Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) is the gateway to the Red Sea Riviera — a modern international airport that serves the resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, one of the most popular diving destinations in the world. The airport is 10 kilometres northeast of Naama Bay and handles flights from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sharm El Sheikh itself is a purpose-built resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, with all-inclusive hotels, beach clubs, and some of the best coral reefs on the planet. Hiring a car here lets you explore the Ras Mohammed National Park, the St. Catherine’s Monastery, the Coloured Canyon, and the desert landscapes of the Sinai.
We compare Avis, Hertz and local operators at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. Compact cars start around €20/day in low season and €30–€45/day in winter. The airport has a dedicated car rental area.
Why Hire a Car at Sharm El Sheikh Airport
- Ras Mohammed National Park: 30 minutes south. The first national park in Egypt, protecting the coral reefs at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The park has some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world — the Shark Observatory, the Yolanda Reef, and the Mangrove Channel.
- St. Catherine’s Monastery: 2.5 hours north. A 6th-century monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, built around the Burning Bush. It is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Mount Sinai: The biblical mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The summit (2,285 metres) is reached by a 3–4 hour hike, traditionally started at 2:00 for sunrise.
- The Coloured Canyon: 2 hours north. A narrow canyon of sandstone walls in shades of red, purple, yellow, and gold, carved by water over millions of years. It is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Sinai.
- Dahab: 1.5 hours north. A laid-back Bedouin town with a bohemian atmosphere, windsurfing at the Blue Lagoon, and the famous Blue Hole — a submarine sinkhole that is one of the most dangerous dive sites in the world.
- Naama Bay: The centre of Sharm El Sheikh, with beaches, restaurants, bars, and the marina. It is the most developed area of the resort.
- The Desert: The interior of Sinai is a landscape of sand dunes, mountains, and Bedouin camps. Quad biking, camel rides, and desert dinners are popular activities.
Driving in Sharm El Sheikh and Sinai
Egypt drives on the right. The roads around Sharm are good — the Peace Road connects the resort to the airport and Naama Bay. The road to St. Catherine’s and Dahab is paved but remote — carry water and fuel. Speed limits are 90 km/h on highways and 60 km/h in towns.
Parking in Sharm is at the hotels and shopping centres — usually free for guests. At the national park, parking is at the entrance. For Mount Sinai, park at the monastery.
Booking Tips for Sharm El Sheikh Airport
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for winter (December–February), the peak diving season.
- If visiting St. Catherine’s, check security conditions — the area is occasionally restricted.
- Carry water, fuel, and a spare tyre for desert driving.
- GPS is useful — mobile coverage is patchy in the desert.
- If combining with Cairo, the drive is 7 hours — fly instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Sharm El Sheikh Airport
How far is Sharm El Sheikh Airport from Naama Bay? 10 kilometres — 15 minutes by car.
Is Sharm El Sheikh safe? Yes — the resort is heavily guarded and tourist-friendly. Check current travel advisories before visiting.
Do I need a 4WD? For the resort and main roads, a compact car is fine. For the desert and mountain tracks, a 4WD is recommended.