Overview
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert meets some of the clearest water in the Red Sea. It has been a firm favourite with UK travellers for decades, thanks to reliable winter sun, world-class coral reefs and a well-developed resort strip along Naama Bay. Whether you are after a lazy week by the pool, a diving holiday, or a base for desert excursions, cheap flights to Sharm El Sheikh from the UK make it an easy add to any travel wish list.
Best time to fly to Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a genuine year-round destination, but the most comfortable months for sightseeing and lounging are October to April, when temperatures sit in the pleasant low-to-mid twenties and rainfall is virtually non-existent. December to February half-term dates are peak winter-sun season, so fares and hotel rates tend to be highest then. Summer (June to August) brings intense heat, often 35-40°C, which suits committed sun-worshippers and divers but puts off some families. For the best balance of good weather and value, shoulder months such as October, November, March and April are worth watching closely — use the When to book chart above to see how fares move across the year.
Airlines and routes
EasyJet, TUI Airways and Jet2 all operate direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh from a range of UK airports, with routes typically including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports depending on the season and demand. A direct flight takes roughly five and a half hours. Travellers who need more flexible scheduling or are combining Sharm with a visit to Cairo sometimes connect via Cairo with EgyptAir, though most UK leisure travellers fly non-stop with one of the dedicated holiday airlines. Because capacity varies through the year, it pays to compare the airlines side by side using the fare charts on this page rather than assuming one carrier is always cheapest.
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
Beyond the beach, Sharm El Sheikh has plenty to fill a week's itinerary, from marine life to desert adventures.
- Ras Mohammed National Park: a protected headland with some of the Red Sea's best snorkelling and diving, just a short boat or road trip from the resorts.
- Naama Bay: the lively heart of Sharm, lined with restaurants, shops and beach bars, and the easiest base for evening entertainment.
- Sharm Old Market: a bustling souk for haggling over spices, textiles and souvenirs, giving a taste of everyday Egyptian life.
- Tiran Island and the SS Thistlegorm: a bucket-list day trip for snorkellers and divers, combining vivid coral with one of the world's most famous wreck dives.
- Sinai desert safari: quad biking or a Bedouin dinner under the stars in the desert just outside the city, a memorable contrast to the coast.
At Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport sits around 25km, roughly a 30-40 minute drive, north of the main resort areas around Naama Bay. Most package holidays include return transfers as standard, and pre-booked private transfers or resort shuttle buses are widely available for flight-only bookings. Licensed taxis also operate from the airport, though agreeing a fare before setting off is sensible. There is no rail link, so road transfer is the only practical option into the resort.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Sharm El Sheikh
- Book three to four months ahead for winter sun dates, as prices for the popular Christmas, New Year and February half-term periods rise quickly closer to departure.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than travelling at weekends when demand from other UK holidaymakers peaks.
- Stay flexible with your dates where possible — shifting by even a few days either side of school holidays can make a noticeable difference to the fare.
- Compare easyJet, TUI Airways and Jet2 fares rather than booking the first result, using the price charts on this page to spot the best-value days to fly.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt, but there is a useful exception: travellers staying only within the Sinai region — including Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and St Catherine's — for up to 15 days can receive a free Sinai-only entry stamp on arrival instead of a full visa. Anyone planning to visit Cairo or other mainland Egypt destinations will need a standard visa, available online in advance or on arrival for a small fee. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound, though pounds sterling, US dollars and euros are widely accepted in hotels and tourist areas; it is still worth carrying some local currency for markets, taxis and tips. No vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers, though it is worth checking routine cover is up to date, sticking to bottled water, and taking out comprehensive travel insurance before you go, since NHS cover does not extend abroad.
