Car Rental in Sharm el-Sheikh: How to Rent a Car and Where to Go

If you have your own car in Sharm, you can drive to Ras Muhammad, Dahab, and St. Catherine’s Monastery—places where group tours depart at specific times that aren’t always convenient. Here’s what you need to know before renting a car.

Contents

• Rental Companies and Terms
• Documents and Requirements
• Traffic Rules
• Where to Go
• Common Mistakes
• Tips
• FAQ

Car Rental Companies and Terms

International car rental companies operate in Sharm el-Sheikh: Sixt (2 locations) and Budget (2 locations). The offices are located at the airport and in the city. In addition to international chains, there are local operators—which are generally cheaper, but their fleet is less predictable. The base rental rate depends on the car class and the season. Insurance is mandatory in Egypt; be sure to check whether your rental company’s policy covers trips to the Sinai Desert.

Documents and Requirements

• Driver’s license—at least a national one; an international driver’s license (IDL) is strongly recommended and often required by rental companies.
• The minimum driver age is usually 21–25 years; check with the specific rental company.
• Passport and a credit card for the security deposit.

Traffic Rules

In Egypt, traffic drives on the right. The posted speed limit in cities is 50–60 km/h, and on highways it is 90–120 km/h, but compliance with speed limits varies. At checkpoints on the road from Sharm to the Sinai Peninsula and to Dahab, you’ll be asked to show your documents—this is standard procedure and no cause for concern. Drinking and driving is prohibited by law. Gasoline is significantly cheaper than in Europe—Egypt subsidizes fuel.

Where to Go by Rental Car

• Ras Muhammad National Park (~30 km, 30 minutes) — there’s an entrance fee for cars.
• Dahab (~80 km, 1 hour) — an alternative resort featuring the Blue Hole for diving and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai (~200 km, 2.5–3 hours)—sunrise on Mount Sinai (2,285 m), one of the main pilgrimage routes.
• The Colored Canyon (~140 km) — a gorge with multicolored rock formations; the excursion takes half a day.

Common Mistakes

• Failing to check the car’s condition before picking it up—document all scratches at the time of pickup.
• Not reading the fine print about insurance coverage for driving on desert roads.
• Ignoring checkpoints—stop, greet the officers, and show your documents; it’s usually quick.

Tips

• Make sure to rent a car with air conditioning—it’s essential in the summer.
• Navigation apps work on Egyptian roads—Google Maps and 2GIS cover the main routes; offline maps will come in handy outside the city.
• Fill up within city limits before heading into the desert: there may be no gas stations along the way.

FAQ

Do I need an international driver’s license in Egypt?

Technically, no, but most rental companies require it or strongly recommend it.

Is it safe to drive from Sharm to Dahab on your own?

Yes, the road is in good condition and heavily traveled; just stop at the checkpoint—it’s standard procedure.

Can I drive my own car into Ras Muhammad?

Yes, there’s a fee to enter the national park by car.

Is gas expensive in Egypt?

No, fuel in Egypt is subsidized—it’s one of the cheapest in the region.

Where’s the best place to book a car?

Through a booking platform (rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars) or directly with Sixt/Budget—online reservations are usually cheaper than the rates at the airport counter.