Overview
Hurghada sits on Egypt's Red Sea coast, drawing British travellers year-round with warm, dry weather, calm turquoise waters and some of the world's most accessible coral reefs. It's a firm favourite for winter sun, family beach breaks and diving holidays alike, with a well-established resort strip stretching along the coastline and plenty of budget to luxury options for UK travellers searching for cheap flights to Hurghada.
Best time to fly to Hurghada
Hurghada enjoys near-constant sunshine, but the most comfortable months for sightseeing and lounging by the pool are October to April, when temperatures sit in the mid-to-high 20s°C and humidity is low. December and January bring cooler evenings, so pack a layer. Summer (June to August) is scorching, often topping 35-40°C, which suits keen divers but can feel intense for family holidays. For the best value, check the When to book chart above, as fares often dip in the shoulder months of November and April.
Airlines and routes
Several UK carriers operate direct flights to Hurghada, including TUI Airways, easyJet and Jet2, departing from airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Newcastle depending on the season. Direct flights take around five to five and a half hours, making Hurghada one of the more convenient winter sun escapes for a genuinely short flight. Frequency increases through the winter sun season, so travellers flying from smaller regional airports may find better choice and pricing between October and April.
Things to do in Hurghada
Beyond the beach, Hurghada offers plenty to fill a week's holiday:
- Giftun Island: A short boat ride to powder-white sand and some of the clearest snorkelling water on the coast.
- Red Sea diving and snorkelling: Vibrant reefs and wrecks make this one of the world's most rewarding diving destinations for beginners and experts.
- Hurghada Marina: A relaxed evening spot for waterfront dining, shopping and boat-watching.
- El Dahar old town: The original Hurghada quarter, with a lively market, spice stalls and authentic local food away from the resorts.
- Desert safari: Quad biking or a Bedouin-style jeep safari into the surrounding desert, often with a stargazing stop.
At Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
Hurghada International Airport lies around 5km from the city centre, close to many of the main resort areas. Most package holidaymakers travel by pre-booked coach transfer straight to their hotel, while independent travellers can take a taxi (agree the fare beforehand) or arrange a private transfer. Car hire is also available at the airport for those wanting to explore further afield along the coast.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hurghada
- Book around three to five months ahead for winter sun travel, when demand and fares both rise closer to departure.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with your dates and departure airport - shifting by a few days can make a noticeable difference, as shown in the price charts on this page.
- Compare scheduled and charter-style airlines, as fares and included baggage allowances vary significantly between TUI, easyJet and Jet2.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt, available as an e-visa arranged online before departure or a visa on arrival at Hurghada airport for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. The local currency is the Egyptian pound, though euros and US dollars are widely accepted in resorts. Tap water isn't recommended for drinking, so stick to bottled water, and check that routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
