Hurghada

Departing from Birmingham Airport

If you’re wondering where to book your flight to Hurghada from, look no further than Birmingham Airport. With great shops, bars and restaurants, spending time at the airport will be an enjoyable way to start your holiday. 

It’s easy to travel to the airport by public transport – you will find bus and coach services running directly to the airport. Trains will take you to Birmingham International train station, which is connected to the terminal by a free and frequent Air-Rail link and will get you there within minutes. 

Those driving to the airport will find a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the free shuttle bus. Book a parking space online in advance and save up to 70%. You may want to also pre-book entry into one of our five airport lounges, which offer complimentary food and drinks, unlimited WiFi and great runway views before you fly.  

Browse the shops before you fly. You’ll find great deals at World Duty Free, and there are also fashion stores like Kurt Geiger and Superdry, or pop into Boots for essentials – we’ve got everything you could need before you fly. All organised? Grab a magazine and snacks for the plane from WHSmith and relax in one of our spacious seating areas. 

Need currency for your trip abroad? Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return, head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport. 

If you want to eat before you board, we have a fantastic selection of cafés, bars and restaurants for you to choose from. Frankie & Benny’s and Giraffe both do great kids’ menus for those travelling with children. Wetherspoon and All Bar One have a varied menu including some great drink deals. If you’d like a coffee and a croissant, pick from Costa, Caffé Nero, Caffé Ritazza and Pret a Manger. 

For more information on the other services available, see our guide to terminal facilities. Keen to get through the airport as quickly as possible? Check out our tips for the speedy traveller. 

Arriving at Hurghada Airport

Hurghada Airport is located around 5km south of downtown Hurghada and is accessible by private or public transport. 

Regular buses run between the airport and the centre of the Hurghada city, the resort area and some other towns of the Red Sea province. You will find the bus stop outside the terminal building.  

You should settle the price of the journey with the driver before you depart. Unlike most buses in the UK, the buses in Hurghada do not have fixed stops on the route. Pick-up and drop-off are made on demand, so speak to the driver before you board. Journeys to the city centre will take around 20 minutes.  

You will also find a 24-hour taxi service available, and car hire options. 

Alternatively, pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive. 

What to expect in Hurghada

Hurghada is Egypt's oldest and most famous resort. It stretches some 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast and is renowned for its scuba diving spots. In its modern Sekalla district, there are many restaurants, bars, dive shops and clubs. The old town, El Dahar, is home to traditional Egyptian coffee shops and souks. With yearlong sunshine, incredible beaches and a plethora of activities, Hurghada is great destination for the whole family. 

Hurghada has a subtropical desert climate, with mild winters and very hot summers. Even if you visit in the winter, you’ll find very mild temperatures, with clear skies and rain is very rare. 

Hurghada is a territory of Egypt and the language spoken is Egyptian Arabic. Most locals in tourist areas can speak English, though. 

Culture in Hurghada

As well as beautiful beaches, Hurghada offers many cultural attractions.  

Dubbed the Big Mosque, the Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque stands tall on its own, offering tourists the unique opportunity of connecting with the culture and daily life of the beach town.  

While most people would expect the sights of mosques, Egypt is also home to some of the most beautiful Coptic churches in the world. Take a trip out to the old Christian monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul, dating back to the 4th century AD. 

You will find a variety of cuisines available in Hurghada but step away from the tourist hotspots and try one of the family-run restaurants. Typically, a meal starts with soup made from pulses or beans, onions, tomatoes and leafy green vegetables. A dish of meats slow roasted with herbs, or fish stew accompanied by couscous or rice may follow. Meals are almost always served with salad, dips and flatbread. Desserts, particularly pastries made using figs, nuts, and dates and smothered in honey are common, as is yogurt.