Getting to El Gouna is easier than most people think. No layovers, no transport headaches. Fly to Hurghada, get a taxi, and within half an hour you’re on the beach. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Flying to Hurghada (HRG)
El Gouna doesn’t have its own international airport, but Hurghada (code HRG) is right next door — about 25 km away, 20–30 minutes by car.
Direct flights operate from many European cities, especially during season (April–October). Flight time is around 4–5 hours. Outside of season, direct flight options may be more limited, but you can fly year-round via Vienna, Munich, or Istanbul.
A few tips on flights:
- Book early. Best prices are usually 2–3 months ahead. During peak season (September–October), direct flights sell out fast.
- Kite bag. Most airlines allow sports equipment as oversized luggage. Prices vary — from free to 50–80 € per leg. Check your airline’s policy in advance. But note: if you’re taking a course or renting equipment from us, you don’t need a kite bag — we have everything on site.
- Charter vs. scheduled flights. Both operate from many European cities. Charters tend to be cheaper, scheduled flights more flexible. For a kite holiday, either works fine.
Transfer from the Airport to El Gouna
This is the easiest part. We offer a direct transfer from the airport — a taxi with a Kitepower sign waiting upon arrival.
Prices:
- Taxi (standard car): approx. €35
- Minibus (larger vehicle, fits a kite bag): approx. €40
Kite bag transport is included in the transfer price, no surcharges. The driver picks you up, loads your luggage, and within 20–30 minutes you’re in El Gouna.
How it works: after booking a course or transfer, we send you the details — flight number, driver’s name, contact. They’ll find you at the airport. No need to organise anything complicated.
Alternatives:
- Uber works in Hurghada and goes to El Gouna. Prices are similar or slightly lower than our transfer, but there’s no guarantee a kite bag will fit.
- Hotel transfer — some hotels offer their own shuttle. Check with your hotel.
Entering El Gouna
An important point many people don’t know: El Gouna is a gated resort with a gatehouse. There’s a checkpoint at the entrance and taxis without clearance aren’t let in.
If you use our transfer, it’s taken care of — the driver has access. If you take your own taxi or Uber, you need to coordinate entry in advance. Usually it’s enough for your hotel to register you at the gate, or write to us and we’ll help arrange it.
It’s not a problem, you just need to think about it beforehand. You don’t want to be standing at the gate at night after a six-hour flight sorting out paperwork.
Getting Around El Gouna
Inside El Gouna, a car is practically unnecessary. Everything is close and transport works well:
Tuk-tuk: A small open vehicle that takes you anywhere within El Gouna for approx. €1. You flag one down on the street, say where you’re going, and off you go. The most commonly used transport — simple, cheap, quick.
Taxi: For longer distances or when you want air conditioning. From approx. €2 within El Gouna. To the airport or Hurghada, obviously more.
Bicycle: El Gouna is flat and easy to navigate. Many hotels lend bikes for free or a token price. A great way to get around.
On foot: If you’re staying near the marina or close to our centre, many things are within walking distance.
What’s Available in El Gouna
This is not an isolated resort in the middle of the desert. In El Gouna you’ll find:
- Supermarkets and shops
- Dozens of restaurants (including our beachside restaurant)
- Pharmacy and hospital
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Gyms and wellness centres
- Cinema
- Marina with bars and shops
- Playgrounds
So if you’re travelling with family or with a partner who doesn’t kite — they won’t be bored.
Practical Matters
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Most places accept euros and dollars too, but the exchange rate tends to be unfavourable. Best to pay by card or exchange cash at a bureau de change. ATMs are available at the marina downtown.
Visa: EU citizens need a visa for Egypt. You can buy one directly at Hurghada airport — it costs 25 USD. You just need a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Electricity: Same outlets as most of Europe (type C/F), so you don’t need an adapter.
Internet: WiFi is standard in hotels. For mobile data, I recommend buying a local SIM card at the airport — costs a few dollars and gives you internet for your entire stay.
Language: In hotels and tourist areas, you can get by in English. At our kite centre, we speak Czech, English, German, Polish, Italian, Arabic, and Russian.
When to Book the Transfer
Ideally when booking your course. Write to us via contact with your flight details (flight number, date, arrival time) and we’ll take care of everything.
If you’ve booked a course through our online booking, you can arrange the transfer afterwards too — just drop us a message.
Summary
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Hurghada (HRG), 25 km from El Gouna |
| Transfer taxi | approx. €35 |
| Transfer minibus | approx. €40 (fits a kite bag) |
| Transfer time | 20–30 minutes |
| Tuk-tuk in El Gouna | approx. €1 |
| Visa | 25 USD at the airport |
No complications, no stress. You land, get in a car, and before you know it you’re on the beach. It doesn’t get much easier than this.
Lukáš Vogeltanz Kitepower El Gouna