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

























































Pyramids of Giza Travel Guide – Timings, Tickets & Tips

Discover the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt’s most famous ancient wonders. This guide covers the best time to visit, entry details, must-see sites, and essential tips—so you can make the most of your trip to the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and more.

Pyramids of Giza | Visitor information at a glance

Visitor Information on Pyramids of Giza

What are the Pyramids of Giza's opening hours?
The Pyramids of Giza are open daily from 8am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm) and remain open year-round with no regular weekly closures.

Where are the Pyramids of Giza located?
The Pyramids of Giza are situated on the outskirts of Cairo, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center.

How to get to the Pyramids of Giza?
You can reach the Pyramids of Giza easily by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or guided tour from central Cairo, located about 15 km away.

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.

Pyramids of Giza timings

Man viewing the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Opening hours

  • Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 5pm(last entry 4pm)
  • Closed: Open year-round
  • Time to spend: 2–4 hrs for main sites; 4+ hrs for in-depth tours
  • Special notes: Midday heat is intense in summer; night entry available for Sound & Light Show (separate ticket)
Khafre Temple with the Pyramid of Khafre in the background, Giza, Egypt.

Best time to visit

  • Weekdays vs. weekends: Least crowded Tue–Thu mornings (8am to 10am); busiest on Fridays and weekends.
  • Peak season: Oct–Apr (15–25 °C), cooler and ideal for walking/photography.
  • Low season: May–Sep (up to 40 °C), fewer tourists but intense heat
  • Best time of day: Early morning for light/cooler temps; late afternoon (3pm to 5pm) is pleasant but busier.
  • Special events: Avoid national holidays and religious festivals for lighter crowds.

Pyramids of Giza location

Address: Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3512201, Egypt

Locate the Pyramids of Giza on the map.

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

How to get to the Pyramids of Giza

Tourists boarding air-conditioned coach bus for transfer to Montserrat Monastery.

By bus

  • Public buses and minibuses connect central Cairo with Giza.
  • They’re inexpensive but can be crowded and less comfortable.
  • The drop-off points are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the main entrance.
Metro train with open doors at a station platform, passengers seated inside.

By metro

  • Take Cairo Metro Line 2 to Giza Station, then transfer to a local taxi or minibus for the final 8 km to the pyramids.
  • This is a fast and affordable option, though less direct than a taxi or car.
Man in car backseat checking phone and smartwatch.

By car

  • Driving from central Cairo takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Head southwest via Champollion Road, follow the Nile Corniche and Route 75M, then continue on Abou Al Hool Al Seiahi to reach the Pyramids.

Parking facilities: Paid parking is available near the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and main entrances, including spots by the Marriott Mena House. Arrive early in peak season for spaces close to the gates; roadside parking is also possible if lots are full.

Pyramids of Giza entrances

Entrance to the Pyramids of Giza on a guided tour, showcasing ancient stone architecture.

Main Entrance (North, near the Great Pyramid)

  • Located on Al Haram Street, on the north side of the Giza Plateau.
  • Closest to the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
  • Best for starting a full-site tour.
  • Facilities: ticket counters, parking, restrooms.
  • Easiest way to get there: By taxi, ride-hailing app, or private car via Al Haram Street.
Great Sphinx and Pyramid of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, with tourists exploring the site.

Great Sphinx Entrance (East side)

  • Located near the Sphinx and Khafre’s Valley Temple.
  • Ideal for visitors focusing on the Sphinx or starting from the eastern side.
  • Facilities: ticket counters, small shops, restrooms.
  • Easiest way to get to the Great Sphinx Entrance: Take a taxi or Uber to the east side Sphinx Entrance, next to Khafre’s Valley Temple, with tickets, shops, and restrooms available.

Know before you visit the Pyramids of Giza

Facilities - Visit pyramids of giza
  • Cloakrooms & lockers: Available at the visitor center for storing bags, large items, and valuables.
  • Information desks: Staffed with guides who can answer questions and provide maps in multiple languages.

  • Restrooms: Located near both main entrances, the Solar Boat Museum, and select points inside the site.
  • Prayer rooms: Provided near the visitor center for Muslim visitors.
  • Souvenir shops: Sell local crafts, papyrus art, miniature pyramid replicas, and other gifts near entrances and along main paths.
  • ATMs: Limited machines are available near the entrances; carrying cash in Egyptian pounds is recommended.
  • First-aid services: Staffed first-aid points at the visitor center for medical assistance.
  • Wheelchair access: Main entrance and visitor center are wheelchair-friendly; site terrain can be uneven and sandy. Wheelchairs are available on request.
  • Seating & shade: Shaded rest areas and benches located near key viewpoints.
Girl in a wheelchair holding a smartphone on a city sidewalk.
  • Entrances: Both the Main (North) Entrance and Sphinx (East) Entrance have level access suitable for most visitors.
  • Lighting: Limited artificial lighting inside the site; natural daylight is primary, so mobility can be harder near closing hours.
  • Visitor center: Fully accessible with ramps, wide doorways, and wheelchair-friendly restrooms.
  • Pathways: Main approach roads are paved, but interior site terrain is uneven, sandy, and may be challenging for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility issues.
  • Wheelchair rental: Available at the visitor center; advisable to bring a companion for assistance in sandy areas.
  • Viewing points: Some key viewpoints, such as near the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, have accessible approaches.
  • Transport inside the site: Horse-drawn carriages and camel rides are available but not suitable for all visitors; no dedicated shuttle service within the complex.
  • Signage: Bilingual signs (Arabic/English) mark routes and points of interest for easier navigation.
No smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.
  • No climbing on any of the pyramids or monuments—strictly prohibited for safety and preservation.
  • No smoking inside museum areas and near ancient structures.
  • Drone use is not allowed without special government permits.
  • Stay on marked paths and respect roped-off or restricted zones.
  • Personal photography is allowed; tripods, professional cameras, or commercial shoots require permits.
  • Dispose of waste in designated bins; keep the site clean.
  • Do not touch ancient stone surfaces; never deface or remove any artifacts.
  • Use only licensed camel and horse handlers; treat animals humanely.
  • Keep your entry ticket handy for inspection at various points.
  • Separate tickets required for the Sound & Light Show; entry only at specified times.
Woman in desert wearing sunglasses and hat, taking a photo with smartphone.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool in the desert heat.
  • A scarf or shawl is useful for extra sun protection or visiting nearby religious sites.
  • Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) out of cultural respect.
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on sand, gravel, and uneven terrain.
  • Sun protection such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Layered clothing in cooler months (October–April) for early mornings and late afternoons.
Where to eat at the Pyramids of Giza?
  • Khufu’s Restaurant (Modern Egyptian Cuisine): Upscale dining inside the Giza Plateau with panoramic pyramid views, blending traditional recipes with modern presentation.
    Signature dish: Sea bass with mefatela.
  • 9 Pyramids Lounge (International & Middle Eastern): Casual yet scenic spot overlooking all nine pyramids, perfect for a relaxed meal with unbeatable views.
    Signature dish: Mixed grilled meat platter.
  • 139 Pavilion (Egyptian, International, Fusion): Elegant restaurant with garden and pyramid views, serving refined local and global dishes.
    Signature dish: Lamb shank with oriental rice.
  • Koshary Hekaya (Traditional Egyptian Street Food): Popular local eatery specializing in Egypt’s national comfort food, hearty and budget-friendly.
    Signature dish: Classic Egyptian koshary.
  • El Dar Darak (Egyptian & Middle Eastern): Friendly, home-style restaurant known for generous portions and authentic flavors.
    Signature dish: Grilled kofta with tahini salad.
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 about visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Which entrance should I use to start my visit?

The Main Entrance (north) is best for a full tour, while the Sphinx Entrance (east) is ideal if you want to begin near the Sphinx.

Is photography inside the pyramid allowed?

Yes, but a separate photography ticket is required for cameras; mobile phones are generally allowed without extra fees.

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.

Is parking available at the Pyramids of Giza?

Yes, paid parking is available at both main entrances; spaces are limited during peak hours.

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.

Can I bring food and drinks inside?

No, you cannot bring food and drinks of any kind inside the Pyramids of Giza.

Are there prayer rooms on-site?

Yes, prayer rooms are available near the visitor center.

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.

Can I visit the Pyramids of Giza without a guide?

Yes, you can go on self-guided tours, but going on a guided tour will improve the experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Are there ATMs at the site?

Yes, but they are limited; it’s best to carry cash in Egyptian pounds.

Do ticket prices differ for foreigners and locals?

Yes, there are different rates for Egyptian citizens/residents and foreign visitors.

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