Rent a Car at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Convenient Rental Car Pick-Up at Sharm El Sheikh Airport
Car rental at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport gives you full freedom to explore the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea coast without waiting for taxis or public transport. As you come through the Arrivals Hall, look for the clearly marked car rental counters inside the terminal building. Agents at counters will check your documents — passport, valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended), credit card, and your booking voucher — and guide you to your vehicle, which is typically parked in a designated area just outside the terminal. Final Rentals lets you book online ahead of time, so your booking is confirmed before you land, saving you time and ensuring the best available rates. Naama Bay: ~10 km (15–20 minutes) — main resort and nightlife area. Airport Code: IATA: SSH | ICAO: HESH Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a major international gateway in southern Egypt, handling both domestic and global flights, especially from Europe and the Middle East. The airport supports regular tourist traffic year-round and is equipped with modern passenger facilities. Car rental desks inside the terminal where agents assist you. ATMs and currency exchange to get local currency. Cafés and shops in the arrivals area for refreshments. Airport parking near the rental pick-up zone. Information points to help with general queries. Car rental providers at SSH offer a range of vehicles from economy and compact cars to SUVs, vans, and premium models. Daily rental rates vary with vehicle type, season, and rental period. Booking in advance often results in better prices and greater choice. Once paperwork is complete, agents will show you where the lot is and where your rental car is parked. Vehicles are typically a short walk from the counter, and you drive away from a designated area close to the airport building. To return the car, follow the airport signage to the section of the parking area. Park in the space indicated by your rental company, hand over the keys, and complete final checks with the agent before proceeding to your departure terminal. Driving: Having your own car gives you independence and flexibility to explore at your own pace without waiting for scheduled transport. Public Transport Limited public buses operate around the airport area and may not match your travel needs, especially with luggage or late flights. Taxi / Ride-Share: Taxis are available just outside the airport, but rates vary widely and may require negotiation. Ride-share options are less common than in some other destinations. Rentals eliminate this uncertainty and give you predictable transportation. Car Rentals: Renting a car remains the most practical option for visitors who want to manage their own routes and visit multiple areas without depending on external schedules. Driving Orientation: In Egypt, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed Limits: Urban areas: ~40–60 km/h Main roads/highways: ~80–100 km/h Seatbelts are mandatory. Watch for local traffic conditions, as road behavior is different in some regions, especially in city centers and smaller roads. Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful along major routes near Sharm El Sheikh and popular tourist roads. Parking: Public and hotel parking is widely available, though fees may apply in city and beach areas. Rental Insurance & Documentation: Bring your valid driver’s license and passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and commonly required by rental agencies. Ensure you understand your rental’s fuel policy (often full-to-full) and insurance coverage before signing. Address: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt Step 1: Visit Final Rentals online or use the app. Choose “Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)” for your pick-up and drop-off location. Step 2: Select a vehicle that fits your itinerary: Economy/Compact Cars for city and light travel Sedans for comfort and space SUVs for beach and desert routes Vans / 7-Seaters for larger groups Premium Vehicles for business or special travel Step 3: Provide a valid credit card in the main driver’s name and complete your booking for instant confirmation. Step 4: Review the terms: age requirements, insurance options, fuel policy, mileage limits, and any additional charges. Step 5: On arrival at SSH, follow airport signs to the car rental counters in the arrivals area, present your documents, inspect your vehicle, and start your journey. For returns, follow Rental Car Return signs to the parking zone, complete the handover, and proceed to your flight. Foreigners must show a valid home-country driver’s license, passport, and credit card. Egyptian law requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in English or Arabic. While not always checked at pickup, police enforce it on coastal roads. Carry both documents to avoid fines or insurance issues when renting at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Local citizens may use a valid Egyptian driver’s license and national ID card (no passport needed). A credit card in the driver’s name is still required for the deposit. Insurance terms may differ from foreigners, so clarify coverage at pickup. This streamlined process makes domestic car hire efficient for Egyptians flying into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. You must be at least 21 years old. Drivers aged 21–24 usually pay a young driver surcharge (15–25% extra). Most SUVs or premium models require renters to be 25 or older. Proof of at least one year of driving experience is standard. These rules apply to all rentals originating at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Economy cars start at $25–$32/day in low season (May–Sept), rising to $40–$65/day in winter. Automatics cost 20–30% more than manuals. A refundable deposit of $250–$800 is standard. Fuel and full insurance are usually extra. If your license uses non-Latin script (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese), an IDP is legally required. Even English licenses are safer with one, as police checks are common near Taba or St. Catherine’s. Without it, you risk fines or voided insurance. “Full-to-full” is standard: you get the car full and must return it full. Gas stations are 5–10 minutes from the airport. Keep your receipt—if you don’t, you’ll pay double the pump price. Automatics are limited, cost 25% more, and book out fast in winter. If you prefer automatic, reserve at least 10 days ahead. Same-day requests often fail, especially during holiday rushes. A temporary hold is placed on your credit card, based on car type and insurance. Economy models require less; 4x4s need more. The hold releases in 3–10 days after return if no damage occurs. You can drive to Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, or St. Catherine’s Monastery. But confirm your agreement allows it—some desert or border areas need special approval. Cross-border travel into Israel or Jordan is not permitted. Always check route permissions to avoid voiding insurance when exploring Sinai with a rental car. There are no toll roads in South Sinai. The drive to Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, or the airport itself is completely free. However, Ras Mohammed National Park charges an entry fee (~$10 per person), and some private beaches may request small parking donations. Budget a few extra dollars for these minor access costs. Most hotels, malls (like Soho Square), and beaches offer free or low-cost parking. Street parking is available, but avoid blocking entrances. In busy areas like Naama Bay, arrive early on weekends. Parking is rarely a problem in Sharm, making a rental car convenient for tourists staying near the Red Sea coast. Basic coverage includes third-party liability but leaves a high deductible. Given desert gravel and busy resort traffic, upgrading to zero-deductible is wise. Check if your travel insurance covers Egypt—many don’t. Proper protection saves you from unexpected costs after small dents. A credit card is required for the security deposit due to pre-authorization limits. Debit cards often can’t support large holds and may cause rental denial—even if you pay the daily fee with cash. Always confirm payment options early to avoid issues when collecting your rental vehicle at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Egyptian law requires proper restraints for children under 150 cm. Reserve at booking—don’t assume availability upon arrival. During holidays, they often run out. If traveling with kids, bringing your own ensures safety and comfort when traveling. Not automatically. Vehicles may be reassigned after 60–90 minutes of unnotified delay. Always share your flight number. If running late, contact the desk. As our agent will guide you at the airport to pick up the rental car, they can often hold it with a quick message—just stay in touch. Most cars don’t have built-in navigation. Use Google Maps or Maps.me with a local SIM (available at arrivals). Mobile data works well along the Red Sea routes. Offline maps help you find beaches, dive sites, or desert tracks easily. Don’t rely on memory—digital navigation is essential when driving from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Drive on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 90 km/h on open roads. Zero alcohol tolerance. Seat belts are mandatory. Police conduct random checks—carry a license, IDP, and rental papers. Road signs are in Arabic and English. Knowing the basics keeps you safe on Sinai roads starting from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. For city and beach driving, a compact sedan is fuel-efficient and easy to park. For desert trips to Colored Canyon or St. Catherine’s, a 4x4 SUV is better—roads can be rough. Automatics suit non-manual drivers, but cost more. Choose based on your itinerary. Book 7–14 days in advance during peak season (Oct–Apr) to secure automatics or SUVs. Last-minute rentals face 30% higher rates or no availability. Even in summer, early reservations lock in better insurance terms.Proximity to Key Destinations from SSH
Shark’s Bay: ~15 km (20–30 minutes) — calm beaches and diving spots.
Ras Mohammed National Park: ~36 km (45–60 minutes) — excellent nature and snorkeling.
Dahab: ~56 km north (1 hour+ drive) — relaxed town and water sports. With your own car, you can reach beaches, historic sites, and scenic drives at your own pace and schedule.About Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Facilities & Services
Car Hire at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Transportation Between the Airport and Local Areas
Other Features & Travel Tips
Contact Information
Official Airport Info: Airport DeskHow to Book Your Rental Car at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
FAQs About Sharm El Sheikh Airport Car Rentals
What documents do foreigners need to rent a car at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Can Egyptian residents rent a car using only a national ID at SSH?
What’s the minimum age to book a car rental at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
How much does car hire cost at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Do I need an IDP to rent a car at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
What fuel policy applies to rentals picked up at SSH?
Are automatic cars easy to rent at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
What’s the security deposit for renting cars at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Can I drive my rental from SSH to other Sinai destinations?
Are there tolls on roads from Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Is parking easy in Sharm El Sheikh with a rental car?
What insurance should I get for a rental in Sharm El Sheikh?
Can I use a debit card to rent a car at SSH?
Are child seats available with rentals from Sharm Airport?
What if my flight is delayed—will my rental be held?
Is GPS included with rentals from Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
What driving rules must tourists know in Sharm El Sheikh?
What type of car is best to rent in Sharm El Sheikh?
How far ahead should I book a rental car at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?