The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Located in Giza, a suburban area of Cairo, the capital of Egypt, the pyramid complex attracts millions of visitors every year from all corners of the world. Most tourists generally stay in Cairo City, preferably in the Downtown and adjacent areas of Cairo. Giza Pyramid Complex is located about 18 km away from Downtown Cairo across the Nile River.
How to Reach Giza Pyramids from Downtown Cairo?
There are four major modes of transport to reach the Pyramid Complex of Giza from Downtown Cairo:
1. Private Taxis
The most comfortable way and do not involve complex efforts from your side. From your hotel/hostel, just walk on the main streets, wave your hands and hire a taxi, that’s it. Pyramid complex is about 30 minutes away from Downtown. Depending on the traffic conditions, it may take up to 90 minutes to reach Giza Pyramids.
Just keep some points in your mind while choosing a taxi:
i) There are three types of taxi cabs running in Cairo: Black Taxi, Yellow Taxi and White Taxi.
Black Taxis are the oldest one. Most are without meter and without air-conditioner. They are phasing out gradually.
White Taxis are the modern version of black taxis with meter and air-conditioner. As far as possible try to book a white taxi.
Yellow Taxis are professionally run and the costliest one. You may book it over the phone also.
ii) Bargain hard and more harder to get a good taxi fare. Normal taxi fare between Downtown Cairo to Giza Pyramids is about LE 70 (Egyptian Pounds).
iii) The Pyramid Complex of Giza is huge enough to occupy an entire day. You may feel interested in the Evening Light and Sound Show. There is no need to hire a taxi for both the sides from Downtown and paying unnecessary waiting charges. You can always hire another taxi for the return journey.
2. Ride-Hailing Services Like Uber and Careem
Uber cabs are easily available throughout Cairo. Careem is another ride-hailing app that offers taxi services in Cairo just like Uber. In fact, Careem is presently an Uber company. You just require a local SIM card to avail the services of these cars. Local SIM cards are easily available in Cairo City after producing your passport copy. Just install Uber or Careem app in your mobile and avail their services.
The charges for Uber/Careem are normally identical to the private taxis mentioned above. But, in case of Uber/Careem, there is no need for unnecessary trouble or bargaining. A Uber/Careem ride from Downtown Cairo to the pyramids costs LE 70-80.
3. Public Buses/Micro-Buses
Another way to reach Giza Pyramids from Downtown is by using the Public Buses. The buses are relatively cheaper than the taxis. Bus Number 355 and 357 are available from Downtown to Giza Pyramids. You can board bus number 355 or 357 from a bus stand behind the Egyptian Museum on the main road. It is a convenient option for the people staying in Tahrir Square area as well as on the Bank of Nile River. The tourists staying in the backpacker’s hostel spread around Md. Farid Street in Downtown may find it difficult to get these buses. These buses are large, comfortable, and some have air-conditioners also. Fare is about LE 4 from downtown to the pyramids.
You can also use mini-vans known as Micro-buses from the same bus stand. These buses are less comfortable and very crowded.
Note: i) Fare is about LE 4 for big buses and LE 2 for micro-buses, but micro-bus driver (conductors of big buses are fair enough) may intend to demand more after seeing you as a tourist. Always check the fare before boarding the bus.
ii) In Cairo, most people do not know speak English, but Arabic Language. They may not be able to understand your query. Always cross check any information.
iii) Another suggestion is to learn the Arabic Numerals. Learning the numeral from 0 to 9 is not a tough task and it will be really useful during your stay in Cairo.
iv) The road transport, i.e., taxis and buses are good options, but the road traffic in Cairo is highly congested throughout the day. The traffic conditions are chaotic, and jams are frequent. On a terrible day, one hour taxi ride may turn into three hours nightmares. There are many flyovers, underpasses and highways available while many are still under construction, but overall traffic condition is eagerly waiting for an efficient solution.
4. Cairo Metro + Public Bus/Private Taxi
There is nothing better than the metro to move from one place to another in Cairo without getting stuck in the traffic or hassling with the cab drivers. The city has an efficient metro network. It does not cover the entire city, but it covers the notable tourist attractions in Cairo. The metro is quick, cheap and absolutely safe. The metro lines remain crowded in the peak hours.
Normal operating hours of Cairo Metro are from 05.15 AM in the Morning to 12.30 AM Midnight. It is easy to use if you are familiar with metro system in other parts of the world. All the stations and metro lines are marked in English as well as Arabic. Only few trains have the AC compartments.
Downtown Cairo has a good metro connectivity with four metro stations located at its four corners. There is no metro station in the direct vicinity of the pyramid complex, but Giza metro station (El-Giza or Giza) is located about 10 km away. Therefore, you have to follow two steps to reach the Pyramid Complex from Downtown Cairo. In the first step, travel by a metro train from Downtown to Giza and in the second step, travel by a public bus or hired cab from Giza to the Pyramid Complex.
Downtown Cairo to El-Giza Metro Station by a Metro Train: To start your journey from the Downtown, first locate the nearest metro station to your hotel. Four metro stations in the Downtown area are Attaba, Md. Naguib, Sadat and Nasser. The best way to locate a metro station is to look for a sign with the large, red “M” in a circle. If you know Arabic alphabets, you may notice Metro written in Arabic language above the “M”.
Attaba metro station is adjoining to Md. Farid Street. Popular hostels located here are Roma Pension, Aussie Hostel, Alexander Hostel, Dino’s Hostel, etc. If you stay at any of these hostels, you can get a metro from Attaba after 5-10 minutes walks.
Sadat Metro Station is located underground at the Tahrir Square. It is close to the Egyptian Museum and Nile River bank. Most splurge hotels like Intercontinental, Hilton, Kempinski Nile Hotel and hostels like Egyptian Night and Sara Inn Hostel are in the close vicinity of this metro station.
Nasser Metro Station is close to the junction of 26 October Road and 26 July Road. Carlton Hotel is located in the close vicinity of this metro station.
Md.Naguib Metro station is located at the South-East end of Md. Sabri Abou Alam Street. It is very close to Royal Hotel, Bedouin Hotel, Happy City Hotel and Meramees Hostel.
Giza metro station is located at Line 2 of Cairo Metro Network. Sadat, Md.Naguib and Attaba are also located on the same line 2. If you take a metro from any of these stations, you can directly reach to Giza. If you catch a metro from Nasser Metro Station on Line 1, then you have to change a train at Sadat Metro Station.
Some of the metro station on Cairo Metro are underground, and some are elevated. All four above-mentioned metro station in Downtown are underground. After descending several steps, you will reach at the underground station premises. Most of the stations are also disabled-friendly and have elevators. At the station premises, look for the ticket window.
The metro ticket prices include three zones i.e. LE 3 for first nine stops, LE 5 for additional seven stops and LE 7 for a full line. There are three colours of the metro tickets; the yellow represents the first category for the first 9 stops (LE 3), the green represents the second category from 10 stations to less than 16 stations (LE 5), The red one represents highest ticket price for LE 7 for more than 16 stations. You can exchange the metro lines with a ticket without leaving a station.
Tickets are issued in the form of a small rectangular paper sheet. At the entry turnstile (baffle gate) insert the paper ticket and it pops-out from the other side. The electronic gate opens automatically, take your paper ticket from the other side and keep that with you. At the destination, insert the paper ticket in a turnstile again. It does not pops-out this time. You may also handover your paper ticket to the security personnel standing near the turnstile and move out from the station.
In order to locate the correct platform for the right direction train, it is always better to know the both end of your metro line. For example, if you are going to Giza from Downtown, just remember that you have to go to the platform of Giza Direction, which is clearly mentioned in the station premises. Last station on this line is El Mounib, but it is mostly written as Giza direction. While coming back to Downtown, you have to go on a platform to Shobra direction, which is the last station at that end.
In the same way, if you are taking a train from Nasser station, board one going to Helwan direction, leave that at Sadat Metro station and board another one to Giza direction.
One more line of Cairo metro is partially operational. It connects Nasser Metro Station to Heliopolis area. In future, this line will extend up to Cairo Airport.
Two compartments of each metro train is reserved for ladies passengers only (normally in the middle). Women can still ride in others, but men are not allowed to ride in these women-only compartments. Do not board these compartments, else you will be thrown out🙂. The position of the ladies compartments is clearly marked at the metro platform.
Giza Metro Station to The Pyramid Complex by a Public Bus: A metro ride takes about 20 minutes from Attaba to Giza and 15 minutes from Sadat. There are two metro stations in Giza area: Giza Railways (El-Giza or Giza) and Giza Suburbs. Leave your metro at El-Giza (not the Giza Suburbs), which is the second station from Cairo University.
Walk out from the station towards an exit road, where many drivers of the mini-vans wait for the passengers. They only leave after getting the full passenger capacity. Better to avoid them and move 100 meters further on a downward slope towards the main road. That road is known as Al Haram road. Cross the road and go to the other side. There is a bus stand on that side of the road, from where you can board a bus to the pyramids, which is about 10 kms away. Micro-buses and cabs are also available from that place to the Giza Pyramids.
Bus number 900 and 997 operate on the Al Haram Road to the pyramids. Bus fare is LE 4. The public buses and mini vans don’t operate till the main entrance of the pyramids. They drop you about 500 m before the main entrance. Busy bus conductor may forget to tell you about your destination, so it is better to inform a local fellow traveler about your intended bus stop. If you travel by a private taxi, Uber or Careem; they drop you right at the entrance of the pyramid complex.
Note: 1. Most people do not understand the word “Pyramids”, so either use the Arabic word “Haram” or make sign of a triangle using your palm while asking for the direction to Giza Pyramids.
2. Bargain for the price before hiring a cab. It should be about 30 LE for the pyramids from the El-Giza metro station.
3. There are two ticket counters for the pyramids complex, one is located near The Great Pyramid, while other is close to The Sphinx. If you travel by a bus, the ticket counter close to The Great Pyramid is nearby. When you travel by a hired car, they normally drop you at the ticket counter close to The Great Pyramid and pick you again near the Sphinx (in case you have a return trip booking).
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How to Enjoy the Pyramid Complex of Giza?
The Pyramid Complex of Giza : Ancient, Mysterious and Everlasting..
How I landed in Egypt: The Land of Ancient Temples and Pyramids
Thank you so much for your very helpful and detailed information,i couldn’t find any information about visiting from Cairo the pyramids and i travel solo lady. I’m going to arrive in Egypt in middle October and i think about the rythms local have…their buses,trains e.t.c. aren’t in time usually leave or arrive later!!
Hello to all. I’m in Cairo and just went to Pyramids. I took Uber from Down town Cairo and got to the tickets office in Giza. Trip costs 80EGP, which is about $4. Took me 20 minutes.
Prices to enter Pyramids : general admission 240EGP and Great Pyramid is 440EGP.
Egyptian History Museum normal entry @200 LE now
Visited today 12-Dec-21 Pyramid total entry fee is 700 Egyptian pounds…200 Pyramid area…400 Khufu interior & 100 Khafre interior
Hello, I just came back from the Egyptian Museum. Ticket price is 160 LE for normal entry and 160 LE extra for Room of Mummies. If you want a ticket for both, buy 300 LE ticket. Its crazy that who would buy the tickets separately but there are some people who don’t know and Egyptians exploit them this way. Anyway, if you want to take pictures there is 50 LE extra. If you want to make a video its whopping 300 LE extra. So unless you are a professional photographer or a YouTuber, don’t pay that money. Also, there will be a lot of Guides asking you to hire them, bargain hard with them. I did not hire one, its better to read before going or just read the podium tags.
Hi, Thank you very much for this updated information. Happy Travels. 🙂
Just came back from Giza Pyramids. Ticket reached to 160LE just for open area. want to visit pyramids and sphinx buy other tickets.. Prices are getting higher in months.. in 2017 it was 80, in 2018 120 and with new year its 160.. will visit museum tomorrow then can update about the metro prices and ticket price.. Thank you
Very good information but yes prices are increased. I am in Giza again.. I was in Egypt last year too. prices get high last year.. least ticket price for metro is 3 LE till 7 LE now depending on the distance you want to travel on metro. From Dokki till near pyramids its like 50LE now on white taxi. Careem and Uber are relatively cheaper than white taxi but if you get stuck in traffic then price surely gets on higher side. Museum and Pyramids entrance tickets in 2017 were 80LE for non-Egyptians. in 2018 it was 120LE. i didn’t visited museum and pyramids so don’t have exact ticket price but can update once i visited those places.. In general what i can say is Prices raised atleast tripple times from 2013 but as EGP devalued almost double so not much effect in spending..
If anyone in Cairo/Giza have more updates plz let us know. 🙂
Hi Thank you very much for the updated information. I got your comments earlier, but I was traveling in a poor connectivity zone, so couldn’t got the time to approve them. I really appreciate your efforts to update this.
Hi Solo….thank u so much .your blog is really helpful..May I ask a question please concerning the booking of hotels in Cairo,is it better to book online or after just landing in there?
Planning to travel there during my holiday on 18th December 2017.
Thanks.
Hi, You can search the accommodation after reaching there. Better to book first 2-3 days in advance, so that you can get some clear idea of the city after the arrival. It will also help you to search other hotels without hassling with your luggage. 🙂
Hi,
You posted this article in 2013.
We are going to Giza in March, 2019.
Is all the information still current?
Have the prices increased?
Are the bus number still the same?
THANK YOU?!
Hi, Most of the information is still relevant. I am not sure about the bus number. Due to the currency devaluation in Egypt, expect to pay the double prices of whatever is mentioned in this article.
I am in Giza at the moment. i am trying to give updates but i don’t know my messages are not showing.
Anyways, here is update.. prices are gone up.. in 2017 pyramids ticket was for 80LE, in July 2018 it was for 120LE and i just came back now and paid 160LE. In 2018 price of Saqqara or Sakkara pyramids was 120LE which i think also jumped to 160LE now. Tomorrow will visit Egyptian Museum and can update about the ticket prices, but what i am expecting is 160LE for entry ticket and 200LE for viewing the Royal Mummies. Also i am expecting price of metro is 3 minimum and goes till 8-9LE. Hope this will get posted ..
Thank you 🙂
great details..planning to visit egypt..I want to see abu simbel and luxor east and west coasts..and everything at sweetest cheap budget..in short time
LOVE THIS POST! Going on the 25th of dec 2017 to egypt
Thanks..Have a nice trip. 🙂
informative… thanks for the “details”…
wow, such detailed information. thanks for the effort ! im going there in march and this is the most comprehensive guide ive found so far , kudos !
hello Mr Solo Backpacker .thank you very much for your very useful information..
i visited the Giza Pyramids during my 6 weeks stay in Cairo in September- October 2016 .
Indeed i took the same means of transport from Attaba metro station to Giza station and at Giza i took 2 mini buses to reach the Pyramids and paid only 2 LE for the 2 minibuses …entrance for pyramids is 80 LE .
luckily i got some Egyptians who are very kind and hospitable to help me to take the vans to go to the pyramids and on my way back..
in fact you will always find at least one Egyptian in Giza ,Cairo or anywhere in Egypt who understand English to help you.
Egyptians are very good people and always helpful to everybody.
I recommend those interested to spend at least 2 weeks in Egypt to well enjoy your stay in Cairo..
Egypt is wonderful and with its lovely places and nice people.
Once more mr solo backpacker thanks a lot for your valuable information..
.
Thank you. It’s a really useful information.
Thank you so much.when i am reading its such like now i know the cairo city well without hassle.
hi you have provided a valuable information .and thanks
Dear Solo,
Wow what a wealth of information you have provided, thank you soooooo much!!! We will certainly make use of your info and tips during our 10 day visit to Cairo in December 2016.
I Just have 2 questions if you could possibly please answer them for me?
Is there enough for us to see and do for 10 days in Cairo? And is it advisable to stay in 1 hotel for the duration of our stay of 10 days?
Thanking you,
Gerhard from South Africa
Hi, Thank you for the appreciation. 10 days looks very good for Cairo, in fact, I find it too much. Better to visit Alexandria also on the same trip. Cairo and Alexandria is very good for 10 days. 2 full days in Alex and 8 days in Cairo. You can stay at one hotel only. Cairo metro is affordable and good to explore around. In 8 days of Cairo, try to spend 1 day at Giza, 1 day at Dahshur/ Saqqara/Memphis, 1 day at Cairo Museum, 1 day at Coptic Cairo, 1 day at Islamic Cairo and Citadel, 1 day for shopping, 1 day for to and fro movements between Cairo and Alex , you will have a perfect trip. Have a nice stay. 🙂
super information dear………thanks much
Firstly I would like to thank you Mr Solo Backpacker for this informative site, you are one of a kind. I’m from South Africa and it the first time I will be travelling out of my Province KwaZulu Natal, Durban. I have no experience in travelling but I’m keen to take this tusk on my own.
I have manage to get a tour guide with a Taxi transfer from Airport in Cairo to the Hotel (31 km from Airport) and he will take us to sightseeing at 550 EGP for a day, now my question is the price reasonable enough or should we just use normal transport (Metro and Buses and vans) and about the history itself we will be able to gather enough information about the subject matter on our own without a Guide i.e. Pyramids Sphinx. (Trip for 28/02/2016)
Lastly through you I think I’ll make it there and back in one piece
Hi, Thank you for the appreciation. I am always in favour of managing things by my own using the public transport. I don’t have a fair idea about the taxi prices, but I think, 2 years ago, they charged me 120 EGP for half day trip. So, 550 EGP is still too much for a day. 300-350 EGP should be fair enough. Have a nice trip and share your experiences whenever you get back in one piece. 🙂
Dear Silvane,
I take it that you do not speak any Egyptian Arabic.
550 EGP for a day is a bit much I think. But if you will be in Cairo for just a day, you may not like to worry about other alternatives.
As I was in cairo a couple of a years ago, and wanted to travel like a local (I like to blend in, and I have learnt some Egyptian Arabic), here is a bit of information for you.
The actual taxi ride from the airport to downtown Cairo costs 25 EGP. You need to ALWAYS bargain/agree with the driver BEFORE you board the taxi. If you cannot speak Egyptian Arabic, take a small paper notebook with you. Write your numbers on it. Sooner or later, the driver will agree for 25 EGP from the airport to Cairo. Of course, you can always give a tip of 5EGP once you get to your destination.
Internet in Cairo is very bad. So, do as much inverstigations you can do before you leave.
The Cairo Metro is absolutely great. It covers many areas. Any one trip – regardless of distance – costs just ONE EGP. If you are going to make use of Metro, become very familiar with the routes/stations before you get to Cairo. In the CBD, there are a couple of stations with tracks on multiple levels. You can easily get lost if you do not have a map handy. However, the ticket inspectors are very friendly and speak English.
If using Metro trains, do not enter special ladies compartments! Some Egyptians do not like people taking photos. So watch out!
If travelling to see the Pyramids…
You can travel by Metro from the CBD (e.g. Sadat station) to the Giza station (1EGP). From the Giza station, an obvious choice is hiring a taxi. Do not agree to pay more than 25EGP.
Regardless of what mode of transport you take to the Pyramids, you WILL BE SCAMMED! It is not a question of IF, but HOW.
The Scammer could be a 40-50 year old person, speaks good English, and gets into your cab somewhere on the way! He will keep on talking, and will manage you to get into the conversation. You WILL fall in to the trap. He will talk about how the scamsters will try to sell you the tickets to the Pyramids for 100EGP, etc etc. But he promises to save you heaps of money.
All that he wants to do is take you to his friend who offers camel rides for 400EGP. Once you are at his friend’s place, his friend will force you to part with at least 200-250EGP for the camel ride.
DO NOT go for a camel ride! It is not worth it. You will be very thirsty, and the camel driver will sell you expensive water.
How to save yourself from the scamsters when you cannot speak Egyptian Arabic?
Put the headphones on, and pretend you cannot hear them at all. Don’t let a person get into your cab on the way. The cab-driver is a mate of the scamster. If someone gets into the cab, you must exit the cab. Pay the cab driver half the agreed amount, and take another cab.
Alternatively, take a bus from the CBD to the pyramids. Do not get into a conversation with an Egyptian – no matter how friendly he sounds.
My policy (and it works): If an Egyptian approaches you with a smile and English, he is a scamster. Do not even open your mouth! You can trust an Egyptian (generally) if he has no smile, and does not speak English.
VicMath, Australia
Very informative! Will be traveling to Cairo next Thursday. Any recommendations for a day trip itinerary?
Cheers!
Giza Pyramids and Dahsur Pyramids are enough for a day. Have a nice trip 🙂
Thank you very much VicMath and Solo B for the Platform, you tips are very informative, only left with 24 days ’til my depature
Have a nice trip 🙂
I believe Uber and Careem taxi service is becoming popular in Cairo – with better service. With these you might have lesser trouble from the scamsters. Enjoy your trip!
HEY SLWANE , REALLY HOPE YOU HAD FUN , I LL BE LEAVING IN JUNE . JUST A QUESTION WAS IT SAFE ? !
Brilliant. By far the best information on the web about getting to the Giza complex. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to put this together.
I have booked my Hotel Amarante Pyramids, Egypt which not very far from Pyramids. I like ask how much will be a taxi charge for 10 hours please. I like go to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalily ‘The Bazaar’ and the Muhammad Ali Mosque, Citadel of Cairo.
Hi, a day taxi charges is anywhere between 150 EGP to 200 EGP. If you can, better to use Cairo Metro. Very efficient and really cheap. For mosque and citadel, you have to use a bus or taxi.
Hi Solo! great job !! We all appreciate it! I am just a bit confused on how to reach the Pyramids (quick and cheap from Downtown Cairo. I would appreciate if you could give me quick and graphical instructions. Thanks so much. (your blog is now saved in bookmarks 🙂
You’re the best man! and I have been traveling for many years, thanks for all the help
Hello there!We are two girls who are planning to visit Cairo in October,do you think it safe for two women travellers? thank you in advance
Yes. I find Egypt very safe. If you take due normal precautions, there shouldn’t be any problem. Since, Cairo is a big Metropolitan Area, there is no risk to roam around, even till the midnight. At least, I haven’t observe any problem. Days of protests and demonstrations are almost over and they are not so frequent. But if you find any, just avoid that. Have a great trip. 🙂
Hi Mr Solo Back packer,
your site is excellent and I referred to it recently and also took a printout when I visited the Giza pyramids from Maadi. I followed your exact guidance and was successfully able to go to Giza and come back by metro + mini van.
I really admire you going around in a foreign country on your own and getting such a wealth of information and setting up a site and letting others also get the benefit of your vast experience.
You are great. thank you very much and wish you very many soul fullfilling journeys and best wishes
Regards..Anil Rao – India
Thanks Sirjee. Hope you had a great time in Egypt. Enjoy.
olá estou pensando em viajar para o exterior mas estarei sozinha quero realizar um sonho que é conhecer o cairo ;
Não se preocupe. Basta pegar a estrada e realizar seu sonho no Cairo. Você nunca vai se sentir solitário na estrada. Fazer boa viagem.
I plan on traveling to Egypt March, 2014
I have never traveled abroad, is Cairo a suitable destination for inexperienced traveler? (I will be alone).
Yes, Cairo is perfectly safe for a Solo Traveller. Just stay alert and avoid tourist touts. Cairo has a rich architectural and cultural history of ancient Egypt, because of the mysterious pyramids, a grand museum, old churches, big mosques and also the mighty Nile.
thank you so much for the information. i ll be visiting Egypt on this November. your blog helped me a lot. Wish me luck. thanks again for all the info.
Have a great trip dear 🙂 . Let me know, if you need more information.
These tips are very helpful for me.
very very thanks to you. its very help full……if i found the same i give you a rating of 5 stars.
Will definately be using this mode of transport
Thanks for this nice and detailed post. 🙂