Human settlement
Ain Sokhna (Arabic: العين السخنة) is a port and resort town along Egypt's Red Sea Coast situated 55 km (34 mi) south of Port Suez and approximately 120 km (75 mi) east of Cairo.
As early as the Old Kingdom, seafaring expeditions on the Red Sea were organized from this port. However the modern port was first developed during the 20th century. Since the 1960s resort hotels have popped up, even if Ain Sokhna never has developed into an international holiday destination, like Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh.
The Egyptian government has announced big plans for Ain Sokhna with it becoming the eastern terminus for the new cross-country high-speed railway. Massive development is expected to take place during the 2020s.
The high-speed railway linking Ain Sokhna with the New Administrative Capital, southern parts of Cairo and El Alamein is expected to partially open in 2025. Until then long-distance bus or taxi is the main mode of transport.