Passing through St Catherine International Airport? A layover in St. Catherine is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 45 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into St. Catherine, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Egypt vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: St. Catherine is roughly 45 minutes from SKV via Taxi / Private Transfer. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in EGP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
The Best Way Into St. Catherine from SKV
You have two main options for getting from St Catherine International Airport into town:
- Taxi / Private Transfer: About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Storing Your Luggage at St Catherine International Airport
Specific locker facilities at SKV aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in St. Catherine itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to Budget for Your St. Catherine Side Trip
Quick budget math for your St. Catherine layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in St. Catherine:
Start with Saint Catherine’s Monastery. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Foot of Mount Sinai. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SKV, you can spend time at Terminal Relaxation Zone or try St. Catherine Airport Souvenirs. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in St. Catherine, local travelers recommend Fox Desert Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, St. Catherine Tourist Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at SKV, St. Catherine Airport Café is the go-to. Sinai Snacks Kiosk rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SKV for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate St. Catherine or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Taking a Break at SKV
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SKV.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in St. Catherine is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy St. Catherine.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.