The Red Sea resorts are excellent for families, with warm water, sandy beaches, and all-inclusive properties. But the journey from Hurghada Airport to your resort requires some planning, especially with children.
The airport with children
Hurghada's international terminal is functional but not modern. Air conditioning exists but is inconsistent. With young children, the main challenge is the wait. Visa-on-arrival processing, passport control, and baggage reclaim can collectively take 30-60 minutes.
There are no dedicated family facilities in the terminal. Restrooms are basic. Bring your own baby-changing supplies. A few shops sell water and snacks, but selection is limited and prices are marked up.
The real challenge for families comes after exiting the terminal: the taxi situation.
Why negotiating a taxi with kids is stressful
Hurghada taxis are not metered, and the arrivals area has an active solicitation culture. With tired children, luggage, and possibly a stroller, you become an easy target for inflated fare quotes. Drivers know that parents with cranky kids are more likely to accept the first price offered just to get moving.
This is not dangerous, but it is exhausting at the wrong moment. Many families find that the stress of negotiating a taxi fare while managing children outweighs any potential savings.
Child seats
Hurghada taxis do not have child seats. Period. If you need one, a pre-booked transfer with a child seat request is the only reliable option. Bringing your own portable car seat is possible but less common here because most families are heading to all-inclusive resorts and will not need the seat again during their stay.
Egyptian driving styles are more aggressive than what most European or North American families are used to. The highway to resorts is generally good, but overtaking patterns and speed can be unsettling. A car seat provides genuine safety benefit.
Vehicle size
Hurghada taxis vary widely in quality and size. You might get a newer sedan or an older vehicle with limited trunk space. For a family with standard holiday luggage (two large cases, carry-ons, stroller), a standard taxi may not fit everything.
Pre-booking a minivan ensures adequate space. Specify your luggage needs and child seat requirements when booking.
Resort distances
- Hurghada center: 5 km, 10-15 minutes
- El Gouna: 25 km, 25-35 minutes
- Sahl Hasheesh: 20 km, 20-30 minutes
- Makadi Bay: 25 km, 25-35 minutes
What package tourists get
Many families visiting Hurghada book package holidays that include airport transfers on a coach. If your package includes this, use it. The coaches are air-conditioned and go directly to your resort. The downside is waiting for all passengers to clear the airport, which can add 30-45 minutes. But it is free and hassle-free.
If your booking does not include a transfer, arrange one yourself.
Practical tips for families
- Buy the visa stickers at the bank counter before the passport queue. Having this sorted saves time.
- Carry Egyptian pounds or small USD bills for immediate needs.
- Write down your resort's full name and location. Some resorts are within larger complexes, and drivers may not know individual hotel names.
- Pack a light blanket for the car. The air conditioning in transfer vehicles can be intense.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. Fill it after clearing security or buy water at the arrivals hall.
The bottom line for families
Hurghada's combination of unmetered taxis, assertive drivers, and no public transport makes a pre-booked transfer the straightforward family choice. It removes the one genuinely stressful part of arriving in Hurghada with kids.