Egypt Pyramids Tour: How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza [Tickets & Tips]

Ready to explore the Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World?

A visit to the pyramids is one of Egypt’s most unforgettable experiences. But with countless Egypt pyramid tours and ticket options, planning your trip can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, you'll find practical information to plan your visit: the best-rated tours, ticket options, opening hours, and must-see highlights, along with insider tips to avoid tourist traps and enjoy a smooth experience.

Let’s plan your perfect visit.

Also read:
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Best Egypt Pyramids Tours to Book

Choosing the right pyramids tour depends on how much time you have and what you want to see.

Below is a comparison of the most popular Egypt pyramids tours, based on traveler reviews and recent bookings, making it easy to find the one that best fits your travel style.

Recommendation: If you’re visiting for the first time, the Private Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour is a perfect introduction. For travelers who want to explore more pyramid sites beyond Giza, the Full-Day Giza, Saqqara & Memphis Tour offers the best combination of famous and lesser-known landmarks.

Self-Guided vs. Guided Pyramid Tour: Which is Better?

You can visit the Pyramids of Giza either on your own or with a guided tour, depending on your travel style and budget. 

• Guided tours take care of all the details. Many include hotel pickup, skip-the-line entry to the Giza Plateau, and an expert guide who brings Ancient Egypt to life. Some tours also cover entry inside a pyramid or a camel ride at the Giza Plateau.
• Self-guided visits are cheaper and give you more freedom. However, without a guide, you might miss key details about the pyramids’ history, face more persistent local sellers, and be more vulnerable to tourist scams.

Tip: If it’s your first time in Egypt, we recommend booking a guided half-day tour for a smooth and insightful experience.

Quick Overview of Pyramid of Giza Tickets 

• Giza Plateau Ticket: Covers the outdoor area with the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and surrounding pyramids. This is the basic entry ticket for most visitors. >> More details here.

• Inside Great Pyramid Ticket: Allows entry inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Limited daily availability and a separate fee. >> See the ticket here.
• Pyramid of Khafre or Menkaure Tickets: Optional tickets to enter one of the smaller pyramids. Separate fee, available on-site.
• Combined Tickets: Sometimes available, covering the Giza Plateau + Great Pyramid to save time.

Highlights of the Giza Pyramids 

The Pyramids of Giza consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure—three royal tombs built during the Fourth Dynasty. Together, they form one of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments. See below more hightlights:

1. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops): The largest and oldest pyramid (originally 146 meters tall). You can go inside with a separate ticket.
2. The Great Sphinx of Giza: This monumental limestone statue, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, has guarded the plateau for millennia. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in Egypt.
3. The Panoramic Viewpoint: Located uphill from the main pyramid complex, this viewpoint offers the best spot to capture all three pyramids in one frame — ideal for your signature travel photo. >> See on Google Maps 
4. The Solar Boat of Khufu (Now in GEM): The remains of an ancient ship, believed to have been used in the pharaoh’s afterlife journey, are now displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum.
5. Tomb of Queen Meresankh III: A beautifully decorated rock-cut tomb near the pyramids, open to visitors with a separate ticket.
6. Workers’ Cemetery: An excavated area where the pyramid builders were buried, giving insight into the lives of the ancient laborers.
7. Camel Ride with a View: A popular activity that offers panoramic views of the pyramids and a memorable way to experience the desert surroundings.
8. Quad Biking Adventure: For a more adrenaline-filled experience, quad biking across the desert dunes allows you to explore the plateau’s landscape with a thrilling desert safari feel. >> More details here.

Is It Worth Going Inside the Pyramid?

Going inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu is a unique experience, but be prepared for narrow tunnels and humid air. Visitors should be aware that there are no carvings or decorations inside—only the impressive architecture of the burial chamber.

If you're interested in ancient engineering and don’t mind tight spaces, it’s worth it. Otherwise, enjoying the pyramids from outside is just as memorable.

Practical Information for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Plan your visit with these essential details to make the most of your trip:

Opening Hours of the Giza Plateau and Pyramid Interiors

• Entire Giza Complex: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Last entry inside the pyramids: 3:30 PM
• Public holidays: Some closures or limited hours — check before your visit.

How to Get to the Pyramids of Giza

• From Cairo: 30–45 minutes by taxi or Uber.
• Public transport: Not recommended (limited and inconsistent).
• Tours: Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Egypt Pyramids Tour

Make the most of your visit with these practical tips and essential preparations.

What to Bring:

• Sunscreen, hat, light scarf, and plenty of water.
• Small cash for souvenirs and tips.
• Comfortable shoes for walking on sand and stone.
• A printed or digital confirmation of your ticket or tour.

Common Scams to Avoid:

• Camel rides: If your tour doesn’t include a camel ride, and you want to book one on-site, always agree on the price before getting on the camel to avoid inflated fees.
• Fake “official guides”: Politely decline and head straight to the ticket office or your tour guide.
• Taxi scams: Insist drivers use the meter, or use Uber/Bolt for clear pricing.