Your flight has landed in Marsa Alam, the tranquil pearl of the Red Sea. After your flight, you may want to get to your hotel as soon as possible and relax by the crystal-clear waters. If you haven’t arranged a transfer in advance, you can hop in a taxi as soon as you exit the terminal and head to your hotel. If you are visiting Egypt for the first time, there are a few things you should know about taxis here. But don’t worry! With this guide, you will be able to bargain like a pro, agree on the right price, and reach your hotel safely. If you want to learn all the ins and outs of using taxis at Marsa Alam Airport, I recommend reading this detailed article. Here is everything you need to know about taxis at Marsa Alam Airport!
Marsa Alam Airport Taxis: Fares, How to Find and Tips
When you exit Marsa Alam Airport, you will see taxis waiting for passengers outside the terminal. There are taxi stands outside the terminal building. Taxis at the airport operate according to flight traffic. Most taxis at the airport have meters, but most drivers do not use them. Drivers have their own price lists. You should negotiate with the driver before getting in the taxi. Do not accept the first price offered. Be sure to tell the driver your destination and agree on the price before getting in the car.
Make sure you have enough local currency (EGP) with you, as almost no taxis accept credit cards. For long distances or night trips, choose a taxi with a fixed fare instead of a metered one. If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to bring your own portable child seat, as taxis in Egypt do not have child seats.
A quick look at Marsa Alam Airport Taxi prices
The initial fare for taxis with meters is 10 EGP. The fare per kilometer is 3.5 EGP. However, most drivers offer a fixed price. At the airport exit, negotiate with your driver based on your destination. Make sure to clarify the price before getting out of the taxi to avoid any surprises.
The cost of a taxi from Marsa Alam Airport to a nearby hotel such as Port Ghalib is between 15 and 20 USD. This amount may increase or decrease depending on your bargaining skills, the time of day, and the exact location of your hotel.
Marsa Alam Airport Taxi Prices
Although it is difficult to provide detailed pricing, here are some average negotiated fares for popular routes to give you a general idea:
Fixed fare to Marsa Alam city center: $20-30
Port Ghalib: $11-18
El Quseir: $44-55
Hurghada: 60-66 USD
Keep in mind that these figures are starting points. The driver’s initial price will usually be higher. With your bargaining skills, you can get a more affordable ride.
How do Marsa Alam Airport taxi fares work? Do Marsa Alam taxis have meters?
Here’s the most important point: Taxis in Marsa Alam either don’t have meters or don’t use them. Pricing is entirely based on negotiation. This is an integral part of the travel experience in Egypt. Here’s how it works:
You tell the driver the name of the hotel you want to go to.
The driver will quote you a price.
You make a counteroffer close to what you consider a reasonable price.
After a few rounds of negotiation, you agree on a middle ground.
The most important rule: Never get into a taxi or start the journey without agreeing on the price. Make sure the agreed amount is the total fare. If you cannot agree on a price, negotiate with another driver.
Where is the taxi rank at Marsa Alam Airport Arrivals?
Finding a taxi at this airport is quite easy. Once you collect your luggage and step outside the arrival hall, you will see the taxi rank right in front of you. The taxi rank is located right in front of the terminal building.
How many people can travel in a Marsa Alam taxi? What about wheelchairs? And child seats?
Taxis at Marsa Alam Airport are usually standard sedan-type vehicles. They are ideal for 3 passengers and luggage that will fit in the trunk, excluding the driver. If there are 4 of you and you have little luggage, you can also fit. If you are a large group or have a lot of luggage, it may be better to arrange a minibus-type private transfer vehicle.
Standard airport taxis are not wheelchair accessible. If you have this type of special need, you can arrange a private transfer or tour company.
There are no baby or child safety seats in Marsa Alam taxis. This is common throughout Egypt. If you are traveling with children, you can bring your own portable car seat. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer vehicle that can provide a child seat upon request.
Are the taxi queues long?
Marsa Alam Airport is a boutique and quiet airport compared to huge airports such as Cairo or Hurghada. There are enough taxis in front of the terminal. You won’t have to wait in line for a taxi for a long time. Unless several large planes land at the airport at the same time, you can quickly find a taxi and get on your way.
Child-Baby Safety in Marsa Alam Taxis
It is important to emphasize this again: Safety comes first. There are no child safety seats in Marsa Alam taxis. If you have not brought your own seat, you can hold your child on your lap during the journey. Child seats are not mandatory in official taxis. For comfort and safety, you should always carry your own child seat with you. Make sure that the seat belts in the vehicle are in good working order and that your child is wearing their seat belt correctly.
Tips on taking Marsa Alam taxis safely and easily:
Clarify the fare: Do not get into the vehicle without agreeing on the price. Bargain calmly, with a smile, but be firm.
Cash is king: Keep small bills of Egyptian Pounds (EGP) with you. It is common for drivers to say they do not have change.
Show the address: Clearly show the driver your hotel name and address from your phone or a piece of paper.
Official taxis: Choose taxis that are clearly marked as official and located right in front of the terminal.
Uber & Careem
Uber and Careem are legal in Egypt. These apps are mostly used in Cairo and Hurghada. You will rarely find active vehicles in Marsa Alam. When you open these apps on your phone, you may not be able to find any vehicles in the area. Even Careem, Egypt’s local app, has a very limited service network in this region. Careem is widespread in cities such as Hurghada, Aswan, and Luxor. Marsa Alam is not included in the list of “cities served” within the app. Therefore, instead of relying on technology, you should resort to traditional methods.
Consider the above tips for an affordable, safe vehicle that will take you directly to the heart of your vacation. Have a pleasant journey!