How to get from Hurghada to Cairo

Hurghada to Cairo is easy once you pick your style: fast flight (HRG→CAI), reliable intercity buses (Go Bus / Blue Bus), a door-to-door private car, or a DIY self-drive across the Red Sea–Cairo desert highway. Below you’ll find the best routes, how to book, and clear step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Hurghada to Cairo)

Mode	Duration	Best For
✈️ Flight (Hurghada HRG → Cairo CAI)	~1h flight (+ 30–60m city transfer)	Fastest overall, early/late travel
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 2,500–6,500+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Intercity Bus (Go Bus / Blue Bus)	~6–8h (direct, multiple times daily)	Budget, no airport hassle
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 350–900 one-way (class/date) » curated tickets
🚐 Private Transfer / Car with Driver	~5–6.5h door-to-door	Families, big luggage, custom timing
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 6,500–15,000 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | GetYourGuide transfers
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car	~5–6.5h (via Zaafarana/Red Sea road)	Maximum flexibility & stops
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 1,500–3,500/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/most predictable: Fly HRG→CAI, then taxi/ride to your Cairo hotel or the Pyramids.
• Best value without flying: Intercity bus (executive and VIP classes, overnight or daytime).
• Zero-transfer comfort: Private transfer—ideal with kids, gear, or odd hours.
• Most flexible itinerary: Self-drive—stop at coastal lookouts or the Eastern Desert viewpoints en route.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Peak dates sell out: Book well ahead on Booking.com Flights, Trip.com, or bus seats via operators/agents.
• Hotel day-use & luggage: If you’re between check-in/outs, stash bags via Radical Storage Hurghada or Radical Storage Cairo.
• Transfers inside Cairo: Use metered taxis or ride-hailing (Careem/Uber). For meet-and-greet airport rides, compare Welcome Pickups Cairo.
• Road safety: Aim for daylight driving, carry water/snacks, and keep cash for fuel and checkpoints.

✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Hurghada HRG → Cairo CAI)

Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers needed

• Overview: Nonstop flights connect Hurghada (HRG) and Cairo (CAI) throughout the day. From CAI, continue by taxi/ride or prebooked transfer to downtown, Giza, or the airport hotels.
• How to book (with price): ~EGP 2,500–6,500+ one-way depending on airline/date. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. Official airline: EgyptAir.
• Pros: Short travel time; frequent departures. Cons: Airport transfers on both ends; potential baggage fees.

Step-by-step: Flight HRG→CAI

1. Reach Hurghada International Airport (HRG) by hotel taxi or ride-hailing; arrive 2 hours before domestic flights.
2. Search and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com, then check in online where possible.
3. Fly ~1 hour to Cairo International Airport (CAI).
4. From CAI, continue by metered taxi/ride-hail or prebook a meet-and-greet via Welcome Pickups Cairo to your hotel or Giza.

Getting to the main embarking points (HRG & CAI)

• Hurghada (HRG) departures: 10–20 minutes from resort areas by taxi/transfer.
• Cairo (CAI) arrivals: Terminals have ATMs, SIM vendors, and taxi ranks; allow extra time for Giza transfers.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus (Go Bus / Blue Bus)

Budget Frequent daily Longer ride

• Overview: Executive and VIP buses run day and night between Hurghada and Cairo with A/C, reclining seats, and rest stops. Common Cairo drop-offs include Tahrir (downtown), Nasr City, and New Cairo.
• How to book (with price): ~EGP 350–900 one-way depending on class and time. Buy securely via operator or through curated listings on Trip.com. Official operators: Go Bus Egypt, Blue Bus Egypt.
• Pros: Cheapest; many departures. Cons: 6–8 hours; variable arrival traffic in Cairo.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

1. Choose preferred operator (Go Bus/Blue Bus), class (Classic/Elite/VIP/Sleeper), and Cairo drop-off (e.g., Tahrir/Nasr City).
2. Purchase tickets online (operator sites) or via Trip.com; screenshot/print your QR/PNR.
3. Get to the Hurghada bus terminal ~30 minutes early; tag luggage and board with seat number.
4. Arrive at your chosen Cairo stop; continue by taxi/ride-hail to hotel or the Pyramids area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hurghada bus terminal & Cairo stops)

• Hurghada terminals: Central city locations; short taxi from resort districts.
• Cairo arrivals: Tahrir (downtown) for central hotels; Nasr City/New Cairo for eastern suburbs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Car with Driver (Door-to-Door)

Most convenient Custom schedule Higher cost

• Overview: A professional driver collects you at your Hurghada hotel and drives directly to your Cairo address (downtown, Giza, or CAI). Great for families and bulky luggage.
• How to book (with price): ~EGP 6,500–15,000 per vehicle (size/season). Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse set-price rides on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Door-to-door, no bus stations; stops on demand. Cons: Cost vs. bus; long drive if you dislike road travel.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter pickup/drop addresses and desired departure on GetTransfer (choose sedan/MPV/van). Check luggage capacity and child seats.
2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, late-night fees). Share your hotel pin and WhatsApp number.
3. Meet the driver at your lobby at the agreed time; plan 1–2 rest stops on the Red Sea highway.
4. Arrive Cairo; drop at your hotel, the Pyramids, or directly at CAI if you’re connecting to a flight.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel lobbies & Cairo drop-offs)

• Hurghada pickup: Most resorts allow lobby pickup; have your room number ready.
• Cairo drop: Downtown, Giza plateau hotels, or Cairo International Airport.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Flexible & Scenic Desert Highway)

Full flexibility Daylight views You drive

• Overview: Pick up a car in Hurghada and drive the Red Sea coastal highway via Zaafarana/Ras Gharib, then west/northwest to Cairo. Roads are paved with fuel stops along the way.
• How to book (with price): From ~EGP 1,500–3,500/day. Compare suppliers/insurance on Booking.com Car Rental. Consider one-way return in Cairo (fees may apply).
• Pros: Leave when you like, detour to Red Sea viewpoints. Cons: Long stint behind the wheel; watch speed limits and checkpoints.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Reserve an automatic with full insurance on Booking.com Car Rental; confirm paperwork (license, deposit).
2. Pick up in Hurghada; stock water/snacks and set offline maps.
3. Follow the coastal route toward Zaafarana / Ras Gharib, then continue inland to Cairo; plan 1–2 refueling breaks.
4. Return the car in Cairo (downtown/airport) if you booked one-way; otherwise park at your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route)

• Hurghada depots: Airport and resort-area counters; check Sunday/holiday hours.
• Cairo returns: Downtown and CAI airport branches (check one-way fees).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Hurghada to Cairo)

Flight or bus—which is better?
Flights win on speed and comfort; buses are cheapest and run frequently day and night.

How long is the drive?
Roughly 450–470 km and about 5–6.5 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Is there a train from Hurghada to Cairo?
No direct train—Hurghada has no passenger rail. Choose flight, bus, private car, or self-drive.

Are overnight buses safe?
Major operators (Go Bus / Blue Bus) are widely used; pick VIP/executive classes, keep valuables with you, and use reputable stops.

Where should I stay in Cairo?
Downtown (Tahrir) for museums/walkability; Giza for pyramid views. Compare options on Booking.com Cairo.

Can I book a Cairo tour that includes transport from Hurghada?
Yes—look for day trips or transfers + guided tours on GetYourGuide or Klook.