Luxor to Hurghada tickets

About the ride from Luxor to Hurghada

After inundating yourself with Luxor's history, temples, and tombs, a change of pace is much needed. Hurghada is the ideal beachy hotspot to refresh your body and mind. It is part sea and part desert, so you get the best of both worlds — a stunning contrast. 

Its gorgeous beaches, world-class diving, and nearby islands make it the perfect place to unwind with a side of adventure.

It's also cooler than Luxor because of its sea breezes.

The 196-mile (316 km) journey takes about three to five hours overland. You can take a bus, car, or minivan, depending on your budget and travel style. 

Five cool things to do in Hurghada

If you're a water baby, Hurghada is for you. But even if the underwater world isn’t your thing, there is plenty to do.

1. Try snorkeling and diving. The Red Sea is renowned as one of the best diving spots in the world. The coral is thriving, and marine life is outstanding. Don't leave without visiting Giftun Island, Shaab Abu Ramada, and El Gouna.

2. Go on an island day trip. Cruising through the glistening turquoise waters of Egypt is a requisite while in Hurghada. Check out Giftun and Mahmya Islands for a relaxing day on pristine beaches, swimming, snorkeling and even watersports like jet skiing or banana boating.  

3. Splash around at Jungle Aqua Park. Even if you're not a fan of the sea, you can still get your water fun on. This is the largest waterpark in the city — think tons of waterslides, pools, and restaurants aplenty. You can easily spend the whole day there.

4. Go on a desert safari. You're in Egypt. You need to play in the desert. Take your pick of transport modes to explore the golden dunes: 4x4, ATV, or camel. Visit a Bedouin village, feast on a traditional dinner under the stars, and go sandboarding. It's all a part of the adventure!

5. Visit the El Dahar market. For a taste of local life, head to the old town section of Hurghada and browse the colorful markets, try local Egyptian food, and shop for souvenirs. 

How to get from Luxor to Hurghada

There are three ways to get between these two hotspots: by bus, car or minivan. We break them down below to make your decision easy.

By bus

Duration: Three to four hours

Starting price: $8

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Luxor to Hurghada. Plus, it's modern and comfortable. 

There are multiple departures daily, so finding one that works with your itinerary is easy.  

Usually, two bags are included in the ticket price. If you have more, you'll have to pay an extra fee. However, don't be surprised if you're asked for a tip when they load your bag on board. 5 EGP ($0.10) should do the trick.

Many buses leave from their stations or offices — pay attention to the fine print when you book. The arrival location may vary by company as well. 

All the buses are air-conditioned, but only some have bathrooms and TVs on board. They all stop for a rest and bathroom break during the journey. 

By car

Duration: Three to four hours

Starting price: $71 for the vehicle 

Hiring a private car assures privacy and the most comfortable ride. It's a flat fee for between three and four people, depending on the size you choose. 

The modern SUVs all have air conditioning and provide plenty of luggage space for your crew. 

This is a true door-to-door service. You'll get picked up and dropped off at your hotels in each city. For a little bit more money, you can hire a car to pick you up from the cruise dock or Luxor Airport (LXR). 

This is your private ride; you can take bathroom breaks whenever you want, and you'll get to choose the departure time that works best for your travel needs.

By minivan

Duration: Three to five hours

Starting price: $23 for a shared minivan and $100 for a private vehicle 

If you're traveling in a small group of up to nine people, you can hire a private minivan to pick you up from your hotel and drop you at your next one in Hurghada. Like with the car, you can also get picked up at the airport or cruise ship dock.

You get to pick the departure time that is best for you.

It starts at a flat fee of $100, so you can split that with your group. The more people, the less your portion will be. 

You'll get bathroom breaks as you need them. 

All the minivans are modern, with air-conditioning and comfy seats. Some might provide blankets and water, but not all.

If all you need is one seat, you can buy a ticket in a shared minivan. It's a great way to meet new people. 

You'll still get a modern ride with A/C and cozy seats, but there are set times throughout the day you'll need to depart. You might be able to get picked up and dropped off at your hotel, but not all the shared rides offer that. 

You'll get a large luggage allowance, but the specifics vary by operator. If you have a lot of bags, look into that when booking. 

When is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Hurghada is hot and dry all year round. You never have to worry about rain ruining your trip.

However, the summer heat is brutal. From June to August, daytime temperatures soar to over 95°F/35°C. That might work if you only plan to beach it or stay in the water. But pretty much everything else will be unbearable during the day. 

How many days should you spend in Hurghada? 

You could easily book a week and relax in this resort-laden hotspot. 

But if you want to explore more of Egypt and have the time, 3-4 days gives you enough time to taste the adventures and have some chill time. There is plenty to do here, so if you are worried about being bored, it won't happen.  

Where should you visit after Hurghada?

Can't get enough relaxation and diving? Head to Sharm El Sheikh. It's got a more upscale resort vibe and a livelier nightlife scene. It's also known for its world-famous dive sites like the Blue Hole and Ras Mohammed National Park. 

Another option is Cairo — it's Egypt's heart and soul. Visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El Khalili bazaar.