Hurghada to Cairo Trip Overview
Distance 403 km (251.9 miles) | |
Price range US$ 8-US$ 136 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 5m-7h | |
Earliest Departure 22:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Hurghada to Cairo
Fastest bus: 4h 55m
Cheapest bus: US$ 8

About the ride from Hurghada to Cairo
You’ve been lounging around in the fabulous Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. But you didn’t travel all the way to Egypt to miss out on what makes the country so unique: its rich history. So, back to Cairo you go for some epic history lessons.
At 289 miles/466 km, it’s not the quickest ride unless you pop for a plane, which will only take an hour. Your overland options include a bus, car, or minivan, but those will take you anywhere from five to seven hours.
Below are the details for each mode of transportation to make your decision easier.
Five must-do things in Cairo
These are the absolute must-see attractions in Cairo — the ones that make the city unforgettable.
Explore the Pyramids of Giza. They are the reason most people come to Cairo. Whether you explore on foot or take a camel ride, this is a non-negotiable must-see. Reserve a day to explore it all.
Wander around the Egyptian Museum or the Grand Egyptian Museum. These mind-blowing museums are home to King Tut’s treasures, ancient mummies, and thousands of artifacts. When it fully opens, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will be the largest archaeological museum in the world.
Get lost in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. A walk through this centuries-old market is like stepping back in time. From spices to handcrafted goods, this is where you soak in local culture and food (try a koshary bowl for less than $1). Sip tea and watch the world go by at El Fishawy, a café that has been serving it since 1797!
Climb the Citadel. Cairo’s skyline is dotted with mosques, but the Citadel of Saladin and Sultan Hassan Mosque stand out. From the 13th to 19th centuries, the massive medieval fortress was the seat of Egypt’s government. Climbing to the top gives you panoramic views of the entire city and breathtaking architecture.
Discover Coptic Cairo. This area is full of early Christian history, including the Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church (where Jesus and his family are said to have stayed), and the Coptic Museum. It's a totally different side of the city that many visitors miss.
How to get from Hurghada to Cairo
There are four ways to crush the journey between these rather opposite tourist hotspots:
Flight
Bus
Car
Minivan
Flight: The fastest way to travel
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Starting price: $112
Hop on a 1-ish hour direct flight from Hurghada Airport to Cairo Airport. There are a few flights per day, mostly at odd times — like 4 a.m. or 11:35 p.m. However, you’ll get there before you can order a drink.
Bus: The cheapest way to get to Cairo
Duration: 6-7 hours
Starting price: $6
Tourist buses in Egypt are pretty modern. They have air conditioning and reclining seats, but only some have extra amenities like Wi-Fi, charging points, TVs in the seats, and a W/C. Since you will be in the seat for a while, it might be worth paying a few dollars more for an extra comfy seat.
The driver will stop for bathroom breaks and rest stops throughout the journey, even if there is a bathroom onboard.
The various bus operators pick up and drop off at specific locations throughout each city. Be sure to check those little details as you book.
There are multiple departures daily, but book an overnight bus between Hurghada and Cairo to save money on accommodations, especially if you're on a budget.
Car: A private ride to Cairo
Duration: 5-6 hours
Starting price: $71 per vehicle
When you are traveling in a small group of up to four people, hiring a private car makes the most sense. It’s a flat fee to be split amongst your group. So, if you get four people together, it’ll cost around $18 per person. It’s hard to beat that.
Plus, you get to shave off an hour from the bus ride. And you get to choose the time of departure that works best for you.
The biggest perk is the door-to-door service from your hotel in Hurghada to your hotel (or the airport) in Cairo.
Minivan: The best ride for small groups
Duration: 5-6 hours
Starting price: $11 for a shared ticket, $100 for a private van for up to 12 people
With a minivan, you’ve got two options. You can buy one seat in a shared minivan or hire the whole vehicle.
A shared minivan is like a bus, just smaller. You’ll get picked up at a preestablished time at a specific location. You have no control over the journey.
Some of the shared minivans offer door-to-door service, but that means you could be stuck in the minivan until the other people are picked up or dropped off at their location. It’s a bit like a minivan lottery. If you win, you’ll get dropped off first. But if you lose, you’re along for the ride. Which, in the traffic of Cairo, might add another hour or more to your trip.
Hiring a private minivan means you have control over the whole journey. Departure times, pick up and drop off locations, rest stops, you name it, it’s your own personal chauffeur.
The best time to travel to Cairo
Weather-wise, October to April are the ideal months. But also the most crowded. The temperatures are warm but not scorching, making exploring more comfortable. Typically, temperatures range from 57 to 73°F (14 to 23°C).
Prefer the heat? From May to September, the temps can soar to 104°F/40°C or higher. Exploring the pyramids and around town could be exhausting.
How many days should you spend in Cairo?
Cairo is the heart of Egyptian history. You could spend a week here and not see it all. But if you can't afford that kind of time, spend at least three to four nights. You won’t regret it.
Where to visit after Cairo?
Ready to switch it up after the complex history of Cairo? How about checking out Alexandria? It offers a totally different vibe.
While Cairo is chaotic and historic, Alexandria offers a Mediterranean seaside escape with a more laid-back atmosphere. The train ride from Cairo to Alexandria takes only 1.5 hours.
Want to go further? Head to the breathtaking Insta-famous Siwa for a desert adventure with a side of Egypt’s most remote oasis life. This town is known for its stunning sand dunes, palm-filled springs, and Berber culture.
Companies Operating from Hurghada to Cairo
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Hurghada to Cairo
Based on 441 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Hurghada to Cairo
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Popular stations and stops in Hurghada and Cairo
Departure stations in Hurghada
Hurghada - Any hotel
White Bus - Zahran, Hurghada
White Bus - 6th of October
Gulf High Bus station Hurghada
Giza - Any hotel
Arrival stations in Cairo
Hurghada - Any hotel
Cairo - Any hotel
White Bus - Zahran, Hurghada
White Bus - Ramses Street
Golden Horse - Ahmed Helmy, Cairo
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Hurghada to Cairo
What is the most popular transportation service from Hurghada to Cairo?
What is the distance between Hurghada to Cairo?
What is the fastest transportation service from Hurghada to Cairo?
What is the cheapest transport option from Hurghada and Cairo?
Who are the service providers on this route?
MINIVAN: Visit Egypt Tours | New Whale Tours | Juver Luxor | Limousine Al Baron
CAR: New Whale Tours | Sahara Tour Travel | Egypt Holiday Makers | Relax Tours Egypt
BUS: Star Bus Egypt | On Time Bus | Blue Bus | Super Jet
FLIGHT: Air Cairo | EgyptAir | Nile Air | AlMasria Universal Airlines
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