How to get from Sharm el-Sheikh airport to your hotel

You step out of the terminal and immediately hear taxi drivers shouting prices. Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) is about 10 km from Naama Bay on the map, but that short drive easily turns into an argument over money. Meters are almost nonexistent in the cars.

Let's break down four practical ways to get to your hotel: taxi, pre-booked transfer, bus, and car rental. For each one we'll give you the price range, travel time, and the honest catch. You'll pick the option that fits your budget and avoid overpaying right outside the arrivals hall.

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What to know about Sharm El Sheikh Airport

💡 In short:

• SSH Airport handles flights in two terminals, and rental car desks are in Terminal 1.
• From the airport to Naama Bay it's about 10 km, to the city center about 18 km on the map.
• Car rental and desk hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Sixt website.

© JHenryW / Justus Weiss · CC BY-SAPhoto: JHenryW / Justus Weiss, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sharm El Sheikh Airport serves about 10 million passengers a year (Sixt rental page, 09/2026). Flights are split between two terminals, so check in advance which terminal your flight arrives at.

El Salam Road connects the airport to the city and Naama Bay. Traffic on it is heavy almost all day, especially in the evening. If the driver suggests the ring road, it's a reasonable detour during rush hour.

Important: the drive to Naama Bay takes under half an hour, but after that travel time within the resort adds up. A shuttle runs between terminals, so if you're meeting guests, allow time for the transfer.

Taxi from the airport: price and haggling

There is no official taxi stand outside the arrivals hall. Cars wait beyond the parking lot, by the road, and drivers approach people as they come out. That kind of start almost always means haggling, not a meter.

Agree on the price before getting in. Ask them to name the amount before you get into the car, and name your own. Egyptian drivers often start with an inflated number and expect you to agree because you're tired after the flight.

Stay calm and don't hand over your suitcase until you've agreed. Have cash ready in Egyptian pounds: ATMs are in the arrivals hall, but the line can be long. Cards are rarely accepted in taxis.

The catch: there's no fixed fare, so the same trip can cost different amounts. Finding a car is easier during the day than at night.

Pre-booked transfer: the stress-free option

The most predictable way to get to your hotel is to book a car in advance. The driver waits in the hall with a sign with your name, and the price is known before the trip and doesn't depend on traffic. You don't haggle and you don't search for a car at night.

If you're traveling with kids, request a child seat when booking. For a group of four, get a minivan: luggage may not fit in a sedan. This option costs more than a taxi, but it works out better when you factor in time and stress.

You can book a transfer with a fixed price in advance:

Bus and minibus to Naama Bay

The bus is cheaper than the other options, but it's not convenient for everyone. The stop is by the road, not at the terminal, so you walk part of the way with your suitcase. On the plus side, you pay the least of all.

Minibuses run infrequently and without a clear schedule. There's no single official shuttle from the terminal to the hotels, and drivers often change the route. With kids and a lot of luggage, it's better not to choose this option.

Who it's for: light-traveling backpackers with one bag and time to spare. Not for: families with kids, late-night arrivals, and first-time visitors to Egypt.

Car rental at the airport

The Sixt desk is in the international arrivals hall of Terminal 1, right by the exit. The desk is open 10:00-20:00; for pickup and return outside those hours, check when booking. The minimum driver age for most classes is 21 (verified 09/12/2026 in Sixt rental terms).

Besides Sixt, Avis, Budget, and Hertz also operate at the airport (per Avis, 09/2026). Sixt cars are parked across from Terminal 1, and customers are shuttled to Terminal 2 free of charge.

To rent a car you'll need a driver's license and a passport. The cost depends on the car class and season, so compare offers in advance: compare car rental prices.

No trains: what that means for you

There are no trains to Sharm El Sheikh. Egypt's rail network bypasses Sinai, so the resort is reachable only by air or by road. This option is off the table for anyone used to planning routes around train stations.

If you fly into Cairo, buses and minibuses continue from there, but it's a long drive through the desert. For most tourists, it's faster and easier to take a flight directly to Sharm El Sheikh and not spend a whole day on the road.

Parking at the terminal

There's a short-term parking lot in front of the terminal. It's convenient for waiting for a flight or leaving your car for a couple of hours while you meet guests.

The catch: the lot is designed for short visits, so it's better not to leave your car here overnight. If you're heading into the desert for a few days, it's safer to leave the car at your hotel.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Sharm El Sheikh Airport to Naama Bay?

There's no single official fare, so the price is quoted on the spot. Agree on the amount before getting in and pay cash in Egyptian pounds.

Is there a bus from the airport to the city?

Yes, but it stops by the road, not at the terminal, and runs without a stable schedule. With kids and suitcases, take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

Do I need to book a transfer in advance?

Yes, especially at night and in high season, when finding an available car at the terminal is harder. A child seat and a minivan are also better booked in advance.

Can I rent a car right at the airport?

Yes. The Sixt desk is in Terminal 1 and is open 10:00-20:00, with Avis, Budget, and Hertz nearby. Bring your license and passport; the minimum driver age for most classes is 21.

Is there a train to Sharm El Sheikh?

No, there are no trains to Sharm El Sheikh. You can get there by plane or by road.

Where can I park at the airport?

There's a short-term parking lot in front of the terminal. It's better not to leave your car here overnight; it's safer to leave it at your hotel.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're heading to a hotel near Naama Bay, the most stress-free option is a pre-booked transfer, a fixed price, and a meet-and-greet in the hall. If you want to drive freely around Sinai, rent a car right in Terminal 1.

Budget travelers with light luggage can take the bus, but only during the day and without rushing. If you're still choosing where to stay, check out hotels in Naama Bay on Trip.com and compare prices near the beach.