Port Sudan is Sudan's main seaport, a hot desert city on the Red Sea coast and the capital of Red Sea State. It has long been a centre for commercial and shipping activity, and in recent years it has also become a destination and refuge for people displaced from other parts of the country. Expect extreme heat: temperatures can exceed 45 °C in summer and easily pass 30 °C in winter, and fresh water is scarce.
For a visitor, the city is organised around its port and waterfront, with the main airport, the road and rail links to Khartoum, and an international ferry to Jeddah all connecting here. Accommodation is limited and spread out, so where you base yourself matters more than usual. This guide covers the areas the sources identify for staying, who each one suits, and what to expect at different budgets.
Best areas to stay in Port Sudan
1. The city centre
The centre is where Port Sudan's commercial life is concentrated, tied to the shipping industry and the port that handles the great majority of the country's international trade. Staying here puts you close to the city's services and its places of worship, which are predominantly mosques but also include Christian churches and temples.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things rather than on the edge of the city. It is also the most practical base if you are arriving or leaving by ferry, road or rail, since the port and the transport links are here. Note that the centre is a working port city, not a resort area, and the heat is severe year round.
2. The coast north of the city
There is basic accommodation directly on the rocky coast in a remote location about 30 km north of Port Sudan, on the main new road to Egypt, with the turning well signposted. This is a quiet, out-of-town option rather than a neighbourhood in the usual sense.
It suits travellers who want to be by the sea and away from the city, and who are prepared for a remote setting and simple facilities. Because it sits on the road north, it works well if you are continuing towards Egypt. You will need transport to reach the city and its services, and the setting is rocky coast rather than a developed beachfront.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: basic accommodation, including rustic huts with shared toilet blocks, typically offered on a bed and breakfast basis, sometimes with a full board option.
- Mid-range: limited options in the city; expect to choose between basic coastal accommodation and the upper end of the city's hotels.
- Splurge: the city's top-end hotel accommodation, with prices at the higher end of the international range.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre for a first visit. It keeps you close to the port, the transport links and the city's services, which is what you need in a place where accommodation is limited and spread out. The coastal option north of the city is better suited to a second trip or to travellers heading onward towards Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Port Sudan?
The climate is hot desert throughout the year, with extremely hot summers and moderately hot winters. Over 90% of the annual rainfall falls between October and January, mostly in November, so if rain matters to your plans, that is the period to be aware of.
How do I get to Port Sudan?
The city has a main airport, Port Sudan New International Airport, a tarred road link to Khartoum via Atbara, a rail link with Khartoum, and an international ferry from Jeddah.
Is there accommodation outside the city?
Yes. There is basic accommodation directly on the rocky coast about 30 km north of Port Sudan, on the main new road to Egypt, with the turning well signposted.
What should I know about water and heat?
Port Sudan relies on fresh water brought from Wadi Arba'at in the Red Sea Hills and from salt-evaporating pans, and water scarcity has been reported in the city. Heat is extreme, so plan around it.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.