Cairo to Dahab Trip Overview

Dahab to Cairo
Distance
361 km (225.6 miles)
Price range
US$ 10-US$ 108
Ride Duration Range
5h-10h
Earliest Departure
22:00
Latest Departure
23:00
Most Popular Operator

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Cairo to Dahab



























































































Taking a bus from Cairo to Dahab

Fastest bus: 6h

Cheapest bus: US$ 10

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: US$ 10

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Reclining Seats

Food

Wifi

TV

The fastest: 5h

The cheapest: US$ 11

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Wifi

English Speaking Staff

Food

TV

Charger

Reclining Seats

Blanket

Pets allowed

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: US$ 62

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Wifi

TV

English Speaking Staff

Charger

routes_hero-image-alt Dahab

About the ride from Cairo to Dahab


Dahab should be on everyone's Egypt itinerary, yet many people skip it because they don't have time to explore the Sinai Peninsula. 


But what a mistake! Dahab is often a favorite place in Egypt. 


For some, adventure sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and freediving get them hooked. Others can't get enough of the small-town community vibes that make a foreign place feel like home. 


Not to mention the unbelievable views created by the pink mountains contrasted against the brilliant blue Red Sea. 


Ready to make the journey from Cairo to Dahab? There are two ways: by bus or minivan. 


The journey takes at least six hours, but don't be surprised if your trip is closer to 8-10 hours. There are a lot of military checkpoints along this route, which add time to your journey. 


The minivan is the fastest way to get from Cairo to Dahab. It drives faster than the bus, and you can pass through checkpoints faster with fewer people in a minivan.


Keep reading to find out exactly how to get from Cairo to Dahab, get a bit more information on these checkpoints, and learn what to do when you arrive in Dahab!


Fun things to do in Dahab


Dahab has two sides. 


It is an incredibly relaxing beachside town where you can spend your days chilling on the beach, sipping fresh juice in seafront cafes, and cycling along the promenade.


Or it can be a place full of adventure. Pick your sport — scuba diving, freediving, wind or kitesurfing! 


Here are some of the best things on offer in Dahab:

  1. Go scuba diving and snorkeling. Don't pass up the chance to explore the underwater world in Dahab. It's a mecca for divers, home to famous spots like the Blue Hole and coral that will blow your mind. The colors are spectacular. You don't have to miss out if you're not a diver; snorkeling will leave you just as mesmerized. 


  1. Learn to wind and kitesurf. Dahab is renowned for its consistent winds and perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly at spots like Laguna Beach and the Blue Lagoon. Take a course and harness the power of the wind; it's exhilarating!


  1. Climb Mount Sinai. If you want to see one of the most spectacular views in Sinai, summit Mount Sinai for sunrise or sunset. The glow cast over the mountains is breathtaking, and the hike is enjoyable without being too challenging. 


  1. Escape to the Blue Lagoon. Just a boat ride from Dahab, the Blue Lagoon is a serene and remote spot to escape the world. The beach is dotted with rustic beach huts adorned with hammocks and comfy cushions — the perfect place to watch the kitesurfers perform insane tricks right in front of you.


  1. Go freediving. It's not just scuba diving that Dahab is famous for. It's a hotspot for freedivers due to the Blue Hole and the Red Sea's impressive depths just steps from the shore. Plenty of freediving schools can teach you to hold your breath like a pro. 


How to get from Cairo to Dahab


There are two ways to get from Cairo to Dahab: by bus and minivan.


By bus


The bus can offer a more comfortable journey from Cairo to Dahab. Operated by one of Egypt's biggest bus companies, Go Bus, all the buses covering this route are very comfortable. You'll have reclining seats, ample space, and air conditioning. Tickets start from $9. 


The downside to the bus is that it's slower. Journeys should take around 10 hours but can often last up to 12. It depends on the traffic leaving Cairo and how smoothly the bus passes through the checkpoints. 


You'll find buses departing from all over Cairo, including Nasr City, Tahrir, 6th of October and El Tagamou El Khames. Most tourists stay in downtown Cairo, making Tahrir Go Bus Station the most convenient. 


Some buses leave at night, so you can save on accommodation without wasting a day traveling. 


By minivan


Traveling by minivan is a good choice if you want to get there faster and are willing to compromise a little on comfort — the minivans are a bit more cramped. 


Pro tip: Book the seat next to the driver if you're traveling alone. It has the most space. 


Minivans take 6-8 hours, and prices start from $7. The minivan makes the trip faster mainly because fewer people onboard need to be processed at the checkpoints. This can save a surprising amount of time. 


Some tickets include hotel pick-up and drop-off, but if not, there are various spots throughout each city, just like the bus. 


What to expect from the journey from Cairo to Dahab


Traveling from Cairo to Dahab is a pretty long journey, but it's worth it. 


As you leave chaotic Cairo behind, you'll quickly witness the landscape change as you venture further into the Sinai Peninsula. Buildings are replaced by mountains, and greenery becomes far and few between. 


As we've mentioned, there are several military checkpoints along this route that are purely for safety and nothing to worry about. 


The first checkpoint is before the Suez Canal tunnel. This is the most thorough. You'll need to get out of the transport, show your passport, and have your bag checked. After this one, the rest should just be passport checks, and you won't have to get out. 


Along the way, your driver will make multiple stops at service stations where you can grab some snacks and go to the bathroom. 


When is the best time to visit Dahab?


The best time to visit Dahab is during the spring and autumn when average temperatures hover at a lovely 25°C (77°F) and water temperatures are still warm. 


If you can't make it during these periods, don't worry; Dahab is a year-round destination. 


Temperatures remain relatively warm even in the winter but can get too hot for some during the summer. It's common for temperatures to exceed 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Thankfully, a beautifully refreshing sea is only minutes away, no matter where you stay in Dahab. 


How many days should you spend in Dahab? 


Ask anyone who's been to Dahab this question, and every one of them will reply that there are never enough days. 


Many people plan to spend a few days there but instead stay for weeks, even months. 


If you're tight on time, at least 4-5 days should allow you to try some adventure sports, eat at the town's many cafes, and soak up the community vibes. 


Where should you visit after Dahab? 


If you want somewhere even more remote than Dahab, head 1-hour up the coast to Nuweiba. 


Its stunning coastline is dotted with camps and small hotels, ranging in sophistication from rustic Bedouin-style huts to cabins with pools. Head to Nuweiba to disconnect from the world, relax on pristine beaches and go snorkeling. 


You can get from Dahab to Nuweiba by bus and minivan. 

Companies Operating from Cairo to Dahab

Average time

6h

Average price

US$ 24

(90)

Average time

6h

Average price

US$ 31 - US$ 32

(64)

Average time

6h

Average price

US$ 30

(14)

Average time

6h

Average price

US$ 42

(8)

Average time

7h

Average price

US$ 92

(6)

Our travelers reviews about the ride from Cairo to Dahab

4.51

Based on 461 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Cairo to Dahab

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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Cairo to Dahab

What is the most popular transportation service from Cairo to Dahab?

Minivan stands out as the most popular transportation service between Cairo and Dahab by Your Bus

What is the distance between Cairo to Dahab?

The distance between Cairo and Dahab is approximately 361 km (Air).

What is the fastest transportation service from Cairo to Dahab?

The fastest way to get from Cairo to Dahab is with Minivan by Cairo Bus, which takes approximately 5h.

What is the cheapest transport option from Cairo and Dahab?

The cheapest way to travel from Cairo to Dahab is by Bus by Your Bus, with prices starting at US$ 10.

Who are the service providers on this route?

The main service providers operating between Cairo and Dahab include

MINIVAN:  Visit Egypt Tours | Limousine Al Baron | Star Bus Egypt | King Bus

BUS:  Your Bus | Blue Bus | East Bus | Go Bus

CAR:  Basita Tours

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