Cairo to Sharm El-Shiek - Planes, trains or automobiles?
May 15, 2008, 10:53 pm
#1
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Cairo to Sharm El-Shiek - Planes, trains or automobiles?
We are a family of 5 and we are planning a trip to Egypt for later this summer. We want to spend time doing Cairo/Luxor/Alexandria but we also want to spend about a week just lounging around on the beach and doing a bit of scuba diving in Sharm El-Sheik.
Can anyone give me recommendations or advice on how to get to & from Sharm El-Shiek from Cairo? Taking into account price, travel time and difficulty, is it better to fly, take a train, hire a car & driver etc.?
Thanks,
Onedog
Can anyone give me recommendations or advice on how to get to & from Sharm El-Shiek from Cairo? Taking into account price, travel time and difficulty, is it better to fly, take a train, hire a car & driver etc.?
Thanks,
Onedog
May 16, 2008, 1:21 am
#2
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We flew, which suited us just fine. We were linking a number of destinations together within Egypt. However, I know the Egyptian college kids we visited went by bus. So driving - a car and driver - should be doable. It's 488 km from Cairo to Sharm, roughly 300 miles.
May 16, 2008, 7:50 am
#3
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In our college days, my brother and I thought the bus would be great because it was so cheap (and it was cheap). Even in those days, when we were willing to deal with a lot, taking the bus was a pretty miserable experience. I imagine the busses themselves are probably better these days, but that is still a very long trip.
Pay to fly. Especially with a family.
Pay to fly. Especially with a family.
May 17, 2008, 12:10 am
#5
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Yeah, we pushed it as late in the summer as we could. Last two weeks in August just before the kids start school. I am steeling myself for unbearably hot & super busy.
We were planning on Sharm because I've always wanted to scuba dive the red sea and I have points/status with Starwood. We are trying to stick with Starwood for the whole trip so that our lodging is taken care of.
Thanks,
Onedog
May 17, 2008, 12:23 am
#6
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Sheraton has a hotel in El Gouna. Here is some discussion about it.
Last edited by SanDiego1K; May 17, 2008 at 12:29 am
May 17, 2008, 7:19 am
#7
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Airfare CAI-SSH/LXR isn't too much with EgyptAir running several flights a day (either mainline flights or EgyptAir Express). Remember that Sharm and Hurghada are both on the Red Sea.
May 22, 2008, 12:23 am
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Thanks,
Onedog
May 22, 2008, 12:42 pm
#9
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We bought our tickets in advance. We visited several cities, and it was essential that we work out which days of the week nonstop flights were available. Otherwise, everything went via Cairo. This not only doubled flight time but doubled flight cost.
May 22, 2008, 4:56 pm
#10
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The only time I would consider alternate forms of transporation in Egypt would be to travel by train from Cairo to either Alexandria or Luxor.
I hope you do get to dive in the Red Sea, upon our arrival into Egypt both Mrs Sweet Willie and I were struck with severe sinus infections so no diving for us.
May 23, 2008, 8:20 pm
#11
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We flew via Egypt Air from Cairo to Sharm.
Some things to know:
1. There's a special terminal at the Cairo airport for Sharm and Hurghada flights.
2. At the Sharm airport be sure to negotiate price in advance with taxi drivers, including all passengers. They tend to be mafia-like.
The diving is great at Sharm!
Some things to know:
1. There's a special terminal at the Cairo airport for Sharm and Hurghada flights.
2. At the Sharm airport be sure to negotiate price in advance with taxi drivers, including all passengers. They tend to be mafia-like.
The diving is great at Sharm!
May 27, 2008, 7:47 am
#12
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Fly
Driving isnt the safest thing in Egypt.
Tour buses tend to carry armed guards.
And it may be 300 miles but its not like being on the interstate.
Tour buses tend to carry armed guards.
And it may be 300 miles but its not like being on the interstate.
May 27, 2008, 8:04 am
#13
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The bus ride from Cairo to Sharm is only 300 miles, but it takes between 6 and 12 hours to drive it! The roads are absolutly horrible!
Like everyone else says, fly it!
May 29, 2008, 2:02 am
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Get a price from Avis or through an agency - accept it, or use that price as top level for negotiating with limo firms or taxi drivers. If you're staying in Cairo the hotel will certainly help.
But make sure there is aircon. And the aircon works
And make sure you know the drop-off/return empty charge is included.