Whether you are heading to the beach destinations of the Red Sea or plan to explore the history of Luxor, there is a great deal to see and do in the country.

The resort areas are split into two main areas. The Hurghada region stretches from the Gulf of Suez through Hurghada and Marsa Alam, down to Quesir in the south along a coastline littered with hotel complexes catering to sun-seeking tourists. Car rental is useful to reach the various beaches and attractions along the coast. The Sharm El Sheikh area sits to the east along the Sinai coastline and encompasses the main resort area itself along with Dahab up to the border with Israel at Eilat. Both areas are pretty much self-contained and cater for the ever-growing dive market, whether you simply snorkel or pack on the air tanks to go under the clear blue waters to explore the reefs.

Cairo is the capital city and world renowned for its pyramids and sphinx at Giza, the Museum of Antiquities in the city centre housing the Tutankhamen treasures and the iconic mosque on the old city. It’s a busy city where driving a rental car will take some serious guts to compete with the manic traffic levels, but it’s a very rewarding destination with lively bazaars and cafes and places to rest and relax, such as Zamalek island on the Nile in the centre of the city.

Alexandria is the second city of Egypt and enjoys a Mediterranean seafront and historic links to the UK through military history. The Nile from Cairo down to Luxor is a major tourist draw, with cruise boats dropping tourists off to visit the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings and Queens in Luxor, the Aswan Dam and Philae Temples in Aswan and much more along its river banks.

Cheap car rental can be arranged for pick-up at the major airports of Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el Sheikh (SSH) and Luxor (LXR), as well as in other airport locations and across the major cities and resort areas of Egypt. Pre-booking will get you the best rates and we advise you to hire larger vehicles or 4X4s for the best experience. Use our car hire search engine to the left for finding the best prices on your Egypt car hire deal.

Driving in Egypt may not seem the most obvious way to get out and about in a country that has, in recent years, seen political troubles on the streets and in some areas such as the Sinai. So you should always consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest advice on areas to be cautious of.

The resort areas of Sharm El Sheikh offer days out to places such as St Catherine’s Monastery or Mount Sinai with their history and stunning views. You can also reach the many marinas and dive sites easily, as well as use your hire car for evenings out into the various restaurant and nightlife centres of the resorts.

The Nile area is packed with places to visit, from the temple complexes and burial grounds around Luxor, through to the drive south from Aswan to Abu Simbel to view the rebuilt temple and the mighty Lake Nasser along a drive that takes you into the desert.

The Mediterranean coastline can be explored from Alexandria after a drive from Cairo through the lush green landscape of the Nile Delta. Visit El Alamein with its military cemeteries and history.

Trips into the desert landscapes will allow you to explore some of the many tropical springs and oases such as the Siwa Oasis.