| Distance | 403 km (251.9 miles) |
| Most Popular Operator | Egypt Holiday Makers |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Trawling the epic ancient sites of Cairo is a worthy way to spend your time, but once you’ve exhausted your patience for history, it’s time for some much-deserved recuperation.
Hurghada is the ideal location to do this.
The beach resort town has 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) of coastline running along the coast of the Red Sea.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Hurghada is now a booming resort town, attracting visitors from all over the globe for its serene waters and breathtaking underwater seascapes.
Cross the desert from Cairo and traverse main roads via bus, minivan, or car to reach Hurghada and conquer the 471-kilometer (292-mile) distance. Or zip through the skies to save time on the 5-hour journey.
After arrival, ensconce yourself in a luxurious beach resort with a cocktail to watch the sunset over the sea, making the long journey vanish after the first delicious sip.
When visiting Hurghada, remember that this destination is ideal for watersports lovers and sunseekers, not for those looking for history.
The area has many beautiful scuba diving sites and plenty of dive schools to choose from if you want to get your PADI certification.
The city has dozens of luxurious resorts, clubs, and restaurants to explore, as well as gorgeous beaches to lie back and relax on.
Give your skin a break between sunbathing expeditions and get a taste of local culture by visiting the nearby old town of El Dahar.
With so many sublime water adventures to choose from, curating a must-do list in Hurghada is easy. Keep these options in mind when formulating your itinerary:
Spend a day at one of its beautiful beach resorts: With dozens to choose from, it’s time to sip cocktails, luxuriate in the sun, and read all those books you’ve been neglecting. The beaches of Soma Bay and El Gouna all have plentiful options.
Learn to snorkel or scuba dive: Choose from dozens of hotspots and get comfortable exploring the underwater world around the city. Book a full-day excursion on a glass-bottom boat so you can enjoy the views of the underwater seascapes to and from your diving destinations. If you’re scuba diving, make sure your trip includes a visit to shipwrecks!
Try your hand at kitesurfing: As one of the best destinations for it in Africa, expect consistent winds and excellent water conditions. Take lessons or just rent equipment if you’re not a newbie.
Dive in a submarine: Book a trip on a Sindbad submarine. Sink 25 meters (82 feet) and view the diverse sea life through large portholes in a cozy, air-conditioned cabin. The sub will also bring you up close to shipwrecks.
Wander the markets of El Dahar: This traditional souk is in the oldest part of the city, which houses countless coffee shops selling shisha pipes. Spend a few hours relaxing and people-watching to sink into Egypt's slower pace of life.
Take a day trip to Luxor: The nearby town of Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites, so book a day trip to break up the beach days.
Travelers have four options between Cairo and Hurghada: flight, bus, minivan, or car.
The quickest option to travel between Cairo and Hurghada is to fly. There are multiple departures daily.
Hop on a 1-hour direct flight from Cairo Airport to Hurghada Airport.
If you’re on a budget, book an overnight bus between the cities to save money on accommodations.
The journey takes between seven and eight hours, including time for rest stops, because there are rarely toilets on board.
Buses are described as either deluxe or standard and are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and window shades. Deluxe seats are usually larger, more comfortable, and have more legroom than standard seats.
Some buses might have WiFi, charging points, and TVs in the seats, and a few will have W/C on board, but don’t be surprised if these amenities don’t materialize on the day.
Some buses leave from Al Jizah Station and arrive at Hurghada Station. However, this varies, and it's essential to always triple-check your booking details before departure.
Pro tip: Bring some extra change to tip the baggage handlers!
If you’re traveling in a group, booking a minivan or private car transfer is the best way to get between Cairo and Hurghada. If you’re in a large group, you can hire a private minivan for your whole party (up to nine people).
The journey will take between five and six hours.
Minivans have:
Air conditioning |
Reclining seats |
Rest stops |
WiFi, dependent on availability |
One piece of baggage per passenger |
Additional luggage can be brought by paying the driver directly |
Pick-up and drop-off from any hotel |
Pro tip: Pack a portable charger to ensure enough charge for the journey.
Private car transfers include:
Air conditioning |
Rest stops |
Pick-up and drop-off from any hotel |
One piece of baggage per passenger |
Charger point |
Admittedly, the journey between Cairo and Hurghada isn’t the most thrilling. The trip mainly involves driving along the motorway to cover the distance faster.
However, as you drive through smaller villages and towns, you’ll still get some great views of the passing desert and a peek into local life.
The route is very safe, and rest stops are equipped with bathrooms and snacks to break up the long drive.
The weather in Hurghada is best in the spring and autumn when the heat is milder and the humidity recedes.
Ideal temperatures arrive between March and May and September and November, with temperatures ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 90°F (32°C). These months are the ideal time to sample all the outdoor activities and water sports and wander the streets sightseeing. However, you may also experience dust storms.
Thanks to its arid desert climate, temperatures in July and August can reach 99°F (37°C), perfect for sunseekers but not ideal for anyone unaccustomed to extreme heat.
Book between three and five days in Hurghada if you’re looking for a quick, relaxing stop in the middle of a more extended Egyptian adventure.
This will allow enough time to see the local marine life, relax on the beach, and explore the city’s vast markets.
Alternatively, visit for up to 14 days to fully relax and to allow time to learn how to scuba dive.
To continue exploring Egypt’s stunning coastline, head to Sharm el-Sheikh to explore more ancient sites and the Sinai Peninsula.
You can take a ferry directly from Hurghada to explore the vast marine life, visit the Ras Muhammad National Park, or climb Mount Sinai.
Otobeesy - Ahmed Helmy, Cairo
Otobeesy Bus Nasr City Station
El-Sekka El-Hadeed Club
Hyper One (Sheikh Zayed)
NOWras Bus - Kolaly
Otobeesy Bus Hurghada Station
Go Bus - Hurghada
Hurghada - Any hotel
NOWras Bus - Hurghada
White Bus - 6th of October
The World Economic Forum said that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Here are 4 tips on how to use less plastic when traveling.
Although the world is experiencing an unprecedented shutdown, there’s no reason why we can’t still dream about our next family destination.
5 brilliant ways to turn your mobile into the best travel buddy ever… especially if you`re traveling alone and start to feel a bit lonely.
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
