Ahlan, friends! Salem here again. Look, I get this question like… honestly, probably twenty times a week. “Salem, how do I get to Luxor?” “How much is the bus to Cairo?” “Can I do a day trip to Aswan and back?” And my favorite: “Someone told me the bus is dangerous, is that true?”
So I figured β enough answering the same questions over coffee. Let me just write the whole thing down. Everything I know about getting around Hurghada and getting OUT of Hurghada. The real prices. The scams to avoid. The options nobody tells tourists about.
Ready? Yalla, let’s go.
How to Get Around INSIDE Hurghada?
First things first. Let’s talk about moving around the city itself. Because Hurghada is LONG. Like, really long. From El Dahar downtown to Makadi Bay is easily 30+ kilometers. That’s not walkable, mate.
Option 1: Local Taxis (The Classic Chaos)
White and orange taxis everywhere. No meters. Welcome to Egypt.
The Deal: You have to negotiate BEFORE getting in. Not after. This is crucial. Once you’re in the car, your bargaining power is gone.
Rough Prices (2025):
- Within same area (like Sheraton to Marina): 30-50 EGP
- El Dahar to Sheraton Road: 50-80 EGP
- Sheraton to Sahl Hasheesh: 150-200 EGP
- Sheraton to Makadi Bay: 200-300 EGP
- Airport to downtown Hurghada: 150-200 EGP
Note: Night prices go up 50%. Ramadan prices go up. And tourist prices… well, that’s what negotiation is for.
Pro Tip: Learn to say “bekam?” (how much?) and “la, keteer” (no, too much). Walk away if they won’t budge. There’s always another taxi in 30 seconds.
Option 2: Private Transfer Apps (The Smart Way)
Here’s what I actually recommend β especially for airport pickups or going to resorts.
Is Uber available in Hurghada? Sort of. It exists but not reliable. Drivers cancel, availability is spotty. InDrive works better locally but still… hit or miss.
The Best Option? Pre-book through KiwiTaxi. I know I keep mentioning them β but honestly? It just works. You book online, pay in euros, driver shows up with your name. No negotiation, no stress, no “my meter is broken” nonsense.
Especially useful for:
- Airport pickup at weird hours (those 3 AM flights…)
- Getting to far resorts like Makadi or Soma Bay
- Families with kids who don’t want drama after a long flight
- Anyone who values time over saving β¬5
Option 3: Microbuses (For the Adventurous)
Okay so… these white minivans that zoom around? That’s the microbus. Cheapest option by FAR. Like, 5-10 EGP to go anywhere on their route.
The Catch: No fixed stops. No schedule. You need to know the routes (which are not posted anywhere). You wave them down, you yell your destination, you squeeze in with 12 other people, you hand money forward through the crowd… it’s an experience.
Do I recommend for tourists? Honestly… no. Unless you have an Egyptian friend with you or you’re really into chaotic authenticity. The language barrier makes it hard, and getting stranded somewhere random isn’t fun.
How to Get from Hurghada to Luxor by Bus?
This is THE most popular day trip question. And rightfully so β Luxor is incredible. Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple… you can’t visit Egypt without seeing it.
Go Bus (Ψ§ΩΨ¨Ψ§Ψ΅ Ψ§ΩΨ±Ψ³Ω Ω)
The Route: Hurghada β Luxor (and back)
Duration: About 4-4.5 hours depending on traffic and security checkpoints. Yes, there are checkpoints. Welcome to Egyptian highways.
Prices (2025): Around 200-300 EGP one way (roughly β¬4-6). Prices change so check their website.
Schedule: Multiple departures daily. Morning buses are best for day trips β you can leave early (around 5-6 AM), spend the day in Luxor, catch an evening bus back.
How to book Go Bus from Hurghada to Cairo online? Their website works but is Arabic-heavy. You can also book through their app. Or honestly? Just show up at the station 30 minutes early and buy a ticket there.
Where is the Go Bus station in Hurghada? Main station is in El Dahar (downtown area). There’s also a stop near Sheraton Road. Taxi to the station is about 50-80 EGP from most hotels.
Private Transfer to Luxor
Want comfort? Book a private car. KiwiTaxi offers Hurghada to Luxor transfers β air-conditioned sedan or minivan, picks you up from your hotel, drops you wherever you want in Luxor.
Cost difference? More expensive than the bus (obviously), but when you split between 3-4 people, it becomes reasonable. Plus: no fixed schedule, no crowded bus, no walking to/from bus stations.
How far is Luxor from Hurghada by car? About 280 km. Private car does it in 3-3.5 hours with A/C and music of your choice. Much nicer than the bus, trust me.
Hurghada to Luxor Organized Day Tour
Most tourists do this. You book through a tour operator (hotel desk or online), they handle everything β bus, guide, entrance tickets, lunch sometimes.
Pros: Easy. No thinking required. English-speaking guide included.
Cons: Rushed schedule. You’re on their timeline. Often includes “shopping stops” at overpriced stores (the guide gets commission).
Day trip to Luxor from Hurghada by private car cost? Between β¬100-150 for the car alone (not per person). Add β¬50-80 for a private guide if wanted. Compare that to β¬60-80 per person for organized tours β the math works for groups.
How Long is the Bus Ride from Hurghada to Cairo?
Cairo is further. Much further. But totally doable.
Distance: About 450-480 km depending on the route.
Bus Duration: 5-6 hours. Sometimes 7 if traffic in Cairo is insane (which it often is).
Go Bus to Cairo
Prices: Around 350-450 EGP one way (β¬7-9)
Comfort Level: Modern buses with A/C, reclining seats, sometimes WiFi (don’t count on it). Bathroom on board. One or two rest stops.
Schedule: Multiple daily departures. Night buses are popular β leave Hurghada around 11 PM, arrive Cairo 5 AM. Good if you want to maximize time.
Is there a train from Cairo to Hurghada? No. No train to Hurghada. The railway stops at Luxor and Aswan. Hurghada is bus or plane only.
Flying to Cairo from Hurghada
If time matters more than money, just fly.
Flight time: About 1 hour
Airlines: EgyptAir and Nile Air mainly. Sometimes Air Cairo.
Prices: Can be surprisingly cheap! Sometimes β¬50-80 one way if booked in advance. Check flight comparison tools for the best deals.
How to visit Cairo from Hurghada in one day? Fly. Seriously. Take the early morning flight (usually around 7 AM), spend the day at the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, catch the evening flight back (around 8-9 PM). Exhausting but possible. Bus day trip to Cairo? Forget it. You’d spend 12 hours just traveling.
How to Get from Hurghada to Aswan?
Aswan is further south. Beautiful city β Nubian villages, Philae Temple, the High Dam, Abu Simbel nearby…
Direct Bus? Yes. Go Bus runs Hurghada to Aswan. About 5-6 hours.
Alternative Route: Hurghada β Luxor (4 hours), then Luxor β Aswan (3 hours by train or bus). Actually nicer because you can stop and explore Luxor on the way.
Private Transfer: Book a private car through KiwiTaxi for comfort. The desert road is long but the landscapes are stunning. Having your own driver means you can stop for photos.
Hurghada to Sohag and Assiut (Upper Egypt)
These are less tourist destinations β more for people with family connections or specific interests in Coptic monasteries and pharaonic sites.
Sohag: About 200 km from Hurghada. Mostly microbuses from El Dahar station. Not comfortable but cheap. Around 100-150 EGP.
Assiut: Further inland. Usually you’d go via Sohag or take a longer route via Qena. Honestly? For tourists, not usually worth the hassle unless you have specific reasons to go.
Private Transfer: For these routes, pre-booking is really smart. Random taxi won’t want to make that drive, and microbuses are… an experience most tourists don’t enjoy.
How Much Does a Taxi Cost from Hurghada Airport to Makadi Bay?
This is the single most-asked question and the single biggest scam opportunity. So listen carefully.
Airport Taxi Vultures: The guys waiting outside arrivals will ask 500-800 EGP (or even β¬50) for Makadi Bay. This is 2-3x the actual reasonable price.
Actual Fair Price: 200-300 EGP (β¬4-6). Makadi is only about 30 km from the airport.
Best Solution: Book before you arrive. KiwiTaxi airport transfers are fixed price, driver waiting with your name sign, no negotiation at midnight when you’re exhausted.
Other Airport Distances:
- Airport to El Dahar (downtown): ~15 km, 150-200 EGP
- Airport to Sheraton Road: ~10 km, 100-150 EGP
- Airport to Sahl Hasheesh: ~25 km, 180-250 EGP
- Airport to Soma Bay: ~40 km, 300-400 EGP
- El Gouna to Hurghada airport taxi fare: ~35 km, 250-350 EGP
How to Get from Hurghada to El Gouna Cheaply?
El Gouna is fancy. But getting there doesn’t have to be expensive.
Microbus: From El Dahar, catch one headed to El Gouna. Around 10-15 EGP. Drops you at the main gate.
Taxi: From Sheraton area, negotiate 100-150 EGP. From the airport, 200-250 EGP.
Pre-booked Transfer: Book online if you value convenience. Fixed price, no hassle.
Is the Bus Safe in Egypt? (The Honest Answer)
I get asked this a lot. Especially by Germans and British tourists who’ve read some scary news stories.
The Truth: Go Bus and Super Jet are legitimate, safe companies. Millions of Egyptians and tourists use them every year without incident.
The Security Checkpoints: You’ll pass through armed checkpoints on routes to Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo. This might feel strange if you’re not used to it. But they’re there for security, and honestly, you should be glad they exist.
Road Conditions: Desert highways are decent. Cairo approach can be chaotic. Night driving in Egypt… some tourists get nervous watching out the window. My advice: don’t watch. Put headphones in. The drivers know what they’re doing.
Quick FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is Uber from Hurghada airport available?
Technically yes, but unreliable. Drivers often cancel because airport pickups are competitive. Pre-book through KiwiTaxi instead.
How to use InDrive app in Hurghada?
Download, set your destination, offer a price. Works okay for city rides. Less reliable for airport or long distances.
Is it safe to drive in Hurghada at night?
For locals, sure. For tourists who don’t know the roads? I wouldn’t recommend it.
Can I rent a car in Hurghada without a driver?
Yes, but honestly ask yourself if you want to. Traffic rules here are… suggestions. Insurance claims are complicated. Rental companies can be sketchy. For day trips, private transfer with driver is usually smarter.
Is there a ferry from Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh 2025?
It operates sometimes. Very weather-dependent. Takes about 2-3 hours when running. Check locally for current schedule β it’s not consistent.
Hurghada to Marsa Alam taxi price?
About 800-1200 EGP depending on negotiation. It’s a 2.5-3 hour drive south. Pre-book for better rates.
Salem’s Final Transport Tips
After 15 years of watching tourists navigate (and sometimes struggle with) transportation here, here’s my condensed wisdom:
- Airport pickup β always pre-book. You’re tired, it’s hot, scammers know this. Remove the variable. Book your transfer before you land.
- Day trips β decide what you value. Time and comfort? Private transfer. Budget? Go Bus. Either is fine.
- City taxis β negotiate hard or don’t bother. Know the rough prices. Walk away from bad deals. There’s always another taxi.
- Have small bills. Breaking a 500 EGP note in a taxi leads to “I have no change” games.
- Screenshot your hotel address in Arabic. Many drivers can’t read English. This saves so much confusion.
Questions? Things I missed? Drop them in the comments. I check regularly and I’m always happy to help.
Safe travels, friends.
β Salem