Landing in Hurghada: Your Airport Arrival Guide
For most visitors, the Hurghada holiday begins the moment the plane touches down at Hurghada International Airport (HRG). Knowing what to expect on arrival — the visa, baggage, money exchange, and how to reach your hotel — turns a stressful landing into a smooth start to your holiday.
Here's everything you need to know before you arrive.
Hurghada International Airport at a Glance
- Code: HRG
- Location: About 5 km southwest of Hurghada city centre; 25 km from Sahl Hasheesh; 40 km from El Gouna
- Terminals: A modern international terminal handling charter and scheduled flights from across Europe and the UK
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, cafés, ATMs, currency exchange counters, and car rental desks
Step 1: Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities — including UK, EU, and many others — can purchase a visa on arrival at the airport. The process is straightforward:
- Cost: $30 USD per person (bring cash in dollars — it's faster and widely accepted)
- Where: Visa desks are located before passport control
- Tip: Save your visa sticker — you may need to show it on departure.
If your country is not eligible for visa on arrival, you'll need to arrange an e-visa before travelling via Egypt's official portal.
Step 2: Passport Control & Baggage
After your visa, head to passport control. Have your passport, visa sticker, and return ticket ready. Lines can move slowly during peak arrival waves — patience is normal in Egypt.
Then on to baggage reclaim and customs. Luggage carts are free and usually plentiful. Customs is generally quick for tourists; declare anything valuable if asked.
Step 3: Money, SIM & Essentials
Currency Exchange
There are exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals hall. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). It's worth changing a small amount for immediate expenses, but you'll usually get a better rate in the city or your hotel.
SIM Cards
Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat kiosks sell tourist SIM cards — handy for data and WhatsApp during your stay. A tourist SIM typically costs around 150–300 EGP for several GB of data.
Water & Snacks
There are small cafés and a duty-free shop after baggage reclaim if you need water or a snack before the drive to your hotel.
Step 4: Getting to Your Hotel — Transfers & Taxis
This is the moment where planning ahead makes the biggest difference.
Private Airport Transfers (Recommended)
A pre-booked private transfer is by far the easiest option. A driver meets you inside the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle — no haggling, no waiting, no confusion.
- From: $15–$30 per vehicle (one way), depending on your destination
- Available for: Hurghada city, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Makadi Bay
At H-Tours, we offer reliable private airport transfers to every hotel and compound in the Hurghada area — book before you fly and start your holiday the moment you land.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available outside the terminal, but there's no set meter for tourists. Always agree the price before you get in. Typical fares (as a guide):
- Hurghada city: 150–250 EGP
- Sahl Hasheesh: 400–500 EGP
- El Gouna: 500–600 EGP
Taxis can be crowded and hot after a long flight — and the price is rarely as cheap as a pre-booked transfer.
Hotel Shuttles
Some resorts offer shared shuttle buses. Check with your hotel — but be prepared for waits and multiple stops along the way.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Pre-book your transfer — the single biggest stress-saver after a flight.
- Carry small US dollars for the visa if you're from an eligible country.
- Have your hotel name and address written down — handy for the driver.
- Bring a pen for arrival forms if your airline still issues them.
- Stay hydrated — Hurghada can be hot the moment you step outside.
- Keep small EGP notes for tips and small purchases on arrival day.
Pre-Book Your Hurghada Airport Transfer with H-Tours
At H-Tours, our private airport transfers are the most popular first step of every Hurghada holiday. A friendly, English-speaking driver meets you at arrivals, handles your luggage, and gets you to your hotel quickly and comfortably — in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle.
What we offer:
- Meet-and-greet inside the arrivals hall
- Private transfers to Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Makadi Bay
- 24/7 availability, including late-night and early-morning flights
- Child seats on request
- Return transfers for your departure day
Ready to arrive stress-free? Get in touch with us and pre-book your Hurghada airport transfer today.
H-Tours — Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt. Your gateway to the Egyptian elements.
