How to Get from Hurghada Airport to Makadi Bay

A pre-booked private car is the top choice for convenience, reliability, and comfort. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign, assists with luggage, and takes you directly to your Makadi Bay hotel.

Why Choose a Private Transfer?

• Door-to-Door Service: No hassles with multiple stops or finding your hotel.
• Fixed, Agreed Price: No surprise fees or haggling upon arrival.
• 24/7 Availability: Ideal for all flight times, especially late at night.
• English-Speaking Drivers: Often provided by reputable companies.
• Child Seats Available: Can usually be requested in advance.

Cost, Booking & Recommended Companies

Prices vary by vehicle size and service level. Booking online in advance secures the best rate.

Vehicle	Approx. Price (One-Way)	Suitable For	Booking Lead Time
Standard Sedan	€25 - €35	1-3 people + luggage	24+ hours recommended
Minivan	€40 - €55	4-8 people	48+ hours for groups

Top Booking Platforms:
- Welcome Pickups: Known for exceptional service and transparent pricing.
- Suntransfers: Reliable global operator with user-friendly site.
- GetTransfer: Good for comparing multiple local operators.

Official airport taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. Prices are fixed for the route, not metered. You must agree on the fare before entering the vehicle.

Current Taxi Fares & Negotiation Tips

The official rate to Makadi Bay ranges from 400 to 600 Egyptian Pounds (EGP) (approx. $8-$12 USD).

• Use the Official Desk: Ignore touts inside the terminal. Proceed to the official taxi desk or kiosk outside.
• Negotiate Firmly: Drivers may start high. Know the approximate price and state your destination clearly: "Makadi Bay, [Hotel Name]. How much?"
• Have Local Currency: Pay in Egyptian Pounds. Drivers rarely accept foreign currency or give fair change for large Euro/USD notes.
• Journey Time: 45-90 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic at the Hurghada city crossings.

Note: According to the Hurghada Airport website, all official taxis are white. Avoid unmarked cars.

This category includes free hotel shuttles and paid shared shuttle services, offering a middle-ground between cost and convenience.

Free Hotel Shuttles

Some, but not all, resorts offer this. It is crucial to confirm directly with your hotel before you travel.
Action Required: Email your hotel's guest services. Ask: 1) Is a free airport shuttle provided? 2) What is the schedule? 3) Where is the meeting point? 4) Do I need to pre-register?

Paid Shared Shuttle Buses

These are minibuses or coaches that wait to fill with passengers heading to similar areas. They drop off at multiple hotels.

• Price: €8 - €15 per person.
• Pros: Cheaper than private transport; door-to-door (hotel) service.
• Cons: You may wait 20-40 minutes for the bus to fill; journey is longer due to multiple stops.
• Booking: Can be pre-booked online via transfer companies or arranged at airport kiosks (often more expensive).

For budget travelers and adventurers comfortable with local transport.

Public Bus (GoBus or Local Bus #34)

Important: Public buses do not depart from the airport terminal. You need to take a short taxi (50-80 EGP) to the GoBus station or the Dahar Bus Station in downtown Hurghada.

• GoBus to Makadi Bay: Tickets cost ~50 EGP. Check schedules on GoBus website. Drops you at the main Makadi Bay gate, from where you'll need a taxi to your hotel.
• Local Bus #34: Super cheap (10-15 EGP). Runs from Dahar along the coast road. Tell the conductor "Makadi". Get off at the main entrance and take a local pickup taxi to your hotel.

Shared Minibuses (Microbuses)

These white minibuses are the workhorse of local transport. From the Dahar area, find one heading south to "Sahl Hasheesh/Makadi". Cost is 10-20 EGP. They are crowded, stop frequently, and require basic Arabic or pointing to communicate. Not recommended with large suitcases.

Verdict: Can save money but adds significant time, hassle, and multiple transfers. Only for the very budget-conscious.

Renting a car gives ultimate freedom to explore the Red Sea coast but comes with challenges.

Considerations for Renting

• Cost: €20-€40 per day for a basic car, excluding fuel and insurance.
• Agencies: International (Hertz, Europcar, Avis) and local firms have desks in arrivals.
• Driving in Egypt: Traffic in Hurghada can be chaotic. Driving standards and road signage differ from Europe/US. Defensive driving is a must.
• Parking: Most Makadi Bay resorts have free, secure parking.
• Best For: Travelers planning multiple day trips (e.g., to Luxor, Desert Safari) who are confident drivers.

Tip: Book in advance online for better rates. Inspect the car thoroughly for pre-existing damage and ensure full insurance coverage is clear. Resources like Egypt Adventure Travel offer driving guides.

Money & Payment

• Have small Egyptian Pound notes (50, 100 EGP) for taxi payments. Drivers often claim not to have change.
• For pre-booked transfers, payment is usually online by card. Carry the confirmation voucher (digital or printed).

Arrival Procedure at HRG

1. Clear passport control and collect luggage.
2. Exit into the main arrivals hall. Ignore all touts offering taxis or tours.
3. For pre-booked transfers: Look for a driver holding a sign with your name, usually just outside the doors.
4. For taxis: Walk straight to the official taxi desk/kiosk.

Luggage & Special Needs

• Private transfers and taxis can accommodate standard luggage. For excessive sports gear (e.g., windsurfing), pre-book a larger vehicle.
• Most vehicles are not equipped for wheelchair access. Contact specialized transfer companies in advance if required.

Return Trip to Hurghada Airport

Arrange your return with your hotel concierge at least 24 hours in advance. A private transfer back costs a similar price. Allow at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight for the return journey, as traffic can be unpredictable.