city, making it extremely convenient for arriving tourists.

If there are no direct tickets available, you can consider flying to neighboring cities with a subsequent transfer. The nearest alternative aviation hubs are located in Sharm el-Sheikh (about 95 km in a straight line across the sea) and historic Luxor. However, it is worth noting that the journey from there will require additional time for ground transfer.

It is important to know that there is no railway station directly in the city of Hurghada, so it is not possible to get here exclusively by train. The railway in Egypt runs predominantly along the Nile Valley and does not have branches to the Red Sea resorts.

Nevertheless, experienced travelers often use a combined route: they take a train to the station in the city of Luxor, which is located approximately 210 km from the coast. Tourists cover the remaining part of the journey on an intercity bus or taxi, enjoying the views of the desert.

Bus service is one of the most budget-friendly options for travel, connecting Hurghada with Cairo, Alexandria, and other major cities. Modern intercity coaches from major companies are generally equipped with air conditioning and are quite comfortable for long journeys across the desert.

Although the exact travel time depends on the departure point and traffic, buses run regularly and often arrive at bus stations in the city center. This is an excellent choice for those who want to save on travel costs and are willing to spend a few hours contemplating Egyptian landscapes.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement but requires readiness for long drives. The shortest and most popular route for excursion trips leads from Luxor: the distance is about 316 km, and the travel time takes approximately 3.9 hours. The road here is of quite good quality and scenic.

A trip from Sharm el-Sheikh by car is a real challenge, as the direct path is blocked by the sea, and the detour by land is over 815 km (about 8.4 hours on the road). If you are driving from the direction of Saudi Arabia, for example from Neom, expect a long journey of about 353 km and more than 14 hours on the road, taking border crossings into account.

To ensure your holiday in Hurghada is as comfortable as possible and free of unpleasant surprises, it is worth familiarizing yourself with local features in advance. Here are a few practical tips that will be useful for every tourist:

1. Clothing and Dress Code. The city has a hot climate, so choose light clothing made from natural fabrics. However, a windbreaker may be needed for evening walks in winter. Outside the hotel, women are recommended to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to get around is by local taxis (orange and blue cars) or microbuses. Always agree on the price before boarding or demand that the meter be turned on to avoid inflated fares.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). It is most profitable to exchange money at official ATMs or banks. Small bills will be useful for tips and purchases in small shops where cards may not be accepted.
4. Health and Water. It is categorically forbidden to drink tap water — use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Also, be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun here is very active.
5. Communication. In tourist zones, staff speak English well, and often Russian. However, by learning a couple of words in Arabic (for example, "shukran" — thank you), you will earn special respect from the locals.
6. Safety at Sea. The Red Sea is beautiful but harbors dangers. Do not touch corals or fish with your hands — this can be hazardous to your health and carries a large fine. Use special footwear for entering the water.

Following these simple recommendations will help you enjoy Eastern hospitality and the beauty of the Red Sea without unnecessary worries.