The magic of discovering a place lies not only in the destination itself, but also in the journey. The airport is an integral part of your experience, as it is the starting and ending point of your journey to a paradise like Marsa Alam, where you feel special. Unlike large, complex, and confusing airports, Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) is quite simple in structure.
Marsa Alam Airport has everything under one roof so as not to tire its visitors! In other words, everything you are looking for is inside this single, modern, and user-friendly main terminal building, which we can call “Terminal 1.”
Overview Terminal 1 Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam Airport’s terminal opened in 2003. The terminal has a modern design. Rising like an oasis in the middle of the desert, this building stands out for its cleanliness, order, and, most importantly, its compact structure. It is almost impossible to get lost in this terminal! The arrivals and departures halls are in the same building. The terminal building is only 500 meters away from the runway. Approximately 1 million passengers use this terminal each year.
Terminal 1 Marsa Alam – Arrivals Process
From the moment your plane lands on the runway, you will begin to feel the comfortable atmosphere of the terminal. After disembarking from your flight, you will reach the terminal building after a short walk. Upon entering the terminal building, you will be greeted by the following steps:
Visa Procedures: Before passport control, if you require a visa (for countries that issue visas at the border), you must go to the visa counter and obtain your visa stamp for approximately USD 25.
Passport Control: Once you have your visa, you should proceed to the passport control line. Here, your visa will be affixed to your passport.
Baggage Claim: Immediately after passing through passport control, you will reach the baggage claim carousels. You can easily find the correct carousel by following your flight number on the screens.
Customs and Exit: After collecting your luggage, you can exit the terminal building after passing through customs control.
Terminal 1 Marsa Alam – Departures Process
When you enter the terminal, you will see the check-in counters. After receiving your airline’s queue number, check in your luggage and confirm your boarding pass. Then, you can proceed to the “Airside” section by passing through the security check and passport control points.
Entrance and Initial Security: You will pass through the initial security check when entering the terminal building.
Check-in: The airline counters are located directly in front of you. Find your counter on the screens, check in your luggage, and get your boarding pass.
Security and Passport Control: After check-in, you can go to the upper floor. Here, you will first go through security and then passport control, where your exit stamp for Egypt will be stamped.
Departure Lounge: You are now in the waiting lounge, which is exclusively for passengers. While waiting for the final call for your flight, you can spend time in the duty-free and café areas.
Car Parking Terminal 1 Marsa Alam
There are parking areas for both short-term (drop-off) and long-term parking in front of Terminal 1. The short-term parking lot is 50 meters from the terminal entrance. The long-term parking area is 200–300 meters from the terminal. All parking areas are monitored by 24/7 security cameras. There are special parking spaces reserved for disabled passengers in the parking areas.
Taxis
There are taxi ranks outside the terminal building. You can take a taxi to your hotel immediately after disembarking from your flight. Credit cards are not accepted in taxis. You must pay the fare in cash. Don’t forget to bargain before getting into a taxi. You should have local currency with you so that you are not affected by exchange rates.
Car Hire
The arrival level of the terminal houses the offices of international car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, and Thrifty. Don’t forget to book your car online before arriving at the airport. This way, you can choose the car you want and take advantage of early booking opportunities. However, even if you don’t have a reservation, you can quickly pick up your car by checking availability at the counters. You can pay by credit card or cash.
Private transfers
This is the most popular means of transportation in Marsa Alam. For comfortable door-to-door transportation in Marsa Alam, you can opt for a pre-booked private transfer service. Experienced drivers will take care of everything from luggage assistance to meet and greet services. Prices vary depending on the number of passengers and the type of vehicle. The average price is between 30 and 60 USD.
Passenger Services
Tourist desks, currency exchange, SIM card stands, and ATMs are located in the “landside” area of Terminal 1. The “airside” section has free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, small boutiques, and cafes and restaurants. There are also lockers, a baby care room, and a prayer room in the terminal.
Disabled Access
Marsa Alama Airport is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and special restrooms. A free wheelchair service is available for disabled passengers. However, the golden rule is: You must request this service from your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
Lost Property & Luggage
If your luggage is lost, you should contact the airline’s ground services office in the baggage claim area. If you lose an item inside the terminal, you should contact the airport’s information or security desk. The Lost Property Office is located in Terminal 1 on the arrivals level, right next to passport control.
Terminal 1 Marsa Alam Restaurants
Garden Café, Café & Co, and small snack buffets are located in the post-check-in area. This airport is quite boutique. Therefore, do not expect gourmet delights in the terminal. However, you can grab a bite to eat while waiting for your flight. In the departure hall, there are several cafés offering snacks such as sandwiches and cakes, as well as buffets where you can buy non-alcoholic drinks. If you want to enjoy a last cup of Egyptian tea or coffee, you can stop by here.
Terminal 1 Marsa Alam Shopping
The Duty-Free shop in the departure hall sells classic items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products. In addition, there are several souvenir shops in the terminal where you can buy spices unique to Egypt, small souvenirs, papyrus, and cotton products. Remember, it is illegal to take coral and shells collected from the Red Sea out of the country! Please remember to respect these natural beauties.
