Hurghada Airport serves the Red Sea coast. Most visitors are heading to resorts clustered along the coastline, ranging from 5 to 30 km away. There are only two transport options: taxis and pre-booked transfers. Here is what each costs.
Cost by destination
| Destination | Distance | Negotiated taxi | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada center | 5 km | 100-200 EGP | 150-300 EGP |
| Hurghada Marina | 8 km | 150-250 EGP | 200-350 EGP |
| Sahl Hasheesh | 20 km | 200-400 EGP | 250-450 EGP |
| Makadi Bay | 25 km | 250-500 EGP | 300-500 EGP |
| El Gouna | 25 km | 250-500 EGP | 300-500 EGP |
| Soma Bay | 35 km | 350-600 EGP | 400-650 EGP |
| Safaga | 55 km | 500-900 EGP | 600-1,000 EGP |
| Marsa Alam | 200 km | 2,000-3,500 EGP | 2,500-4,000 EGP |
All prices are approximate. The Egyptian pound fluctuates, so check current exchange rates.
Why the taxi ranges are so wide
Hurghada taxis do not have meters. Every fare is negotiated. The range reflects the difference between what a confident negotiator pays and what someone accepting the first offer pays.
A driver at the airport might open with 500 EGP for a trip to El Gouna that a local would pay 150-200 EGP for. After negotiation, a fair tourist price lands around 250-350 EGP. The skill gap is real and directly affects your cost.
Currency context
The Egyptian pound (EGP) has fluctuated significantly in recent years. At recent exchange rates:
- 100 EGP is roughly 2-3 USD / 1.80-2.70 EUR
- A taxi to El Gouna at 300 EGP is about 6-9 USD
- A transfer to El Gouna at 400 EGP is about 8-12 USD
In absolute terms, transport from Hurghada Airport is inexpensive by European or American standards. The frustration with taxis is less about money and more about the negotiation process.
The negotiation dynamic
Knowing the approximate fair price is essential. Here are some negotiation basics:
- The first quote is almost always 2-3x the fair price.
- Counter at about half their opening offer.
- Be willing to walk to the next car in line. This is your strongest tool.
- Agree on the total fare before getting in. Confirm whether it is per person or per car.
- Pay in EGP, not USD or EUR. Drivers set their own exchange rates.
Transfer pricing
Transfer prices are slightly higher than a well-negotiated taxi fare, but they include guaranteed availability, a named driver, and a fixed price. During peak times or at night, transfer pricing often works out similarly to what you would realistically pay for a taxi.
What affects the price
Time of day. Night arrivals push taxi quotes higher because fewer drivers are available. Transfers maintain fixed pricing.
Season. High tourist season (October-April for Hurghada) means more competition at the airport and slightly higher quotes.
Hotel shuttles. If your resort offers a shuttle, it is usually free or included in your package. Check before arranging anything else.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Egypt. For taxi drivers, rounding up by 20-50 EGP is appropriate. For transfer drivers, a similar tip is a welcome gesture.
The bottom line on cost
Transport from Hurghada Airport is cheap in absolute terms. The real question is not how much you will pay but how you want to pay it. Negotiating with a taxi driver after a long flight is the budget option. A pre-booked transfer at a fixed price is the convenience option. The difference in cost is often modest; the difference in experience is significant.