Quick answer: The fastest way from Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab is a private transfer from the airport (about 90 minutes, from ~$30). The cheapest is the shared microbus via Sharm bus station. Most visitors arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), the nearest airport to Dahab, and travel the 90 km coast road from there.
Dahab has no airport of its own, so almost everyone arrives via Sharm El Sheikh — the nearest major airport, 90 km south along the Red Sea coast. This guide covers every way to make that journey, from the cheap shared microbus to a door-to-door airport transfer. For other gateways (Cairo, Taba, Hurghada), see our full getting to Dahab guide.
Nearest Airport to Dahab
Dahab has no airport of its own. The nearest is Sharm El Sheikh International (SSH), 90 km south — and for almost every traveller it's the right one. Here's how the alternatives compare:
| Airport | Distance to Dahab | Time to Dahab | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) | 90 km | ~1.5 h by road | Most international and domestic flights — the default choice |
| Taba (TCP) | 130 km | ~2 h by road | A small airport north of Dahab — worth it only if a flight happens to fit |
| Ramon / Eilat (ETM), Israel | ~140 km from Eilat | ~2.5 h incl. the Taba border crossing | Travellers already in Israel |
| Cairo (CAI) | ~540 km | 7–9 h by road, or ~5 h flying on to SSH | Long-haul arrivals — most connect on a Cairo–Sharm flight |
| Hurghada (HRG) | ~350 km, no direct road | 5–6 h with the ferry (when running), 8 h by road | Only if you're already in Hurghada |
From Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH)
There's no direct public transport from the airport terminal itself — your options are a private taxi or pre-booked transfer straight from arrivals, or a short local taxi to Sharm El Sheikh bus station to pick up the bus or a shared microbus. If you're arriving at night or with luggage, take the direct option; if you're travelling light in daytime and counting every pound, the bus station route is cheapest. Each option is broken down below.
Option 1: Shared Taxi (Microbus)
The most common option for budget travellers. Shared minibuses (microbuses or "service" taxis) run between Sharm and Dahab throughout the day. They depart from the Sharm El Sheikh bus station (not the airport — take a short local taxi from arrivals first) and drop you in Dahab's main square.
- Cost: 40–60 EGP per person (~$0.80–1.20)
- Journey time: 2–2.5 hours (stops en route)
- Frequency: Depart when full — roughly every 30–60 min in daytime
- Note: You need to get from SSH airport to Sharm bus station first (~10km, 50–80 EGP by taxi)
Option 2: Private Taxi
The most convenient option, especially arriving with luggage at night or if you have a group. A private taxi from Sharm airport direct to your hotel in Dahab.
- Cost: Airport taxis are unmetered — drivers often quote tourists $45–70, so negotiate and agree the total before getting in
- Journey time: ~90 minutes direct
- How to book: Ask your hotel in Dahab to arrange it (often the easiest), or negotiate with taxis outside arrivals. Always agree total price before departure.
- Tip: Have the driver's WhatsApp — many prefer payment on arrival, which is fine.
Option 3: Pre-Booked Transfer
Hotels and many tour operators in Dahab offer airport transfer services at fixed prices.
- Cost: From ~$30, more for larger vehicles
- Advantage: Driver waits for you with a sign, no negotiation, fixed price
- How to book: Ask your hotel when reserving, or search "Dahab airport transfer" — several reliable services operate this route
Option 4: East Delta Bus
The East Delta bus company runs scheduled services from Sharm El Sheikh bus station to Dahab. Less frequent than shared taxis but more comfortable with fixed seats.
- Cost: ~$3–5 (listed fare)
- Journey time: ~1.5 hours
- Frequency: Twice a day at last check — confirm times on eastdelta-travel.com
- Note: Requires getting to Sharm bus station first from the airport
Bus Companies to Dahab
Four companies run scheduled buses into Dahab. From Sharm, East Delta and Blue Bus are the two to know; from Cairo, most travellers use Go Bus, Blue Bus or the We Bus minivan. Fares below are the companies' listed prices in October 2026 — timetables change by season, so confirm times online or on the hotline before you travel.
| Company | Route to Dahab | Listed fare | Journey time | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Delta | Sharm El Sheikh bus station → Dahab (twice a day) | ~$3–5 | ~1.5 h | eastdelta-travel.com |
| Blue Bus | Sharm (Watania station) → Dahab El Masbat; also Cairo → Dahab | ~$5 from Sharm; $15–18 from Cairo | ~1.5 h from Sharm; 9–10 h from Cairo | bluebus.com.eg · hotline 16128 |
| Go Bus | Cairo → Dahab (several departures daily) | ~$12 (Deluxe Plus) to ~$18 (Elite) | 9–10 h | go-bus.com · hotline 19567 |
| We Bus | Cairo → Dahab (minivan) | ~$15 | ~6.5 h | +20 127 292 0411 / +20 100 930 5751 |
Coming from Cairo? Our Cairo to Dahab guide compares the bus with flying via Sharm.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Arriving late at night | Pre-booked transfer or private taxi |
| Budget traveller, daytime arrival | Shared taxi (microbus) |
| 2+ people travelling together | Private taxi (cost-effective when split) |
| Carrying lots of luggage | Private taxi or pre-booked transfer |
| First time in Egypt, nervous | Pre-booked hotel transfer |
| Fixed seat on a budget | East Delta or Blue Bus |
From Dahab Back to Sharm El Sheikh
The return journey works the same way in reverse. Shared taxis and East Delta buses leave from Dahab's main square / bus station back to Sharm El Sheikh. For a return flight, allow 3 hours before departure — the airport security check in Sharm El Sheikh can be slow, and you don't want to miss your flight to save $10 on transport.
Many people visiting Dahab from Sharm also come over just for the day to see the Blue Hole. Once you've arrived, start with things to do in Dahab, the best restaurants in Dahab, or diving in Dahab.
