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Pyramids of Giza Entrances | Gates, Exits & Getting There
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Getting to the Pyramids of Giza entrances
The Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance
- Where: Located on the north side near the Great Pyramid, off Al Haram Road, this one is near the Marriott Mena House hotel.
- Entrance: A large opening of 1.7 m height and 1.1 m wide, made from limestone casing.
- Best for: Tour buses, solo tourists, and if you are arriving by taxi or Uber
- Wait time: It usually takes about 40-50 minutes to enter the site from this entrance. On crowded days, more.
- Close to: Grand Gallery and King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid
- Pro tip: Use this entrance if you want easier access to the Panoramic point. It is a walk, but less than the other entrance.
The Great Sphinx entrance
- Where: Located on the east side of the Pyramids of Giza, this entrance is in front of the Sphinx. Look for Pizza Hut!
- Entrance: The opening is about 1.1 meters high and 0.8 meters wide.
- Best for: Entry to the Sound & Light Show, usually less crowded than the Great Pyramid Entrance. It’s also a different perspective from the usual one if you are interested in photography. While the interiors of the pyramids are not accessible to visitors with limited mobility, there is a ramp leading to this entrance, meaning you can get quite close to the structures.
- Wait time: 30-40 minutes at peak time.
- Close to: The Sphinx and the Queen’s chamber
- Pro tip: Getting to the Great Pyramid, the panoramic spot and other monuments is an uphill climb of up to 3 km from this entrance. Use the other entrance to minimize the uphill walk.
How to access the Pyramids of Giza entrances?
By Metro
The cheapest way to reach the Pyramids of Giza is to get a metro from Line 1 in Cairo. The station is about 8 kilometers away from the pyramids. You can avail of a 14-minute bus ride to reach these ancient wonders.
By Taxi
You can also get a taxi from the Cairo city center to reach the pyramids. It takes around 30 minutes. Note that booking a taxi would be slightly more expensive than getting a bus.
By Tour Bus
The most convenient way to reach the pyramids is to book a guided tour that also includes tour bus services. They will pick you up from your hotel. A professional guide will also accompany you to acquaint you with the significance of the pyramids.
By Foot
Walking to the pyramids from the Cairo city center would be the most challenging yet the most rewarding of all transport options. It is the best way to soak in the desert views to the fullest.
How to enter the Pyramids of Giza?
Frequently asked questions about the Pyramids of Giza entrances
How many entrances do the Pyramids of Giza have?
There are 2 entrances to the Pyramids of Giza- one near the Great Pyramid, quite close to the Marriot Mena House, and one down the hill, near the Great Sphinx. While you can use any entrance to get to the Panoramic Point, note that it is a one-way uphill walk from the Sphinx. It is a relatively easier downhill walk from the Great Pyramid entrance to the viewpoint.
What is the main entrance to the Pyramids of Giza?
The entrance near the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the best way to enter the Giza Necropolis. It is conveniently located off Al Haram Road, near the Marriot Mena House. It is also comparatively easier to walk to the Panoramic Point from this entrance. The Great Pyramid entrance is suitable for everyone, from tour buses, taxis, to solo travelers.
What is the best entrance to the Pyramids of Giza for visitors with tickets?
Once you have secured Pyramids of Giza tour tickets, you can enter the Giza Necropolis complex through any entrance. We recommend you use the entrance near the Great Pyramid of Khufu because it is a relatively easier, downhill walk to the Panoramic Point, and you will also get easier access to the inside of the Khufu Pyramid.
Where is the Great Pyramid entrance located?
The Great Pyramid entrance to the Pyramids of Giza is situated off the Al Haram Road, near the Marriot Mena House hotel. We recommend you use this entrance to enter the Giza Necropolis because it is an easier walk from this spot to the Panoramic Point.
Which entrance at the Pyramids of Giza usually has the shortest wait time?
During peak tourist season from November to February, you have to wait at least 40 to 50 minutes in line at the Great Pyramid entrance to enter the Pyramids of Giza. While the Sphinx entrance has a comparatively shorter wait time than the Great Pyramid entrance, you have to walk around 3km uphill to reach the Panoramic Point.
Is there a dedicated entrance to the Pyramids of Giza for visitors with disabilities?
There is no specific entrance for visitors on wheelchairs or strollers at the Pyramids of Giza. However, you can get excellent views of the pyramids from the Panoramic Point. Choose to enter through the Great Pyramid entrance which is closer to the viewpoint. You can hop on a camel to reach the Panoramic Point. The interior excavations and inner chambers are not accessible to visitors with limited mobility.
Which entrance should I use if I am traveling to the Pyramids of Giza as a group?
There is no dedicated entrance at the Pyramids of Giza for visitors traveling as a group. If you do not mind the uphill walk from the Sphinx entrance to the Panoramic Point, you can use the entrance near the Great Sphinx as it has a comparatively shorter wait time than the Great Pyramid entrance.
What is the average wait time at the Great Pyramid entrance?
The winter months, between November to February attract the most number of visitors at the Pyramids of Giza. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploration. If you plan a visit during these months, you have to wait at least 40 to 50 minutes at the Great Pyramid entrance, if not more, and 30 to 40 minutes at the Great Sphinx entrance. We recommend you choose the Great Pyramid entrance as it is a relatively easier, downhill walk to the Panoramic Point from this entrance.
