Hurghada to Marsa Alam tickets

About the ride from Hurghada to Marsa Alam

Egypt's Red Sea can be quite addictive. The incredibly vibrant coral, large schools of fish, and crystal-clear visibility are mesmerizing. It's hard to get enough of this perfection!

At least with this journey from Hurghada to Marsa Alam, you won't have to wave goodbye to the spectacular sea for long as Marsa Alam's underwater world is just as phenomenal, some say even more so. Its waters are alive with dolphins, turtles, sea cows and even hammerhead sharks. 

For those that aren't natural water babies, Marsa Alam's other draw is its luxury all-inclusive resorts that will help you to forget the world's woes. 

There are two ways to cover the 266 km (166.3 miles) between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, by minivan and car. 

The journey takes 3-4 hours — thankfully, one of the shorter trips in Egypt. You're spoilt for choice with departure times. There's at least one every hour of the day. 

Don't forget your snorkel as you travel from Hurghada to Marsa Alam to continue your Egyptian adventures. 

Five unforgettable things to do in Marsa Alam

Most of Marsa Alam's fun centers around water, whether exploring the sea or splashing in your hotel pool. Below, you'll also find some activities that will get the adrenaline pumping:

1. Diving and snorkeling — Undoubtedly, this is the number one thing to do in Marsa Alam. Don't miss out on seeing such vibrant and alive coral, which is increasingly more challenging to find around the world. Boat trips will take you to popular sites like Elphinstone Reef and Dolphin House, but there are plenty of awesome spots just off the shore, too. 

Pro tip: Sataya Reef is another popular destination for swimming with dolphins. However, try to go with a smaller tour company that won't go at the same time as the other boats. Swimming with hundreds of other people definitely takes away from the magic of seeing dolphins. 

2. Desert safari — On to the other end of the spectrum. Experience the stark beauty of the desert surrounding Marsa Alam with a desert safari. Ride on camelback or in a 4x4 vehicle and witness stunning landscapes and Bedouin camps.

3. Wadi El-Gemal National Park — Made up of land and sea, you've got diversity to the max here. Protected in the underwater portion of the national park are over 450 species of coral and over 1,200 species of fish. On land, explore this tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site, with prehistoric rock art, Ptolemaic ruins, and ruins from the Roman Empire.

4. Relax on the beach — Marsa Alam boasts stunning beaches with soft sands and clear waters. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming, or simply unwinding by the sea.

5. Kitesurfing and windsurfing — With its consistent winds and calm waters, this is a paradise for kite surfers and windsurfers. Several spots along the coast offer ideal conditions for these adrenaline-pumping water sports.

How to get from Hurghada to Marsa Alam

There are two ways to travel between Hurghada and Marsa Alam: in a minivan or a private car. 

By minivan

The minivan is the cheapest way to get from Hurghada to Marsa Alam, as there are shared shuttles available. 

Want a bit more privacy and flexibility to decide when you want to leave? There are also private minivans available for up to nine people. Shared and private minivans offer both hotel and airport pickup. Make sure to book the one that you need.

Prices start from $36 for the shared minivan and $41 per person for the private minivan (minimum of two people).

Minivans take 3-4 hours, with the shared option taking slightly longer as you'll have to pick up and drop off other passengers.

Sit back and enjoy a comfortable journey as the scenery flies past your window. 

By private car

If you're a small group of friends or traveling as a family, a private car can be the perfect option, and actually works out cheaper than a shared minivan. 

Prices start from $29 per person (minimum of two people).

Cars can fit a maximum of three people and include a door-to-door service. As you won't pick up or drop off anyone else, the journey usually lasts around three hours. 

What to expect from the overland journey from Hurghada to Marsa Alam

Traveling from Hurghada to Marsa Alam is one of the shorter journeys in Egypt, taking only 3-4 hours. 

You'll follow the coastal road that runs parallel to the Red Sea. While the sea may not be visible for a lot of the journey, you'll get to admire the luxury resorts that line the coast.  

There are no toilets onboard the minivans or cars, but the drivers should make a stop for you to go to the restroom and grab some food. 

When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?

Marsa Alam is a year-round destination, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall no matter what month you visit. 

Temperatures are lower during the winter months, November to March, averaging around 25-30°C (72°F to 86°F). 

The only time you may want to avoid is during the summer months when temperatures soar. From June to August, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F).

While you definitely don't want to traverse the Pyramids of Giza in that kind of heat, being by the sea or around the pool makes it bearable.

How many days should you spend in Marsa Alam?

Most people visit Marsa Alam for vacation, slip into their bright white robes in a luxury hotel and spend a week or two working on their tan. 

If you're just passing through, three to four days gives you enough time to take a boat trip, snorkel at some of Marsa Alam's best spots, get lost in the desert and squeeze in some relaxation time somewhere in between. 

Where to visit after Marsa Alam?

After a bit of time on the coast, you may want to switch it up and add a tad more culture and history to your Egypt trip. Consider heading further south to Aswan, home to the phenomenal Abu Simbel temple and Nubian communities.

That journey takes around five hours by road.