About the ride from Giza to Hurghada
Giza is the third largest city in Egypt, after Cairo and Alexandria. You'll probably need a break from the chaos, endless streams of people, and constant honking.
Hurghada will be a welcome relief.
Being nestled along the shores of the Red Sea automatically gives the city a more laid-back and tranquil vibe. Visitors flock here to soak up the relaxed atmosphere while chilling in luxury resorts.
Amongst the sun-lovers, you'll also find diving enthusiasts looking to swim amongst colorful coral and extraordinary marine life. It's a world-class diving destination!
If you're ready to leave the chaos for a beach retreat, there are four ways to get from Giza to Hurghada: by bus, minivan, car and flight.
Taking a flight is the fastest way to get between the two, getting you there in one hour. Those on a budget may prefer to take the bus but be prepared for the 6-7 hour journey.
To find out which option is best for you, continue reading and plan your trip from Giza to Hurghada.
Fun things to do in Hurghada
Hurghada is famous for its diving and snorkeling spots, so let out your inner water baby.
Try snorkeling and diving. The Red Sea is one of the best diving spots in the world, with its vibrant coral and fascinating underwater worlds. Don't leave Hurghada without visiting one of the following: Giftun Island, Shaab Abu Ramada, and El Gouna.
Take a trip to an island. How better to spend a day in the sun than on a boat cruising through the glistening turquoise waters of Egypt? Some popular trips include visiting Giftun Island and Mahmya Island, where you can relax on pristine beaches, swim in the refreshing water and try your hand at watersports like jet skiing or banana boating.
Splash around at a waterpark. Not all the water-based fun in Hurghada is in the sea. The largest waterpark in the city, Jungle Aqua Park, has countless slides, pools and restaurants to try out. You'll be entertained all day long!
Go on a desert safari. You can't come to Egypt and not experience the desert! Hurghada is a stunning contrast, with the sea on one side and the desert on the other. You have many options for exploring the desert: by 4x4, ATV, or camel.
Relax in a resort. Hurghada is one of Egypt's major luxury resort towns. But you can still find plenty of heavenly resorts that offer great bang for your buck. Indulge in an all-inclusive and eat your body weight in food while lounging around the pool.
How to get from Giza to Hurghada
There are four ways to cover the 463 km (287 miles) between Giza and Hurghada:
Bus
Minivan
Car
Flight
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Giza to Hurghada, but it takes the longest time. Expect the journey to be at least seven hours long.
There are several departure times, traveling during both the day and night. With so many buses and operators, you're spoilt for choice with pick-up and drop-off locations.
You may immediately recoil at the idea of spending this long on transport, but the buses in Egypt can be super comfortable, especially if you opt for a higher class. The most basic seats cost around $7. But if you spend a little more, you'll get extra amenities like more comfortable seats, TVs, WiFi, charging ports, and even complimentary food and drink.
Not all the buses have toilets onboard, but they will make stops along the way. All buses are air-conditioned.
Pro tip: Luggage is included in the bus ticket, but keep 5 EGP handy as the guys loading the luggage are sometimes cheeky and ask for a tip. If you want your bag to make it to your next destination, you don't really have a choice but to say yes.
By minivan
For those who want a slightly faster journey and more departure times than the bus, consider taking a shared minivan. There's a departure every hour of the day, and the journey takes 4-6 hours.
Prices for a seat on a shared minivan start around $9.
Private minivans are also available at prices starting from $100, with a minimum of two people and a maximum of twelve. Since the cost is split amongst your group, it could cost you nearly as little as a shared minivan.
With so many shared minivans available, you'll find many pick-up and drop-off options, giving you plenty of choices to pick the most convenient. The advantage of private minivans is that they offer hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off at any hotel in Hurghada.
Minivans offer a comfortable ride with A/C and charging ports. At least 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage is included in the ticket price.
By car
If you're traveling as a family or small group of friends, consider booking a private car to take you from Giza to Hurghada. This way, you have the ultimate in privacy and convenience.
Private cars offer pick-ups from Cairo Airport or any hotel, plus airport or hotel drop-off in Hurghada. Prices start from $85 for the vehicle, which fits a maximum of three passengers and takes between four and five hours.
By flight
Flying is the best option to get from Giza to Hurghada fast!
The flight takes around one hour, but you'll still need to account for the time to get to Spinx International Airport in Giza or Cairo Airport, check-in, and wait for your luggage on the other side.
There are several flight departures daily, and the prices start at $60.
You'll arrive at Hurghada Airport, a short drive from the city center.
What to expect from the journey from Giza to Hurghada
If you're traveling by road from Giza to Hurghada, expect a longer journey time than advertised. That's Egypt! Just getting out of the city with its chaotic traffic takes a while.
Additionally, there are many security checkpoints throughout Egypt, so you may have to stop at one, adding extra time to the trip.
Thankfully, the bus and minivan make a few stops during this long drive, where you can grab a snack, something to drink, and use the bathroom.
To get from Giza to Hurghada, you'll travel along the highway next to the Gulf of Suez, so prepare for stunning sea views.
If you're flying, keep an eye out the window for a bird's eye perspective!
When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
Hurghada is a destination that you can visit all year round. Egypt's dry climate means you rarely have to worry about rain ruining your travel plans.
The only time you may want to avoid is the summer months when temperatures soar. From June to August, daytime temperatures easily exceed 35°C (95°F).
While diving, snorkeling and lying by the beach can still be enjoyable even with the scorching sun, most other activities need to be done in the early morning or evening because it's just too hot!
How many days should you spend in Hurghada?
Hurghada is a holiday maker hotspot with its year-round sun and warm temperatures. Some people book a resort for a week or two to forget about the rest of the world for a while.
Others may choose to pass through on their Egyptian adventures. If this is you, 3-4 days should give you enough time to visit the best snorkeling and diving spots and get some relaxation in, too. Traveling should feel like a holiday now and again.
Where should you visit after Hurghada?
After some days of relaxation in Hurghada, maybe it's time to add a splash of culture and history to your trip.
Where better than Luxor?
The city is home to some of Egypt's best historical sites, such as the Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Queens.
This city and its temples are mind-blowing!