Cairo International Airport (CAI) → Ain Sokhna transfer
Ain Sokhna is 143 km from Cairo International Airport, a drive of usually 98–123 minutes, with a typical private car price of around €55–75 and €75–100 for a minivan. The exact price is shown before you book.
- From
- Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- To
- Ain Sokhna
- Distance
- 143 km
- Typical drive
- 98–123 min
This stretch of the Gulf of Suez is the closest Red Sea coast to Cairo, and the airport's location on the eastern side of the city is an advantage here: the car heads out into the desert without crossing the centre.
What is the road to Ain Sokhna like?
After leaving eastern Cairo, the route follows the modern highway towards the Gulf of Suez through open desert and low hills. It is a fast, wide road with little to see except the landscape, and traffic is usually light outside holiday weekends.
The last part runs along the coast, where the resorts are strung out over a long distance. Some are on the shore, others on the slopes of the Galala mountains above the sea, so the final minutes depend a lot on which resort you have booked.
Who stays in Ain Sokhna
- Weekend visitors from Cairo
- Many Cairo residents drive down for a long weekend, so the resorts and the road are busiest from Thursday evening and on public holidays.
- Families
- Large resorts with pools, beaches and kids' clubs, often booked by families combining a few days in Cairo with time by the sea.
- Transit and business guests
- The area also has a port and an industrial zone, and some business travellers stay at the hotels nearby.
Combining Cairo and the Red Sea
A popular plan is to land at CAI, spend a few days sightseeing in Cairo and Giza, and then relax on the coast before flying home. Others go straight from the plane to the resort and visit Cairo on a day trip later.
If you land with sports equipment such as diving gear or kitesurf bags, declare it when booking so that a vehicle with enough room is sent.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ain Sokhna from Cairo Airport?
It is 143 km, usually 98–123 minutes by car. The airport is on the eastern side of Cairo, so you do not need to cross the city centre.
How much does a transfer from CAI to Ain Sokhna cost?
A private car typically costs around €55–75 and a minivan around €75–100. You see the exact price before you book, and it does not change on the day.
Can the driver take me to a resort on the Galala plateau?
Yes, give the resort name when booking. Resorts on the mountain side are reached by their own access roads and may add some minutes to the drive.
Is Ain Sokhna worth it in winter?
Winter days on the coast are often mild and sunny, though evenings and windy days can feel cool. Pools may be heated in some resorts, so check with your hotel.
Can I go from Ain Sokhna to Cairo or Giza instead of the airport?
This page covers the airport route. For a transfer between the resort and a Cairo hotel, enter both addresses when booking to see options.