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All You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit to the Pyramids of Giza | Opening Hours, Getting There, Facilities & More

Pyramids of Giza | Visitor information at a glance

Visitor Information on Pyramids of Giza
  • What are the Pyramids of Giza opening hours?
    The Pyramids of Giza are open from 7 AM to 6 PM from April to September and from 8 AM to 4 PM from October to March.
  • Where is the Pyramids of Giza located?
    The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of the city of Cairo, around 15 kilometers away from the city center.
  • How many entrances do the Pyramids of Giza have?
    The Pyramids of Giza have 2 entrances- the Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance and the Great Sphinx entrance.
  • How many visitors do the Pyramids of Giza see per year?
    Over 14 million people visit the Pyramids of Giza every year.
About the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza opening hours

April to September: 7 AM to 6 PM (Summer)

October to March: 8 AM to 4 PM (Winter)

Note: The Pyramids of Giza are one of the seven wonders of the world, drawing in thousands of visitors every year. To avoid crowds, try to reach early in the morning. If you can make it to the entrance before 8:30 AM, you can avoid the 9 AM tour bus groups. Weekends and public holidays are generally more populated than the rest of the year.

​What time do the Pyramids open?

Best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza

The best time to visit the pyramids is around late autumn, early spring, and winter, particularly during the months of November to February. The weather is cooler and more suitable for outdoor adventures like the Pyramids of Giza camel safari tours, dune bashing, quad biking tours, and more. Note that these months are also the busiest in Giza, thereby raising the prices of hotels and stays.

If you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind trudging through the slightly hot desert, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, from March to April, and from September to October. The weather is warm but not unbearable. June to August gets extremely hot in the desert, hence it is not recommended to visit during these months.

Pyramids of Giza location

Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

​Find on maps

The Pyramids of Giza are situated outside the city of Cairo, around 15 kilometers away from the city center. The best way to reach the pyramids from the city center is to catch a taxi or Uber.

Reaching the Pyramids of Giza

Getting to the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo

By public transportation

  • By metro: The most cost-effective way to reach the Pyramids of Giza is to catch a metro from Line 1 of the Cairo metro station. After reaching the Giza station, you have to take a microbus or a tour bus to reach the pyramids. It takes around 14 minutes by bus. 
  • By taxi: Another way to reach the Pyramids of Giza is to get a taxi or Uber from the city center. It takes around 30 minutes by car to reach the Giza Necropolis. It is slightly more expensive but faster than catching a metro. 
  • By tour bus: Another fast and convenient way to reach the Giza Necropolis is to book Pyramids of Giza guided tours that include access to tour buses. They pick you up directly from your hotel and drop you off at the entrance to the pyramids.

By car

It takes around 30 to 35 minutes to drive from the Cairo city center to the Giza Necropolis. You have to head southwest on Champollion Road towards El-Shaikh Marouf. Take the Nile Corniche Road and follow the route 75M to El-Malek Fouad in Nazlet El-Semman. Then, go along Abou Al Hool Al Seiahi to the Pyramids of Giza.

  • Parking facilities: There are several parking spots available near the Great Pyramid entrance, outside the Marriot Mena House hotel. You can reach them if you go further down the Al-Hara road. If these spots are full, you can also park your car on the roadside near the other entrances of the Pyramids of Giza. 

Know before you visit the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza entrances

There are 2 entrances to the Pyramids of Giza- the Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance and the Great Sphinx entrance.

  • Great Pyramid entrance: This entrance is located on the north of the Giza Necropolis, off the Al-Haram road, near the Marriot Mena House hotel. It is the most well-known way to enter the Pyramid complex, so the wait time is slightly longer here around 40 to 50 minutes. However, this entrance is closer to the Panoramic Point and it is an easier, downhill walk from this entrance to the viewpoint. 
  • Great Sphinx entrance: As its name suggests, this entrance is close to the Great Sphinx on the east side of the Giza Pyramid complex. This is a relatively lesser-known entrance, which is why the wait time here is around 30 to 40 minutes. Please note that it is an uphill walk of around 3 km from this entrance to reach the Panoramic Point.
Detailed guide to Pyramids of Giza entrances
Facilities - Visit pyramids of giza
  • Accessibility: While there are no provisions for visitors with limited mobility to explore the inner passageways and the sarcophagus of the pyramids, there is a ramp leading to the entrance of the Great Sphinx. If you want to get a closer look at the structure, consider using this entrance. Visitors in wheelchairs can also ride on camel backs to reach the Panoramic Point, one of the best viewpoints near the pyramids from where you can see all of Giza Necropolis. 
  • Restrooms: There are 2 restrooms at the Pyramids of Giza that you can use for a small fee. One of them is located near the tick booth right before the Great Pyramid entrance and another is situated near the gift shop in the Solar Barque Museum. 
  • Shop: You can shop for souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends from the shops right outside the Giza Necropolis. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures using your mobile phone inside the Pyramids of Giza. However, you have to pay a small fee to use tripods or professional cameras inside the pyramids. Be mindful so that they do not obstruct the passageways and disturb other visitors. 
Tips to note before visiting the Pyramids of Giza
  • Wear light clothing: Make sure to wear light, breathable fabrics, as the desert is scorching during noon hours no matter the season. It is best not to wear revealing clothing as a sign of respect to the pyramids, a sacred cultural treasure. 
  • Arrive early: We recommend you reach early in the morning around 8 AM to beat the 9 AM tour bus crowds. Also, you can get the best views of the pyramids in the morning. 
  • Bring cash: While most hotels accept credit cards, it is best to carry cash to shop from local vendors outside the Pyramids of Giza. Note that Egypt uses Egyptian Pounds. 
  • Attend the Light and Sound show: The Pyramids of Giza host a spectacular Light and Sound show in the evening hours. Make sure to watch it. 
  • Go for a camel safari: After touring the pyramid interiors, choose a camel safari tour to get around the structures. You can also ride to the Panoramic Point on camelback.
Where to eat at the Pyramids of Giza?
  • Akemi Sushi (0.8 km from the pyramids): This restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes in a beautiful setting with views of the pyramids. They do not, however, serve drinks. 
  • Tree Lounge Pyramids Branch (1.8 km from the pyramids): This restaurant is a great option for those looking for a romantic evening with stunning views of the pyramids. The food is global so expect saganaki, shawarma, plates of pasta, and dessert including Baklava, Kunafa, and Umm Ali.
  • Heaven Lounge (50 m from the pyramids): This restaurant, located at the Giza Pyramids View Inn, offers stunning views of the pyramids and serves a variety of international cuisine.
  • Khufu’s Restaurant (1.4 km from the pyramids): Head to this restaurant, serving up modern Egyptian cuisine for a fine dining experience that includes a view of the Pyramids. 
Where to stay when visiting the Pyramids of Giza?
Attractions near the Pyramids of Giza
  • Egyptian Museum: **Home to the world’s most important collection of pieces of ancient Egyptian artifacts. 
    Distance from the Pyramids**: 2 km
  • Khan El-Khalili: Cairo’s vast bazaar is the best place to buy any kind of souvenir.
    Distance from the Pyramids: 2.5 km
  • Coptic Museum: An art museum that houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity.
    Distance from the Pyramids: 5 km
  • Cairo Citadel: Walk through the castle that was home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years, and visit its mosques and museums.
    Distance from the Pyramids: 2 km

Frequently asked questions: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo

What are the Pyramids of Giza opening hours?

The Pyramids of Giza are open from 7 AM to 6 PM from April to September and from 8 AM to 4 PM between October to March. We recommend you arrive early in the morning and visit during weekdays to explore to the fullest with comparatively fewer crowds.

What is the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

The winter months, October to March are the best time to visit the Giza Necropolis. The weather is comparatively cooler and best for outdoor adventures like the Pyramid of Giza camel safari rides, quad biking tours, dune bashing, and so on. Early spring and late autumn months like April, May, and September are also suitable for exploring the pyramids. The weather is slightly hotter but bearable.

How much time does it take to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

It takes around 3 to 4 hours to explore the inner chambers and sarcophagus of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, visit the Panoramic Point, and go around the Great Sphinx. You can also enter the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Queen’s Pyramids, and the Mortuary Tombs.

Where is the Pyramids of Giza located?

The Pyramids of Giza are situated in the Giza Necropolis, along the Al-Hadar road, 15 kilometers away from the Cairo city center. The temples of the pyramids face the east and they are located along the west bank of the Nile River for religious purposes.

What is the best way to get to the Pyramids of Giza?

The most budget-friendly and convenient way to reach the Pyramids of Giza is to catch a metro from Line 1, get down at the Giza station, and take a 14-minute bus ride to the Necropolis. You can also catch a taxi or Uber from the city center. It takes around 30 to 35 minutes by car.

How many entrances are there at the Pyramids of Giza?

There are 2 entrances to the Giza Pyramids- the Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance and the Great Sphinx entrance. The Great Pyramid entrance is more well-known among tourists, with a wait time of around 40 to 50 minutes. While the Great Sphinx is less popular with only a wait time of around 30 to 40 minutes, you have to walk uphill around 3 km from this entrance to reach the Panoramic Point.

Is the Pyramids of Giza wheelchair accessible?

While the inner chambers and sarcophagus of the Giza Pyramids are not accessible to visitors with limited mobility, anyone in a wheelchair can get to the Panoramic Point on camel backs. This viewpoint offers spectacular views of all the 3 pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Queen’s Pyramids, the Mortuary Tombs, and more.

Are wheelchairs available at the Pyramids of Giza?

No, you cannot rent wheelchairs at the Giza Pyramids. However, visitors with limited mobility can visit and marvel at these ancient structures. You can go on the Pyramids of Giza camel safari rides and catch spectacular views of the pyramids along with the desert. Visitors in wheelchairs can also enjoy a front-row seat at the light and sound show.

Is there a dress code to be followed at the Pyramids of Giza?

No, while there is no specific dress code to view the inside of the Pyramids of Giza, we recommend you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders as a sign of respect for the antiquity of the structures. Wear light, loose-fitted clothes to beat the heat.

Are prams allowed in the Pyramids of Giza?

No, prams are not allowed inside the Pyramids of Giza. You can strap in your infant or carry your toddler inside. If your child has claustrophobia or dust allergy, they may not be able to enjoy exploring the passageways for a long time.

Is photography permitted inside the Pyramids of Giza?

Yes, you can take pictures of the interiors of the Pyramids of Giza with your mobile phone at no additional cost. However, you are not allowed to bring in tripods or other equipment that may obstruct the passageway for other visitors.

Can I bring food and drinks to the Pyramids of Giza?

It is best not to bring food or drinks of any kind inside the Pyramids of Giza. These iconic structures were built to house the remains and treasures of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. They are an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian death rituals and their beliefs in the afterlife. You must be respectful and not harm any stone or carving inside the pyramids.

How do I book tickets to the Pyramids of Giza?

We recommend you purchase Pyramids of Giza tickets online to save time and money. Upon payment confirmation, you will get guaranteed access to the pyramids and can ensure a hassle-free touring experience. You can also avail of reduced prices when booking tickets online.

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