Practical Info
Getting Around Sharm
Navigate the City Like a Local
Sharm El Sheikh stretches along the coast in a way that looks compact on a map but feels sprawling once you're actually here. The good news? Getting around isn't complicated once you understand the options. The bad news? Public transport is nearly nonexistent in the traditional sense. Here's how people actually move.
The city runs north to south along one main road — Peace Road — with neighborhoods and hotel strips branching off toward the sea. Once you grasp that layout, navigating becomes second nature. Everything is about 15 to 25 minutes from everything else, depending on traffic and how many checkpoints you pass through.
Your Transport Options
The backbone of getting around Sharm. Blue and white taxis are everywhere. No meters — agree on a price before you get in. Short trips within Naama Bay: 50-80 EGP. Naama to Old Market: 80-100 EGP. Naama to Nabq: 150-200 EGP. Airport trips: 150-200 EGP. Always negotiate with a smile.
The closest thing to public transport. These small blue and white vans run fixed routes along Peace Road. Flag one down, hop in, pay when you get off. They don't have route numbers — just tell the driver your destination. Not air-conditioned. An experience in itself.
International chains (Hertz, Avis, Budget) plus local agencies operate in Sharm. You'll need your passport, driver's license, and a credit card. Roads are decent and signs are in Arabic and English. Fuel is cheap. Parking is rarely an issue.
InDrive operates but availability can be spotty, especially late at night or in quieter areas. Careem and Uber doesn't cover Sharm. Don't rely on apps as your only option — have a backup plan, especially if you're heading out early or coming back late.
The Art of Taking a Taxi
Taxis in Sharm are abundant and affordable, but they operate on a system of negotiation rather than meters. This throws some visitors off at first, but it's actually straightforward once you get the hang of it. The key is to ask the price before you open the door — once you're inside, your bargaining power drops significantly.
A few unwritten rules: drivers will almost always quote a higher price to tourists. That's not personal — it's just how things work. Your move is to counter with about half and meet somewhere in the middle. If a driver quotes 200 EGP for a trip you know should cost 100, smile and say "100" confidently. Nine times out of ten, they'll either accept or come back with 120-130. Either way, you're still paying far less than you would in most European or American cities.
Always carry small bills. Drivers rarely have change for a 200 EGP note on a 50 EGP fare. Keep a stash of 5s, 10s, and 20s in your pocket specifically for taxi rides. It makes the end of every journey smoother for everyone.
Driver: "Where you go?"
You: "Naama Bay, 100 pounds."
Driver: "No, 150."
You: "120, okay?"
Driver: "Okay, let's go."
That's it. Keep it friendly, keep it brief, and don't overthink it.
The Minibus Experience
If you want to travel like a local — and pay local prices — the minibus is your ride. These small blue and white vans cruise up and down Peace Road all day, and you can flag one down from anywhere along the route. Fares range from 5 to 15 EGP depending on distance. You pay when you get off, preferably in coins or small notes.
A couple of things to know: there are no official stops and no route maps. You tell the driver where you're going as you board, and they'll nod or wave you in. When you're approaching your stop, just say "hena" (here) or make a gesture toward the side of the road. The driver will pull over. It's informal, it's cheap, and during peak hours it can get very cozy — personal space is a Western concept that doesn't always apply.
Estimated Fares at a Glance
| Naama Bay → Old Market | 80-100 EGP by taxi · 5-7 EGP by minibus |
| Naama Bay → SOHO Square | 60-80 EGP by taxi · 5-7 EGP by minibus |
| Naama Bay → Nabq | 120-150 EGP by taxi · 7-10 EGP by minibus |
| Naama Bay → Airport | 100-150 EGP by taxi |
| Old Market → Hadaba | 50-70 EGP by taxi · 5 EGP by minibus |
| Airport → Nabq | 80-100 EGP by taxi |
Renting a Car: Worth It?
If you're staying more than a few days and plan to explore beyond your hotel, renting a car can make sense. Rates start around 1000 EGP per day for a small economy car, and fuel is cheap by international standards. The main roads are well-maintained, and having your own wheels means you can visit Ras Mohammed, the Old Market, and Nabq on your own schedule.
A few cautions: driving at night can be challenging as some roads are poorly lit. Speed bumps appear with little warning, especially near resort entrances. And police checkpoints are common — keep your passport and rental papers handy, though most officers will wave tourists through with a quick glance and a nod.
Sharm is not a walking city. Distances between areas are longer than they appear, sidewalks are inconsistent, and the heat makes even a 20-minute walk exhausting for much of the year. Use transport between districts, then walk within them once you arrive.
Now You're Ready to Move
With taxis, minibuses, and maybe a rental car in your toolkit, Sharm is yours to explore. Check out our destination guides to plan where you're headed next.
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