Sharm El Sheikh Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is served by one major international airport. This airport is the primary gateway for millions of tourists seeking sun, sea, and diving in the Red Sea. Understanding the airport layout and transportation options is key for a smooth start to a relaxing beach holiday.

This guide details Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), including terminal information, ground transport to all major resort areas, and practical tips for navigating your arrival in this popular Egyptian destination.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Overview: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is the main airport serving the South Sinai region. Located approximately 18 km (11 miles) northeast of Sharm El Sheikh’s city center (Na’ama Bay/ Old Market area) and near the resort developments of Ras Nasrani, it handles a high volume of charter and scheduled flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Egypt. The airport has undergone expansions to accommodate its role as a major tourist hub.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: The older terminal, often used for charter flights and some scheduled arrivals.
• Terminal 2: A newer, larger terminal built to handle more traffic. It is used for many scheduled international flights and offers better facilities.
• Terminal 3 (Private/Executive): Handles private jets and VIP services.

Important: Which terminal you use is determined by your airline, often changing seasonally. Your transfer driver or tour operator will know. The terminals are separate buildings; a shuttle bus may connect them, but it’s easier to be dropped at the correct one.

Getting to and from SSH Airport:

• Pre-booked Hotel/Resort Transfer:
  The overwhelmingly recommended and most common method for tourists. Virtually all hotels and resorts include an airport transfer in their package tours, or you can book one separately through your tour operator. A representative will meet you in the arrivals hall (often holding a sign with your name or hotel logo). This is the most hassle-free option.
• Official Airport Taxi:
  Available outside both terminals. Important: Fares are not metered. You must negotiate the price before getting in. Fares are based on your destination zone. A rough guide: to Na’ama Bay: EGP 200-300; to Sharks Bay: EGP 250-350; to Nabq Bay: EGP 300-400. Have Egyptian Pounds ready. Drivers may quote in Euros or USD at a poor rate.
• Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem):
  Uber operates in Sharm El Sheikh, but availability can be inconsistent at the airport. Careem (a regional app) is also an option. If using, confirm the pickup location with the driver via the app.
• Car Rental:
  International (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals halls. Renting a car can be useful for exploring Sinai (e.g., Dahab, Saint Catherine’s Monastery), but is not necessary if you plan to stay at your resort. Driving is relatively easy in Sharm, but you may encounter numerous police checkpoints.
• Minibus (Shared Transfer):
  If you haven’t pre-booked, you may find shared minibus services offering rides to major hotel areas for a per-person fee. These can be cheaper than a private taxi but will make multiple stops.
• Public Bus:
  Public bus service from the airport is limited and not practical for tourists with luggage. Not recommended.

Best for: All international and domestic tourists heading to Sharm El Sheikh and Red Sea resorts.

Transportation to Sharm El Sheikh Resort Areas

Sharm El Sheikh is not a single city but a string of bays and resort developments stretching along the coast. Your transfer time and cost depend entirely on your hotel’s location:

1. Ras Nasrani & Airport Vicinity: Closest to the airport (5-15 mins). Hotels near the airport.
2. Na’ama Bay: The central tourist hub with a promenade, shops, and nightlife. 20-30 minutes from SSH.
3. Sharks Bay & Om El Seed: South of Na’ama Bay, popular for diving. 25-35 minutes.
4. Hadaba & Old Market (Sharm El Maya): The original town center. 25-40 minutes.
5. Nabq Bay: North of the airport, home to many large all-inclusive resorts. 30-45 minutes.

Always provide your driver with the exact name of your hotel, not just the bay area.

Practical Tips for Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH)

• Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities (including UK, EU, US, Canada) can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. The process is simple:
  1. Before passport control, go to a bank kiosk (like Banque Misr) and pay the visa fee (USD $25, paid in USD cash, sometimes EUR or GBP accepted). You will receive a visa sticker.
  2. Proceed to immigration, present your passport with the sticker inside, and receive an entry stamp.

  Have crisp, new US dollar bills ready. Some nationalities are eligible for a free visa; check current regulations before travel.

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). It is highly advisable to have some local currency upon arrival for taxis and small purchases. ATMs and exchange bureaus are available in the arrivals hall. While Euros and USD are widely accepted in resorts, you’ll get a poor exchange rate.
• Arrival Process: The arrivals hall can be chaotic, with many tour operators holding signs. If you have a pre-booked transfer, look for your name or hotel. Ignore touts offering taxis or tours unless you’re interested.
• SIM Cards: Kiosks for mobile providers (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) are in arrivals. Buying a local SIM with data is recommended, as resort Wi-Fi can be expensive and slow.
• Security: Security in and around Sinai is tight. You will likely see armed personnel at the airport and pass through multiple checkpoints on the road to your hotel. This is standard procedure; cooperate politely.
• Departure: Allow ample time for check-in and security. The airport can be crowded, especially when multiple charter flights depart simultaneously. There is a second security check and passport control just before entering the gate areas.

Tours & Excursions from Sharm El Sheikh

The airport is your gateway, but many excursions can be booked locally:

• Day Trip to Cairo/Pyramids: A long but popular day trip, often involving a short domestic flight from SSH to Cairo (CAI). Usually booked as a package through tour operators.
• Dahab & Blue Hole: A 90-minute drive north along the coast. Easy to visit by taxi or booked tour.
• Saint Catherine’s Monastery & Mount Sinai: A 2-3 hour drive. Often done as a sunrise tour.
• Desert Safari & Bedouin Dinner: A popular evening excursion.

Other Airports in Sinai (Alternative Entry Points)

While SSH is the main tourist gateway, other airports exist in the region:

• Taba International Airport (TCP): Located near the Israeli border, north of Sharm. Serves some charter flights, mainly from Europe, for resorts in Taba and nearby areas like Nuweiba. It’s a 2.5-3 hour drive from Sharm.
• St. Catherine International Airport (SKV): A small airport near the monastery, with very limited, often seasonal service.

For the vast majority of tourists heading to Sharm El Sheikh resorts, SSH is the only relevant airport.

Bottom line: All tourists to Sharm El Sheikh will arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). The most important step is to pre-arrange your hotel transfer. Have $25 USD in cash per person for the visa on arrival, and some Egyptian Pounds for incidentals. Know which of the five main bay areas your hotel is located in. Enjoy the sun and the incredible Red Sea.