The Pyramids of Giza are located on the Giza Plateau 15 kilometres southwest of Cairo and entry to the plateau costs 200 EGP per adult (approximately $6.50 USD), with separate interior tickets for the Great Pyramid at 600 EGP and the Pyramid of Khafre at 100 EGP. The complex contains three main pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and several smaller satellite pyramids and mortuary temples, all built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom between approximately 2580 and 2510 BCE. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, at an original height of 146.5 metres, held the record as the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
The site is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter and 08:00 to 19:00 in summer, with last entry approximately one hour before closing. Ticket offices are located at the main entrance near the Sphinx and at the secondary entrance on the western plateau plateau road.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid of Khufu (also known as Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three Giza pyramids, originally standing 146.5 metres and now measuring 138.8 metres due to erosion of the outer limestone casing. It was built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BCE and required an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks averaging 2.5 tonnes each. The precision of its construction, including alignment to within a fraction of a degree of true north, continues to be studied by engineers and archaeologists.
The interior of the Great Pyramid is accessible with a separate ticket, allowing visitors to climb through a low passage to the Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber at the centre of the structure. The passage is narrow, warm, and requires bending to navigate; it is not suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or significant mobility limitations. The King’s Chamber contains the empty granite sarcophagus of Khufu but no other furnishings, as the tomb was robbed in antiquity.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx is a limestone statue of a recumbent lion with a human head, measuring 73 metres in length and 20 metres in height, carved from a single mass of bedrock directly below the Pyramid of Khafre. It is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and was carved around 2500 BCE. The Sphinx enclosure is accessible as part of the standard Giza plateau ticket and can be viewed from the enclosure floor at close range.
The Sphinx faces due east and is best photographed in the morning light, when the sun illuminates the face fully. The famous “Sphinx panorama” view, with all three pyramids visible behind the statue, is taken from the desert road to the southwest of the plateau. This viewpoint is accessible by taxi from the main entrance and is the most reproduced image of the Giza complex.
The Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest pyramid at Giza and appears taller than the Great Pyramid when viewed from most angles due to being built on higher ground. Its original limestone casing is still partially visible near the apex, the only one of the three main Giza pyramids to retain any of its original outer layer. The interior is accessible with a separate ticket of 100 EGP and is smaller and less elaborate than Khufu’s burial chambers.
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids, standing 65 metres, and is flanked by three smaller satellite pyramids belonging to queens of the court. Entry to the interior is occasionally available at reduced cost or free, depending on current restoration work. The Menkaure pyramid’s mortuary temple, partially reconstructed, lies on its eastern face.
Cost Breakdown for the Pyramids of Giza
200 EGP per adult (approx. $6.50 / £5)
Covers all exterior areas, Sphinx enclosure, and surrounding temples
600 EGP per person (approx. $19.50 / £15)
Access to King’s Chamber; limited daily tickets available
100 EGP per person (approx. $3.25 / £2.50)
Burial chamber access; less crowded than the Great Pyramid
200 to 500 EGP (negotiable)
Independent operators; agree price and route before mounting
Approximately 350 EGP per adult
Held at the Sphinx; runs most evenings October to April
Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza
Cooler temperatures 14 to 25°C. Peak tourist season. Comfortable for walking the plateau. Book popular pyramids early in the day to avoid midday heat and tour group congestion.
Very hot, 30 to 40°C. Early morning visits (08:00 to 10:00) before heat builds recommended. Fewer tourists in July and August. Bring substantial water.
Site open but some facilities reduced. Fewer domestic visitors. Evenings lively in Cairo. Check specific dates as Ramadan falls at different calendar points each year.
Getting to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo
The Giza plateau is 15 kilometres southwest of central Cairo and is reached by taxi (approximately 150 to 250 EGP from downtown Cairo), Uber or Careem app (similar pricing), or the Cairo Metro to Giza Station followed by a taxi for the final 5 kilometres. The journey from central Cairo takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps are significantly more reliable than unmetered street taxis for this route.
Cairo International Airport is approximately 35 kilometres northeast of the Giza plateau, a journey of 45 to 75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Egypt requires a visa for most nationalities, available on arrival at Cairo Airport for $25 USD or in advance through the e-visa system. The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency; ATMs at the airport and in central Cairo provide cash withdrawals on international cards.
How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
The standard plateau entry ticket costs 200 EGP per adult (approximately $6.50). A separate interior ticket for the Great Pyramid costs 600 EGP. The Pyramid of Khafre interior is 100 EGP. The Sound and Light Show at the Sphinx costs approximately 350 EGP. Total cost for a comprehensive visit including the Great Pyramid interior and the evening show is approximately 1,150 EGP per person.
How long does it take to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
A thorough visit covering all three pyramids, the Sphinx enclosure, and the surrounding temples takes three to four hours. If entering the Great Pyramid interior, allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes for queuing and the chamber visit. The panoramic viewpoint south of the plateau requires an additional 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or camel from the main entrance.
Is it worth going inside the Great Pyramid?
The interior experience is modest by comparison to the exterior scale of the structure — the chambers are empty and the passage is low and warm. Visitors with a strong interest in ancient Egyptian architecture find it worthwhile for the direct connection with the monument’s internal engineering. Those primarily interested in the visual spectacle of the pyramids will find the exterior view more satisfying than the chamber visit.
What should I watch out for at the Pyramids of Giza?
Persistent camel and horse ride touts operate throughout the plateau. Riders who accept an offer should agree the exact price and the return point in Egyptian pounds before mounting — the common trap is a low starting price with a demand for much more at the end. Unlicensed “guides” approach visitors at the entrance; licensed guides wear ITAB identification badges. Walking the plateau independently is straightforward using the main path between the pyramids.
When does the Giza Sound and Light Show run?
The Sound and Light Show runs most evenings throughout the year, with multiple shows in different languages. English-language shows typically run at 18:30 or 19:30 depending on the season. The show is held at the Sphinx and covers the history of the pyramids through narration and illumination. Check the current schedule at the ticket office or through your hotel, as timings vary by season and occasional special events can affect the schedule.