Located at the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh is a major transport hub. You can reach the city by road or take a boat and sail in or fly into its airport. The city airport connects Sharm el-Sheikh to all the big cities in and around Egypt.
All roads seem to lead to Sharm el-Sheikh!
Sharm El Sheikh Transportation Guide
Getting to Sharm El Sheikh
By Air
From the Ophira International Airport of Sharm el-Sheikh, you can fly to several cities. There are regular flights to the capital city of Cairo. Shuttle services run between the airport and Na'ma Bay but these do not keep to a fixed schedule and cannot be depended upon. The bus service however works out a lot cheaper than taxis. So if you are a budget traveller, it is wise to explore this option. The shuttle service departs from close to the airport terminal building. Taxis can be found outside the airport, however insist they take you to your correct hotel, and not one where they are likely to get a commission.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By Bus
The national bus service operates services from the city to other big towns in the peninsula such as Cairo, Ras- Sudr, Dahab and Taba. Some of the services are weekly services so it is recommended that you check the timings and dates of departure well in advance.
Ferry Services
The most enjoyable and efficient way of travelling is by ferry. Apart from the main harbour, there is a smaller one at Sharm el-Moiya. The ferry service is very regular.
Getting Around Sharm El Sheikh
Minibuses and pick-up vans can be seen outside Sharm El Sheikh hotels. Taxis are also available in large numbers but as usual do negotiate the fare before hand. To travel to the major towns and cities, you can take minibuses or regular buses.
By Bus
The most inexpensive mode of public transport in Sharm El Sheikh is the local bus service. Buses cruises around the city picking up passengers and dropping them off at their selected destination. To indicate that you want to get on board, all you need to do is wave. Tell the driver where you need to go and he will tell you the fare. The fare is to be deposited with the driver and it is wise to keep the exact change handy because most drivers will never return the change.
By Taxi
If the locals are to be believed, the best mode of transport within and around Sharm el-Sheikh is the taxi. Taxis are a good option because the drivers are friendly and you can get a good idea of where you are going. The roads are good too. Taxis cruise around all the time and can be hailed anywhere. Taxis are very popular among tourists. However, to avoid unpleasant arguments later, insist that the driver tell you the fare before you board the taxi. Taxis are digitally metered but agreeing on a rate before hand can work out better. If you are travelling long distances, taxis work out to be more economical. You can also take advantage of cars run by some of the city tour operators.
By Car Rental
Petrol prices are pretty low in these parts so driving around Sharm el-Sheikh and Egypt is very economical. If you are above 25 years of age and have a valid driving license, you can rent a car. Major car hire companies have branches at the airport as well as at several points in the city. But a word of caution here, the city roads are chaotic so be cautious and alert when you are behind the wheel.
