Located along the Red Sea’s idyllic coastline, Hurghada is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations—attracting beach lovers from around the world. When staying in this stunning resort area, you have dozens of outdoor activities to choose from, including hot air balloon rides.

Soar above the Nile River and admire Egypt’s natural and architectural beauty from great heights when you book a hot air balloon ride in Hurghada. Not only will you make memories to last a lifetime, but you’ll get to take incredible photos to share with your friends and family.

Here's all you need to know about hot air balloon rides, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Hurghada.

What are the best hot air balloon rides in Hurghada?

Most hot air balloon rides in Hurghada take place in the nearby city of Luxor and are offered in combination with a variety of other activities and experiences.

Luxor day tour and hot air balloon ride with meals from Hurghada

Make your way from Hurghada to Luxor and spend the day experiencing everything this ancient city has to offer. You’ll be picked up at 11 PM from your accommodation in Hurghada and make your way to Luxor in a comfortable private vehicle.

Start your day with a traditional Egyptian breakfast before embarking on your hot air balloon adventure.

One of the day trip’s other major highlights is the felucca ride that you’ll be treated to on the Nile River. Sail across the Nile and admire Luxor’s most iconic landmarks from the water as you relax and enjoy the wind in your hair.

Next, your guide will take you to see the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Workers, Karnak Temple and other historical attractions in Luxor before you’re taken back to your hotel Hurghada at the end of the day.

2-night Luxor tour with hot air balloon ride from Hurghada

Make the most of your Egyptian holiday by spoiling yourself with a 2-day private excursion to Luxor from Hurghada. See the most iconic attractions that Luxor has to offer, with a professional local guide providing commentary and ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a felucca sailboat ride and a hot air balloon ride as the tour’s two major highlights. However, you’ll also get to do a significant amount of sightseeing and you’ll see the Valley of the Kings as well as an array of temples in Luxor.

When night falls, you’ll make your way to a 4-star hotel in Luxor, where you’ll spend the night. The next morning you’ll embark on your hot air balloon adventure as the sun rises over the horizon and enjoy a fun-filled day of activities, including a camel ride.

At the end of an exciting 2-day trip, you’ll make your way back to Hurghada and be dropped off at your hotel.

4-day Nile cruise with hot air balloon ride from Hurghada

Spend four relaxing days cruising down the Nile River and admiring the stunning natural landscapes onboard a luxury 5-star boat. You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Hurghada at around midnight and spend most of the next day exploring the ancient city of Luxor.

In the evening, you’ll be taken to the cruise ship, where you will spend the next few nights. The next morning, you’ll wake up early to enjoy watching the sunrise as you enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the city, allowing you to admire the landscape and architecture from above.

Next, you’ll head to Luxor’s West Bank, where you’ll get to see even more of the city’s famous landmarks before you make your way back to the ship for the night. Day 3 begins with a horse-drawn carriage ride to Edfu before you set sail for your next destination.

The last day of the tour includes more sightseeing, allowing you to obtain a comprehensive overview of the region’s temples. In the afternoon, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Hurghada.

How much do hot air balloon rides in Hurghada cost?

Luxor day trips from Hurghada, which are inclusive of a hot air balloon ride, sightseeing and other activities, typically cost around US$200 per person.

2-night trips to Luxor from Hurghada, which include a night’s stay in a hotel, a hot air balloon ride, sightseeing and breakfast, cost approximately US$280 per person.

4-day Nile River cruises, which are inclusive of accommodation, meals and a hot air balloon ride among other activities, usually cost around US$600 per person, depending on the type of cabin you opt for.

What is included?

When you book a hot air balloon ride in Hurghada, your tour operator will provide you with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable excursion, including roundtrip transfers, meals, a professional guide and so much more.

While water is often included, you may be responsible for paying for any additional drinks. You may also want to bring along a little extra money for buying souvenirs, tipping your guide and any other personal expenses.

Where do the tours start?

Most hot air balloon rides take place in Luxor, which is a popular Egyptian city located roughly 300 kilometers away from Hurghada. You don’t need to worry about getting to Luxor on your own as tour operators provide comfortable roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Just make sure that you are ready to be picked up by your tour guide at the agreed-upon pickup time. Once you’ve been picked up you’ll be driven to the departure point for your hot-air balloon ride in Luxor.

How long does it last?

As most hot air balloon rides in Hurghada are combination tours that take place in the nearby city of Luxor, you can expect these experiences to last the entire day. You could also opt for one of the many multi-day trips, which typically last between two and four days.

The hot air balloon portion of these trips typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the tour operator and the weather conditions.

When is the best time for a hot air balloon ride in Hurghada?

For the most comfortable hot air balloon experience in Hurghada, it's best to schedule your trip during the winter months. The temperatures are cooler, making it more comfortable to be outside during the early morning when balloon rides typically occur.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Hurghada?

Travel tips

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. The desert can be cool in the morning, so consider a light jacket or sweater.
It's advisable to book your hot air balloon ride in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone. The views from a hot air balloon are breathtaking, offering unique perspectives of the landscape below.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Hurghada