A guide on how to visit the pyramids in Egypt

Egypt is popularly associated with its legendary pyramids, and rightly so. The unparalleled experience of seeing these imposing structures in the flesh should be central to any Egypt travel itinerary. Constructed some 4,500 years ago and designed to endure an eternity to support the entombed pharaohs in the afterlife, the Egyptian pyramids enjoy worldwide status, attracting visitors with a love of the mysterious from all around the globe.

Towering higher than the others over the prodigious desert landscape, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today, which says a lot about the architectural skill and discipline of the Ancient Egyptians. So, to truly immerse yourself in the historical wonders of Ancient Egypt, look no further than visiting the Egyptian pyramids during your vacation.

How to plan a trip to the Giza Pyramids in Egypt

To make the most of your visit to the pyramids in Egypt, here are the steps to follow:

Choose the right time to visit: The best time to go to Egypt is October to April when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, allowing for comfortable exploration. Avoid the scorching summer heat for a more enjoyable experience.
Plan your accommodations: Book your accommodation in advance through a reputable travel agent or website to secure the best price. Consider choosing higher-end hotels for reliable facilities, but keep in mind that B&Bs and hostels can offer a friendlier vibe for backpackers.
Decide on the length of your stay: Determine how many days you want to spend in Egypt and allocate sufficient time to explore the pyramid complex and other attractions. Usually, 7 days is how long the average trip to the country lasts.

How to get to the Giza pyramids

The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of Cairo, and to get there, there are a few options to choose from, depending on your budget. Here’s what you need to know:

1 – Choose your mode of transportation: There are several options available to reach the pyramids. You can take a taxi, hire a private car, use public transportation, or join a guided tour.

Taxi or private car: If you prefer convenience and flexibility, hiring a taxi or a private car is a good option. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey and ensure they understand that you want to visit the Pyramids of Giza.
Public transportation: To save costs, you can use public transportation. Take the metro to Giza station and then transfer to a microbus or local bus heading towards the pyramids. Microbuses are a common mode of transportation in Cairo and offer a more affordable way to reach the pyramids.
Guided tour: Joining a guided tour is an excellent choice if you want a hassle-free experience. Many tour operators in Cairo offer guided tours to the pyramids, providing transportation and a knowledgeable guide who can enhance your experience with valuable insights and historical information.

2 – Travel time and route: The journey from Cairo downtown to the Pyramids of Giza takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic conditions. The route will take you through the city outskirts and into the Giza Governorate, where the pyramids are located.

3 – Entrance tickets and entry points: Once you arrive at the pyramids, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket to access the site. The main entry point is through the Giza Plateau entrance. There are separate tickets available for entering the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure – but they also sell combined tickets to see the three pyramids. You can choose to explore the pyramids on your own or hire a local guide to accompany you.

The Sphinx is part of the Giza Plateau complex

Visiting the Pyramids from outside of Cairo

If you’re planning to visit the Pyramids of Giza from outside of Cairo, particularly from other cities in Egypt, you have various transportation options available to make your journey convenient and enjoyable. One reliable and popular choice is using the Blue Bus service, known for its reliable transportation options throughout the country.

The company offers trips that take you directly to Giza from cities like Dahab, Hurghada, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh, so you can make your trip easier and faster. Blue Bus offers reliable transportation to many different Egyptian cities, with buses that provide the utmost comfort and safety.

Experiencing the Pyramids

The pyramids of Giza form one of the world’s most iconic sights, and the thrilling experience of seeing these wonders in the flesh is never forgotten in a hurry. It’s best to get up close to fully admire and appreciate their enormity.

For an additional fee, you can also go inside any of the three pyramids and descend through the passageways to see the venerable stone coffins of the ancient kings. During your time spent on this unique site, you can also enjoy the spectacular desert view from the Panoramic Point and have your photo taken with the symbolic Sphinx. We recommend allowing at least three hours for your visit to the pyramid complex to take in all your enchanting surroundings thoroughly.

After admiring the pyramids, take the opportunity to explore ancient temples and see where the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were officially worshiped many thousands of years ago.

While in Egypt, it’s also worth visiting the Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile River. You could even embark on a relaxing river cruise along the Nile as a refreshing contrast to the pyramid experience.

Practical Tips and Recommendations

Here are some practical tips and recommendations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Egypt:

Book your transportation in advance: To secure the best price and guarantee seats, book your bus tickets in advance through platforms like Busbud, which offer multiple safe and reliable transport operators. Consider the Blue Bus operator for convenient transportation options throughout Egypt, including routes that lead you to and from the Pyramids of Giza complex.
Download an offline translation app: If you don’t have a local tour guide, use an offline translation app to help you read timetables and street signs in Arabic, making navigation easier.
Learn basic Arabic phrases: Master a few basic Arabic phrases to communicate with locals and show appreciation for their culture.
Prioritize personal safety: Stick to tourist areas, avoid large crowds and political demonstrations, and dress conservatively to respect the local culture. Be mindful of pickpockets and petty criminals. Secure your valuables at your accommodation and avoid carrying large sums of money.
Be careful with traffic, which can be rather chaotic, so pay attention when crossing the streets and when walking in urban areas.

Consider the bus when traveling around Egypt

The best and most affordable way to get around in Egypt is by bus. All the Blue Bus standard buses are relatively modern, fast and air-conditioned. Alternatively, if you want to indulge in luxury traveling, you can also travel on upgraded buses, that offer lots of better amenities, larger seats and snacks.

Before traveling by bus in Egypt, we recommend that you book tickets in advance to ensure that you get the best price and can secure seats. You can book tickets on Busbud, which is affiliated with multiple safe and reliable transport operators throughout the world.

If you fancy touring the country over a larger scale with plenty of time to spare, there are multiple bus transport routes available that include:

Start planning!

We hope we’ve (re)kindled your wanderlust to explore this remarkable, culturally and historically vibrant part of the world for a happily memorable holiday experience. Maybe you’ve felt daunted by the logistics of planning a visit to this unique country or concerned about your personal safety abroad, but by following our extensive travel wisdom and enlisting the aid of a local guide for your visit if possible, things couldn’t be simpler.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Egypt or looking for a fresh perspective on this famous land, the pyramids, temples, and rich heritage of Egypt await you. Follow these tips, plan wisely, and embark on a journey that will leave you in awe of Egypt’s wonders.

Luisa Wink