Hurghada Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Hurghada, a major resort city on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is served by one international airport. As the primary gateway for millions of European tourists seeking sun, sand, and world-class diving, this airport is a hub of seasonal charter traffic. This guide provides essential information about Hurghada International Airport, including its terminals, transportation options, and key tips for navigating the unique aspects of arriving in a popular Egyptian holiday destination.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG)

Overview: Hurghada International Airport is the main airport serving Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. Located approximately 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Hurghada’s city centre and closer to the mega-resorts in El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh, it is a modern facility that handles a massive volume of seasonal charter flights from across Europe, as well as scheduled flights from other Egyptian cities and the Middle East.

Terminals: HRG has two main passenger terminals.

• Terminal 1 (Old Terminal): The original terminal, now primarily used for domestic and some regional flights.
• Terminal 2 (New Terminal): A larger, modern terminal opened in 2015. It handles the vast majority of international charter flights, especially from Europe. This is where most tourists will arrive and depart.

Note: The terminals are separate buildings. A free shuttle bus connects them, but it’s essential to know which terminal your flight uses. Most international tourism traffic goes through Terminal 2.

Getting to and from HRG:

• Pre-booked Hotel Transfer / Tour Operator Shuttle:
  The most common and recommended method for tourists. If you’ve booked a package holiday, your tour operator (TUI, Thomas Cook, Jet2, etc.) will almost always include a transfer to your resort. Look for representatives holding your operator’s sign in the arrivals hall.
• Official Airport Taxi:
  Available outside both terminals. Important: Taxis do not use meters. You must negotiate the fare firmly before getting in the car. Establish the price and currency (Egyptian Pounds or Euros) clearly. A rough guide: to Hurghada city centre (downtown) EGP 150-250, to El Gouna EGP 300-500, to Sahl Hasheesh EGP 200-350. Be prepared to haggle.
• Ride-hailing (Uber, Careem):
  Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada and offer transparent, fixed pricing. This is often a better option than taxis to avoid haggling. The pick-up point is in the parking area; check the app for specific instructions after you land.
• Car Rental:
  International and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car can be useful for exploring the coast independently, but be prepared for challenging local driving standards.
• Public Bus / Microbus: Not recommended for arriving tourists with luggage. Local microbuses are cheap but confusing, crowded, and do not serve the resort areas directly.

Best for: All tourists traveling to the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and as a gateway for liveaboard diving safaris.

Which Hurghada Airport Should You Choose?

There is only one commercial airport: Hurghada International Airport (HRG). Your only internal choice is ensuring you exit the correct terminal (likely Terminal 2 for international charters) and connecting with your pre-arranged transfer or choosing a reliable taxi/ride-hail.

Essential Information for Hurghada International Airport (HRG)

Before You Go:

• Visa: Most nationalities require a visa for Egypt. The simplest method is to obtain a visa on arrival. You purchase a visa sticker (USD $25, exact cash recommended) from a bank kiosk before passport control, then present it with your passport to the immigration officer. E-Visas are also available online in advance.
• Check-in: For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. The airport can become extremely chaotic with large charter groups checking in simultaneously.
• Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP). Have some US Dollars or Euros in cash for the visa on arrival, and some Egyptian Pounds for incidental expenses. ATMs and exchange bureaus are available in the arrivals hall.
• All-Inclusive Wristbands: If you’re on a package holiday, you may receive your resort wristband at a tour operator desk in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport.

Upon Arrival (Terminal 2 – International):

1. Visa Purchase: Before joining the passport control line, find the bank kiosks (usually to the side) and buy your visa sticker. Stick it in your passport.
2. Immigration: Join the queue for passport control. Lines can be long and slow-moving. Have your passport with the visa sticker and completed arrival card ready.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect your luggage from the carousel.
4. Meet & Greet: Exit into the arrivals hall, which will be crowded with drivers and tour operator reps. Look for your name or your tour operator’s sign.
5. Ground Transport: If you don’t have a pre-arranged transfer, proceed outside to the taxi rank or use the ride-hailing apps on your phone.

Departing:

• Terminal Confusion: Double-check with your airline or tour operator which terminal (T1 or T2) you depart from. The shuttle bus between them takes time.
• Security: Security is multi-layered and can be slow. There is an initial X-ray at the terminal entrance, and another at the gate. Allow ample time.
• Duty-Free: You can spend leftover Egyptian Pounds at the duty-free shops before flying home.

Travel Tips for Hurghada and the Red Sea

Resort Areas: Know which area your hotel is in: Downtown Hurghada (the city), El Gouna (an upscale, manicured resort town north), Sahl Hasheesh (a long stretch of luxury resorts south), Makadi Bay (south, popular with families). This determines your transfer time and cost.

Diving & Snorkeling: HRG is a major hub for divers. Many liveaboard boats depart from Hurghada marina. If on a diving holiday, confirm if your operator provides an airport transfer.

Climate: Hot and sunny year-round, with very little rain. The airport and transport are air-conditioned, but the moment you step outside, you’ll feel the heat.

Cultural Sensitivity: While resort areas are very liberal, dressing more modestly is appreciated when leaving the resort compound, especially in downtown Hurghada.

Scam Vigilance: Be firm but polite with taxi touts and unofficial “guides” offering help at the airport. Have your transport plan settled before you exit.

Bottom line: Hurghada Airport is built for high-volume tourism. The arrival process (visa, immigration) can be slow and crowded. The key to a smooth entry is having $25 USD cash ready for the visa, having your tour operator transfer confirmed, or being prepared to firmly negotiate a taxi fare or use Uber. Once through the initial scrum, you’re just a short ride away from the Red Sea’s famous beaches and reefs.