Cairo to El Gouna tickets

About the ride from Cairo to El Gouna

Say farewell to the beautiful chaos of Cairo and head to the resort town of El Gouna for a relaxing beachside break.

Travelers have one option to cover the 284.3-mile (457.6-kilometer) distance: a minivan. So, your choice is easy!

After Cairo’s historical and architectural wonders, switch it up for this international kite surfing destination globally famous for its water sports and spectacular views.

The five-hour journey will vanish into a distant memory when the mesmerizing beaches of El Gouna edge into view.

What is El Gouna like?

El Gouna was developed in the 1990s by Samih Sawiris, an Egyptian billionaire who created a prosperous, sprawling town out of the sandy desert. 

Today, it is a thriving, self-sustainable town loved by tourists. This slice of paradise is a world-famous kitesurfing destination. It offers plenty of water sports opportunities and delicious cuisine at an array of international restaurants.

El Gouna also has a system of artificial lagoons connected to the Red Sea, and ongoing development means there will soon be even more wonders to enjoy on its 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) coastline.

Visitors experience an unrivaled level of welcoming hospitality because the town is centered around tourism.

El Gouna is the first destination in the Middle East and Africa to receive the Global Green Award, given by the United Nations to cities that make substantial efforts and improvements in environmental sustainability.

Unmissable activities in El Gouna

After arriving on El Gouna’s shores, the number of activities to fill your time here might be overwhelming.

1. The most obvious option is to spend a day lounging on the beach. Pick from Moods Beach, Smokery Beach, Marina Beach, or one of the many other slices of paradise on El Gouna’s coastline.|
   
   

You could spend the whole trip happily jumping from sun lounger to sun lounger.

2. Seek out daring watersports. Challenge yourself by learning how to kitesurf, windsurf, or water ski. If this sounds too intense, go scuba diving or snorkeling to marvel at the stunning underwater seascapes beneath the waves.
   
   

3. Book a boat tour. Consider booking a daytime party boat excursion that returns to the marina in time for sunset, or book a glass-bottomed boat tour to see all the same underwater wonders that snorkelers see.
   
   

For travelers with a higher budget, charter a mini-yacht for a tour of the Red Sea.

4. Book a day trip to the nearby Tawila or Giftun Islands to experience the area’s stunning natural beauty.

How do I get from Cairo to El Gouna?

The most convenient option for traveling between Cairo and El Gouna is to take a minivan. 

It takes four to six hours to reach El Gouna from Cairo, with ticket prices starting at $15.

Various operators run multiple services per day, so you’ll never struggle to find one that works for your itinerary.

Also, depending on the operator, the driver will pick you up at your Cairo hotel, the airport, or a specified destination and drop you off at your chosen hotel in El Gouna.

Possible amenities on board your air-conditioned minivan include rest stops, reclining seats, charger ports, and a luggage allowance of 44 lbs/20 kg. Additional luggage is charged per item and is payable directly to the driver.

The best things about the journey from Cairo to El Gouna

The journey between Cairo and El Gouna is not the most exciting experience, but you will still see some spectacular views.

Initially, the drive will mostly center around dusty roads and seeing locals speeding home from work. However, snag a window seat anyway because the drive will take you along the Gulf of Suez as El Gouna edges closer.

When is the best time to visit El Gouna?

Although El Gouna is a year-round destination because temperatures rarely drop below 68°F (20°C). 

Spring and fall are the high seasons. The still warm but less humid weather from March to May and September to November invites more tourists to descend on the beach town’s glorious beaches. When visiting in spring or fall, you can expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C).

Avoid visiting in the summer if high temperatures suffocate you, as temperatures average 96°F (35°C) in the daytime. 

For milder temperatures, visit in winter to enjoy highs of 75°F (24°C), perfect for relaxing beach days and sightseeing without getting overheated.

How long should I spend in El Gouna?

Spend at least three days in El Gouna to soak up its magic. Any less doesn’t give you enough time to appreciate its views and entrancing atmosphere.

But if your only intention for your Egyptian adventure is to relax, you can easily spend a week or more unwinding on the shores here.

Where should I go after El Gouna?

When you’re ready to break the spell El Gouna casts over you, head to Marsa Alam in search of sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows). 

If it’s time to head inland and take in some archaeological sites and culture, Aswan should be your next stop.