Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town nestled in the hills along the Sinai coast: the terrain here is hilly, and temperatures stay above 30°C for most of the year. Bicycles aren’t the most popular mode of transportation, and there’s no city-wide bike-sharing network here. But there are options available.
Contents
- What’s the Situation with Bicycles in Sharm?
- Where to Rent a Bike
- Routes and Places to Visit
- Seasonality: When to Go
- Traffic Rules
- Tips
- FAQ
What’s the situation with bicycles in Sharm?
There is no city bike-sharing network in Sharm el-Sheikh. The resort was designed for cars and pedestrians: there are few sidewalks, no bike lanes, and the terrain is hilly. Most tourists get around by taxi or hotel shuttle. But for those who want to go for a ride—especially early in the morning or along the waterfront—it’s actually possible to find a way to do so.
Where to Rent a Bike
Hotel Bike Rentals
Some large 4★–5★ hotels offer bicycles to guests for free or for a nominal fee. Check with the front desk when you check in. This is the most convenient option, if available.
Private Rentals
Several private rental shops operate in the Naama Bay and Hadaba areas. Prices range from approximately $10–15 for a few hours or $20–25 for a full day. The bikes are usually standard road or mountain bikes; e-bikes are rare and available only from a few tour operators.
Tours and Rentals Through Tour Operators
Organized bike tours (usually early in the morning or in the evening) are the standard format in Sharm. Tour operators provide the bike, a guide, and the route; you can find these options through your hotel’s tour desk or travel agencies in Naama Bay.
Routes and Where to Go
The Naama Bay Promenade is the most bike-friendly stretch: it’s relatively flat, offers beautiful ocean views, and has less traffic in the evening. The promenade is about 2 km round trip; you can ride in either direction and end at any point.
The Hadaba area is located on a hill; it offers interesting views, but the climb requires some effort. The descent to Naama Bay is quick and pleasant, while the climb back up is a challenge in the heat.
The coastline toward Nabq Bay is a picturesque stretch along the sea; the road is mostly flat. It’s about 10 km from the center. A great option for early morning: an empty road, fresh air, and sunrise over the Sinai Mountains.
Desert roads are best suited for mountain bikes. It’s best not to ride in the desert without an experienced guide: navigation is difficult, the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, and traffic is unpredictable on some sections of the road.
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are rare in Sharm—a few operators list them, but availability is inconsistent. If the terrain and heat are a concern, it’s worth specifically asking about e-bike availability when booking. For hilly Sharm, this would be the ideal option, but the infrastructure hasn’t yet caught up with demand.
Best Time to Cycle
The best time is October–April: 22–28°C, with cool early mornings. In the summer (June–September), daytime temperatures reach +38–40°C—cycling during the day is extremely uncomfortable and unsafe. Summer rides are only possible early in the morning before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.
Traffic Rules
- In Egypt, traffic drives on the right.
- There are no bike lanes in Sharm el-Sheikh—cycling takes place on public roads.
- Helmets are not required by law for cyclists, but they are recommended—traffic is unpredictable.
- In tourist areas, drivers are used to pedestrians and cyclists; be more careful on the outskirts.
Tips
- Check with your hotel to see if they have bicycles available before your trip—it’s free and the easiest option.
- Bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need—it gets hot even in the off-season.
- Early morning (6:00–8:00 a.m.) is the best time, both in terms of temperature and traffic.
- An e-bike, if you can find one, is a good option for Sharma’s hilly terrain.
FAQ
Is there a city bike-sharing system like Nextbike in Sharm?
No, there is no public bike-sharing system in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Is it possible to bike to Ras Muhammad?
Technically, it’s about 30 km one way, but the route is open, hot, and lacks bike lanes. It’s not recommended without serious training and an early start.
Is it safe to ride a bike in Sharm?
In tourist areas (Naama Bay, the promenade)—yes, as long as you stay on the road. Be extra careful at night, as some roads aren’t lit.
Can you rent a bike for a week?
Long-term rentals are available from private rental companies, but as a rule, you should negotiate directly on-site—standard weekly rates are rare.
Are there bikes for children?
Some hotels and rental shops have children’s bikes and bikes with child seats—check in advance.
