Marsa Alam Town – Information and Shopping
To book an excursion to visit the town email Steven@marsaalam.com or contact Steven via WhatsApp on +20 102 999 9978.
Photo: wusel007 CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia
cited in $ should be in £ , Please check below
for Steven’s correct number & to verify all specifics.
Fewer than one in a hundred tourists coming to the Marsa Alam area ever venture into the town itself. And for the few who do, there seems little reason, at first glance, to linger. Even the Rough Guide once described it as ‘undistinguished,’ adding that it consisted of ‘some government buildings and apartment blocks constructed for the expected influx of hotel staff to the area, grafted onto a fishing port where liveaboards now moor.'(2010).
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Roland Unger – CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia
Even fifteen years later, the wide wind swept main street is (68 Street) virtually empty during the day, the architecture is uninspiring and much of the town is little more than a giant building site. However it is gradually starting to feel more inviting as it grows.
You’ll already find a handful of small grocers and souvenir bazaars dotted around town, along with a hardware store, an electrical shop, at least two pharmacies, a currency exchange, and even a tiny bank. There’s also a decent-sized food market—though it’s a bit tucked away, so don’t hesitate to ask anyone near the centre for directions to the souk.
Roland Unger – CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia
Altogether, the town makes for a surprisingly handy little oasis when it comes to picking up everyday essentials. Prices tend to be a little more than in Cairo as almost everything has to be transported here across the desert, but some items are still relatively affordable.
For instance, as of early 2026, the typical cheapest prices available are approximately as follows.
- 1.5 litres mineral water: 9 EGP or €0.16
- Can of coke: 16 EGP or €0.29
- Packet of crisps: 15 EGP or €0.27
- 12 eggs – 65 EGP or €1.16
- Pizza margherita: 120 EGP or €2.15
- Portion of fries: 50 EGP or €0.81
- Kilo of oranges: 20 EGP or €0.36
If possible buy items marked up in Egyptian pounds rather than in euros or dollars as the latter might sometimes be priced higher for tourists.
If you can speak Polish the following video gives you an excellent idea of what it’s like to do some shopping and have a meal in Marsa Alam. A tour of the town starts at approximately 2 minutes in.
WPADLIŚMY TU NA KOLACJE
22.03.2021 – 10m 40s – 89+ likes – 10K+views.
Don’t rush off once you’ve filled your shopping bag. If you look beyond the visible you will soon discover that the town does have an upside. The people here are among the most hospitable and affable in Egypt.
When I stroll round this small town in the evening, chatting to the residents, I feel strangely attracted to the place. Everyone has a boundless optimism.
“Hurghada was just like this thirty years ago,” says a man who has just sunk his life savings into buying a tiny souvenir bazar. “But in ten years this place will be bigger than Hurghada or Sharm. Buy property here. You can’t loose.”
The hotel workers, who live here, sit in groups in one of the various small cafeteria or in The Father of the Crazy Ones pizzeria (Abo Elmaganen Pizza). They play draughts and dominoes, smoke shisha, or watch football on an outdoor television. There’s always much laughter.
If you are looking just for tourist sites you may wish to forget this town and head instead for El Quseir, the Wadi El Gamal National Park or Luxor (see also our Where to go page ?) However if you need to buy a few provisions or wish to make some new friends then Marsa Alam town, despite its’ rough and ready appearance, is the perfect place.
Photo Copyright MarsaAlam.com 2008
THE HEAT, LITTER AND MISLEADING PRICING.
Some tourists find the town challenging to walk around in hotter weather. The streets are are generally far wider than the narrow alleyways of central El Quseir and so they provide minimal shade from the midday sun (so take sun cream and avoid midday if possible), but they are also similar to El Quseir in that visitors complain about the amount of litter, especially given that it is located so close to the ecologically vital but fragile coral reefs.
In the video below, a Polish visitor, stopping at Marsa Alam during a long trek across the African continent, compliments the town on being quiet and safe, but notes that many prices seem inflated for tourists and likens the town to a “frying pan,” such is the intense heat of the sun beating down relentlessly on the concrete. He also advises tourists to insist on paying in Egyptian pounds, warning that vendors can quote prices in dollars or euros to force visitors to overpay, charging significantly more than the real value.
29.10.2025 – 50m 10s – 47+ likes 13K+ views
However, based on my own experience there are also many honest vendors in the town, and so your experience might depend on luck, but obviously it pays to be cautious and if you think the price might be too high, to check what the marked up price is in Egyptian pounds.
PLACES TO STAY IN TOWN
For information purposes only. Please check with the property regarding all details.
If you prefer to stay in or close to the town you can find a few apartments and small hotels located, for the most part, only a short walk away from the town centre. As of 30 January 2026 there were 88 places listed to stay on Airbnb seemingly located either in the centre or marina district or not far away.
Among the properties was a one bedroom flat which was listed as a “guest favourite,” due presumably to the excellent reviews with an average 4.82/5 rating from 17 reviews. Despite this, when I checked in late January, it was offered at a highly competitive price of 122 euros or £107 weekly (equivalent to 17.43 euros or £15.29 per night ) for the last week in July 2026. It is a short walk from the town centre, has air conditioning, WiFi and otherwise seemed well equipped, with the host being described as “friendly” and “helpful.”
Possibly a more interesting, but also more expensive, offer was a one bed condo for one or two guests with a fully equipped kitchenette and a wonderful beach view both from inside and its huge terrace. Located by the beach a ten minute walk from the town centre, it has a near perfect rating of 4.95/5 from 22 reviews, was listed as a “guest favourite” and was priced at 416 euros (£316) weekly (equivalent to 59.43 euros per night) when checking for a full week (21st to 28th) near the end of June 2026. At the time of checking, on 30 January 2026, it had a “guest favourite” logo, which declared that it was “one of the most loved homes on Airbnb according to guests.”
As of 30 January 2026, the best three rated listings on Booking.com (Make sure to search for “Marsa Alam City” and zoom in using the map to exclude distant properties), and excluding those with fewer than 10 reviews, were as follows
- La Casa Budget (rated as “exceptional” 9.5/10 based on 41 reviews) with air conditioned family rooms with dining table, free toileteries, TV with satellite channels and a wardrobe. The price for a double room for two guests with shared bathroom at the end of July 2026 (24th to 31st) was 206 euros (£179) for the week (equivalent to 29.43 euros or £25.57 per night) non refundable including taxes but without breakfast (an optional three euro extra). Alternatively, you could also pay 243 euros (£211) for the week with free cancellation until about two days before your arrival.
- Guest House Science (rated as “exceptional” 9.5/10 based on 28 reviews) offers a one bedroom apartment with stunning sea views, air conditioning, free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchenette, sun terrace and a heated pool. At the time of checking in late January 2026, the price for two guests to stay at the end of July 2026 (24th to 31st) was 184 euros (£159) for a week with free cancellation up to the day before. The apartment can however accommodate up to six guests. It has one the double bed, two single beds and six sofa beds. The price for six guests to stay for the same week was 270 euros (£234) with free cancellation until about two days before your arrival.
- La Vi Marsa Alam (rated as “superb” 9.4/10 based on 24 reviews) offers a spacious two bedroom apartment with sea views, balcony, free WiFi, air conditioning, kitchenette and dining area. There is a 24 hour front desk and free on-site parking. At the time of checking in late January 2026, the price for two guests to stay at the end of July 2026 (24th to 31st) was 219 euros (£190) for a week with free cancellation up to two days before your arrival. It’s also possible for the apartment to accommodate just one person for 206 euros (£178) or alternatively four people for 364 euros (£315) for a week.
If you are staying in accommodation without a washing machine, you can find a cheap laundry in a narrow walkway just off the souk. Laundry prices are typically around 150 LE to get a small 2-3 kg bag of clothes washed and folded. To have them ironed might cost a little extra. There are also two internet cafes on the main street that are currently charging just a few Egyptian pounds an hour and a bargain compared with the rates which some of the nearby hotels charge.
Oct 2017 – 28 seconds – 1+ likes – 105 views.
13.10. 2020 – 366 views – 3+ likes.
07.12.2019 – 2m 43s – 27,000+ views
Niklas Prescher/Shutterstock.com
GETTING HERE AND LEAVING
TO AND FROM CAIRO
BY BUS
MarsaAlam.com AI gen using Notebook LM
BY BUS – As of 31 January 2026, the GoBus Company usually runs two buses a day to Cairo (via El Quseir, Safaga and Hurghada) in the afternoon every day of the week at 12.30 pm (Super Go D 650 LE arriving in Cairo at 10.30 pm) and 3.16 pm (Super Go D 650 LE arriving in Cairo at 01.16 am) from Marsa Alam’s town centre (usually opposite the mosque). However, I couldn’t find times available from March 2026 onwards and the timetable frequently changes so please check before booking.
As of 31 January 2026, GoBus buses from Cairo Tahrir usually leave for Marsa Alam two times nightly, the first just before midnight at 11.55 pm (Super Go D 650 LE arriving at Marsa Alam at 09.55 am) and the second at 01.30 am (Business Class 740 LE arriving at Marsa Alam at 11.30 am). However, I couldn’t find times available from March 2026 onwards and the timetable frequently changes so please check before booking.
If you are using the Tahrir terminal in Cairo it is located not far from Ramses Hitlon. There is also a terminal in Nasr City. However please ensure you check all the details with their website where you should also be able to make bookings.
The journey time is about ten hours over a distance of 790 km and takes you along a coastal route via (from Marsa Alam to Cairo) El Quseir, Safaga and Hurghada. If you are heading to Marsa Alam from Cairo and your destination hotel is north of Marsa Alam Airport disembark early at El Quseir and take a servees (minibus) or taxi. The servees from El Quseir might cost you around 150 to 300 LE depending on distance. For a taxi simply contact Steven’s Taxis via WhatsApp +20 102 999 9978 or by phone on +20 1284 332 337.
BY AIR
Please see our flights page. The airport is about 65 km north of the city. Steven’s Taxis can take you from the town to the airport for only 23 euros plus two euros for the airport entrance fee. You can contact by email at steven@marsaalam.com or by WhatsApp on +20 102 999 9978 or by phone on +20 128 433 2337. See also the taxi page.
BY TAXI
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A taxi from Marsa Alam to Hurghada is likely to cost at least 100 euro one way as of January 2026 if you approach a driver on the street and you’ll need all your bargaining skills. Try to make sure the driver is properly licensed for the journey to prevent problems later on at the police check points. Also find out whether he wants you to change to another taxi in El Quseir as this could seriously delay your journey.
For lower priced hassle free journeys (as quoted online) I would strongly advise you contact Steven’s Taxis by email at steven@marsaalam.com or via WhatsApp on +20 102 999 9978 (WhatsApp) or by phone on +20 128 433 2337. His company was awarded the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 and 2025 and continues to stand out for its excellent service.
As of 2 February, 2026, it boasts an outstanding rating of 4.9 out of 5 and ranks first out of 312 outdoor activities in Marsa Alam on TripAdvisor — which includes not only taxis, but also cultural tours, boat excursions, private tours, and day trips — based on 1,521 reviews. Its Google reputation is also excellent, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 325 reviews.
LONG DISTANCE TAXI PRICES FROM MARSA ALAM WITH STEVEN’S TAXIS
The prices are per car and not per person. Return prices for Aswan and Cairo are for a return the next day but for Luxor are for the same day and include up to 6 hours waiting free or 8 hours for only a little more. Email steven@marsaalam.com For trips to Luxor, Aswan and Cairo please add 20 euro for the travel permit for a saloon (up to 3 passengers). Please ask if you want the minivan price (up to 8 passengers) for which the travel permit would cost 30 euro.
| Destination | One way taxi saloon (euros) 3 pax | One way large hatchback (euros) 4 pax + 4 suitcases If 6 pax ask | One way minivan (euros) 8 pax + 8 suitcases |
| Airport | 23 + 2 entrance | 29 + 2 entrance | 35 + 2 entrance |
| Luxor | 130 + 20 permit Ask for return price | 163 + 20 permit. Ask for return price | 195 +30 permit Ask for return price |
| Aswan | 200 + 20 permit Ask for return price | 250 + 20 permit Ask for return price | 300 + 30 permit Ask for return price |
| Hurghada | Ask (from the town) 60 (from Port Ghalib or El Quseir) Ask if from further south or if for return | Ask (from the town) 75 (from Port Ghalib or El Quseir) Ask if from further south or if for return | Ask (from the town) 90 (from Port Ghalib or El Quseir) Ask if from further south or if for return |
| Cairo | 250 + 20 permit Ask for return price | 313 + 20 permit Ask for return price | 375 + 30 permit Ask for return price |
For more detailed information on Steven’s Taxis and a comprehensive price list please visit the taxi page. Please note that for journeys starting between midnight and 6 am, a surcharge of 10% applies except for journeys to Luxor and Aswan starting before 6 am which are not subject to any additional charge.
FROM MARSA ALAM
TO HURGHADA
BY “SERVEES”/MINIBUS
You can travel to Hurghada in two or three stages by service taxi (minibus) stopping first at El Quseir and then possibly at Safaga. Marsa Alam’s mowqef or minibus station is just on the northern edge of the town. It should cost you from around 180 LE per person total.
If you are only staying a short time in Hurghada and are intending to continue on to Cairo, you’ll need to go to one of the city’s major bus stations. The Go-Bus station on El Nasr Street (Hurghada) is very popular and as of 31 January 2026 has about twenty buses for Cairo leaving daily from the early hours until late in the evening and taking around seven hours with the price varying according to which of four classes of travel you choose – 400 LE (Super Go D), 700 (Business Class DD), 759 LE (Elite Business Class M) or 900 LE (Aero First Class).
BY BUS TO HURGHADA
Last time we checked (as of 31 January 2026) you might be able to take either of the two services operated by Go Bus, which will usually stop at Hurghada (if requested) on route to Cairo (though check first). Both leave twice daily, at 12.30 and 3.16 pm. However, please check with the GoBus website to confirm all the details.
You might be able to buy bus tickets at an office in Marsa Alam close to the mosque.
TRAVEL BETWEEN MARSA ALAM AND THE NILE VALLEY
You should always check on current regulations but as of the time of writing you can travel directly from Marsa Alam to the Nile Valley either by licensed taxi or with your tour operator if they provide excursion by bus packages. You might also be allowed to travel in your own vehicle although you will probably need official permission and you might not be allowed to travel at night. Expect to have to stop at several check points on route.
BY BUS
Although there are regular bus services connecting Marsa Alam with Edfu, Aswan and Luxor, you might not be allowed to use them on this route, although you probably have a better chance via Safaga or Hurghada, where you should hopefully be able to book via GoBus to Luxor. However please do check with the company regarding the latest regulations, prices and schedules.
Currently (as of early February 2026) you can travel daily by GoBus from Marsa Alam to Safaga (for onward travel to the Nile Valley) by booking the 12.30 pm Cairo bus ( Super Go D for 235 LE if only going to Safaga).
If you take the 12.30 pm bus you should be able to arrive at Safaga on time to take (if very lucky) the 4.19 pm to Luxor but please check with GoBus or the driver before booking. Otherwise you would need to have overnight accommodation booked at Safaga and then take the 08.50 am ( Super Go D 190 LE), 2.20 pm (Super Go D 190 LE) or 4.19 pm (Super Go D 190 LE) bus to Luxor the following day. Please bear in mind that timetables are frequently changed so do check the current timetable before committing to any plans. The journey time by bus from Safaga to Luxor is likely to take more than three hours.
If you don’t have time to catch the connecting bus you would need to add on the cost of one night’s accommodation at Safaga. As of February 2026, I was unable to find tickets online with GoBus for direct travel from Marsa Alam to Luxor.
MAP 1 – MARSA ALAM TOWN AREA
MAP 2 – 68 STREET – MARSA ALAM’S MAIN STREET
More Marsa Alam town photos
Hossam el-Hamalawy – CC BY 2.0 – via Flickr
Hatem Moushir – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Wusel007 – GNU Free Documentation License – via Wikimedia
ID 121626356 © Petr Zamecnik
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