How To Visit The Egyptian Pyramids At Giza (New 2026 Information & Tips)

Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids in Giza used to be an ordeal. But in 2025, authorities upgraded the site with a new ticketing and transport system. Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your visit.

The Egyptian Pyramids at Giza are the only ones of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World still standing.

Spread across the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo, they are indeed a bucket-list destination.

When I first came 25 years ago, the place was chaotic, with people and cars everywhere.

Wandering around was hot and dusty. There was nowhere to eat or escape the heat, and the locals regularly harassed me for money.

We returned in early 2026, and the experience had been transformed.

A new ticketing system makes it easier to get tickets; there’s a well-managed, professional shuttle bus service; and there are several new cafés in which to take a break.

Here’s all you need to know about how to visit the Egyptian Pyramids in Giza, including which tickets to get and how to spend your day at the site.

It is geared towards independent travellers, but if you have a private guide, it is worth reading to make sure he does not skip anything you want to see.

Can You Visit On Your Own?

Most people who come to the Pyramids at Giza come on a tour or with a private guide, because visiting under your own steam used to be a frustrating experience.

Fortunately, in 2025, the authorities handed control to a private provider, who has made it much easier and more enjoyable for independent travellers to visit.

There is a new ticketing system allowing you to purchase tickets online or from new machines at the entrance gate.

There is a new shuttle bus system to get you between the sights, which helps a lot with avoiding hassles and staying out of the heat of the day.

There is a new range of cafés and restaurants, and clean and functional toilets.

How To Get Tickets?

The Great Pyramids are located on the Giza Plateau. General access tickets to the site cost EGP 700 (US $15) for adults and EGP 350 (US $7) for students.

These tickets allow you to explore the exterior of all the pyramids and tombs spread across the plateau.

This includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple of Khafre.

However, if you want to visit the interior of the pyramids, you’ll need to buy an additional ticket.

• Inside Pyramid of Khufu: EGP 1,500 (US $30)
• Inside Pyramid of Menkaure: EGP 280 (US $6)

Dotted around the pyramids are numerous tombs. Most are pretty damaged, but one stands out and also requires an additional ticket.

• Tomb of Meresankh III: EGP 200 (US $4)

To decide whether to buy these additional tickets, read on below.

Tickets can be bought either online OR at the window/ticket machines at the main visitors’ entrance.

Entrance is from 7 AM to 4 PM, except during Ramadan, when the site opens at 8 AM.

There is security at the entrance gate, and visitors with large professional-looking telephoto lenses are sometimes stopped from entering. We have more information about this below.

Additional Tickets

In addition to the General Access ticket, there are three extra tickets to consider buying. 

INSIDE THE PYRAMID OF KHUFU

You can buy a ticket to enter Khufu Pyramid – largest of the pyramids. Steps descend at first before steeply rising through the Grand Galley to reach the King’s Chamber, where an empty, lidless, red granite sarcophagus sits.

The tunnels are hot and claustrophobic, with no colourful decoration. The walkways are narrow and steep, requiring some physical effort.

If you plan to visit the Valley of the Kings later in your trip, you could easily choose to skip this.

It costs EGP 1,500 (US $30), and at busier times, there is a queue. Allow 30 minutes to visit.

INSIDE THE PYRAMID OF MENKAURE

The Menkaure Pyramid is much smaller than Khufu’s. Again, there is no painted decoration, but you’ll see an Upper Chamber with a carved ‘palace façade’ and a lower (empty) burial chamber.

The walk inside is shorter and easier, though it is still hot and steep. It is much cheaper than the Khufu Pyramid, and there is unlikely to be any queues.

It costs EGP 280 (US $6). Allow 20 minutes to visit.

TOMB OF MERESANKH III

Discovered in 1927, this tomb is the resting place of the granddaughter of King Khufu.

It consists of three rooms and is quite large. Colourful scenes are spread across the walls, and a series of figures are cut into the rock.

Access is easy, and if you are not heading to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, we recommend visiting. Called Mars Ankh Tomb on the ticket website, it costs EGP 200 (US $4). Allow 15 minutes to visit.

How To Get Around The Site?

Private vehicles were once allowed in the Giza complex, and it was chaos.

In 2025, they banned cars and introduced a free shuttle bus system to get you around the main sites conveniently, in comfort, and without hassle. 

There are four different routes, but almost all buses follow the main route (marked in red on the map below). This route starts at the Visitors’ Centre and makes the following stops:

• Panorama Viewpoint
• King Menkaure
• King Khafre
• Sphinx Exit
• Sphinx Access

The buses complete the loop regularly, and you can hop on and off at any time.

The buses run very frequently, so unless you are here during peak season (mid Dec to early Jan), you shouldn’t have to queue for very long.

Expect to spend about 3 hours exploring the area.

Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.  

What Time To Visit?

We highly recommend arriving at the visitors’ entrance just before 8 AM.

Although the site opens at 7 AM, the shuttle bus service does not start operating until 8 AM.

Most tour groups arrive about 9 AM, so by getting there at 8 AM, you will be an hour ahead of the crowds, in cooler temperatures, and with the best light for photos.

There is a risk of haze early in the morning (especially in the winter), but it usually burns off by 10 AM and watching it do so is magical with the pyramids looming out of the mist.

The site is open every day but is busiest on Friday and Saturday (Egyptian weekend), so try to schedule your visit from Sunday to Thursday.

When To Go?

The shuttle bus and extra facilities have made exploring the pyramids easier, but there is still very little shade and usually a lot of sun.

In summer, the average daytime high temperatures are 37 to 39°C, making it uncomfortably hot. Winter temperatures are a much more comfortable 19 to 21 °C.

We highly recommend booking your Egyptian trip in the winter months; November and March are the sweet spots. It may well be the difference between enjoying the holiday and not.

Whatever time of year you visit, bring water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes.

Our Half-Day Itinerary

We have visited the pyramids a couple of times, and this is how we suggest you plan your day.

Visitors Centre

Arrive at the visitors’ centre just before 8 AM and proceed through security. At the ticket booth, ensure you have all the tickets you need for the day, including any extra tickets to access the pyramids or the Tomb of Meresankh III.

Just past the ticket booth is a short display of how it is currently believed the pyramids were built.

The exhibition shows how the rock was brought down the Nile, and then explains how pyramids were constructed using sledges, ramps, ropes and levers. It takes about 10 minutes.

Next, head to the shuttle bus. We got on just after 8 AM, and there was no queue at all.

Panorama Viewpoint

Get off at the first stop called Panorama Viewpoint.

This wide, open area has a wonderful view across to the three main pyramids: Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure. Rising imperiously above the sand and are all stretched out in a line, it’s a great photo stop.

There is a café (Coffee Island) if you missed your breakfast, and toilets (EGP 20, payable by cash or card).

Camel Or Horse & Carriage Ride

Riding a camel across the desert to the pyramids was one of our favourite experiences on our trip to Egypt. It combines an (uncomfortable) journey on these ancient-looking animals with truly magnificent views over the pyramids.

The best place to make the journey is from the Panorama Viewpoint, next to the café.

You can choose between several camel owners, and you’ll have no trouble locating them; they’ll certainly make themselves known to you!

The camel ride costs EGP 1,000 (US $20) for a 30-minute ride. (Bring cash).

It’s slightly uncomfortable and tricky to get on, and when you are on top, it feels quite high and a bit perilous, but it all adds to the adventure. You are then led across the dunes for 15 minutes to a magnificent viewpoint where the pyramids peak out from behind one another.

We made sure to get off, take plenty of photos, before returning the way we came.

We then tipped the guy leading the camel US $2. As always in Egypt, hand over the tip when your feet are on the ground. This is a good practice any time you’re riding anything, getting in a taxi or finishing a tour – make the tip the last thing you do.

If you are not comfortable getting on and riding the camel, you can also get a horse and cart for EGP 400 (US $8). The journey is quicker, and you still get to the same great viewpoint.

King Khafre

The second stop on the shuttle bus is called King Menkaure. Here you are a bit closer to the pyramids, although the view is not as good as from the Panorama Viewpoint.

This is also the stop for entering the King Menkaure Pyramid, assuming you have already bought the ticket. If not, you can stay on the bus and head to the next stop.

Great Pyramids Of Giza

The third stop on the shuttle bus is King Khafre. This stop is between the two largest pyramids.

On your left is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which contains the tomb of King Khufu (also known as Cheops).

Built in 2,600 BC, it is the oldest of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Originally, it was 481 feet high, but it currently stands at 454 feet.

In ancient times, the top was covered in gold.

On your right is the Pyramid of Khafre. Built on higher ground, it often appears larger than Khufu, but it is, in fact, only the second tallest (448 feet) of the three pyramids at Giza.

It’s a fun place to wander around, and we enjoyed comparing ourselves to the sheer size of the blocks of rock. You cannot climb up the pyramids, like you used to be able to, but you at least touch the first level of rock to feel like you’re actually there.

If you have purchased the additional ticket to go inside the Khufu Pyramid, walk along the western edge of the pyramid to the entrance on the northern side.

Eastern Tombs

A short walk from the King Khafre bus stop are the Eastern Tombs. It’s worth exploring the rocky area to get a true feel of the Pyramid Complex.

Different tombs are open on different days, and there are usually a few you can pop into.

Most are degraded, but the best is the Tomb of Meresankh III – make sure you buy a ticket in advance.

Great Sphinx Of Giza

The fourth stop on the shuttle bus is the Exit next to the Sphinx, but don’t leave yet.

Stay on the bus for the fifth stop to see the Sphinx itself.

The Sphinx viewing deck is best accessed through the Valley Temple of Khafre.

This ceremonial gateway is made of huge granite blocks and is where key rituals were performed on the king’s body before being transported to the pyramid for final burial.

Behind, a ramp, used to transport the king’s body, takes you up to the Sphinx viewing platform.

The Great Sphinx of Giza has the head of a human and the body of a lion. Built around 2575 BC, it is the oldest monumental sculpture in Egypt.

Many of the hawkers and sellers have been removed from the Giza Plateau, but there is a small section of stalls around the entrance way to the Sphinx.

Where To Eat Lunch?

If you started just before 8 AM, then it should be about lunchtime.

There are several options within the Giza Complex, but as you might expect, they can be expensive, low-quality, and often both. Nevertheless, it’s not often you can have a meal while looking at an Ancient Wonder of the World.

If you want better value local Egyptian food, we have another suggestion just outside the Sphinx Gate.

Coffee Island – Coffee and snack at the Panorama Viewpoint (Shuttle Bus Stop 1 on map)

Khufu Restaurant – Fine dining with a raised terrace and great views. Breakfast is à la carte, but lunch is a set menu (with a few choices).

It’s expensive by Egyptian standards (US $40 per head), but it is a beautiful and relaxed spot. Reservations in advance are essential. (Shuttle Bus Stop 2 on map).

Mazmazza & ELN – These are two other restaurants near Khufu’s, which do not need a reservation. The views are not quite as good, but the meals are cheaper. (Shuttle Bus Stop 2 on map).

El Dar Darak – This restaurant serves good quality local Egyptian cuisine at reasonable prices. It is just a 10-minute walk outside the Sphinx Gate. Just beware: your entrance ticket for the Pyramid Complex is single-entry, so once you have left, you cannot re-enter without buying another ticket.

How To Get To The Pyramids From Cairo

The pyramids are located about 13-15 km from central Cairo.

If you are travelling independently, the simplest way to reach the entrance is by Uber. You’ll need data, and we bought a Nomad travel e-Sim before arriving in Egypt.

It costs approximately US $3-5 from Downtown Cairo or US $8-12 from Cairo airport.

If you don’t fancy going independently, you can join a tour or hire a private guide.

Get Your Guide has half-day tours, including a guided visit to the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple of Khafre, with one hour of free time to enjoy a camel ride or explore independently.

Memphis Tours (a locally owned Egyptian company) offers a private guide to show you around at your own pace.

What To Take?

• Modest clothing: As with my places in Egypt, it’s appreciated if you dress modestly.
• Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Even in winter, it can get hot walking around.
• Sturdy walking shoes: The terrain is sandy and uneven.
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen (50+)
• Small bills: You never know who you’ll need to tip in Egypt, so bring small notes to cover yourself.

Important: Photography At The Pyramids

You are allowed to take in a regular camera, including phone cameras, standard DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. However, there are unclear and ambiguous rules around taking telephoto lenses or professional cameras into the Pyramids.

We usually travel with 3 lenses and intend to take all of them with us. However, our guide said we may or may not be allowed in with all our gear.

So, we took our Canon R5 DSLR and a 24-70mm lens, leaving everything else behind. We had no trouble getting in, but our guide said it sometimes depends on the guard who checks your bag.

Don’t take too much equipment, and make sure you have the ability to leave stuff behind if need be.

Tripods are not allowed.

With the new entrance process at the Pyramids, it’s no longer possible to get into the site for sunrise.

What To Do In The Area?

Many people return to the pyramid complex to see the early evening Sound and Light Show. Personally, like most sound and light shows, I found it underwhelming and expensive. Give it a miss. 

A much better idea is to combine half a day at the pyramids with a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

Where To Stay In Cairo Near The Pyramids

Here are a few hotel recommendations. All of these places have views of the Pyramids.

• Marriott Mena House ($$$$) – Excellent Pyramid views, beautiful garden, several restaurants, outdoor pool and fitness centre. Great access to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
• Steigenberger Pyramids ($$) – Modern, functional hotel close to the Grand Egyptian Museum with great Pyramid views from the rooftop deck.
• Akhnaton Pyramid’s View Hotel ($$) – Clean, comfortable rooms, cool rooftop restaurant and just 1 km from the Sphinx. Great location and good value for money.