How to get to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo Airport

First-timers to Cairo If you’re like most travelers, the iconic Giza Pyramids are at the top of your list of popular Egyptian attractions. because of the streets. Don’t worry, I’ve been there and I’m here to help.

Here’s something you may not know. Cairo Airport is located on the opposite side of town from Gizameaning your journey can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day. Traffic in Cairo is no joke, especially during rush hour, so planning ahead is essential and there are many options including buses, taxis, tours and more.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to get to the pyramids from the airport, with tips from my visit to the Pyramids of Giza to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Theory: How to get to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo Airport

Where to go? The Pyramids of Giza are located on the western edge of Cairo, approx 40 km (25 miles) from Cairo Airport (45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic), northeast of the city center.

If you are staying in one of my recommended areas of Cairo, such as Downtown or Zamalek, Giza is a 30-60 minute drive west.

  • Transport options: Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem), private transfers, organized tours and airport taxis.
  • Organized excursions. There are some great private tours to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx that include Cairo airport pickup that you can book in advance online.
  • Realistic arrival times for same-day visits. Morning arrivals make it realistic to see the pyramids directly if you land before 10am and plan for a 6+ hour round trip including the pyramids and other sights.

Deviations. It will take you at least 7 hours to see the pyramids at Cairo airport.A comfortable “tour” is possible, but you must book in advance.

Private tours to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo Airport

  • Personal transfers. Comfortable and stress-free; costs around EGP 400–600 with advance booking.

If you’re flying into Cairo and want a stress-free visit to the Pyramids of Giza, I recommend booking a private tour from the airport before you arrive.

Not only will this save you from potential hassles or scams with taxis and arriving in Giza, but it also gives you an easy experience with a professional guide who will teach you a lot about the pyramids.

Also, the cost isn’t significantly higher than just a private transfer, which I’ll link to below.

A typical private airport tour to the burger includes:

  • Khafre’s pyramid
  • Khafr Valley Temple
  • Pyramid of Menkaure.
  • The Sphinx

Hint: I highly recommend going inside the Great Pyramid (currently costs 1,500 EGP extra (about $30 USD). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth it in my opinion.

Ollie Gaspard inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, EgyptOllie Gaspard inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, EgyptOllie Gaspard inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
Exploring the interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Cairo Airport to Giza Pyramids Private Transfer Booking

  • Personal transfers. Costing 200-400 EGP, takes the chaos and hassle out of the airport.

If you don’t want to book a tour, I recommend arranging a private transfer in advance from the airport to your hotel or directly to the Giza Pyramids. It’s surprisingly affordable, usually inexpensive 200–400 EGP for a ride that is about the same as a local taxi or ride.

If you are in Egypt for the first time, you should know that it is a little overwhelming and a lot There are reliable machines at the airport.Pre-booking a transfer will save you this hassle and probably save you money if you are not a master salesperson.

Hint: Hiring a guide is optional, but in my experience it’s worth it. Without one, you’re likely to be dragged along by constant hikes throughout your visit to Giza, which can make it difficult to fully enjoy the experience.

Ride-Hailing Apps at Cairo airport

  • Uber & CareemSafe and reliable, costs ~EGP 180–250.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem (I prefer Uber) are popular in Cairo and it’s possible to hail a driver when you arrive, which is great because you’ll know the price in advance and avoid any unexpected surprises :

I highly recommend it download and set up the app before you arrive to save time and hassle The free Wi-Fi in Cairo airport is very limited and hardly works in my experience, so getting an eSIM or local SIM card at the airport so you can hail the driver is a good idea.

This option will not work without internet access.

When booking, the app will direct you to the designated pickup zone. When I landed at Terminal 3, I went straight to the airport parking lot, which was just a short walk away. This is where most drivers will be waiting. Go past the tours and show them your Uber screen they will generally ignore you.

Airport taxis and public transport

If you are thinking of taking a taxi from Cairo airport, be prepared to haggle 200–300 EGPbut in my experience, drivers often start with much higher quotes, especially for first-timers (they’ll know). If you don’t like negotiating, this option can get frustrating quickly, but it’s also a fun introduction to Egypt.

Another thing to be aware of is that Cairo airport taxi drivers are not always the most reliable. some may try to take longer routes or add hidden fees. If you go this way, agree on a price before you get in. I personally avoid Cairo airport taxis and prefer ride-hailing apps pre-booked private transfers.

Public transport
Public transportation is available from the airport, but it’s not something I recommend for first-timers. Cairo’s bus system can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, especially if you don’t speak Arabic. The buses are often crowded, and the right route to Giza not at all easy to find.

If you decide to use public transport, the best option is to take a bus from the airport to Ramses station (the main hub of downtown Cairo) and then find another bus or minibus that goes to Giza option.

A realistic delay schedule for visiting the pyramids from the airport

If you have a layover 6+ hours and you land before 10 o’clockthen visiting the pyramids is an option.

Booking a private transfer or tour in advance is your best bet for peace of mind and maximizing your time without the stress of navigating public transport or negotiating taxis. Just make sure you leave enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight, taking into account traffic and security checks at the airport (Cairo can be very slow).

I would suggest planning at least 6 hours for the tourincluding travel time and exploring the pyramids usually safe bet with traffic.

That said, although it can be a bit rushed, especially if you’re tired from your flight, I personally prefer to visit the burgers early in the morning when they open at 7am. to avoid the crowds and beat the midday heat.

Plus, there’s so much more to the Giza complex than just the Great Pyramid, you definitely won’t want to miss it Khafre’s pyramidis Pyramid of Menkaureis Valley Templeand of course the symbol Great Sphinx.

So if you land later, it’s a good idea to stay overnight in Cairo, preferably in a hotel with a view of the pyramid, and save the pyramid for the next day. which makes it impractical to visit the pyramids directly from Cairo airport.

Stay in Cairo. My favorite hotels

Planning an entire Cairo itinerary? I recommend starting with your accommodation and spending a few days exploring the city’s rich history, dynamic culture and world-famous attractions. To help you plan your stay, here are my top recommendations for hotels in Cairo.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Luxury

One of the best 5-star luxury resorts overlooking the Nile, its on-site spa and 2 luxurious outdoor pools offer celebrity treatments.

2. Crown Pyramids View Pyramid views

One of the best value for money options for spectacular views, this family-run hotel offers guests air-conditioned rooms with balcony views of the pyramids.

3. Holy Sheet Hostel Budget:

An affordable stay within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum.This budget choice is great for backpackers looking to save money.A la carte breakfast is served each morning for those looking to fill their stomachs before a big day of exploring Cairo.

Planning to see more of Egypt?After a lot of traveling around the country, I’ve written dozens of great guides to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

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