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Where are the Pyramids Located?
Alex (my brother) getting his shot of the Great Pyramid
A sign depicting the layout of the Menkuare Pyramid Complex
The Pyramids of Giza are located on the Giza Plateau, just outside the bustling city of Cairo, Egypt. This ancient site sits on the west bank of the Nile River, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The plateau is home to three world-famous pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the iconic Great Sphinx. These magnificent structures rise from the desert landscape, their towering presence a stark contrast to the modern skyline of Cairo in the distance.
The Giza Plateau has served as a royal necropolis for thousands of years, where pharaohs were laid to rest with the belief that these grand tombs would ensure their journey into the afterlife.
In addition to the pyramids themselves, the area around Giza includes smaller pyramids, temples, and cemeteries that offer insight into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The Great Pyramid, the largest of the three, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and remains a marvel of engineering to this day.
Getting to Cairo
On a tour visiting a few countries in Europe and the Middle East with my brother, I had the opportunity to visit the Pyramids on a layover from Istanbul to New York City. For having about 12 hours in the city, it was by far one of my favorite places I have gotten to seen. However, if you are flying directly to Cairo, here’s what you should know about airports near the pyramids:
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the Middle East and Africa. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Cairo from cities around the world, including popular hubs in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
For travelers coming from the United States, for instance, direct flights are available from cities like New York and Washington, D.C., while those traveling from Europe can find numerous options from London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
Getting off our Egyptair Plane in Cairo, Egypt
Once you arrive at Cairo International Airport, located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of downtown Cairo, taxis, airport shuttles, and private transfer services are readily available to take you to your destination.
Tip: I found that taking an Uber was the safest and most reliable mod of transportation in Cairo. The fare is relatively inexpensive, and you are almost guaranteed to pay the exact price that you see on the screen, rather than potentially being scammed by a taxi driver.
If you’re traveling to Cairo from within Egypt or nearby countries, there are additional options such as train or bus services. Bus services, provided by companies such as Go Bus or SuperJet, also connect Cairo with other Egyptian cities. Additionally, Cairo can be accessed via boat for those traveling along the Nile River, offering a scenic route into the city.
Staying in Cairo
Ancient artifact on display at the Hilton Heliopolis
We chose to stay at the Hilton Cairo Heliopolis, which was located right outside our airport and was only a quick Uber ride away from the Pyramids. This cost us around $120 USD and featured a resort style courtyard with multiple pools, swim-up bars, and lounge chairs. The hotel also had 3 restaurants that you could pick from. We ended up eating at the Lebanese restaurant which was very delicious.
Enjoying some Lebanese food inside our hotel
If you want a higher-end stay that’s right next to the Pyramids, the Mariott Mena House features close up views of the Great Pyramids, a courtyard for strolling around, and even a golf course for when the Pyramids get boring! This hotel will set you back around $550 USD per night.
Travel Essentials for Egypt
Posing at the Great Sphinx
When traveling to Egypt, it’s essential to pack items that will help you navigate the country’s diverse environments and cultural experiences.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is key, as Egypt’s climate can be hot, especially in the summer months. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun, particularly when visiting outdoor sites like the Pyramids or temples. I brought my Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat (Amazon) to keep the shade out of my eyes.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Cairo’s bustling streets and ancient ruins. A reusable water bottle is handy to stay hydrated throughout the day, as well as hand sanitizer and tissues for public restrooms. I personally recommend the Merell Moab 3 Lows for a comfortable, long-lasting shoe for a great price. Buy them here for up to 40% off in-store price! (Amazon)
Additionally, packing a power adapter for Egypt’s 220V electrical outlets will keep your devices charged and is a must-have!. I recommend this 2-pack European Travel Plug Adapter (Amazon) that also comes with USB C and USB 2.0.
It’s also recommended to carry some local currency (Egyptian pounds) for smaller purchases, though credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist areas.
Visa Information for Tourists Traveling to Cairo
To obtain an Egyptian travel visa, travelers from many countries can apply either in advance or upon arrival, depending on their nationality. Citizens from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European Union countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, which can be obtained at major airports in Egypt, including Cairo International Airport.
This process typically involves filling out a form, presenting your passport, and paying a fee (usually around $25 USD for a single-entry visa). The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days.
Alternatively, Egypt also offers an e-Visa system, where travelers can apply online before their trip through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal. This method can save time upon arrival, as the visa is electronically issued within a few business days. Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and it is advisable to check specific visa requirements and updates from the Egyptian consulate or embassy for your country prior to travel.
I chose the visa-on-arrival when we arrived at Cairo International Airport. One thing that I noticed was that airport staff was not very friendly toward helping my brother and I obtain our visas. There was a very long line to fill out a visa form that held us back around 30 min. After this, the staff demanded that we pay cash for our visa, which we luckily had, and that they were $50 USD a piece. This wasn’t our worst airport encounter, but don’t expect the friendliest service when arriving to visa station.
Getting to the Pyramids
From the center of Cairo, getting to the pyramids takes around 30 minutes by car. The best way to get there would be to take a ride share service such as Uber. I found that there was no hassles while using it. Our driver was very friendly and took us right to our destination.
The city streets of Cairo are often times congested with traffic during the day, and drivers can be very erratic compared to what you see in America. I highly recommend not trying to rent a car, and just being aware that travel times may take a little longer depending on traffic.
Guided Tour vs. Self-Guided Tour
When we arrived in front of the entrance to the Pyramids, we were immediately being called over by random people on the street wanting to take us into the Pyramids. My brother and I decided to take a chance and head over to a nearby shop where we were told we could have a guided tour into the Pyramids. Let’s just say that it was a really awesome decision.
Our mode of transportation through the Pyramids
As we came into the shop, we were welcomed with hot tea and cigarettes. We happily enjoyed the tea while politely declining the cigarettes. We settled onto the couch and the man brought out a poster describing the guided tour he wanted to take us on.
For $60 USD, we took a guided horseback tour throughout the Great Pyramids that was on our own time, received excellent service from our guide, and even got express entry past everyone else into the site.
Our tour guide helped us take awesome photos like this one
Final Thoughts
Having the opportunity to see the Pyramids from a last-minute layover from our backpacking trip was an experience I cherish and won’t ever forget. Seeing the pyramids on a history show is one thing, but being able to touch and see the precision and scale of a monument made from an unknown ancient technology really blew me away. The great Pyramids are a landmark that I think everyone should see at least once. So, if you ever find your self flying over Cairo, make sure to try and get a layover so you can check out the pyramids for yourself!
