Sharm El Sheikh Transport

Airports
If you are flying in, you will arrive at Sharm el-Sheik’s international airport, Ophira. The airport can be found just 10 kms outside of Naama Bay and offers limited but reasonable facilities.

Ophira Airport only caters for charter and domestic flights, so if you would rather fly on a bigger plane, it is possible to fly into Cairo and take a short domestic flight to Sharm el-Sheikh.

Transport into the heart of Sharm el-Sheikh includes public buses. These buses will take you to Naama Bay, but are not scheduled, so services tend to be fairly erratic. However, these buses are a cheaper alternative to taking a taxi and ideal if you are on a budget. Buses can be found outside the terminal building. There are also buses that wait on the main road, offering their services to new arrivals, but beware as these can be highly suspect and may try to take you to a hotel where they receive a commission.

If you have not organised a transfer from the airport to your hotel, you may have to take a taxi. The taxi drivers sit awaiting weary travellers who want to take a taxi to their hotel. You will be paying a premium for a taxi from the airport, so it is highly advisable to sort out your transfers before you arrive.

It is possible to arrange a transfer with a local company before you arrive. This has its advantages, as the more reputable taxi companies are familiar with the staff at the airport and the process of entering the country. You will not have to queue with the hoards of passengers waiting to go through immigration and you will have a hassle-free journey to your hotel.

Many reputable hotels are able to organise a courtesy airport pick up for you. You can check the availability of these services when you book you hotel.

If you are staying in Naama Bay, you will find that there is no need for public transport, as all amenities can be found within a short walk from each other. Most of the centre of the bay is for pedestrians, so there is no added danger of unruly motorists.

There is a public bus service which travels around the city. Buses will stop for you wherever you are, but you need to make it clear that you want to get on the bus. Most people generally wave their arms. You need to let them know where you are going as you get onto the bus and pay the driver accordingly. It is always advisable to pay with exact change, as you will not receive any change back. Buses are relatively comfortable, but are not suitable for long journeys, as they can get very hot and crowded.

If you are going to travel by taxi, you need to make sure that you travel in one that is waiting at a taxi stand or ask your hotel to order you one for you. Taxis are not allowed to park outside hotels, so you may have to find a taxi along the road from where you are staying. Always make sure you agree a price before getting in and if you are not entirely comfortable with the price being offered, feel free to look for another. If you’re not sure how much your journey should cost, it is wise to ask at your hotel, as they will be able to guide you.