The Sinai Peninsula is geographically isolated from the rest of Egypt (separated by the Suez Canal to the west), and requires specific logistics according to your travel profile.
Access is mainly via Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH), served by direct charter flights from Paris-Orly (Transavia, Corendon, AirCairo) in 4h30. Return fares: €250-500 depending on the season. The free 15-day Sinai visa is issued on arrival — simplified formalities. To combine with Cairo or Luxor, take the national visa ($25 USD e-visa via visa2egypt.gov.eg). Alternative from Taba Airport (TCP) in north Sinai (few flights from France).
Transfers from SSH: Sharm el-Sheikh centre/Naama Bay at 10-20 min (€10-25), Sharks Bay at 25 min (€20-35), Dahab at 1h (€50-100 in private, €15-25/person in shared minibus). Check if your tour operator or your hotel offers a transfer included.
Sharm el-Sheikh to Dahab (80 km, 1h30): collective minibus (€15-25/person, regular departures from Sharm bus station), private taxi (€50-80), East Delta bus (€5-8/person, 2-3 departures per day). Easy journey via the coastal road.
Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab to Saint Catherine's Monastery (140-180 km, 2h30-3h): since 2024, access is done almost exclusively via accredited operators with mandatory escort. Classic one-day excursion (11pm departure, night ascent of Mount Sinai, sunrise at the summit, visit to the monastery, return to the hotel around 2pm): €60-120/person. Book via Memphis Tours, Egypt Explorers, Sinai Trail or Sun & Fun Sinai.
Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab to Cairo: EgyptAir domestic flight (Sharm-Cairo 1h, €80-180 — the fastest and most comfortable) or night bus Go Bus Sharm-Cairo (7-8h, €15-25/person, tiring). Avoid individual driving — the road crosses the tunnel under the Suez Canal and several military checkpoints.
Sharm el-Sheikh to Hurghada (opposite on the west coast of the Red Sea): SeaCat ferry (1h30, €50-80/person) — ideal option to combine both coasts of the Red Sea without passing through Cairo. Check seasonal schedules.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, taxis and free resort shuttles cover most needs (Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Old Market). Count €5-15/trip. The Uber application is not available — use official taxis with meter. In Dahab, distances are short: travel on foot (the centre is walked in 15 minutes), by taxi (€5-10/trip) or by scooter rental (€15-25/day, beware of frequent accidents).
Read also
- Red Sea (west coast) — Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam: the western alternative for diving and relaxation.
- Cairo and Giza — Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum: to combine with Sinai for a complete trip (national visa required).
- Nile Valley — Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Nile cruise: the pharaonic dimension of Egypt.
- Egypt — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and the best time to visit.