Comparison · Jeddah vs Sharm El Sheikh · Saudi Arabia / Egypt
Jeddah vs Sharm El Sheikh
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Choose Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, free sights and a milder winter; choose Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs, Scuba diving and lower day-to-day costs. Sharm El Sheikh is generally less expensive, and the two are about 867 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 867 km
- Less expensive
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Best time for Jeddah
- November–March
- Best time for Sharm El Sheikh
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Jeddah | Sharm El Sheikh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Egypt |
| Known for | Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain and Jeddah Corniche | Coral reefs, Scuba diving and Ras Mohammed National Park |
| Best time to visit | November–March | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$300 | $100–$200 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 38°C (100°F) | July, 37°C (99°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 29°C (84°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 3 | 4 |
| Beaches | Jeddah Waterfront beaches | Naama Bay |
| Airports | JED | SSH |
Which one is right for you?
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…
.jpg){kind=link}
Choose Sharm El Sheikh for…
Coral reefs, Scuba diving and lower day-to-day costs. Sharm El Sheikh is a resort city spread along about 30 km of coast at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. Its draw is underwater: fringing coral reefs start a few metres from the shore, and boats reach the…
Top sights compared
| # | Jeddah | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) | Ras Mohammed National Park |
| 2 | Nasseef House | Strait of Tiran reefs |
| 3 | Souq Al Alawi | SS Thistlegorm wreck |
| 4 | Bab Makkah and its souq | Naama Bay promenade |
| 5 | King Fahd's Fountain | Old Market |
Food compared
| Jeddah | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|
| Saleeg | Grilled Red Sea fish |
| Mutabbaq | Sayadeya |
| Ful and tameez | Bedouin tea |
| Masoub | Bedouin flatbread |
Which is cheaper?
Sharm El Sheikh is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $100–$200 per person there, against $160–$300 in Jeddah (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Sharm El Sheikh on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 867 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jeddah or Sharm El Sheikh cheaper?
Sharm El Sheikh is usually less expensive: about $100–$200 a day mid-range against $160–$300 (estimates).
+Is Jeddah or Sharm El Sheikh better for a first trip?
Pick Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, free sights and a milder winter, or Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs, Scuba diving and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Jeddah from Sharm El Sheikh?
About 867 km in a straight line.