Hurghada Airport to Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna or Makadi: 2026 Transfer & Car Guide

You have landed at Hurghada International Airport (HRG). Your bag is on the carousel, the A/C is humming, and you are 25–35 km from a sandy towel, a sea-view balcony and a cold drink. How do you actually get to your apartment in Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna or Makadi? This guide compares every realistic option for 2026 — private transfer, taxi, shuttle bus and rental car — with typical prices, booking tips and a quick decision matrix at the end.

Distance & time at a glance

Tip: HRG traffic is heaviest on Friday afternoons, during the school holiday windows (Eid, Christmas/New Year, Russian May holidays) and on the day of any large flight arrival. Buffer at least an extra 20–30 minutes if you arrive at those times.

Option 1 — Pre-booked private transfer (the easiest)

If you have booked with MAMO Property for 3+ nights, we include a complimentary airport meet & greet at HRG. For everyone else, the most reliable way is to pre-book a private transfer.

1. Price: USD 30–55 for up to 3 passengers + luggage, one-way.
2. Drivers wait at arrivals with a name sign, even if your flight is late.
3. No surge pricing, no haggling, no taxi-meter surprises.
4. Pay online at booking, or in cash/EUR to the driver.

Book direct with us on WhatsApp +20 11 52980998 or include it in your booking form at checkout. The driver typically arranges a free 30-minute wait for visa-on-arrival queues.

Option 2 — Airport taxi (the classic option)

After you exit the terminal doors, ignore the “touts” inside and walk past the parking area to the official taxi rank. The official white taxis use a meter but it usually starts at EGP 50 and is rarely used honestly. Always agree on a fixed price first:

• To Sahl Hasheesh: EGP 600–800 (about USD 13–17)
• To El Gouna: EGP 800–1,000 (about USD 17–22)
• To Makadi: EGP 900–1,100 (about USD 20–24)

Carry small EGP notes. Drivers do not always have change for 1,000 EGP. Insist on AC if travelling June–September. Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada but pick-ups at the airport rank are often blocked — you usually have to walk 5–10 min to the departures level for a confirmed pickup.

Option 3 — Rental car (best for 3+ day stays)

If you are staying more than three days, plan to visit the souks, or want the freedom to drive down to Soma Bay or up to El Gouna for sunset, a rental car pays for itself in transfers alone. Book online before you fly — airport desk rates are 2–3x more expensive.

Compare HRG airport rental cars → from USD 18/day Rentalcars.com — HRG →

For our guests: all our long-stay apartments include a free parking space. If you plan to drive a lot, ask us for a “road-book” PDF with petrol stations, supermarkets and 24h pharmacies between Sahl Hasheesh and Hurghada airport.

Option 4 — Public shuttle bus (the budget option)

Upper Egypt Bus (a.k.a. Go Bus) runs scheduled coaches from Hurghada to Cairo (every 1–2 hours, EGP 250–350) and to Sharm El-Sheikh (5 hours, EGP 300). For Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna and Makadi there is no direct public bus — you would still need a taxi or transfer from the Hurghada bus station. We do not recommend public buses for first-time visitors.

Option 5 — Resort shuttle (often the cheapest if eligible)

If you have booked an all-inclusive package at a Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna or Makadi resort, the resort often includes free return airport transfer. Ask before you book. For independent apartment stays with us, we offer a paid meet-and-greet service (see Option 1) which is similar in feel to a resort shuttle but flexible on dates.

What to expect at HRG arrivals (2026)

1. Walk to the visa counter. Most Western passports get a free 30-day entry stamp; everyone else buys a USD 25 visa-on-arrival. Have exact change ready.
2. Baggage claim is small — allow 15–25 minutes from plane to terminal exit.
3. Sim-card kiosks in the arrivals hall: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat. Avoid them — lines are long, packages are 2x what you get online. Use an Airalo eSIM instead, scanned before you fly.
4. ATM machines in the hall. Avoid the “Egyptian National Bank” one on the left — the right-side CIB machines give better rates.
5. Exit the terminal. Walk past the taxi touts. The official rank is 50 metres to the right.

Decision matrix

FAQ

Is Hurghada airport safe at night? Yes. The terminal is well-lit, the official taxi rank is supervised, and Hurghada’s tourist-police presence is heavy. Avoid unmarked private cars and anyone who offers you a “cheap transfer” inside the terminal.

How much tip do taxi drivers expect? EGP 50–100 (about USD 1–2) is the standard. Not required, but appreciated for luggage help.

Do I need a credit card for a rental car? Yes, for the security deposit. Most companies accept Visa/MasterCard. American Express is accepted by Hertz and Avis only. Some local agencies (good reviews on DiscoverCars) accept debit cards — check at booking.

Need a transfer booked before you fly? Book your MAMO Property apartment and add a transfer request in the notes — our driver will be at arrivals with your name on a sign.

Last updated: August 2026. Prices in EGP are at the then-prevailing rate; always confirm before paying.

Tours from Hurghada

Tours that pick you up at the airport or your hotel

All of these include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you can book the same transfer for your arrival day and add a tour without an extra booking.

Snorkeling

GetYourGuide

Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip

⏱ Full day

from $25

Wild dolphins

GetYourGuide

Dolphin House Snorkeling (Samadai Reef)

⏱ Full day

from $45

Desert

Viator

Sunset Desert Safari by Quad

⏱ 5-7 hours

from $28

All prices include hotel pickup. Free cancellation up to 24h before. Affiliate disclosure.