Alexandria to Hurghada tickets

About the ride from Alexandria to Hurghada

To reach the stunning beach resort town of Hurghada, travelers must choose between a bus, minivan, or flight to cover the 678.7-kilometer (421.7-mile) distance.

Whether you hop on a plane, take the public bus bargain option, or enjoy the comfort of a minivan to complete the eight-hour drive, you'll be sunbathing on the coast overlooking the Red Sea before the sun sets. 

Leave behind the ancient wonders of Alexandria, but keep the beach vibes going with a trip to the magical Hurghada.

What is Hurghada like?

Blessed with serene waters and picturesque seascapes, Hurghada entices visitors from all over the globe. Over time, it has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of the top beach destinations in the world.

If you're in Egypt purely to satisfy a long-held love of history and archaeology, Hurghada probably shouldn't be number one on the itinerary.

However, if you want a different setting for your beach holiday or to relax after an intense two weeks of history lessons and sightseeing, it's the ideal destination.

Littered with gorgeous beachside resorts, clubs, and restaurants that center around a series of tranquil beaches, Hurghada feels like stepping into a paradisaical fantasy. Its white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and sumptuous food will cast a spell over you immediately.

Sunseekers will adore spending days sunbathing on the beach, walking from sunbed to sunbed before ending each evening with an epic sunset and a cocktail. Watersport lovers can learn to snorkel, scuba dive, or kite surf.

Unmissable activities in Hurghada

Whatever you do to pass the time in Hurghada, it has to center around the spectacular beaches.

Learn to snorkel with your own equipment right from the beach, or book a snorkeling tour to see what treasures lie beneath the waves. Alternatively, get your PADI certification at one of the town's highly-rated scuba diving schools to see shipwrecks up close.

If diving beneath the waves unprotected doesn't appeal, you could book a trip on the Sindbad submarine. It dives to 25 meters (82 feet) for sublime views of the diverse sea life surrounding the town.

You can also opt for a glass-bottomed boat trip to see the same glorious seascapes from above the water's surface or learn to kite surf in one of the best destinations on the continent of Africa.

In the evening, venture into the markets of El Dahar, Hurghada's Old Town. With a vast souk, an array of coffee shops, and other treats, you'll actually want to get lost here!

If you ever get bored of the beach, which is unlikely with these views, book a day trip to nearby Luxor to get your archaeology fix.

How do I get from Alexandria to Hurghada?

Travelers between Alexandria and Hurghada can choose a bus, minivan, or flight.

With various operators scheduling regular departures between the two destinations, there is an option that works for every budget and itinerary.

By bus

The bus is the cheapest option for traveling between Alexandria and Hurghada. Tickets start at $12, and it takes approximately eight hours.

You can opt for a daytime trip or book an overnight bus to save on a night's accommodation cost.

The departure and arrival points depend on the bus operator you pick, so check the booking details closely before the journey. 

Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the trip.

Most bus amenities include air-conditioning, one large bag per passenger, one small carry-on, and rest stops for toilet and food breaks. Some buses have TVs.

Pro tip: Be prepared to bargain or tip for baggage handling. This service is typically part of the ticket price, but some vendors may expect additional compensation.

By minivan

If comfort matters to you, then another affordable method of transportation from Alexandria to Hurghada is the minivan. Prices start around $12. 

Unless the operator has designated places, you can get picked up and dropped off at your hotel. Since it varies by company, be sure to read all the details before you book.

This option takes between seven and eight hours.

Possible minivans amenities:

Air-conditioning

Allowance of one 20-kg (44 lbs) bag and one handbag per passenger

Rest stops

WiFi, subject to availability

Charger sockets, subject to availability

English-speaking staff

Travelers opting for a minivan will need to pay for additional luggage. The fee varies but will be charged per bag, not per passenger.

By plane

It is possible to fly to Hurghada in half the time it takes to drive there, but direct flights do not operate daily.

Pick your dates carefully if you want to fly between these two destinations.

The flight will take approximately 2 hours, depart from Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria, and arrive at Hurghada International Airport. From there, hail a taxi to reach your chosen resort.

The best things about the journey from Alexandria to Hurghada

This journey is long, yet worth it when taking in epic views almost the whole way. You'll see some classic motorway views, but there is scenery to enjoy as well.

The first part of the journey goes past Cairo, offering a brief glimpse into that chaotic city before driving alongside the Gulf of Suez for the remainder of the trip.

Snag a window seat to take in views of the azure-blue water and watch as the scenery just gets better as you edge closer to the nirvana of Hurghada.

When is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Visit in the cold shoulder season for fewer visitors and less chance of being baked alive by the summer's burning sun.

Spring and autumn invite milder temperatures and less humidity. Temperatures from March to May and September to November range from 77°F (25°C) to 90°F (32°C).

However, these seasons also bring a higher risk of dust storms, so be flexible with your schedule to accommodate any weather irregularities.

If intense heat is your thing, visit in July and August when the arid desert climate brings temperatures up to or over 99°F (37°C).

How long should I spend in Hurghada?

Five to seven days is ideal, but you could come for less time if you just need a few days of R&R before returning to reality.

Just under a week is the ideal amount of time because it allows plenty of time to pick up a new watersports skill, like snorkeling or kitesurfing, ample beach time, and at least one day to explore the town and its brilliant markets.

Where should I go after Hurghada?

Carry on the trend of visiting Egypt's oft-missed coastline by exploring the nearby resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Trawl ancient sites while enjoying the epic scenery created by the Sinai Peninsula.

It's easy to take a minivan or a straight from Hurghada, making this transition easy. You'll find yourself marveling at vast marine life or climbing Mount Sinai before the day is over.