# Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) > Sharm El Sheikh, EG · 18 km northeast of Sharm El Sheikh city centre Web: https://airport.flights/airport/ssh JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/ssh.json ## Facts - **IATA**: SSH - **ICAO**: HESH - **Timezone**: Africa/Cairo - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 2 - **Passengers**: .7M/yr ## Overview ## Welcome Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is more of a gateway than a destination, primarily serving the bustling beach-resort city with all the rush and rigmarole you might expect from a tourism hotspot. Located 18 km northeast from the city center, this airport offers a no-nonsense transit experience with a compact layout. But prepare yourself: the layers of security and visa checks are a frequent topic among travelers, who describe it as navigating an obstacle course. For first-time visitors, the array of checks and queues can be overwhelming, especially if the unexpected visa rules catch you off-guard. However, once through the hurdles, appreciate the runway views of the Red Sea. ## At a glance Handling approximately 0.7 million passengers a year, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport houses two terminals: T1 and T2. Runways cater to a variety of international airlines, making it a central access point for those traveling to Egypt's famed resort city. With limited frills in terms of shopping and dining, and basic amenities, you'll want to pass through promptly if possible. The airport notably lacks hub airline operations, emphasizing its strong role in tourist transit rather than being a logistical center. ## Terminals & layout Terminal 1 is your primary hub featuring airlines like EgyptAir, TUI Airways, and Air Cairo. It's packed with food and retail outlets, all centered in one main concourse. If you’re looking for a snack or coffee, this is the terminal where you’ll find your options, including a McDonald's, Burger King, and Café Ritazza. Terminal 2 caters primarily to airlines like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Turkish Airlines, albeit with more limited facilities, including a single Snack Bar. The layout is designed for straightforward transit but requires patience given the heavy security presence and often inconsistent queuing. ## Getting to and from the city For transportation, options range from taxis and shuttles to private transfers. However, beware: taxis are unmetered, often a point of confusion for travelers. A taxi to Sharm's popular Naama Bay or Hadaba community can range around 250 to 300 EGP, according to local consensus, while a pre-booked private car to nearby resorts ranges significantly between 800 and 1200 EGP. Shared shuttles and minibusses offer affordable alternatives at roughly 200–300 EGP. Public buses provide connections to more distant destinations but are less frequent and often crowded. ## Traveller essentials Crucially, familiarize yourself with visa stipulations. Travelers visiting the Sinai Peninsula only, including destinations like Sharm, Dahab, and Nuweiba, can opt for the free "Sinai Only" entry stamp, bypassing the $25 visa fee. If greeted by slow Wi-Fi, consider local SIM cards from Sharm for reliable connectivity. Security is strict, so organize items such as liquids and electronics for quick re-screening. Lastly, keep some small cash for minor purchases or tips, as many kiosks may not accept cards reliably. ## Dining & shopping highlights Dining and retail options are largely confined to Terminal 1, with eight eateries including Cinnabon, Costa Coffee, and Food Court Restaurant offering choices at a premium compared to the cities. Duty free shopping is limited but functional, with areas for perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Expect prices that reflect airport mark-ups, and set modest expectations for selection size. ## Lounges Four lounges in Terminal 1 provide a relative oasis from the departure bustle. The Pearl Lounge offers access for £29, featuring comfortable seating. The Pasha Lounge, CIP Lounge, and First Class Lounge cater to varying airline partnerships and tickets. One lounge in particular boasts panoramic views of the runway and the Red Sea, a comfortable hideaway if you find yourself with a long layover. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Skip the paid visa if staying in Sinai. Instead, request a free "Sinai Only" entry stamp at passport control which saves $25. - **Time:** Allocate a full 3 hours before departure for multiple security checks, including passport control and re-screening. - **Money:** Pre-book your airport transfer to Naama Bay, with costs typically around 300–700 EGP; taxis are often unmetered. - **Avoid:** Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle from your resort as airport options tend to be limited and pricey. - **Quiet:** Duty-free zones in T1 can offer peace after security bottlenecks; a good spot to regroup. - **Local:** Small-denomination cash can be useful; many airport facilities lack card payment options. - **Quiet:** For panoramic Red Sea views, head to the VIP lounge marketed by local agencies. ## Terminals (2) - **Terminal 1** — EgyptAir, TUI Airways, Air Cairo - **Terminal 2** — EasyJet, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines ## Dining (8) - **Burger King** — T1 - **Café Ritazza** — T1 - **Cinnabon** — T1 - **Costa Coffee** — T1 - **Food Court Restaurant** — T1 - **McDonald's** — T1 - **Segafredo** — T1 - **Snack Bar** — T2 ## Lounges (4) - **CIP Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, prepaid service - **First Class Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, airline-invited - **Pasha Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, pay-per-use - **Pearl Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, VIP service · £29 ## Shops (8) - **Convenience Shop** — T1 - **Duty Free Shop** — T1 - **Egypt Air Duty Free** — T1 - **Gift Shop** — T1 - **Jewellery Shop** — T1 - **Newspaper Kiosk** — T1 - **Perfume Shop** — T1 - **Souvenir Shop** — T1 ## Parking (5) - **Bus Parking Area** — Coach - **Long Stay Car Park** — Surface - **Short Stay Car Park** — Surface - **Taxi Parking Area** — Rank - **Terminal 1 Car Park** — Surface ## Ground transport (8) - **Airport Taxi** — Meterless taxi · ≈50 EGP for short local rides (local target fare, not official meter rate) - **Hotel Shuttle** — Hotel minibus · 20-30 minnutes · ≈200–250 EGP Airport → Naama Bay; 250–300 EGP Airport → Hadaba (community-reported fixed prices) - **Limousine Service** — Chauffeur car - **Local Bus** — Public bus - **Private Transfer** — Prebooked car · 15 minutes · ≈800–1200 EGP SSH–Dahab private transfer (community-reported range) - **Ride-hail Car** — App-based · 200-300 EGP - **Shared Shuttle** — Minibus · 20-30 minuttes - **Tour Operator Coach** — Package transfer ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Skip the paid visa if staying in Sinai. Instead, request a free "Sinai Only" entry stamp at passport control which saves $25. - _Time_: Allocate a full 3 hours before departure for multiple security checks, including passport control and re-screening. - _Money_: Pre-book your airport transfer to Naama Bay, with costs typically around 300–700 EGP; taxis are often unmetered. - _Avoid_: Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle from your resort as airport options tend to be limited and pricey. - _Quiet_: Duty-free zones in T1 can offer peace after security bottlenecks; a good spot to regroup. - _Local_: Small-denomination cash can be useful; many airport facilities lack card payment options. - _Quiet_: For panoramic Red Sea views, head to the VIP lounge marketed by local agencies.