Getting to the pyramids at a glance
The Giza Plateau lies on the western edge of Greater Cairo. There is no Metro stop at the gate. The usual routes are Metro Line 2 to Giza station plus a taxi, a ride-hailing app (Uber and Careem both work in Cairo), a white street taxi, or a guided tour that organises the ride for you.
The last stretch changed in April 2025. The historic entrance near the Mena House hotel was replaced by an entrance on the Fayoum road, south of the pyramids. Private cars and tour buses no longer drive across the plateau, and visitors and guides switch to electric vehicles. Tell your driver you are going to the new entrance, not the old gate.
If you would rather not organise the ride yourself, look at Giza pyramids tours and check what each one includes. You also need a pyramid ticket, which covers the plateau but not the inside of the pyramids.
Ways to get to the pyramids compared
Prices are for 2026 where a fixed tariff exists. Taxi and app fares vary.
| Option | Cost | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 2 plus taxi | Metro EGP 10 to 20, taxi extra | Budget travellers who do not mind a change | Giza station is not at the gate |
| Ride-hailing app (Uber, Careem) | Fare shown in the app | Airport pickup, hotel to entrance | Price depends on vehicle, route, time, tolls and demand |
| White street taxi | Meter, or agree the fare first | Short hops when no app works | Settle the total before you get in |
| Guided tour with transfer | Price per tour, see the list below | First visit, no logistics | Check the pickup point and what is included |
For most visitors, a ride-hailing app from the hotel is the simplest way to the entrance. Take the Metro if the saving matters and a taxi change does not bother you. Book a tour if you want the route and the entrance handled for you.
Our pick: a half day with transfers
Transfers from central Cairo or Giza are included, so you skip the taxi and metro.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Pyramids tours from Cairo
Guided tours of the Giza Plateau and combinations with the Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara, with live prices and availability. Check the pickup point of each tour.
The Metro to the pyramids
Giza is a station on Line 2. From there you continue to the plateau by taxi.
| Stations ridden | Fare 2026 |
|---|---|
| Up to 9 | EGP 10 |
| Up to 16 | EGP 12 |
| Up to 23 | EGP 15 |
| Up to 39 | EGP 20 |
The fare depends on how many stations you ride, not on the distance to the pyramids. Check the current Metro hours before you go.
A Line 4 station called Pyramids is under construction, and a trial run is aimed at mid-2027. Plan your trip without it for now.
From Cairo airport to the pyramids
Cairo International (CAI) is about 40 road kilometres from the pyramids. Allow 45 minutes to more than 2 hours, depending on traffic. Uber confirms pickup at CAI, and the meeting point comes with the app instructions. Careem is the other app people use. White taxis are metered, or you agree the fare before you start.
Sphinx airport (SPX) is a separate airport. easyJet flies there from London Luton, so check the current schedule before you book. From a hotel opposite the Grand Egyptian Museum it is 25 km to SPX and 53 km to CAI. Those are distances to that hotel, not to the pyramid gate.
From Downtown or Zamalek, traffic decides the time more than distance does, so leave a buffer.
At the plateau: entrance, shuttle and parking
The electric shuttle is part of the plateau ticket. Vehicle fees at the plateau are EGP 25 for a car or taxi, EGP 50 for a microbus, EGP 75 for a coaster and EGP 100 for a bus. Which car park applies depends on the current set-up, so ask your driver or check on arrival.
If someone tells you a gate is closed, ask at the ticket check before you follow anyone. Routes did change in 2025, so not every warning is a trick, but a stranger leading you away is the usual start of a sales pitch. More in our tips for visiting the pyramids.
Entering Egypt: visa costs
The e-Visa for a single tourist entry costs $30, and multiple entry costs $65. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and you are asked for the e-Visa printout plus travel and accommodation documents.
German citizens can also get a visa on arrival for $30 (single entry). At Cairo airport, QR codes replaced the passport sticker on 1 September 2026. A QR code applied for in advance carries a $6 processing fee, and at the bank counter the total is $36. The e-Visa is a separate product from the visa on arrival. Rules differ by nationality, so check yours, and allow extra time at passport control on the day you arrive.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pyramid tickets
Plateau prices in EGP, opening hours and what the ticket does not cover.
Where to stay
Giza, Downtown or Zamalek, and how each base affects your trip to the gate.
Best time to visit
Monthly temperatures, summer heat and Ramadan 2027.
Tips for visiting
Touts, heat and timing, explained calmly.
Getting to the pyramids: frequently asked questions
How do I get to the pyramids from Cairo?
Take Metro Line 2 to Giza station and continue by taxi, order a ride in Uber or Careem, hail a white taxi, or join a guided tour. In every case, ask for the new entrance on the Fayoum road.
Is there a Metro station at the pyramids?
Not yet. Giza station on Line 2 is the usual stop, followed by a taxi. A Pyramids station for Line 4 is under construction, with a trial run aimed at mid-2027.
How much does the Metro cost?
EGP 10 for up to 9 stations, EGP 12 for up to 16, EGP 15 for up to 23 and EGP 20 for up to 39 stations (2026).
How long does it take from Cairo airport to the pyramids?
The distance is about 40 km. Plan 45 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Can I drive my own car onto the plateau?
No. Private cars and tour buses no longer drive across the plateau, and the electric shuttle is part of the ticket. Ask on arrival where your driver can park.
How much is the Egypt visa?
The e-Visa is $30 for a single entry and $65 for multiple entry. German citizens can also pay $30 for a visa on arrival, with the QR code fees described above at Cairo airport.