Great Pyramid of Khufu Tickets | Tours & Insider Tips

What to expect at the Pyramid of Khufu

North-side entry

Enter the Great Pyramid through the visitor entrance on the north side.

Inclined passageways

Walk along narrow, inclined passageways to reach the Grand Gallery.

King’s Chamber

View the King’s Chamber with its granite sarcophagus.

Other chambers

See the Queen’s Chamber and the unfinished Subterranean Chamber.

Cool temperatures

Experience the temperature change and low lighting inside the pyramid.

Photography rules

Photography restrictions may apply in some areas.

Facilities

Basic facilities are located outside the pyramid on the plateau.

Booking your Pyramids of Khufu tickets

Pyramid entry tickets

Required to enter the King’s Chamber, Queen’s Chamber, and Grand Gallery.
Limited availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
Offers a rare opportunity to experience the interior architecture and original stonework.
Best for: Visitors who want the full pyramid experience.

Recommended experience

Inside the Pyramid Experience

Pyramids of Giza with tourists on camels in front of Khufu Pyramid, Egypt.

Skip-the-line tickets

Allows you to bypass long queues at the main pyramid entrance.
Ideal for peak hours or busy tourist seasons.
Can be combined with guided tours, day trips, or other Giza experiences.
Best for: Visitors with limited time or those who prefer a hassle-free entry.

Recommended experience

Giza Complex Skip The Line Tickets + Access to Khufu Pyramid

Tips for booking

Inside tickets are sold separately from the Giza Complex tickets.
Skip-the-line tickets can sometimes be included in combo packages for convenience.
Check availability and book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Why visit the Pyramid of Khufu

Oldest and largest Pyramid at Giza

The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest monument on the Giza Plateau, dominating the surrounding necropolis.

Only remaining ancient world wonder

It remains the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, preserving its form for over 4,500 years.

Royal Tomb of Pharaoh Khufu

Constructed during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty as the royal burial place of Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops.

Built from millions of blocks

The pyramid is made from about 2.3 million limestone and granite blocks weighing several tons each, assembled with remarkable precision.

Interior with multiple chambers

Its interior includes the King’s Chamber, Queen’s Chamber, and an unfinished Subterranean Chamber reached by sloping passages.

Grand gallery leading to the King’s Chamber

Features the long Grand Gallery passageway that goes up toward the King’s Chamber.

Easily accessible visitor entrance

Today’s entry is through the “Robbers’ Tunnel” on the north face, which leads into the internal passageways.

Guided visit with expert local guides

Visitors can book a guided entry with licensed local guides available in multiple languages.

How to visit the Pyramid of Khufu

Giza Pyramid Complex with Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids near Queen Hetepheres' tomb.

Open hours: 8am to 4:30pm

Duration of visit

Typical visit to the Giza Plateau: 1 to 2 hours.
Exploring inside the Great Pyramid: 30 to 45 minutes.
Extra time is recommended for visiting nearby pyramids, the Sphinx, or taking photos.

Tourist in red dress posing in front of Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.

Early morning (8am to 10am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter months (October to April) are more comfortable than peak summer heat.
Fridays and public holidays tend to be busier with local visitors.

Located on the Giza Plateau, about 20 km southwest of Cairo.
The largest pyramid in Egypt and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overlooks the desert and the Nile Valley.

Smiling taxi driver with passenger in the back seat.

Taxi or ride-hailing: 30 to 40 minutes from central Cairo using Uber, Careem, or a local taxi to the Giza Plateau main entrance.
Around on site: Once at the plateau, walk or hire a camel, horse, or carriage to get between the pyramids.
Private car or hotel transfer: Book a hotel transfer or private driver for direct, door-to-door service; good for groups or families.
Guided tour: Half-day or full-day tours include hotel pickup, entry tickets, and an Egyptologist guide.
Public transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Giza station, then a minibus or taxi to the plateau (cheapest but slower).

Inside the Pyramid of Khufu

Tunnel entrance to ancient Egyptian pyramid with hieroglyphics on walls.

The experience

Enter through the “Robbers’ Tunnel” on the north face.
Requires a separate ticket from the main Giza Plateau entry.
Climb through low, steep corridors and the long Grand Gallery.
Reach the granite-lined King’s Chamber with its empty sarcophagus.
See the smaller Queen’s Chamber and unfinished Subterranean Chamber.

Accessibility

Passageways are steep, narrow, and require crouching or climbing.
Not suitable for visitors with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or respiratory conditions.
Photography may be restricted; check current rules at the entrance.

Ancient crypt inside the second Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo, Egypt.

Ambience

No hieroglyphs or ornate decorations; the chambers are plain stone.
Silence and confined space highlight the weight of millions of stones above you.

Hiking boots on rocky terrain at Caminito Del Rey, Spain.

Safety & comfort

Inside is cooler than outside, but with still, humid air.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; floors and ramps can be uneven.
Large bags and cameras may need to be left outside or with security.

History of the Pyramid of Khufu

Who built it

The Great Pyramid was commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, around 2580–2560 BC, and was likely designed by his vizier and architect Hemiunu.

Why was it built

It was constructed as Khufu’s royal tomb and served as the centrepiece of a larger funerary complex that included subsidiary pyramids, temples, and boat pits.

Who is inside

The pyramid was intended to house Khufu’s remains; however, no intact mummy or burial goods have ever been found. The granite sarcophagus in the King’s Chamber remains empty.

Historical significance

The Great Pyramid is the largest at Giza and the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, symbolising both royal power and the engineering skill of the Old Kingdom.

What’s inside

The interior contains the Grand Gallery, the King’s Chamber with its red-granite sarcophagus, the Queen’s Chamber, and the unfinished Subterranean Chamber, which can be reached through descending corridors.

Interesting facts about the Great Pyramid of Khufu

Original smooth surface: The Great Pyramid was originally covered in polished Tura limestone casing stones, making it shine brilliantly in the sun.
Precise base leveling: The pyramid’s base is leveled with remarkable precision, with less than 2 cm variation across its four corners.
Tallest structure for Millennia: At 146.5 m (481 ft) originally, it remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for nearly 3,800 years.
Solar Boat discovery: Several pits around the pyramid contained dismantled wooden “solar boats,” believed to carry the pharaoh’s spirit in the afterlife.
Worker village excavation: Archaeologists discovered nearby settlements of skilled workers, showing that the pyramid was built by a trained workforce, not slaves.
No hieroglyphs inside: Unlike many tombs, the interior passageways and chambers have almost no inscriptions or decorations.
Ventilation shafts: Narrow shafts in the King’s and Queen’s Chambers were likely designed for ventilation or symbolic purposes, still debated by scholars.

More Pyramids of Giza Facts

Things to do around the Pyramid of Khufu

Camel ride

Ride across the desert plateau on a camel with views of the Great Pyramid.

Go on a camel ride in Giza

Quad biking adventure

Take an adrenaline-filled quad bike tour across the sand dunes with panoramic shots of all three pyramids.

Quad Biking Tour of the Pyramids

Explore the nearby pyramids

Combine your visit with Khafre and Menkaure’s pyramids for a complete Giza experience in one day.

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour

Sound & Light show

Stay for the evening show, where the pyramids are illuminated with narration about their history in multiple languages.

Sound & Light show at The Giza Pyramids

Guided tour from Cairo

Join a guided day tour from Cairo that includes transport, entry tickets, and an Egyptologist guide.

Giza Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Guided Tour

Visitor tips

Book tickets online: Use official channels to avoid scams and unofficial sellers.
Reserve interior access early: The King’s Chamber ticket is separate and limited; secure it in advance.
Arrive earlier in the day: Mornings are cooler and less crowded, making the visit more comfortable.
Follow the rules: Photography and large bags may be restricted inside the pyramid.
Use certified guides: Hiring an authorised Egyptologist guide ensures accurate information and a smoother experience.

Top attractions around the Pyramid of Khufu

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The Great Sphinx of Giza

Iconic limestone statue with a lion’s body and a human head just steps from the pyramids.

Pyramid of Khafre

Second-largest pyramid on the plateau with visible casing stones at the top.

Pyramid of Menkaure

The smallest of the three main pyramids, partly built with Aswan red granite.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.

Giza sound & light show

An evening show illuminating the pyramids with narration on their history and myths.

Frequently asked questions about the Great Pyramid of Khufu

Do I need a separate ticket to go inside the Great Pyramid?

Yes. Entry to the King’s Chamber and internal passageways is not included in the general Giza Plateau ticket. You must buy an additional timed-entry ticket at the gate or online.

How long does it take to visit inside?

Most visitors spend about 30–45 minutes inside the pyramid itself, not including time exploring the plateau.

Are guided tours available?

Yes. Certified Egyptologist guides are available on-site or through pre-booked tours, often including transport and entry tickets.

Can I take photos inside the pyramid?

Photography restrictions vary and may change. In many areas, photography is prohibited or requires a separate permit.

Is the climb or walk inside difficult?

Expect narrow, steep, and sometimes hot passageways. It can be strenuous for people with mobility issues or claustrophobia.

What should I wear?

Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat or scarf for sun protection are recommended.

Are there toilets and food nearby?

Basic facilities and snack kiosks are available outside the pyramid on the plateau.

What else can I see nearby?

The Great Sphinx, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the evening Sound & Light Show are all within walking distance.

Skip the lines and access the Giza Pyramids Complex, including the Sphinx and surrounding monuments.

Get skip-the-line entry to the Giza Complex — no waiting at the ticket counter.
Visit the exteriors of the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and explore the site at your own pace.
See the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre, both accessible with this ticket.
Upgrade your ticket to include entry inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu if you want to explore the King’s Chamber.
You can also upgrade to a half-day guided tour with entry to the Giza Complex, hotel transfers, and insights from an expert.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to the Pyramids of Giza Complex
Access to the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
Option to upgrade your ticket for entry inside The Great Pyramid
Option to upgrade to a half-day guided tour of Giza Complex

Exclusions

Entry inside other pyramids

Transportation to and from the site
Guided tour

Keep your ticket with you at all times.
Students must show their ID for discounted entry.
Free entry for children below 6 years.
Photography with mobile phones is free; additional charges may apply for professional cameras.
The Giza Complex has limited wheelchair access—you can reach the Sphinx via ramps or camel-back routes, but pyramid interiors are not wheelchair-accessible.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Enter the Great Pyramid (Khufu) and bypass long queues with skip-the-line access to the Giza Complex.

Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza from inside and see the King’s Chamber built for Pharaoh Khufu.
Includes skip-the-line entry to the Giza Complex — no waiting at the main ticket counter.
See the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure (exterior only), the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
Opt for a variant with access to the interiors of the Queen’s Pyramid, if you’d like to explore more.
Perfect for visitors who want to explore beyond the surface and access areas few get to see.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to the Giza Complex
Interior access to the Great Pyramid of Khufu
Interior access to the Queen’s Pyramid (if option selected)

Exclusions

Guided tour
- Transportation

Tip: The climb inside the Great Pyramid involves crouching through steep, narrow shafts. Avoid backpacks and wear closed shoes with a solid grip.
Keep your ticket with you at all times.
Your ticket covers both entry to the Giza Complex and interior access to the Great Pyramid. No separate tickets needed.
Only mobile photography is typically allowed inside; professional gear needs a permit.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Guided tour from Cairo to Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis with hotel transfers, lunch, and an upgrade to enter the Great Pyramid.

Full-day guided tour of the Giza Complex, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid, and ancient Memphis, led by an expert guide.
See the exteriors of the Great Pyramid, Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the Sphinx, Valley Temple, Saqqara tombs, and the ruins at Memphis.
Entry tickets to all sites are not included in the base tour — upgrade your ticket to access interior areas and get closer to the monuments.
Choose between a shared group or private tour; upgrade to add a 30-minute camel ride and a photographer.
Includes round-trip hotel transfers from Cairo or Giza and a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
Tours available in English, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese — select your preferred language at checkout.

Inclusions

Hotel pickup and drop-off in A/C vehicle from Cairo or Giza (shared or private)
Guided tour with an Egyptologist
Egyptian lunch with veg and non-veg options
Exterior access to the Giza Complex, Saqqara, and Memphis (entry to Giza Complex only if option selected)
30-minute camel ride and photographer (if option selected)
All service charges and taxes

Exclusions

Entry inside the Pyramids

Personal expenses
Tips

Tip: For a camel ride, it’s best to book online along with your ticket to avoid scams or overpricing at the site.
The base tour does not include entry tickets to Giza, Saqqara, or Memphis — you’ll view sites from outside their ticketed areas.
To explore the Giza Complex grounds, tombs at Saqqara, and Memphis ruins, choose a variant with entry tickets.
Private tour pricing starts at a minimum of 2 guests — price is based on 2 guests, even if only one is booking.
Entry inside the pyramids requires a separate ticket, which can be purchased on-site.
Camel ride and professional photography are available in select variants.
Hotel pickup is available only from Cairo or Giza; extra charges may apply for other locations.
Children under 6 can join for free; those aged 6–12 are eligible for child pricing.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

See Cairo’s Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum on a Hurghada day tour.

Everything you get: Travel from Hurghada to Cairo for a guided visit to the Giza Plateau, including the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple. Visit the Egyptian Museum, eat a local lunch, and relax with hotel transfers.
Why choose this: See Egypt's top landmarks in one day with an expert Egyptologist and stress-free transport.
Options: Add a Nile River boat trip, visit a papyrus or perfume workshop, or step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Inclusions

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada
Visit to Giza Plateau (Pyramids, Sphinx & Valley Temple)
Entry to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Egyptologist guide
Lunch at a restaurant in Cairo
Nile boat trip in Cairo (as per option selected)
Entry inside the Great Pyramid (as per option selected)
Papyrus or perfume workshop visit (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Drinks during lunch

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga with extra charges

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking for verification at pickup.
Wear comfortable cotton or linen clothes for warm weather.
Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious or cultural sites—shoulders and knees should be covered.
Wear comfortable shoes or trainers as you’ll be exploring uneven terrain at the Giza Plateau.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
During winter months (November–February), bring a light jacket or sweater, especially for early mornings and evenings.