Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
Egypt's second busiest airport and the main gateway to the Red Sea Riviera. Serves millions of tourists annually heading to Hurghada, El Gouna, and Makadi Bay resorts. Two modern terminals handling international and domestic flights.
Useful for quick trip budgeting: the Egyptian Pound is the local currency at Hurghada Airport and throughout Egypt.
Terminal layout
Terminal 1 International (main)
Opened 2014. Handles all international flights. Modern facility with 2 levels:
- Level 1: Check-in, departures, security screening
- Level 2: International arrivals, baggage claim, customs
International hub
Most European charter and scheduled flights arrive here. Duty-free shops, currency exchange, and cafés available airside.
Terminal 2 Domestic
Handles domestic flights within Egypt, primarily to Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor.
- Separate building — allow 10 min transfer from T1
- Free shuttle bus between terminals
- Basic facilities — cafés and shops available
- Used by: EgyptAir, Air Cairo, Nile Air for domestic routes
Check your terminal!
Your boarding pass shows the terminal. T1 and T2 are connected by a free shuttle service.
Getting to & from the airport
Best option: Pre-booked taxi or hotel transfer
Most reliable and hassle-free. Many hotels include airport transfers. Official taxi rank outside arrivals.
| Mode | To Hurghada | Duration | Price (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (official) | Hurghada city centre / hotels | 10–15 min Fastest | £E150–250 (~$5–8) | Use official white taxis with meter. Negotiate fare if no meter. Available 24/7. |
| Hotel shuttle | Resort hotels | 10–30 min | Usually free | Many resorts offer free airport transfers. Book in advance. |
| Minibus / shuttle | El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay | 30–60 min Moderate | £E100–200 (~$3–7) | Shared transfers to outlying resorts. Book via hotel or travel agency. |
| Car hire | Self-drive | — | From $25/day | Desks in arrivals hall: Avis, Hertz, Europcar. International licence recommended. |
| Private transfer | Any destination | 10–45 min | $15–50 | Pre-book online. Driver meets you at arrivals with name sign. |
Taxi tips
Always use official white taxis. Confirm the fare before departure or ensure the meter is running. Avoid unlicensed drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Emergency Numbers
24/7 emergency services in Egypt
Mobile Connectivity
Local operators & SIM cards in Egypt
Airport lounges
EgyptAir Lounge
Available for EgyptAir business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. Light snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
First Class Lounge
Premium lounge with buffet, bar, shower facilities, and quiet areas. Accessible with Priority Pass or eligible premium tickets.
Pay-per-use lounges
Several independent lounges accept walk-in passengers for a fee. Good option for long layovers without airline lounge access.
Facilities & services
Tips by passenger type
First-time visitors to Egypt
- Get a visa on arrival ($25 USD) or apply for e-Visa online before travel
- Exchange some cash at the airport — many local vendors prefer cash
- Buy a local SIM card for affordable mobile data and calls
- Confirm taxi fare before departing or use hotel transfers
- Drink bottled water only — tap water is not recommended for tourists
Resort holidaymakers
- Most resorts in Hurghada and El Gouna offer free airport transfers
- Pre-book your transfer to avoid taxi negotiations after a long flight
- All-inclusive packages often include airport pickup — check with your hotel
- Sunscreen and hats essential — Red Sea sun is intense year-round
- Most resorts accept Euros and USD alongside Egyptian Pounds
Families with children
- Family lanes available at passport control and security
- Baby changing facilities in Terminal 1 restrooms
- Most resorts are very family-friendly with kids' clubs and pools
- Pack snacks — airport food options are limited compared to major hubs
- Children under 2 usually fly free on most charter airlines
Divers & water sports
- Hurghada is a world-class diving destination — bring your PADI card
- Dive equipment can be rented at all major resorts
- Giftun Islands and Ras Mohammed are top day-trip dive sites
- Underwater cameras available for rent at most dive centres
- Marine park fees may apply for some dive sites
Passengers with reduced mobility
- Request wheelchair assistance from your airline at least 48h before
- Dedicated assistance lanes at security and passport control
- Lifts available in Terminal 1 between levels
- Most resorts have wheelchair-accessible rooms — request in advance
- Special assistance desk in Terminal 1 arrivals
Transit passengers
- Domestic connections via Terminal 2 — allow 90 min minimum
- International to domestic: collect bags and re-check
- Limited airside facilities — plan accordingly for long layovers
- Visa required even for short transits unless staying airside
- Flight to Luxor/Aswan popular add-on for Nile cruises
Airlines & routes
Egypt carriers
Frequently asked questions
Hurghada International Airport is approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) southwest of El Dahar, the city centre. The journey takes 10–15 minutes by taxi and costs around £E150–250 ($5–8).
Most visitors need a visa. You can get a visa on arrival at HRG for $25 USD (cash only, exact change recommended). Alternatively, apply for an e-Visa online before travel through the official Egyptian government portal. The visa allows stays up to 30 days.
Terminal 1 handles all international flights, while Terminal 2 is for domestic routes within Egypt. Check your boarding pass or airline confirmation to confirm. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 1. Connect to the airport network. Speed is moderate — sufficient for messaging and browsing, but not ideal for large downloads or video streaming.
The best option is a pre-booked hotel transfer (many El Gouna resorts include this). Alternatively, a taxi costs around £E300–500 ($10–16) and takes 30 minutes. Private transfer services are also available and can be booked online.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP / £E) is the official currency. Many hotels and tour operators also accept Euros, US Dollars, and British Pounds. ATMs are available at the airport and throughout Hurghada. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred in markets and smaller establishments.
Useful contacts
- Airport info: +20-65-344-7501
- Tourist Police: 126
- Emergency: 112
- Ambulance: 123
- Police: 122
- EgyptAir: egyptair.com
- Egypt e-Visa: visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Taxi rank: Outside Terminal 1 arrivals
- Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Europcar in arrivals hall