Visiting Egypt's Pyramids: The Complete Guide
Founded around 3000 BC, the Giza necropolis is home to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, as well as many other vestiges of pharaonic civilization!
Founded around 3000 BC, the Giza necropolis is home to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, as well as many other vestiges of pharaonic civilization! Dream of discovering the Giza plateau and the interior of the pyramids? Opening hours, visit duration, transportation options: here's a complete guide to help you organize your visit to Egypt's pyramids…
Visiting Egypt's Pyramids: The Giza Necropolis Sites
There are two entrances to explore this exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site. The first is located near the Great Sphinx. The second is near the Pyramid of Khufu – which we've chosen as our starting point.
The Pyramid of Khufu
Erected during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty, what is also known as the "Great Pyramid of Giza" is the first of the seven wonders of the world! Constructed by thousands of workers and architects, it has survived the ravages of time and numerous earthquakes. Inside? You will discover a network of corridors and tunnels, three burial chambers and the sarcophagus of Pharaoh Khufu, located in the King's Chamber.
The Pyramid of Khafre
The second largest pyramid is that of Khafre – the son of Khufu. It is located just beside his father's. To access its burial chamber, you must take a long corridor… Once you arrive, you can admire a sarcophagus carved from stone.
The Pyramid of Menkaure
To the southwest of Khafre's pyramid lies that of Menkaure – Khufu's grandson. The monument's entrance remained buried under sand for millennia before being discovered in the early 19th century. The structure contains several burial chambers, including one decorated with several frescoes…
The Pyramid of Khentkaous I
Located as an extension of Menkaure's complex, the pyramid of Khentkaous I is also nicknamed the "Pyramid of the Queens," as several sovereigns were buried there. It is possible to visit their burial chambers.
Other sites to visit The necropolis is home to the world's largest monolithic sculpture: the Great Sphinx of Giza! This statue, more than 20 meters high, is believed to have been built to protect Khafre's tomb. The site also houses the Solar Boat Museum, which displays Khufu's boat – discovered in 1954 at the south corner of the Great Pyramid. Photos allow you to relive this incredible discovery. |
Discovering the Pyramids of Giza: Planning Your Visit
Opening hours and visit duration on the Giza plateau
Visiting hours
It is possible to visit the pyramids throughout the year.
In winter (the least hot season and the most popular) : the Giza plateau is open from 8 AM to 4 PM. To avoid tourist crowds, choose the time slot between 10 AM and 12 PM.
In summer (the least expensive season due to intense heat) : the site is accessible from 8 AM to 5 PM. To escape the heat, plan your visit for opening time!
Attention, regardless of season: the last admission is one hour before closing, so 3 PM in winter.
Duration of a visit to the site
If you wish to explore the entire necropolis and visit the interior of at least one pyramid, plan for a minimum of half a day.
Transportation options to reach the Pyramids of Giza
By metro
From the city of Giza, you will need to take metro line 2 to Om-Elmasreen station. From there, you'll need to board a bus (lines 913 or 924), then take a taxi or walk 10 minutes to the ancient site.
By bus
The bus has the advantage of being inexpensive. From downtown Cairo, you can reach the Pyramids of Giza via lines 355, 357, 900 and 997.
By taxi
Taxi is the simplest and most expensive transportation option – but it remains accessible, with fares around €2.10 (70 Egyptian pounds) to reach the Giza site.
Admission fees to visit the necropolis and pyramid interiors
Standard visits
Standard visits allow access to nearly all areas of the Giza plateau, except the interior of the pyramids and the Solar Boat Museum.
Fees: €3 student (with valid student card) ; €6 adult
Visits with access to pyramid interiors
To visit the interior of a pyramid, the entry ticket costs more. Be careful: if you opt for a pass, you should NOT pay anything extra (even if you're told otherwise). Similarly, photography is completely free…
Fees: €9 student (with valid student card) ; €18 adult
Guided tours
This option makes the visit more enjoyable. Accompanied by an Egyptologist guide, you'll learn much about the history of ancient Égypte.
Fees: they vary depending on the number of pyramids visited and the duration chosen. Plan for approximately €30/adult for a half-day visit.
Looking for ideas for customizable tours in Égypte? Contact the local travel agency Cheops Travel in Egypt! The Cheops Travel team will be happy to help you organize your bespoke stay!
Available facilities at the Giza site
Restrooms and changing stations
Facilities are located at the two entrances to the site, near the Sphinx or the Pyramid of Khufu. There are no changing tables available on the ancient site, but babies can be changed near the complex.
Accessibility for persons with reduced mobility
The necropolis is not fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu can be visited.
Restaurants and shops
Several restaurants are located outside the site. Likewise, there are no shops inside the necropolis.
Practical information To visit Egypt's pyramids, you must respect dress codes. Namely, do not wear shorts (for both men and women) or tight-fitting clothing. It is also recommended to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders. A tip? Don't burden yourself with extra clothing, as there are no lockers on site. |
Frequently asked questions
In summer, it is advisable to visit the site at opening time at 8 AM to avoid the heat. In winter, choose the time slot between 10 AM and 12 PM to escape peak tourist crowds. In any case, avoid the last hours before closing as the final admission is one hour before.
A standard visit to the Giza plateau costs €6 for an adult and €3 for a student (with valid student card). To access the interior of a pyramid, plan on €18 for an adult and €9 for a student. A guided tour with an Egyptologist is available starting at approximately €30/adult for a half-day.
Yes, it is possible to visit the interior of several pyramids, particularly those of Khufu and Khafre. To do so, you must purchase a ticket with interior access (€18 for an adult). Note: if you have a pass that includes interior access, you do not need to pay anything extra on site.
Several options are available to you. By taxi, expect around €2.10 (70 Egyptian pounds) from Giza, which is the simplest option. By bus, lines 355, 357, 900 and 997 serve the site from downtown Cairo. By metro, take line 2 to Om-Elmasreen station, then complete your journey by bus (lines 913 or 924) and a few minutes of walking.
To explore the entire Giza necropolis and visit the interior of at least one pyramid, plan for a minimum of half a day. If you also wish to spend time at the Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum, a full day will be necessary.
Yes, dress codes apply at the site. It is prohibited to wear shorts (for both men and women) and tight-fitting clothing. It is recommended to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders. There are no lockers on site, so there's no need to plan for extra clothing.
