Getting Around Hurghada: Car, Taxi or Ride App?

Hurghada is one of Egypt’s fastest-growing coastal cities, stretching more than 40 kilometres along the Red Sea coastline. From Dahar and the Marina in the north to Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay in the south, the city is long, spread out, and constantly expanding.

One of the first questions many buyers and visitors ask is simple:

“How do you actually get around in Hurghada?”

The good news is that transport here is affordable, accessible, and surprisingly flexible. Whether you are visiting for holidays, living part-time in Egypt, or relocating permanently, there are several transport options available depending on your lifestyle and location.

Understanding Hurghada’s Layout

Where you buy or rent property in Hurghada makes a big difference to your daily transport needs.

Main Residential Areas

• El Mamsha / New Hurghada
The city’s main tourist and residential district with restaurants, supermarkets, cafés, pharmacies, beaches, and nightlife all nearby.

• Sahl Hasheesh
A luxury gated resort community around 18 km south of central Hurghada. Beautiful and peaceful, but more isolated.

• Makadi Bay
Further south, quieter and more resort-focused with fewer day-to-day facilities nearby.

• El Gouna
A fully planned resort town north of Hurghada with its own transport system, lagoons, and lifestyle infrastructure.

Someone living in a central El Mamsha apartment may rarely need a car, while a resident in southern Sahl Hasheesh could benefit greatly from having one.

Orange Taxis — The Most Common Option

Orange taxis are everywhere in Hurghada and remain the most popular way to travel day-to-day. They are cheap, widely available, and easy to use once you understand the system.

Important to Know

• Taxis do not usually use meters
• Prices are agreed before entering the vehicle
• Small cash notes are useful because drivers often have limited change

Typical Taxi Prices

• Short trips within El Mamsha: approximately 30–60 EGP
• Central Hurghada to Sahl Hasheesh: around 100–200 EGP

Even longer journeys are still inexpensive compared to UK or European taxi prices.

Helpful Tips

• Save destination names on your phone
• Learn a few local landmarks
• Confirm the price calmly before the trip starts

After a short time, regular drivers often recognise residents and pricing becomes easier and more consistent.

Uber & Careem in Hurghada

Both Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada and have become increasingly popular with expats and international visitors.

Why Many Foreign Residents Prefer Ride Apps

• Fixed prices with no negotiation
• GPS tracking for added security
• Card or cash payment options
• English-language apps
• Trip sharing with family or friends

Are They More Expensive?

Usually yes — approximately 20–40% higher than negotiated taxi fares. However, many residents consider the convenience and transparency well worth the small difference.

Coverage Areas

Ride apps work very well in:

• El Mamsha
• Downtown Hurghada
• Marina areas

Coverage becomes less reliable late at night in:

• Sahl Hasheesh
• Makadi Bay

Residents in southern communities often keep the number of a trusted taxi driver as a backup.

Owning a Car in Egypt

Many expats eventually decide to buy a car in Egypt, especially if they live long-term or outside the city centre.

Can Foreigners Buy Cars in Egypt?

Yes — foreigners with Egyptian residency can legally purchase and register vehicles in their own name.

Advantages of Owning a Car

• Very cheap fuel compared to Europe
• Low servicing and maintenance costs
• Freedom to travel anytime
• Easier shopping and airport runs
• Ideal for families or long-term residents

Driving in Hurghada

Main roads are generally wide and well maintained, especially between:

• Hurghada Airport
• El Mamsha
• Sahl Hasheesh
• Makadi Bay

However, new drivers should expect:

• Unpredictable lane discipline
• Sudden speed bumps
• Informal driving habits
• Pedestrians crossing unexpectedly

Most foreign residents adjust comfortably after a few weeks.

When Does a Car Make Sense?

A Car Is Worth Considering If You:

• Live in Egypt 6+ months per year
• Have children or family responsibilities
• Live in southern resort areas
• Travel frequently outside Hurghada
• Prefer complete independence

A Car May Not Be Necessary If You:

• Visit only a few times per year
• Own a holiday home
• Stay mainly in central Hurghada
• Prefer low-maintenance living

For many holiday-home owners, taxis and ride apps remain more practical and far cheaper overall.

Tuk-Tuks, Minibuses & Motorbike Taxis

Hurghada also has several local transport methods commonly used by Egyptian residents.

Tuk-Tuks

Cheap and common in older residential districts such as Dahar.

• Very affordable
• Best for short local trips
• Not air-conditioned
• More of a local experience than a daily expat solution

Minibuses (Microbuses)

Shared local transport running along fixed routes.

• Extremely low cost
• Used heavily by locals
• Can be crowded
• Limited English signage

Motorbike Taxis

Fast for short distances but informal and less regulated.

Passengers should use personal judgement regarding safety and helmets.

El Gouna’s Unique Transport System

El Gouna operates differently from the rest of Hurghada.

The town offers:

• Golf buggy taxis
• Water taxis across lagoons
• Internal transport routes

Residents living entirely within El Gouna often find they rarely need a personal vehicle at all.

What Do Most Expats Actually Use?

After helping hundreds of international buyers settle on the Red Sea coast, the pattern is usually very clear.

Holiday Home Owners

Usually rely on:
• Taxis
• Uber/Careem

Part-Time Residents

Typically use:
• Taxis for convenience
• Cars if living further south or with family

Permanent Expats

Most eventually purchase a vehicle within the first couple of years.

El Gouna Residents

Often use:
• Golf buggies internally
• Taxi or private car for external travel

All prices are approximate mid-2025 figures in Egyptian pounds, with sterling equivalents based on an exchange rate of approximately

EGP 50 to £1.

Car ownership costs (purchase, insurance, maintenance, registration) are excluded from the table above and should be factored separately for a true comparison.

Final Thoughts

Transport in Hurghada is one of the pleasant surprises for many foreigners moving to Egypt.

Compared to the UK and much of Europe:

• Fuel is cheaper
• Taxis are inexpensive
• Daily travel costs are low
• Owning a car is far more affordable

For most new residents, starting with taxis and ride apps is the easiest solution. Over time, depending on your lifestyle and location, you can decide whether owning a vehicle truly adds value to your daily life.

For many people living on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, it is not a necessity — it is simply an option.

Thinking About Buying Property in Hurghada?

At PadsAbroad, we help buyers from the UK, Europe, and around the world find the right property and settle comfortably into life on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Whether you are looking for:
• A holiday apartment
• A retirement home
• A rental investment
• Or a permanent relocation

We are happy to offer honest advice and local guidance.

Contact us to receive availability, payment plan details, and suitable property options.