How to get from Cairo to Giza

Cairo to Giza (for the Pyramids/Plateau) is a short cross-city hop: take the metro with a quick last-mile ride, go door-to-door by taxi or rideshare, join a guided tour with hotel pickup, or self-drive. Below are the best options, clear steps, and map links.

At A Glance (Cairo to Giza)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇➡️🚕 Metro (Line 2) + Short Taxi/Bus	~35–60m total	Cheapest, predictable
🏷️ Cost: Metro ~EGP 5–10 + last-mile ~EGP 50–150 (traffic/negotiation)
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~35–75m (traffic)	Comfort with luggage or families
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 200–450 one-way (surge/route). Fixed quotes: » GetTransfer
🚌🗺️ Guided Tour (Hotel pickup)	~4–8h (half/full day)	Hassle-free, context from guide
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–80 pp (group) » compare tours | Klook options | Trip.com activities
🚆➡️🚕 Suburban Train (Ramses→Giza) + Taxi	~45–75m (incl. last-mile)	Rail fans, backup to metro
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 10–20 + taxi ~EGP 80–150
🚗 Self-Drive / Car Rental	~35–75m (traffic)	Full control, onward stops (Sakkara/Dashur)
🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–60/day + fuel/parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest door-to-door: Taxi / rideshare (especially early morning to beat traffic).
• Cheapest & reliable: Metro Line 2 + short ride from Giza/Cairo University stations.
• Most informative: Guided tour with hotel pickup and timed ticketing.
• Flexible day trip with add-ons: Self-drive (combine with Sakkara/Dashur/MEM).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Beat the heat: Go at opening time; carry water/hat/cash for tips/camel rides (optional).
• Tickets & scams: Buy tickets only at official counters; decline unsolicited guides unless you agree a price first.
• Connectivity: Download offline maps; roaming can be spotty near the plateau.
• Store luggage: Use Radical Storage Cairo if checking out before your visit.
• Stay nearby: For sunrise/sunset views, browse Giza hotels or central Cairo stays on Booking.com.

🚇➡️🚕 Option #1 — Metro (Line 2) + Short Taxi/Bus (Cheapest & Predictable)

Budget Frequent Brief last-mile

• Overview: Ride Cairo Metro Line 2 toward Giza (or Cairo University), then take a quick taxi/minibus to El Remaya Square and the Pyramids of Giza entrance.
• How to book (with price): Buy single-ride tickets at stations (~EGP 5–10). Last-mile taxi/minibus typically EGP 50–150 total depending on traffic/negotiation.
• Pros: Avoids city center jams most of the way. Cons: A short road segment is still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Metro + Short Taxi/Bus

1. From central Cairo (e.g., Tahrir), enter the nearest metro and connect to Line 2 (Giza direction).
2. Alight at Giza or Cairo University station—both work for taxis/minibuses to the plateau.
3. Outside the station, hail a taxi or shared minibus toward El Remaya Square / Giza Pyramids. Agree price before boarding.
4. Ask for drop-off at the Main Entrance ticket area by the parking/plaza.

Getting to the main embarking points (Metro Line 2)

• Stations for last-mile: Giza, Cairo University (well connected by surface transport).
• Last-mile destinations: El Remaya Square → Pyramids of Giza Main Entrance.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door, Fastest in Light Traffic)

Convenient Direct Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Book a door-to-door ride from your hotel to the Pyramids of Giza main entrance.
• How to book (with price): Use local taxis or rideshare apps; typical fares EGP 200–450 each way (distance/time). For fixed English-language quotes, compare GetTransfer Cairo.
• Pros: No transfers; great with kids/gear. Cons: Price varies with traffic; negotiate clearly with street taxis.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Request pickup at your accommodation; set destination as Pyramids of Giza Main Entrance (or your exact gate).
2. Confirm the fare/route in-app or agree a price before departure if using a street taxi.
3. Ride via the ring road/Al Haram as traffic allows; expect checkpoints near the plateau.
4. Get dropped at the official ticketing plaza and arrange your return pickup time/place.

Getting to the main embarking points (Your hotel → Plateau)

• Pickup: Any central Cairo or Giza address.
• Drop: Main Entrance ticket area or your specific hotel/viewpoint in Giza.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌🗺️ Option #3 — Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup (Most Informative)

Guided Skip hassles Fixed schedule

• Overview: Join a group or private tour covering the Pyramids, Sphinx, Valley Temple (often with Saqqara/Dashur add-ons). Hotel pickup and certified guides are standard.
• How to book (with price): Group tours from ~US$20–80 pp; private options higher. Compare inclusions/times on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
• Pros: Context from a licensed guide; arranged transport & entrance handling. Cons: Less flexibility than DIY.

Step-by-step: Guided Tour

1. Choose the start time and inclusions (entry tickets, camel ride, Saqqara add-ons) on your preferred platform.
2. Enter your hotel pickup details; be ready in the lobby 10–15 minutes early.
3. Travel directly to the plateau; follow your guide for tickets, the Great Pyramid, and Sphinx viewpoints.
4. Return transfer to your hotel or get dropped in central Cairo after the tour (confirm drop-off in advance).

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup areas)

• Coverage: Central Cairo, Zamalek, and Giza hotels are commonly included; some areas may require a small surcharge.
• Communication: Keep your phone/data active for pickup coordination.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆➡️🚕 Option #4 — Suburban Train (Ramses → Giza) + Taxi (Rail Alternative)

Cheap Frequent Last-mile needed

• Overview: Local trains run from Ramses (Misr) Station to Giza Station. From there it’s a short taxi to the Pyramids of Giza entrance.
• How to book (with price): Buy tickets at the station (~EGP 10–20). Taxi from Giza Station ~EGP 80–150.
• Pros: Easy if you’re near Ramses; fun for train lovers. Cons: Not faster than metro; limited signage in English.

Step-by-step: Train + Taxi

1. Make your way to Ramses (Misr) Station in downtown Cairo and buy a local ticket to Giza.
2. Ride to Giza Station (several stops, short journey).
3. Exit the station and hire a taxi to El Remaya Square or directly to the Pyramids Main Entrance.
4. Arrange your return pickup or return by metro from Giza/Cairo University.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ramses & Giza stations)

• Downtown access: Ramses is well linked by metro/bus/taxis; signage points to platforms.
• At Giza Station: Follow exits to taxi ranks; confirm fare before departure.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #5 — Self-Drive / Car Rental (Most Flexible, Add Saqqara/Dashur)

Flexible Great for multi-site day Urban traffic

• Overview: Pick up a car in Cairo and drive west via the Ring Road/Al Haram to the Pyramids of Giza. Combine with Saqqara and Dashur if you have a full day.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$30–60/day plus fuel/parking. Compare airport/downtown depots on Booking.com Car Rental (Cairo) or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Maximum freedom; easy to add Memphis/Saqqara. Cons: Cairo driving/parking can be intense; hire a driver if unsure.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Collect your car (airport or downtown). Check insurance, fuel, and navigation.
2. Set route to El Remaya Square or Pyramids of Giza Main Entrance; follow signs/traffic police near the plateau.
3. Park in the official lots; keep your ticket for exit.
4. Optionally continue to Saqqara and Dashur later in the day.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & Plateau)

• Pickup spots: Cairo Intl. Airport and central Cairo offices (hours vary Friday/Sun).
• Parking: Official lots near entrances—carry small bills for parking attendants.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cairo to Giza)

How long does it take to get from central Cairo to the Pyramids?
Typically 35–75 minutes depending on traffic and your mode (fastest early morning by taxi; metro+short ride is reliable at rush hours).

Can I reach the Pyramids only by metro?
Not door-to-door. Take Line 2 to Giza/Cairo University, then a short taxi/minibus to the plateau entrance.

Is a guide necessary?
Not required, but highly recommended for context and smooth logistics. Compare small-group and private options on GetYourGuide or Klook.

Where do taxis drop off?
At the main entrance/ticketing area near the parking plaza (ask for “Main Entrance” or “El Remaya Square”).

What should I bring?
Water, sunscreen/hat, comfortable shoes, and cash for tips/parking. Photography permits vary by area—observe posted rules.

Can I store luggage nearby?
Yes. Use city storage partners (e.g., Radical Storage Cairo) or your hotel’s bell desk.