How to get from Giza to Sharm El Sheikh

Beaches & Tropical · Egypt · Nature & Outdoors · Cairo · Giza · Sharm El Sheikh

Giza to Sharm El Sheikh is easy once you choose your style: the fastest is a short flight from Cairo (CAI) to Sharm (SSH), the cheapest is an overnight/day bus from Cairo bus terminals to Sharm Bus Station, and the most flexible is a private car/charter or self-drive across the Sinai along the modern tunnels/highways. Below are clear choices, prices, and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Giza to Sharm El Sheikh)

Mode Duration Best For
✈️ Flight (Cairo CAI → Sharm SSH) + Hotel Transfer ~50–60m flight + 15–30m transfer Fastest overall, minimal hassle
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 2,500–7,000 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Intercity Bus (Cairo → Sharm Bus Station) ~6.5–8.5h (day or overnight) Budget, no airport time
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 300–800 one-way (class/operator) » curated options
🚐 Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door) ~6–7.5h (traffic/checkpoints) Families, lots of luggage, custom timing
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 6,000–12,000 per vehicle » get quotes | Sharm transfers
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car ~6–7.5h (via Suez Tunnels → Sinai) Maximum flexibility & scenic stops
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 1,000–2,200/day + fuel/deposits » compare rentals | Trip.com Car Hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly CAI→SSH; add a hotel transfer on arrival.
  • Cheapest without flying: Intercity bus (day or overnight) direct to Sharm Bus Station.
  • Door-to-door & comfy with kids/luggage: Private car/charter.
  • Most flexible/photogenic: Self-drive via the modern Suez tunnels and Sinai highways.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Peak seasons: Weekends, holidays, and school breaks sell out—book flights/buses early via Booking.com Flights, Trip.com, or bus operator counters.
  • Transfers & ride-hailing: In Cairo, use Uber/Careem for airport/terminal hops; for fixed intercity quotes use GetTransfer. In Sharm, hotels and local taxis handle most rides.
  • Luggage storage: If you’ve got hours to fill, stash bags near sights via Radical Storage Cairo.
  • Road safety: Expect police checkpoints; keep passports/IDs handy. Avoid night driving if tired; plan fuel/coffee stops.

✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Cairo CAI → Sharm El Sheikh SSH) + Hotel Transfer

Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers needed

  • Overview: Frequent nonstops from Cairo International (CAI) to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). On arrival, it’s 15–30 minutes by hotel shuttle, taxi, or prebooked transfer to Naama Bay/Old Market/Nabq.
  • How to book (with price): ~EGP 2,500–7,000 one-way depending on date/airline. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Arrange a meet-and-greet or minivan on GetYourGuide or fixed quotes via GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Easiest and quickest. Cons: Airfare spikes in peak weeks; luggage fees vary.
  • Official info (useful): Cairo International Airport and Sharm El Sheikh Airport websites list terminal maps and services.

Step-by-step: Flight CAI→SSH

  1. From Giza, take Uber/Careem or a hotel car to Cairo International Airport (CAI) (allow 45–90 minutes).
  2. Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or compare on Trip.com; arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
  3. Fly ~50–60 minutes to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH); clear arrivals and meet your prebooked transfer or take a taxi to your hotel.
  4. Share your hotel location (Naama Bay/Old Market/Nabq) with the driver for the quickest drop-off.

Getting to the main embarking points (CAI & SSH)

  • Giza → CAI: Uber/Careem or a hotel driver; allow for traffic and security queues.
  • SSH arrivals: Hotel shuttles and taxis line the curb; many resorts offer prearranged pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus (Budget, Day or Overnight)

Lowest cost Frequent departures Longer travel

  • Overview: Multiple operators run direct coaches from Cairo’s major bus terminals to Sharm El Sheikh Bus Station, with rest stops en route. Choose daytime for scenery or overnight to save daylight.
  • How to book (with price): ~EGP 300–800 depending on class/day. Buy at terminal kiosks or compare curated options on Trip.com activities. (Schedules vary—check locally the day before.)
  • Pros: Inexpensive; no airport transfers. Cons: 6.5–8.5 hours; arrivals can be late at night.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus Cairo→Sharm

  1. From Giza, ride Uber/Careem or metro/taxi combo to your chosen Cairo terminal (e.g., Tahrir, Ramses, or Almasa/Almaza depending on operator).
  2. Buy tickets earlier in the day at the kiosk/office; pick seat class (standard, business, VIP) and note your platform.
  3. Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure; stow large bags below and keep valuables with you.
  4. Disembark at Sharm El Sheikh Bus Station; take a taxi or hotel shuttle to your accommodation (Naama Bay, Old Market, Hadaba, Nabq).

Getting to the main embarking points (Cairo Bus Terminals → Sharm Bus Station)

  • In Cairo/Giza: Use Uber/Careem to reach your specific terminal; confirm name and platform with the operator.
  • In Sharm: Taxis queue at the bus station; some hotels offer pickups if you share your ETA.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Car / Charter (Door-to-Door Comfort)

Door-to-door Custom timing Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver collects you anywhere in Giza/Cairo and drives via the Suez Road and Sinai highways directly to your Sharm hotel, waiting at checkpoints and rest stops as needed.
  • How to book (with price): ~EGP 6,000–12,000 per vehicle (sedan→minivan/van). Get fixed quotes on GetTransfer or browse Sharm/Cairo transfers on GetYourGuide.
  • Pros: No terminals; perfect for families/gear. Cons: Costly vs. bus; long day seated.

Step-by-step: Private Car Giza→Sharm

  1. Request quotes with your pickup address/time and group size on GetTransfer; confirm luggage capacity and child seats if needed.
  2. Share live location with the driver on pickup day; carry passports/IDs for checkpoints.
  3. Plan 1–2 rest/meal stops; arrive at your Sharm hotel and settle in.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Pickup: Any hotel/apartment in Giza/Cairo; airport pickups also possible.
  • Drop-off: Door-to-door at resorts in Naama Bay, Hadaba, Sharks Bay, or Nabq.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Max Flexibility)

Freedom Scenic desert route Checkpoints & fatigue

  • Overview: Pick up a rental in Cairo/Giza and drive via the Cairo–Suez Road, Ahmed Hamdy/Suez tunnels, then across Sinai to Sharm. Roads are modern; fuel and rest stops are regular. Expect police checkpoints—be patient and keep IDs handy.
  • How to book (with price): From ~EGP 1,000–2,200/day for compact cars. Compare suppliers and insurance terms on Booking.com Car Rental (Cairo) or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Leave when you like; detour to Ras Sedr/El Tur viewpoints. Cons: Long drive; parking rules vary by resort.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive Giza→Sharm

  1. Collect your car in Giza/Cairo; check fuel, spare, papers, and that rental covers Sinai travel.
  2. Set navigation: Giza → Cairo–Suez Road → Suez Tunnels → Sharm El Sheikh; download offline maps.
  3. Carry cash/cards for fuel and snacks; schedule 2–3 short breaks; arrive and park per hotel instructions.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Route)

  • Rental depots: Airport counters have longer hours; downtown branches may close early on Fridays/holidays.
  • Route tips: Respect speed limits and checkpoint instructions; avoid driving if drowsy.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Giza to Sharm El Sheikh)

Is flying or bus better?
Flying CAI→SSH is fastest and often good value off-peak. Buses are the cheapest and run day/overnight but take ~7–8 hours door to door.

How far is Sharm Airport from Naama Bay?
Roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi/transfer depending on traffic and hotel location.

Are there checkpoints on the road?
Yes—routine security checkpoints across Sinai. Keep passports/IDs accessible and follow instructions.

Can I rely on ride-hailing in Sharm?
Ride-hailing is limited; most hotels arrange transfers or you can prebook via GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide options.

Where to stay?
Naama Bay for central nightlife, Hadaba/Old Market for local vibe, Nabq/Sharks Bay for resort strips—compare on Booking.com (Sharm hotels).