Welcome, my friend!
My name is Salem. I have lived in Hurghada for over 15 years, watching it grow from a small fishing village to the incredible resort city it is today. I see thousands of tourists arrive every day, and honestly? Many of them make the same small mistakes at the airport that cost them money and stress.
I wrote this guide to be your "local friend" before you even land. I want your holiday to be perfect from the first minute. So please, read this carefully. I promise to tell you the truth—even about the annoying taxi drivers!
Hurghada in 2026 is better than ever. We have the new terminal, amazing new roads, and the Red Sea is as crystal clear as always. But logistics can still be tricky if you don't know the local rules.
Wondering where to go first?
Check out my guide to the Hurghada Marina—it's the perfect place for your first evening walk.
✈️ Flying to Hurghada: Local Secrets
The best thing about visiting us now is the direct flights. You used to have to change in Cairo, but now you can fly straight to the beach.
From the UK & Ireland
If you are coming from Britain, you are lucky. We have daily flights from:
- London Gatwick (LGW): EasyJet and TUI fly here almost daily.
- Manchester (MAN): Great options for my northern friends.
- Bristol & Birmingham: TUI often has charter flights from these smaller airports.
From Europe
Germany is our biggest fan base! You can fly from Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, really anywhere with Condor or Eurowings. It is often cheaper to book a package holiday, but booking separately gives you more freedom.
Don't just check Skyscanner. I find that Aviasales often shows charter flights that the big engines miss. It's great for finding those "last minute" seats that tour companies are trying to sell cheap.
Check Secret Flight Deals →🛂 The Visa Situation: Do Not Pay Extra!
This is the #1 scam I see at the airport, and it makes me so angry. I want to save you money right now.
Who needs a visa?
If you are from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, or Australia, you need a visa. You have two options:
- Visa on Arrival (Recommended): You land, you buy it, you enter. Easy.
- E-Visa: You buy it online before you fly. (Honestly? The website crashes a lot. I prefer Option 1).
⚠️ WARNING: The "Queue" Trap
When you walk into the arrivals hall, men in uniforms will shout "Visa! Visa here! TUI! EasyJet!". IGNORE THEM.
They are selling the visa for $30, $40, or even €40. They are legal agencies, but they overcharge you.
The Solution: Walk past them to the BANK KIOSKS on the right side. The price is exactly $25 USD. No commission. No nonsense.
Pro Tip: Have exactly $25 USD cash ready in your hand. It is the fastest way to pass through.
Confused about Money?
Read my full guide on the Egyptian Pound, ATMs, and how to get the best exchange rates in 2026.
🚕 Getting to Your Hotel (Without the Headache)
You have your bags, you have your visa. Now you face the final boss: The Taxi Driver.
Look, I love my people, but airport taxi drivers are... special. They will ask for crazy prices. "50 Euro to Makadi!" they say. (The real price is maybe 25 Euro).
Your Options:
- Uber/Careem: Very good reliable apps. Problem: Sometimes airport security does not let them stop at the arrivals door, so you might have to drag your bags to the parking lot.
- Street Taxi: Only for the brave. You must haggle hard.
- Private Transfer (My Recommendation): Peace of mind is worth everything.
👨🏽💼 Why I recommend KiwiTaxi:
After a 5-hour flight, do you really want to argue about 50 Egyptian Pounds? No. You want to see a guy holding a sign with your name. You get in the car, the air conditioning is on, and you go. Simple.
Average Taxi Prices (2026 Estimates):
- Airport to Al Mamsha (Promenade): €10 - €15
- Airport to Downtown (Dahar): €12 - €18
- Airport to Sahl Hasheesh: €20 - €25
- Airport to Makadi Bay: €25 - €30
- Airport to El Gouna: €25 - €35
Haven't booked a hotel yet?
See my list of the best resorts in Hurghada for every budget.
📱 Internet & Keeping Connected
"Is the hotel WiFi good?"
Short answer: Usually, no. Even in 5-star hotels, the free WiFi is often slow or only works in the lobby. If you want to post your beach photos on Instagram, you need your own data.
Buying a SIM at the Airport
You can buy a local SIM (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, WE) right at the airport.
Pros: Cheap data packages.
Cons: Long queues. They need to copy your passport. It can take 30-45 minutes.
The Smarter Way: E-SIM
If your phone is from the last 3-4 years, it probably supports E-SIMs. This is magic. You buy it at home, scan a QR code, and boom—you have internet the second you land.
🧳 What to Pack?
Hurghada is relaxed, but the weather can surprise you.
- November - March: Bring a hoodie! The days are warm (25°C), but nights are chilly and windy (15°C). You will freeze in a t-shirt at night.
- April - October: Hot. Very hot. Bring high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and loose cotton clothes.
Detailed Weather Guide
Check the best time to visit and month-by-month temperature charts.
🤯 Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
Read my full Safety Guide here.
Check Ekta Prices
Egyptian/Arab passport holders: No. The law requires a marriage certificate.
It is a double standard, I know, but that is the rule.
Check out my Egyptian Food Guide