Cheap flights to Egypt

The ancient wonders of the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza; rolling sand dunes and camel trekking in the Sahara Desert; a hike up Mount Sinai; and the hotels and resorts on the warm shores of the Red Sea at Sharm el Sheikh – Egypt has a host of varied attractions to discover and explore. The North African country is easily accessible from Britain: an Egypt flight takes a mere five hours, but lands you in the middle of a completely different culture.

Travellers from Europe have been visiting Egypt for hundreds of years and remain as captivated by its charm in the 21st Century as Mark Antony was in 42 BC. The country’s ancient civilisation gives it one of the richest histories in the world – pick one of the many popular books about the Pharaohs to read on your flight to Egypt and become immersed in a culture that dates back more than 5,000 years.

But the country is very much thriving and alive today. Along with the proliferation of modern resorts on its coastlines are the attractions of the cosmopolitan cities. Cairo is seldom missed by travellers and is filled with museums, shops and bazaars; Luxor is the gateway to the Valley of the Kings and the ancient “City of Palaces;” Alexandria has monuments from Alexander the Great; and Aswan, an old trading town, is the starting point for many Nile cruises.

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Egypt climate

Egypt’s Mediterranean coast can be cool, but the rest of the country is sizzling hot, especially in the summer. Be prepared to sweat – the desert is hot and arid.

When is the best time to fly to Egypt?

Peak Season:

As the heat of the summer can be unbearable, the peak season for travel to Egypt is between October and May. This time is especially appealing to many European travellers as they can jump on a short flight to Egypt and escape the winter months of their own country. Hotels will often be fully booked and prices rise during this time of year.

Off Season:

The least popular time to visit is during the hottest months – for good reason. However, if you plan on travelling during this time, some real bargains can be found. Avoid the southern parts, however, and stick to the coast, where breezes from the sea keep the thermometer lower. The other advantage of visiting during this time is the increased peace and quiet to be found at major tourist sites.

The month of Ramadan is often less popular with Western visitors. Many restaurants will close down for the month and alcohol is much less widely available. The up-side is that this can be another perfect time to see more of the country and its people, and less of your fellow tourists.

Shoulder Season:

Spring time, between March and April, is one of the best times to visit. The weather is still very warm, but has not yet reached summertime peaks, and the tourists are dwindling off from peak season. The Khamsin wind blows in from the desert between this time, however. It is a spectacularly powerful wind that can reach 150kmph. It normally blows for a few days only, so you can either try to avoid it, or simply bunker down and enjoy the spectacle…

Getting around Egypt

Domestic Egypt flights are readily available and can save a lot of time, though they are certainly not the cheapest means of getting around. Egypt Air, the national carrier, flies domestically.

Public transport is good throughout the country. Trains are reliable and safe and the rail network connects most towns. Surprisingly, however, this can be the slowest method of transport – particularly for short journeys where buses will almost always be quicker. If you are travelling long distances by train, make sure you get the fast non-stop air-conditioned wagons, rather than the slower stopping local trains.

Buses are also reliable and cheaper than trains. The network is excellent – almost anywhere you could want to go will be covered.

Service taxis, known as servees, are popular and common. Often Peugeot saloons, the large taxis will pick up passengers from popular spots, such as train stations and only depart when full – often with a dozen people in. They are an inexpensive way to travel and usually safe, but you will have little control about when you leave or how long it takes to get to your destination.

How long is the flight to Egypt?

There are many flights to Egypt that you can take on your next trip. Flights to Egypt from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) take up to 22h5min with one stopover. The flights land in Egypt at Cairo International Airport (CAI) and have a stopover at Doha International Airport (DOH) en route. Flights with two stops go through Doha International Airport and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Jordan. This offers a flight time of up to 53h20min, arriving two days later. You could also choose a flight from the Hong Kong International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) in Egypt. This offers two stops at Zurich Airport and London Heathrow, taking 29h15min.

Where can you get direct flights to Egypt from?

There are currently no direct flights flying from Hong Kong to Egypt. All Egypt flight deals offer either one or two stopovers. Airlines popular for this route include Etihad Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Air, and Emirates. You can find cheap flights to Egypt with different airlines if you want the fastest route.

What is the best way to travel around Egypt?

Egypt offers different means of transport for residents and visitors. Options available include car hire, taxis, buses, air-conditioned trains, wagons, and non-air-conditioned trains. Air-conditioned trains offer two classes, first and second class, which are suitable for travelling between cities like Cairo to Mersa Matrouh. First-class is the most comfortable option, as it comes with waiter service, no standing, and you sit on reclining chairs. The second option you have is sleeper wagons, which offer a comfortable two-bed cabin that you can use for trips from Cairo to Luxor. Third, you can use a bus to get around. Major routes in Cairo have air-conditioned buses, but you’ll also find non-air-conditioned buses on local routes, which are cheaper. Service taxis operate through various routes and are quicker than buses and trains. Taxi fares are fixed, and you can ascertain the amount by enquiring at your hotel or seeing what Egyptians pay. While travelling by car may offer you privacy and control, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The highways and back roads pose a challenge because of carts and pedestrians. Car hire is most suitable for visiting remote sites and travelling around Cairo, Mersa Matrouh, Aswan, Alexandria, and other major cities.

What are some things to do in Egypt?

Egypt offers historical significance, as it dates to the pharaohs. Visitors explore millennia-old monuments that sit along the Nile River Valley, including the colossal pyramids of Giza. The capital is home to Ottoman landmarks and the Egyptian Museum. One of the country's top sites is the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving of the ancient world's seven wonders. These recognisable landmarks were built as tombs for Pharaohs. In the Egyptian Museum, visitors can explore the Pharaonic world. The museum exhibits royal mummies and pieces of ancient art. Also, a visit to the Temple of Horus, built between 257 and 237 BC, highlights ancient architecture through the well-preserved monuments.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Egypt?

For Hong Kong citizens visiting Egypt, a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.

What is good to know if travelling to Egypt?

• Egypt brings one thing to mind immediately – the Great Pyramids. It is likely that everyone visiting the country will want to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. In order to avoid the bulk of the crowds, as well as the heat of the day, try and visit as early as possible in the day: 8am is ideal, but definitely aim to get there before midday. Additionally, tickets for the Great Pyramid are limited to 300 a day, so arriving early should ensure you get one.
• Taking money to any country in Africa can be a dilemma. Is it wiser to carry travellers cheques, local currency or change it when you get there? Facilities for changing money are good in Egypt, and exchange rates are often considerably better than they would be at home, so it is well worth considering changing your currency once you’ve arrived. However, be aware that banks are not open for the hours as you might expect. Most are closed on Friday and Saturday, though open on Sundays. Working hours are usually 8am-2pm. If you’re stuck at other times, search out a big international hotel, which will often contain money-changing facilities (though for unappealing rates).
• One of the best places for swimming or snorkelling in Egypt is at Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea. Until recently, Marsa Alam was a small fishing village, but it has increasingly become a popular resort with those wanting to avoid the tourists of the North. As it is one of the more recent developments for tourists, it’s easy to find good eco-lodges and camps in which to stay. The Wadi el Gamal coast area is a national park, which means the mangroves, palm trees, coral reef and dolphins are all protected by the preservation area. Holiday here with a clearer conscience.
• Lake Nasser in southern Egypt is the largest man-made lake in the world. Two towns by the lake are especially worth visiting: Abu Simbel and Aswan. It’s easiest to stay in Aswan and take a day-trip (or longer) to Abu Simbel. Connection is easy by plane, or by a very early morning bus. The latter takes longer, but does mean you can see the sun rise over the desert.
• If you’re searching for accommodation in Egypt, a popular site for user reviews is Trivago. Take a look at the page on hotels in Aswan.