The Great Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid belongs to Khufu, whose reign is dated to about 2589–2566 BC. Building is estimated to have taken 10 to 20 years, and how it was done is not fully settled. It was about 147 m tall originally and is the last surviving of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The core is local limestone, and the original casing was Tura limestone.
To go inside you need the plateau ticket plus the interior ticket. All amounts are on the page for Giza pyramid tickets. If you would rather have a guide, compare the Giza pyramids tours, but check that the interior is part of the offer, because the standard half-day and full-day routes do not promise it.
The way inside
The King's Chamber with the sarcophagus is reached through the ascending Grand Gallery. Below it, the pyramid has a rock-cut chamber, and there is one more chamber in the masonry. A chamber that exists is not always open to visitors, so ask at the ticket office which parts you can enter.
Expect narrow passages and steep sections. Think twice if you struggle with tight spaces or steep climbs, and wear comfortable shoes. The photo rules and fees for the interior can change, so ask before you take out a camera.
Our pick: a tour with the Khufu ticket
This tour includes the ticket for the inside of the Great Pyramid.
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.
Great Pyramid tours and tickets
Guided visits and entry tickets for the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid, with live prices and availability.
Interior tickets for the three pyramids
Amounts for foreign visitors in 2026, on top of the plateau ticket of EGP 700 for adults and EGP 350 for students.
| Pyramid | Adults | Students | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Pyramid (Khufu) | EGP 1,000 or EGP 1,500 | EGP 500 or EGP 750 | Open |
| Khafre pyramid | EGP 280 | EGP 140 | Open again since September 2026 |
| Menkaure pyramid | EGP 280 | EGP 140 | Closed temporarily since September 2026, no reopening date |
The three pyramids belong to three kings of the 4th Dynasty: Khufu (about 2589–2566 BC), Khafre (about 2558–2532 BC) and Menkaure (about 2532–2503 BC). The Great Pyramid has been priced at both amounts, so check the current one at the ticket office. For most visitors who want to go inside only one pyramid, the Great Pyramid is the classic choice, and Khafre is the cheaper alternative. Menkaure is the smallest of the three, originally about 65 m high, with granite on part of its casing.
Rules and practical points
What to know before you pay.
No climbing on the outside
Climbing the outside of the pyramid is prohibited. The paid interior route is a different thing and is the only way inside.
The Khufu boats
The Khufu boats are shown in the Grand Egyptian Museum today. The old boat museum beside the pyramid is no longer a stop on the plateau.
Grand Egyptian Museum →Hours and the day's access
The Great Pyramid shows 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the plateau shows 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ask at the ticket office about the day's access and how long the visit takes, and arrive early.
Opening hours and entry rules →Before you queue
The plateau ticket comes first, because the interior ticket is an add-on to it. Heat matters on the plateau as well, so check the best time to visit and bring water and sun protection.
Who built it
The builders were local craftsmen and workers who were supplied with food such as bread and beer. They were not a slave army. A large workers' settlement with housing, bakeries and an administration building has been excavated.
History of the pyramids →More at Giza
The pyramid is one stop on the plateau.
Inside the Great Pyramid: frequently asked questions
Can you go inside the Great Pyramid?
Yes, with an interior ticket that you buy on top of the plateau ticket. Expect narrow passages and steep sections. The King's Chamber is reached through the Grand Gallery.
How much does it cost to go inside the Great Pyramid?
For foreign adults the interior ticket is EGP 1,000 or EGP 1,500, and for students EGP 500 or EGP 750, plus the plateau ticket of EGP 700. Check the current amount at the ticket office.
Can you climb the Great Pyramid?
Not on the outside. Climbing the outside is prohibited. The paid interior route is separate.
How tall is the Great Pyramid?
It was about 147 m tall originally. It is the last surviving of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Which pyramid can I enter if Menkaure is closed?
The Great Pyramid and the Khafre pyramid can be entered with their own tickets. Menkaure closed temporarily in September 2026, and no reopening date has been announced.