Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)

As you step off the plane, that first breath of warm, desert air tells you that your holiday has truly begun. You are just moments away from the Red Sea’s most pristine coastline, a place where the coral reefs are untouched, the beaches are golden, and the pace of life slows right down. Whether you’ve come to dive with the famous dugongs or simply want to disappear into a quiet resort, Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) is your gateway to it all.

Opened in 2003, this privately managed airport feels much more like a welcoming boutique hub than a massive transit center. It is purposefully designed to be calm and easy to navigate, keeping you away from the usual airport chaos. With about a million travelers passing through each year, the lines are manageable, and the atmosphere is surprisingly laid-back.

A Quick Overview of Marsa Alam International Airport

For​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ those traveling to Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam International Airport serves as a convenient and friendly gateway. This brief overview provides visitors with basic information about the airport, helping them prepare for their beach vacation.

What Should You Know About Marsa Alam’s Terminal?

The Marsa Alam Airport has a terminal serving both domestic as well as international flights. It offers flights to around 31 destinations across 11 countries. These include four domestic routes as well. The facilities available at the terminals include the following: 

• Check-in counters 
• Security checkpoints 
• Passport control 
• Spacious waiting area
• Lounges 
• Charging stations
• Free wi-fi 

Arriving at Marsa Alam Airport: What to Do?

After a short walk across the tarmac, no jet bridges here—you’ll enter the clean, bright terminal. The arrivals process is simple:

• If you need a tourist visa, you can obtain one upon arrival for about $25 USD.
• Proceed to passport control, where officers will stamp your passport for entry into Egypt.
• Pick up your bags from the clearly marked carousels.
• Walking through customs is usually quick and straightforward.
• And just like that, you’re ready to head to your hotel or pick up your rental car.

When It’s Time to Fly Home?

Here is the departure process to make note of: 

• Check-in and security are refreshingly hassle-free here.
• You’ll undergo an initial security screening to enter the terminal building.
• Find your airline’s check-in counter; there aren’t many, so it’s easy to spot.
• Go through the main security and passport control.
• Once airside, you’ll find a relaxed departure area with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, cafés, and duty-free shopping.

Amenities & Services At Marsa Alama to Make Your Trip Smoother

Marsa Alam Airport may be compact, but it has everything you need.

• Getting to and from the airport: You can take a taxi outside (cash only in Egyptian pounds is preferred) or proceed to the rental car desks. Many visitors prefer booking a private transfer in advance for a stress-free ride directly to their hotel.
• Money matters: ATMs and currency exchange counters are available, though rates are better in town. It’s still a good idea to withdraw or change a small amount for immediate needs.
• Travel comforts: Free Wi-Fi across terminals keeps you connected. There are clean bathrooms, baby care facilities, and a quiet prayer room. If you need wheelchair assistance, it’s best to request it from your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
• Baggage services: The airport offers baggage handling and storage for customer convenience. 
• Lost and found services: Misplaced something? The lost property office is located in the arrivals hall.

What Facilities and Services Are Available at Marsa Alam International Airport?

Offering​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ basic passenger services along with a variety of dining and transport options that are easily accessible, the airport has all the facilities required by tourists to have a comfortable beginning or ending of their trip to the Red ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Sea.

VIP Lounge

If you want a more relaxed airport experience, consider the Pearl Lounge. Tucked away in the departure area, it’s a quiet escape from the main seating area. Inside, you’ll find comfortable chairs, complimentary snacks and drinks, charging stations, and strong Wi-Fi. You can pay at the door or book access in advance. Hours of operation vary based on flight schedules. Here are some of the other amenities at the VIP Lounge: 

• Private seating areas
• Unlimited foods and beverages
• Charging stations
• Magazines  and newspaper 
• Pay area for kids alongside small toys
• Flight information screens

Fast Track

For those short on time or patience, Fast Track services let you skip the regular queues at check-in, security, and passport control. It’s especially useful during peak season or when traveling with young children. Services like Pearl Assist and Global Marketing offer pre-bookable passes that can save you 30–40 minutes. 

The third-party service providers manage this program, and pricing varies by platform and package. The Pearl Assist service will cost $35-40, while the Global Marketing will incur a charge of $40-50. 

For certain packages, priority is limited to the security corridor. However, some packages provide additional features such as lounge access and baggage handling. 

List of Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes at the Marsa Alam Airport 

Marsa Alam Airport has limited dining options. However, there are some interesting options to help you have a hearty meal when at the airport. 

Garden Cafe 

You will find it in the right corridor after the passport control. It has a wholesome menu of sandwiches (vegetable, chicken, and tuna), desserts (baklava slice and date cake), espresso-based drinks, and filter coffee (freshly brewed). Those seeking a grab-and-go option can visit this coffee shop for a refreshing experience. 

KAI Pizza

This one is ahead of Café & Co. You will find different varieties of pizza – whole pizza and single slices. You will find a variety of pizza flavors, including margarita and pepperoni. 

Café & Co

You will find it opposite the Garden Cafe, specialising in latte, cappuccino. Espresso, alongside fruit-flavored cold drinks, packaged snacks, and fresh juices. 

Wegi Coffee

You will find it close to the duty-free shops. The menu includes Americano, latte, espresso, flavored iced drinks, cold coffee varieties, and more. Their service is extremely quick/

Shops At Marsa Alam International Airport

Here is what you must note about the shops at the Marsa Alam International Airport: 

EGYPTAIR Duty Free

You will find duty-free shops after the passport control. You will find several items here, like alcoholic beverages, perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, and more. There are some well-known brands available here, such as Guchi, Dior, and Chanel for perfumes, Marlboro for tobacco products, Toblerone for chocolates, and more. 

Overseas Duty Free

The area near the international departure section houses this shop. You will find some leading brands here, such as Samsonite, Delsey, Kipling, and Tumi. 

Shops and Bazars

These are small market stalls close to the duty-free areas. They sell a lot of Egyptian souvenirs like Pharaoh statues, sphinx figurines, and more. 

Other Things to Note About Food, Drinks & Shopping At the Marsa Alam International Airport

You won’t find endless restaurants here, but there are plenty of options for a coffee, snack, or light meal.

• A café before security is perfect for a final goodbye with friends or family.
• Airside, you’ll spot familiar coffee shops and local spots offering pastries, sandwiches, and cold drinks.
• Remember, airport prices are higher than in town. A coffee might cost $4–5 USD, and a simple sandwich around $8–10.
• The Pearl Lounge also offers a buffet with snacks, cookies, salads, and unlimited drinks, a nice option if you have a wait.
• For a quick purchase, kiosks and vending machines sell bottled water, chips, chocolates, and biscuits.
• The boutique-style shopping experience focuses on Egyptian souvenirs, perfumes, chocolates, and duty-free items. It’s a convenient place to spend your last Egyptian pounds. Most shops accept local currency, euros, dollars, and major credit cards.

Parking

Parking is straightforward, with a large open lot right in front of the terminal. Short-term parking costs around 20–30 EGP per hour. There’s also a free drop-off lane for quick goodbyes. However, there isn’t any long-term parking option. Passengers can’t leave their vehicles for long when on vacation. 

Car Rental

 Renting​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a car will be fast and easy right after you get your bags at Marsa Alam Airport. The major brand vehicle rental companies, such as Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Budget, and Green Motion, have their desks directly opposite the baggage claim. If you have a pre-booked car rental, it will take only a few minutes, and your car will be waiting for you just outside the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌terminal.

Below is a breakdown of typical daily rates and models available at the airport terminal.

Taxi

Taxis​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ are lined up outside Marsa Alam Airport, but the majority of drivers don’t turn on the meters, so it’s better to negotiate the fare before getting in. Have money in hand, agree on your destination and price upfront, and expect fixed rates. Cost samples: Port Ghalib $11–18, Marsa Alam $20–30, El Quseir $44–55, Hurghada ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌$60–66.

Hotels at Marsa Alam International Airport

While there are no hotels physically inside the terminal walls at Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF), you are actually in one of the best locations for a quick arrival-to-bed transition. Because the airport was built specifically to serve the high-end resort communities of Madinat Coraya and Port Ghalib, you can go from the luggage carousel to a 5-star lobby in under 10 minutes.

Top-Rated Hotels Near Marsa Alam Airport (RMF)

Pro-Tips for Your Stay

• Shuttle vs. Taxi: While many hotels offer transfers, local services like Steven’s Taxis often provide more competitive rates (starting around €8–€10) if your hotel’s private shuttle feels overpriced.
• Coraya Bay vs. Port Ghalib: If you want world-class snorkeling right off the hotel jetty, choose a hotel in Coraya Bay (the Jaz and Steigenberger properties). If you prefer evening walks to cafes, shops, and yachts, Port Ghalib is your best bet.
• Early Flights: Since these hotels are so close, you can enjoy a full breakfast even if you have a mid-morning flight, as the commute to the terminal is negligible.

Airlines Serving Marsa Alam International Airport

Marsa​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Alam International Airport serves as an important entry point to Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea coast, receiving visitors from all over Europe, the Middle East, and various major cities of Egypt. The airport offers 33 direct international flights to 11 countries and several domestic routes, making it a convenient hub for both tourists and locals.

Marsa Alam Airport Interactive Map – All That You Need To

When you have the interactive map of Marsa Alam International Airport’s interactive map at hand, navigating across the airport becomes easy and seamless. You will be able to locate every spot conveniently from the check-in desks to the terminals, shops, dining options, and more.

Conclusion

You’ll find Marsa Alam International Airport refreshingly easy to navigate. It’s modern, compact, and built to get you in and out without stress; the perfect welcome (or farewell) to Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea region.

If Marsa Alam is on your list, take a quick look at flight options and airport amenities. A bit of planning goes a long way toward a comfortable, hassle-free arrival. Go ahead, start planning your trip and get ready for a wonderful stay.

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