Hurghada to Cairo — By Plane, Bus or Tour, and Is a Day Trip Worth It?

Almost everyone who holidays on the Red Sea wonders whether they can see the Pyramids too. The answer is yes, but Cairo is not next door: it is around 450 kilometres from Hurghada by road. Here are the options, and how to choose between them.

By plane

Domestic flights between Hurghada and Cairo take about an hour, and EgyptAir is among the airlines that fly the route. Add the time to get to the airport, check in and cross Cairo's traffic at the other end, and the door-to-door journey is still much shorter and less tiring than the road. Flying is the best choice if you are short of time or travelling with children.

By bus

Comfortable long-distance buses run several times a day between Hurghada and Cairo. The journey takes roughly six to seven hours, sometimes more. It is the cheapest option and works well if you plan to stay in Cairo for a few days, but it is too long for a day trip.

By private car

A car with a driver takes around five to six hours each way. It is flexible, door to door, and lets you stop when you want, but it is still a very long drive to do twice in one day.

Organised tours

Most visitors from Hurghada go on an organised tour, which takes care of transport, tickets and a guide.

• One-day tour by road. You leave very early, in the middle of the night, and get back late. You see the Pyramids, the Sphinx and usually a museum, but you spend most of the day on the road.
• One-day tour by air. A morning flight there and an evening flight back. Much more comfortable, and more time at the sights, for a higher price.
• Two-day tour. One night in Cairo, with a relaxed pace and time for the Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo or the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. For many people, the best balance.

Is a day trip worth it?

If it is your only chance to see the Pyramids, yes — many visitors say it was the highlight of their holiday, even with the long hours. But if you can spare the time, a flight or an overnight stay turns an exhausting day into a great one.

Tips

• Sleep early the night before a day trip and bring a neck pillow for the road.
• Bring your passport; there are checkpoints on the way.
• Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and carry water and small cash for tips.
• Plan your time in Giza with our guide to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum in one day.

Book your Cairo trip

Compare the best-rated Cairo trips from Hurghada and things to do in Cairo, with real traveller reviews.

Photos: Amr F.Nagy (public domain); Amr F.Nagy (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.