Comparison · Hurghada vs Jeddah · Egypt / Saudi Arabia
Hurghada vs Jeddah
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michael Botros, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Hurghada for Red Sea diving, Giftun Islands and lower day-to-day costs; choose Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, free sights and a milder winter. Hurghada is generally less expensive, and the two are about 842 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 842 km
- Less expensive
- Hurghada
- Best time for Hurghada
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Jeddah
- November–March
Side by side
| Hurghada | Jeddah | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Egypt | Saudi Arabia |
| Known for | Red Sea diving, Giftun Islands and All-inclusive resorts | Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain and Jeddah Corniche |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $160–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 36°C (97°F) | July, 38°C (100°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 22°C (72°F) | January, 29°C (84°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 3 |
| Beaches | Mahmya, Giftun Kebir | Jeddah Waterfront beaches |
| Airports | HRG | JED |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hurghada for…
Red Sea diving, Giftun Islands and lower day-to-day costs. Hurghada stretches for some 40 km along the Red Sea coast of mainland Egypt, from the lagoon town of El Gouna in the north through the old district of El Dahar and the marina at Sekalla to the resort bays of Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and Soma Bay in the south…
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Choose Jeddah for…
Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, free sights and a milder winter. Jeddah has been the Red Sea gateway for pilgrims and traders since the 7th century, and its historic core, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO-listed quarter of coral-stone tower houses with carved wooden rawasheen balconies and old souqs. North of the old town, the…
Top sights compared
| # | Hurghada | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giftun Islands | Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) |
| 2 | Dolphin House reef | Nasseef House |
| 3 | Hurghada Marina | Souq Al Alawi |
| 4 | El Mina Mosque | Bab Makkah and its souq |
| 5 | El Dahar souq | King Fahd's Fountain |
Food compared
| Hurghada | Jeddah |
|---|---|
| Grilled Red Sea fish | Saleeg |
| Sayadeya | Mutabbaq |
| Koshari | Ful and tameez |
| Ful and ta'ameya | Masoub |
Which is cheaper?
Hurghada is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$180 per person there, against $160–$300 in Jeddah (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hurghada on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 842 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hurghada or Jeddah cheaper?
Hurghada is usually less expensive: about $90–$180 a day mid-range against $160–$300 (estimates).
+Is Hurghada or Jeddah better for a first trip?
Pick Hurghada for Red Sea diving, Giftun Islands and lower day-to-day costs, or Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, free sights and a milder winter.
+How far is Hurghada from Jeddah?
About 842 km in a straight line.