How to get from Cairo to Dahab

Cairo to Dahab is a classic Red Sea run. Your main choices are the overnight intercity bus, a quick flight to Sharm El Sheikh followed by a 1.5–2 hour coastal drive, a private transfer (either all the way from Cairo or just SSH→Dahab), or a self-drive if you want total flexibility. Pick based on time, comfort, and budget—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Cairo to Dahab)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Intercity Bus (Overnight)	~8–10h (direct)	Budget, simple point-to-point
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 350–700 (US$10–20) one-way » curated options
✈️ Flight (CAI → SSH) + Road to Dahab	~1h flight + ~1.5–2h road	Fastest overall, minimal fatigue
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~EGP 2,000–5,000 (US$60–150) + transfer » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚐 Private Transfer (Cairo→Dahab or SSH→Dahab)	~7–9h (Cairo→Dahab) or ~1.5–2h (SSH→Dahab)	Door-to-door, families, boards/gear
🏷️ Cost: Cairo→Dahab ~US$180–350 / SSH→Dahab ~US$45–120 per vehicle » get quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car	~7–9h (stops & checkpoints)	Flexibility, detours (e.g., St. Catherine)
🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–60/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Least tiring: Fly CAI→Sharm then transfer to Dahab.
• Cheapest: Overnight intercity bus direct to Dahab.
• Most convenient with gear/kids: Private transfer (either from Cairo or SSH).
• Most flexible/scenic: Self-drive with optional stops around Sinai.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Buy ahead for holidays/weekends: Flights and buses sell out around Egyptian holidays—compare on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights.
• Transfers & taxis: For fixed quotes, check GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide. Ride-hailing is limited in Sinai; hotels often arrange cars.
• Luggage storage: If you need to roam before departure/after arrival, use Radical Storage Cairo or check with your hotel in Dahab.
• Checkpoints & IDs: Carry your passport. Expect routine checkpoints on Sinai routes; plan buffer time.
• Cash & snacks: Long stretches have limited services—carry water, snacks, and small bills.

🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus (Budget, Runs Daily & Overnight)

Low cost Frequent overnight Fixed schedule

• Overview: Direct coaches link Cairo with Dahab bus station, typically overnight with AC, reclining seats, and scheduled rest stops.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~EGP 350–700 one-way. Compare curated options or operators via Trip.com activities; hotels/hostels in Cairo also help secure seats.
• Pros: Cheapest door-to-town. Cons: Sleep quality varies; arrive early for boarding.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

1. Choose a night departure from Cairo (ask your hotel which terminal your chosen operator uses), and purchase your ticket earlier the same day or online where available.
2. Get to the Cairo bus terminal by local taxi/hotel car; arrive 30–45 minutes before departure with your passport and booking code.
3. Board, keep valuables with you, and expect one or two rest stops en route.
4. Arrive at Dahab Bus Station; take a short taxi (or your hotel’s pickup) to your accommodation in Lighthouse/Assalah/Blue Hole road areas.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cairo Bus Terminals & Dahab Bus Station)

• Cairo terminals: Different companies use different depots; your ticket will state the exact terminal—confirm before you set out.
• Dahab arrival: Taxis usually wait outside the station; agree on a fare before riding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Fly Cairo (CAI) → Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) + 1.5–2h Road to Dahab (Fastest)

Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfer needed

• Overview: A one-hour hop to SSH, then a straight coastal transfer to Dahab by private car, shared shuttle, or hotel pickup.
• How to book (with price): From ~EGP 2,000–5,000 one-way plus transfer. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Arrange SSH→Dahab rides via GetYourGuide transfers or fixed-price cars on GetTransfer.
• Pros: Saves 6–8 hours vs. bus. Cons: Slightly higher total cost; arrange the last-mile in advance.

Step-by-step: Flight + Road

1. Book a morning/afternoon CAI→SSH flight on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com, and add extra baggage if you have dive gear.
2. Get to Cairo International Airport (CAI) by hotel car or taxi; arrive 2–3 hours pre-flight.
3. Land at Sharm El Sheikh (SSH); meet your prebooked transfer or request a fixed quote on GetTransfer.
4. Drive ~1.5–2 hours along the coast to Dahab; most drivers drop at your hotel door in Lighthouse/Assalah/Blue Hole areas.

Getting to the main embarking points (CAI & SSH)

• CAI departure: Traffic can be heavy—leave early. Many Cairo hotels can arrange reliable airport taxis.
• SSH arrivals: Arrivals hall has transfer desks, but prebooking is recommended for late flights.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door: Cairo→Dahab or SSH→Dahab)

Comfort Space for boards/gear Higher cost

• Overview: Hire a sedan/van from your Cairo hotel straight to Dahab (longer, but zero changes) or just book the shorter SSH→Dahab segment if you fly.
• How to book (with price): Cairo→Dahab typically US$180–350 per vehicle; SSH→Dahab US$45–120. Compare on GetTransfer or browse providers on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: True door-to-door, child seats on request, flexible stops. Cons: Pricier than bus; Cairo→Dahab is a long day.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup time/address and luggage details via GetTransfer (or for the shorter hop, SSH→Dahab).
2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, night surcharges) and share your hotel pin.
3. Carry passports for checkpoints; keep water/snacks handy for long stretches.
4. Arrive directly at your Dahab accommodation—no bus station or taxi change needed.

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

• Cairo pickup: Any hotel/airport/home; drivers can monitor flights if meeting you at CAI.
• Dahab drop: Most hotels/hostels along Lighthouse/Assalah are reachable by car; confirm if your camp is in a pedestrian-only lane.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

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

Go at your pace Add side trips Long day

• Overview: Pick up a car in Cairo and drive via the Suez/Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel into Sinai, then continue south to Dahab. Expect checkpoints; roads are mostly good but services are spaced out.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$30–60/day. Compare insurers/mileage rules on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Total freedom; add St. Catherine or Nuweiba stops. Cons: Long stint behind the wheel; check one-way fees if you plan to drop elsewhere.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car (airport or downtown). Ensure insurance, a spare tire, and plenty of water/fuel.
2. Set navigation Cairo → Suez (Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel) → Dahab, planning rest/fuel stops in advance.
3. Carry passports and vehicle papers for checkpoints; drive by daylight if possible.
4. Arrive in Dahab; many accommodations have informal street parking—ask your host.

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

• Cairo depots: Airport counters have longer hours; downtown offices may close early on Fridays.
• Route highlight: Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel marks your entry to Sinai; after that, stick to signed highways toward Dahab.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cairo to Dahab)

Is it safe to travel overland to Dahab?
Thousands make the trip yearly. Expect routine checkpoints—carry your passport and follow local advice. Plan to drive by daylight.

How long does the bus take?
Usually 8–10 hours depending on route and stops. Overnight services are popular to maximize daytime in Dahab.

How far is Dahab from Sharm?
Roughly 90 km; allow 1.5–2 hours by road.

Can I bring dive/surf gear?
Yes. On flights, pre-book sports baggage. On buses and transfers, tell the operator beforehand to ensure vehicle space.

Do I need cash?
Carry small bills for rest stops and taxis. ATMs are available in Dahab but can run out on busy weekends.

Where should I stay in Dahab?
Lighthouse and Assalah for cafés/diving; Lagoona for beach vibes. Compare options on Booking.com.

Any good day trips from Dahab?
Blue Hole, Blue Lagoon, Mt. Sinai/St. Catherine (very early start), and snorkeling trips—browse ideas on GetYourGuide or Klook.