Getting from Sharm El Sheikh Airport with kids and family

Sharm El Sheikh is a popular family holiday destination, and the airport handles thousands of families every week during peak season. Here's what you actually need to know.

Child car seats — the uncomfortable truth

Egypt does not enforce child car seat laws the way Western countries do. This means:

• Taxis never have child seats
• Most transfer companies don't provide them by default
• Even hotel shuttles rarely have them

If child safety in the car is important to you (and it should be), your options are: 1. Bring your own car seat from home (most practical) 2. Request one when booking a private transfer — confirm it's actually available, don't just assume 3. Accept the risk — the drives are short (15-20 minutes) and speeds are moderate, but it's your call

The arrivals hall with kids

The Sharm airport arrivals area gets hot and crowded, especially when multiple charter flights land simultaneously. With kids, this is the biggest challenge — not the drive to the hotel.

Survival tips:

• Have water in your carry-on (buy after security or bring empty bottles to fill)
• Keep kids close — the tout crowd can be disorienting
• If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver with a name sign is a beacon of calm in the chaos
• There are basic washrooms in the arrivals area but bring your own supplies (toilet paper, hand sanitizer)

Best transport for families

Pre-booked transfer (strongly recommended)

• Cost: $15-25 USD to Naama Bay
• Why: Driver meets you inside, helps with bags, takes you directly to your resort. No negotiating while holding a toddler.
• Vehicle: Request a minivan if you have strollers and lots of luggage
• Child seat: Request specifically when booking

Hotel shuttle

• Cost: Usually included in package holidays
• Reality: Often a shared minibus with other families. Could wait 30-60 minutes while they collect passengers from the same flight. Kids get restless.

Taxi

• Cost: 150-300 EGP to most resorts
• Reality: You'll need to negotiate while managing kids and luggage. Taxis are basic vehicles — no car seats, AC may not work well. Can work for a family with older kids.

Luggage reality

A family of 4 going on a beach holiday typically has:

• 2 large suitcases
• 1-2 carry-ons
• A stroller (possibly two)
• Beach gear bags

A standard taxi sedan won't fit all of this comfortably. Request a minivan transfer or ask the taxi dispatcher for a larger vehicle.

Temperature warning

Sharm El Sheikh is in the desert. From May to September, temperatures hit 35-45°C. The walk from terminal to car is short but the heat hits hard, especially for small children.

• Keep hats and water accessible
• A transfer with AC that's already running is better than waiting for a taxi's AC to cool down
• Apply sunscreen before leaving the terminal if you're doing any walking

| Family size | Recommended transport | Cost | |---|---|---| | 2 adults + 1 child | Transfer sedan | $15-20 USD | | 2 adults + 2 children | Transfer minivan | $18-25 USD | | 2 adults + 3+ children | Transfer minivan | $20-30 USD | | Large family group | Transfer large van | $25-40 USD |