low cost travel in egypt

The Cost of Travel in Egypt: My 2023 Budget Breakdown

After spending five months travelling in Egypt, stopping for about two of those in Cairo, I got a real sense of how varied, unpredictable, and totally chaotic the country is. The messiness that characterizes every aspect of Egypt, from its streets riddled with cars, donkeys, and people (who never walk on the sidewalk!), to its complex cultural norms that seem to often contradict one another, but are followed rigorously by most, came to be what I loved about it. 

Despite how traditional Egypt may appear on the surface, if you stay for a while and you meet the right people, you’ll discover a hidden world of rebellious Egyptians who subtly defy tradition and are willing to fight tirelessly for a more tolerant and modern version of the country they love.

Egypt has attracted history fans for decades, and whilst the pyramids were mind-blowing and the ancient temples are spectacular, those weren’t the things that kept me in Egypt. If you’re willing to throw yourself into the chaos and go beyond the usual tourist attractions, you’ll learn about the politics and social norms that have shaped Egypt into what it is today.

I mostly stayed in the north of the country, and I began my trip in Dahab, along the Red Sea, where I spent my days diving, chilling at beach bars with spectacular views, and haggling at stalls. Though many save this destination till last, I think this laid-back town, that is touristic yet still authentic, is the perfect place to start. Essentially because it’s quintessentially Egyptian, but a less intense and chaotic version of every other destination. 

To be honest you can skip the other destinations along the Red Sea, like Hurghada, without missing out on much. These big resort cities don’t give you much insight into the real Egypt and they’re more expensive too – so unless it’s an all-inclusive holiday you’re after I’d head straight to Cairo.

The destinations that I was most captivated by were Cairo, because of how diverse it is, and Siwa, because of how much culture is packed into such a small place. 

Before we get into the intricacies of what you can expect to spend in Egypt, it’s worth noting that it is a super budget-friendly destination. Egypt is by no means expensive, and you can travel there from as little as $20 a day, with no luxuries included of course. 

The Cost of Accommodation in Egypt

Like in most countries, what you’ll spend on accommodation really depends on the type of property you’re looking for. Egypt has a range of options, from hostel dorms starting at as little as $5 in cheaper destinations, to fancy hotels in the center of Cairo, like Hilton, that will cost you upwards of $100 a night. 

The great thing about Egypt is that because it’s such a budget friendly country, even if you want to stay in higher end accommodation during your trip you won’t necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars to do so. You can easily find double rooms in luxurious hotels for as little as $50 a night. 

Whether you want to exchange a few hours of work for your bed or you’re looking to splash out, you won’t struggle for options. If you’re on the tightest of tight budgets, there are several options that’ll land you with  free accommodation  while you’re in the country. 

Admittedly, Egypt isn’t the best destination for volunteering . There are some options on sites like WWOOFing , but they’re limited. When I looked there was one in Dahab and one outside of Cairo. But it’s worth having a look — you never know what you might find! 

Other sites worth checking are Workaway and WorldPackers . When I was looking, there weren’t many orientated around social or environmental work, but there were some options for working at hostels and hotels in marketing and secretarial roles. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for  WorldPackers  with the promo code neverendingfootsteps .

But when it comes to volunteering it might be easier to figure it out once you’re there. You can look for local organizations and wait for opportunities to reach you by word of mouth – Egypt still doesn’t have the most wide-spread online presence. 

Another option for those looking for free accommodation is Couchsurfing . If you haven’t heard about it before, how it works is that you stay on someone’s free sofa, or in their spare room, completely for free! 

Now, it’s a bit of a trade off because you never know what your host will be like until you’re there (although each host has a profile with reviews left by other travelers), but I’ve met lots of friends through couchsurfing.

If you’re a female traveler and you’re in Egypt by yourself (as I was), I’d be a bit more wary of using Couchsurfing. I hate the idea that being a woman holds us back from anything, and I always travel with a sense of freedom and independence, but the reality is that Egypt is very different culturally speaking and the interactions between men and women follow a completely new set of rules that can be hard to understand. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t couchsurf, just to be a bit more selective about who your host is. Perhaps opt for a female host and check to see if other females have left reviews on the contrary. 

There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts in Egypt , especially in the big cities – so a free night’s sleep isn’t out of the question!

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is one of the best sites for getting started with housesitting.

The Best Hostels in Egypt

There are lots of hostels in Egypt, and they became my go-to choice of accommodation after staying in a series of very disappointing Airbnbs (which tended to be at least double the price, not clean at all, and very basic). 

Curiously, the rules at hostels in Egypt are a little different. People with Egyptian and Arab passports aren’t allowed to stay in mixed dorms like other travelers, and there are a lot more all-female dorms than in other countries. It’s also complicated getting private rooms with Arabic travelers unless you’re married. These rules reflect the religious values that still dictate the country’s laws. 

All that said, let’s have a look at some of the top hostel picks in Egypt’s most famous cities.

• Alexandria:   At Ithaka Hostel you’ll pay $12 for a comfortable bunk bed in a dorm. It’s conveniently located in the city center, close to the seafront. The hostel has a quiet and cozy vibe. Bear in mind, there tend not to be many travelers in Alexandria.  It’s a bargain for a cute, colorful hostel with welcoming staff. The best thing is that a breakfast of falafel, salad, Arab flatbread, and pickles is included! I don’t recommend the AirBnbs in Alexandria, or in general across Egypt.
• Cairo : When I was in Cairo, I stayed in the Australian Hostel . You can get a single room with a shared bathroom for $10 , and a twin for $15 ! The location is good too, it’s in a busy area in the city center so there are loads of restaurants and shops around. The only drawback of this hostel is that there aren’t many common areas and there’s no kitchen. However, they have really affordable private rooms! Funnily enough, they have a luxury and non-luxury version of their hostel, which are in the same building. Check on Hostelworld for both, and on Booking if you want to stay in the luxury edition.Other hostels worth checking out are the Dahab Hostel which has a cute garden area, and Maadina Hostel – both are around the same price, with dorms for less than $10 ! 
• Dahab : If you’re in Dahab, book your stay at Rafiki Hostels . For $10 you’ll get a bed in a dorm, and for $27 you can book a private double room. The climate around the Red Sea is pretty warm, so I was glad for this hostel’s little dipping pool, and there’s a lovely balcony area with gorgeous views where you can hang out with other guests. The hostel runs lots of fun activities throughout the week to keep you busy. It’s situated right by the beachfront and breakfast is included – I loved it! 
• Luxor : For something a little different, stay at the Al Salam Camp . The hostel is designed similar to a Bedouin camp, giving it an authentic Egyptian atmosphere. Dorm beds are just $8 . I loved the unique design of this hostel, and saving money on accommodation meant I could spend more on activities in Luxor!
• Aswan : I spent my time in Aswan at the simple but comfortable Go Inn Backpackers . The hostel is by the riverside, so it boasts incredible views. The rooms were pretty basic, but for $8 a night I wouldn’t expect much more! Plus, the staff were super helpful and knew a lot about the different tours and activities worth doing in Aswan, which saved me a lot of research. 

The Cost of Hotels in Egypt

When I’m travelling, I’m always conscious to book the absolute best accommodation out there — well, as long as it doesn’t amount to hundreds of dollars a night. I can easily spend several hours researching accommodation for every stop along my way, ensuring I’ve chosen the place in the best location with the friendliest staff, and the greatest value for money.

My biggest tip? When you head to  Booking  to find a hotel, ignore the results that are sorted under “Our Top Picks” — that’s a list of all of the hotels that pay Booking the highest commission, some of which have some pretty poor write-ups. Instead, opt to sort the properties by “Top Reviewed”. That way, you’ll be able to see which options genuinely have the best reviews.

Dahab:  This stunning little apartment just outside of Dahab is the perfect place to come and relax and reset. There’s a cute outdoor area with a hot tub, lots of sun loungers – the optimal place to read a book or enjoy some star gazing. The apartment is quaint and cute, elegantly decorated with boho-chic decor. You can’t go wrong at  Villa Can Kiko .

Nuweiba:  While you’re in Nuweiba, you have to stay in a wooden cabin or Bedouin tent on the beach. They’re positioned at the edge of the shore, just metres away from the Red Sea.  Dayra Camp  is a popular option, visited by young adults who come from Cairo looking to relax and escape the loud crowds and intensity of the city. It’s got a somewhat hippy feel to it, and it’s not exactly luxury accommodation but it’s cheap, cool, and a great spot. 

Cairo:  The  Houseboat65 Hotel  offers something a little different. You get the best of both worlds here: the privacy and intimacy of an apartment and the perks and great service of a luxury hotel.

I particularly love the views of the Nile. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream as you sit on the waters edge sipping your morning coffee and watching little boats float by. It’s also the perfect place to escape the noise of the city without compromising on location!

This stunning property gave me the perfect balance between modern and traditional. I relished all the well-thoughtout details around the property and was delighted by the undeniably Egyptian feel of the place. 

Siwa:  Accommodation in Siwa is very simple and down-to-earth. It’s not exactly luxurious, but it’s comfortable and it does the job. I stayed  here , and really enjoyed it! The pictures don’t do the garden justice, and the owners were extremely kind and welcoming. There’s an outdoor fire too, so you can sit under the stars at night and watch the flicker of the flames. The kitchen is very basic, but the included breakfast is served in the garden, and it is always filling and delicious!

Elephantine Island:  This humble but comfortable property on Elephantine Island is run by a super friendly and welcoming family. There’s a little balcony in most of the rooms, and it’s right by the Nile so the views are incredible. If you’re looking for some peace and tranquillity,  Bayt Zaina  is the perfect place to come. 

Luxor:  This quintessentially Egyptian hotel on the West Bank feels homely, luxurious, and old-fashioned all at once. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and there’s a super lovely pool you can cool down in too! I’d highly recommend staying at  Djorff Palace  whilst you’re in Luxor.

Accommodation cost summarized  : Overall, you should budget around $10 a night for hostel dorms and around $15-$20 a night if you’re planning on staying in private rooms in hostels or basic hotels. If you’re planning on renting apartments or staying in rooms in slightly nicer hotels it should come to about $40 a night .

The Cost of Transportation in Egypt

There’s lots to see in Egypt, and there is an array of ways to get around the country, from buses to boats. Egypt is a pretty big country, so if you’re in a hurry you might want to consider some domestic flights to get from Cairo to other popular destinations further south, namely Luxor and Aswan. 

Let’s break the cost of transport down to give you a better idea of how much getting around will cost in Egypt!

Local transport cost : Depending on where you are in Egypt you can look into different local transport. I found that in Alexandria the local buses were pretty efficient and easy to figure out (especially since they essentially just run along the seafront, connecting the peripheral areas of the city to the city center). The buses, which look more like minivans, cost about 8 Egyptian Pounds at the time (less than 50 cents ). 

However, in Cairo I completely gave up on using public transport. The city is huge, and there’s often bad traffic on the roads so it was complicated figuring out the bus routes, and you’d often spend way longer than expected getting from one destination to the next.

On the other hand, the metro is absolutely rammed and the one time I used it I got off feeling sweaty, claustrophobic, and overwhelmed. My Egyptian friends laughed at me when I told them I had used the metro – they all use Uber to get around. I soon gave up on the public transport in Cairo and did the same.

Even at night Uber’s are a safe and affordable option. You can expect to pay about $2-$3 for a 30-minute ride depending on the time of day. They also have motorbike options on Uber in Egypt. They’re cheaper and whizzing through the traffic on a scooter is definitely a thrill!

Regional transport costs in Egypt : Egypt has a very varied landscape, which makes an array of transport options possible. Depending on where you’re going, it’s worth considering looking at flights, boat trips, and night buses to travel across Egypt. Here are some common routes and approximate prices:

Alexandria to Cairo by train : The most comfortable way to get from Alexandria to the capital is by train. Travel with Egyptian National Railway, they’re safe and comfortable.

Overall, the journey takes just under four hours. You can get your ticket at the station at the ticket desks or self-service machines (but be careful, they don’t always work) or you can book them on the Egyptian National Railway website, although that doesn’t always work either…

The trains run more or less every hour, but stop running at around 8pm. They leave from the Alexandria station and terminate at the Cairo Ramses station. You can choose between the express and ordinary trains, and select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class tickets.

The drawback of this transport method is that as of 2023, foreigners will have to pay an additional foreigner fee on their tickets. So, whilst 2nd class tickets used to cost just $7 , they’re now $20 . Yikes.

Cairo to Luxor by cruise : If you want the true Egypt experience, take a cruise between Cairo and Luxor. It’s by far the most luxurious mode of transport – and it’s sure not to disappoint. 

You can take fast cruises that don’t stop along the way and get you between these two iconic cities in a matter of days, but for the true cruise experience, splash out on a cruise with Movenpick. The journey takes around 12 days overall, with stops at destinations like Tell El Amarna and Abydos along the way. 

Admittedly I never took a Nile cruise because I was a bit short on time when I travelled to Luxor, but I regret not doing so. Everything from food to the day tours you’ll take are included, and cruises start at $700 ! 

Dahab to Cairo by bus : Dahab is a very small town, so the easiest way to book your ticket is to head to the main road that runs along the outskirts of the town. There is one main bus station there and a few small terminals that correspond to specific bus companies. You can ask around for prices and bus schedules to see which is best for you!

You can take the bus by day, but I recommend doing it as an overnight bus (that way you save some money on accommodation, and you don’t miss out on time you can use for sightseeing!). The journey takes about nine hours in total. Tickets cost somewhere between $10-$25 depending on what company you travel with, and the best choices are East Delta Travel or Go Bus Egypt. Both companies operate basic buses which are comfortable enough, but don’t expect a lot of leg room or a full night’s sleep.

The one downside of this journey is that there are various checkpoints along the way where they stop the bus and ask to look at the passenger’s luggage and passports. So, if you get woken up in the middle of the night, don’t panic – it’s just another checkpoint. It’s also worth finding out which stations they terminate at in Cairo when you’re choosing between bus companies. 

Aswan to Cairo by flight : You can also do this trip on a cruise boat along the Nile, but it takes much longer. The fastest (and often cheapest way) is to fly. Flights start at $50 and the price varies depending on whether it’s peak tourist season or not, and how far in advance you manage to book your ticket. However, if you’re booking at quite last minute and you fly with a budget airline you shouldn’t need to spend more than $100 .

EgyptAir and Air Cairo are the companies that have the best economy tickets for this trip. You can look on Skyscanner to find price comparisons across a range of companies in one place!

Cairo to Siwa on an overnight bus : For just 275 Egyptian Pounds (just over $11 ) you can get from Egypt’s busiest city to one of the most remote desert towns. The night bus from Cairo to Siwa is the most convenient way to get to this out of reach destination. Each night a bus leaves from Cairo at 10pm, and arrives in Siwa the next morning. How long the journey will take is a little ambiguous, but estimate around 12 hours. 

Buses depart from the Turgoman station and Cairo Gateway Bus Station and the company you’ll be travelling with is West Delta. It’s worth booking your ticket the day before directly at the station if you can, just to avoid disappointment. 

Hiring a car and why not to do it : You can hire a car in Egypt, but I strongly suggest you don’t. The roads are absolute chaos and you’re more likely to end up getting in an accident than enjoying the fun road trip you might have envisioned. 

If you’re still determined to rent a car, I’d recommend getting to Egypt first and seeing the roads for yourself, then deciding whether you’d be comfortable driving there. 

The Cost of Food in Egypt

Food is incredibly cheap in Egypt. In fact, if you dine at local restaurants or street stalls it’ll be the least expensive part of your trip. The food is a little greasy at times, but it’s always hearty and delicious. It’s super easy to be vegetarian, and even vegan, in Egypt as they have a range of veggie-friendly dishes that are easily available even in remote towns.

In Egypt you eat most dishes with your hands and a piece of aish baladi (a flatbread similar to a pitta) to help scoop the food up. Of course, if you’re in a restaurant or you’re eating a more messy and intricate dish, you will be given cutlery. 

One of the staple foods in Egypt is falafel. Unlike in other Arab countries they’re made with faba beans instead of chickpeas, making them more dense and heavy. You can get a falafel wrap in Egypt for as little as 5 cents , but they average about 25 cents from a street cart or local stall. 

A peculiar dish worth trying is koshari. It’s a carb-filled and hearty meal made up of a mix of pasta and rice, topped with fried onions, chickpeas, and an assortment of other toppings that are then covered in a vinegary tomato sauce. It doesn’t sound very appealing but somehow it works! A pot of koshari from a local restaurant will cost you about $2 .  

If you’re in Cairo, some of the best koshari spots are Sayed Hanady, Koshary El Tahrir, and Koshari Abou Tarek. 

Egypt also has a range of incredible dips that are perfect for a light lunch. My favorites are hummus and baba ghanoush, which are perfect for scooping up with some warm aish baladi. You’ll pay about $1 for a pot of either. 

Breakfast : Egyptian breakfasts don’t disappoint and are typically buffet style. Plates of falafel, eggs, a salty and creamy cheese mixed with tomatoes, olives, dips like hummus, and lots of aish baladi are laid out before you. This mezze platter style makes Egyptian breakfasts fit for a king! You can expect to pay around $3-$5 for a traditional Egyptian breakfast, depending on portion sizes.

Another breakfast favorite worth trying is shakshuka. In this dish eggs are poached in a tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, green pepper, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and topped with herbs like coriander. It makes sense then that the name of the dish is derived from the Arabic for “shaken together” or “mixed”.

It’s usually served in the pan and you can then scoop it up with bread straight from the skillet. Expect to pay around $2 for a shakshuka in an economical local restaurant.

Lunch : For lunch opt for something like a shawarma or kofta kebab that you can get when you’re out and about and eat on the move.

You can spend as little as 50 cents for lunch in Egypt, if you go for an on-the-go wrap style lunch, or as much as $10 if you decide to eat at a nice restaurant and order a big main plate. 

Dinner : After a day exploring, enjoy a sit-down dinner. Try bamya, an Egyptian style okra and lamb stew in a tomato sauce. The name makes sense since the word bamya means “okra” in Arabic. The dish is usually served with rice! 

You’ll typically pay around $3-$5 for a hearty and filling dinner in Egypt at a local restaurant, though prices at hipster restaurants in Cairo’s city center range around $10-$15 .

Alcohol : Alcohol is one of the most expensive things in Egypt. That’s largely due to the fact that there’s a large Muslim community in the country, and there are high alcohol taxes that make it expensive to import anything. You’ll pay about $2 for a small bottle of beer from a local shop, $2-$3 for a can of mixed spirits, and about $20 for a bottle of spirits and some $7 for a mid-range bottle of wine.

Most restaurants don’t sell alcohol, and during Ramadham there are few bars that sell it and you’ll need to show your foreigner ID to be served! Trust me, if you lay off the alcohol you’ll save yourself a lot of money. 

Overall cost breakdown of food : If you decide to cook simple food with locally sourced ingredients in an Airbnb expect to spend about $5 a day on food . Similarly, if you’re eating out and getting your meals from street carts and local restaurants you can spend as little as $5 a day and eat really well. 

Eating at mid-range restaurants that are frequented by tourists will bring your costs up to around $20-$30 a day , whilst dining at fancy restaurants and sampling luxurious meals will cost around $50 a day . If you’re drinking beer on the daily and having a glass of wine with meals, add on about $15 . 

The Cost of Activities in Egypt

There’s loads to do and see in Egypt, and sometimes it’s logistically a lot easier to do it with a tour. Most of the time, a simple day tour to a well-known site will cost you around $30 . If there’s an entrance fee for the site, or your meals are included this could go up to around $50 . Either way, even the most popular and sought after tours in Egypt are pretty budget friendly.

Remember that if you’re booking in person, you should always haggle to get the price down! 

Here are five of the most popular tours to give you an idea of prices.

Visiting the pyramids of Giza : You can’t come to Egypt and miss out on seeing the pyramids. Whilst it’s quite straightforward to visit this iconic site by yourself (you can take an Uber from Cairo to the entrance, and then back again afterwards), taking a tour is beneficial as there isn’t any actual information about the pyramids across the site. Consider this half day tour here for just $35 .

Nile dining experience: There are various tour agencies that run sunset river cruises down the Nile, but this one comes accompanied by a traditional Egyptian meal and a belly dance show! I thought it was fabulous, and very fairly priced at just $30 . I’d recommend doing it in a group.  

Diving in Dahab: My favorite Egyptian experience was diving in Dahab. The coral reefs and marine life are absolutely spectacular, and I was just meters away from the shore. I did it with a local diving agency called Aqua Divers and I found them to be very friendly, professional, and reassuring. 

For a single dive at the site known as the Lighthouse I paid $25 . They give you an entry course first to check you’re prepared and know the essentials when it comes to safety and communicating underwater. 

Trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan: Aswan and Luxor are famous for their temples, and few are as impressive as Abu Simbel. There are two temples on the site that were built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. The Great Temple of Ramesses II is protected by four momentous 20-meter seated pharaohs and smaller standing sculptures that are thought to depict his family (children, mother, and wife).

However, the site is pretty far away from the city of Aswan itself (about three hours by bus), so it’s worth taking a tour for a hassle-free experience. I booked this one for $70 and had a pleasant experience. If you’re a bigger group it gets cheaper!

Hot air balloon ride in Luxor: Soaring over Luxor in a hot air balloon as the sun rises over the milky Nile River and the barren landscape is a once in a lifetime experience. I didn’t have much time in Luxor so I decided to combine my hot air balloon trip with a tour that included the most famous Luxor attractions (Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple ,The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon). I paid $180 for this tour (a little more on the expensive side), but it was worth the time and planning it saved me. If you’re in a rush, this is the tour for you. 

How Much it Costs to Travel in Egypt

Overall, if you stay in the cheapest hostel dorms, stick to eating wraps from food stands, and opt for cheaper tours, you can travel Egypt for as little as $25 a day comfortably. If you spend humbly but you don’t hold back, you’ll average about $40 a day, and if you do a lot and stay at mid-range hotels you’re looking at $50 a day. 

It’d be hard to spend more than an average of $100 a day in Egypt, but if it’s luxury you’re seeking then that’s a comfortable amount to budget for. When I was there, I found there were days where I spent as little as $10 a day, and others where I spent around $50. All in all, Egypt is a great budget destination!

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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How to Visit Egypt on a Budget

One of the countries high up on my “must visit” list is Egypt. As a lover of history, I long to release my inner archaeologist and explore the many ruins of the country. While it might be a long time before I get there, my friend Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak has visited a couple of times. In this guest post, he’ll give you his best tips for saving money on your next visit to Egypt!

I’ve been to Egypt twice. On my first trip four years ago, I solo traveled the Sinai Peninsula along the Gulf of Aqaba, stayed in shared hostels for $5 USD per night and took overnight buses that cost just as little. On my most recent trip last year, I traveled from the very north of Egypt in Alexandria south to Cairo, and then further south along the Nile River to the border with Sudan.

And, throughout it all, I fall deeply in love with this country where foreign perception of violence keeps so many at arm’s length.

The tourism industry in Egypt is still feeling pain as a result of the political upheaval, civil unrest, and terrorism-related activities that have marred its recent history. As tourist numbers have dwindled and competition for the tourist dollar has become fiercer, travel deals have proliferated.

But what most visitors miss is what you can gain — free of crowds and for little money too.

From the chaos of Cairo to the more laid-back vibe of Luxor, Egypt is an ideal destination for budget travelers.  

1. How to Save Money on Accommodation

Stay in hostels instead of hotels – Typically, you can expect to find a bed in a shared dorm room (with 4+ beds) for between $5-8 USD per night, or a comfortable private single room for about $15 USD per night. You will likely have to share a bathroom, but at least you have your privacy.

Use Hostelworld to look for the best prices. I recommend Dahab Hostel in Cairo and Al Salam Camp in Luxor.

Use Booking.com to compare prices for hotels – If you’re looking for cheap hotels or guesthouses in Egypt, I recommend checking Booking.com. A private room in a guesthouse or hotel goes for about $40 USD per night.

Prices are generally listed per room, not per person. So, if you are traveling with a friend, you can save even more money by splitting the cost.

Look for accommodations that add offer a little extra – I also found that, coupled with accommodation, it was pretty common for hosts in guesthouses to offer extras such as breakfast and local tours at very reasonable prices. One of my incredible hosts cooked a traditional hot breakfast with tea and coffee for just $1 USD. Best of all, he was more than happy to recommend some inexpensive local places to eat and buy food.

Look beyond the standard hotel rooms for accommodation options – Airbnb and Vrbo are great options for vacation rentals . On these platforms, you can also find options to stay in a local’s house. You can usually find some pretty luxurious apartments starting from $50 USD per night. You’ll also have full access to your own kitchen, which means you can further cut your costs by cooking at home.  

2. How to Save Money on Food

Why bother with a burger when you can eat the most delicious falafel in the world for $1 USD?

Navigate the narrow alleyways of any bustling Cairo market (like Khan El Khalili or Mohammed Ali Street) to seek out the best shawarma ($2 USD). Or grab a stuffed falafel sandwich from a street vendor on your way from one ancient relic to another ($2 USD). You can literally find Arabic bread for 5 cents. It’s all cheap and very filling.

And, the hummus. It’s so. Darn. Good.

If you’re staying at a guesthouse, it’s common practice for them to offer full dinners for about $10 USD. The truth is that they’re actually just sourcing the food from restaurants in the neighborhood and taking a cut, so by seeking out your own food options, expect to spend about ¼ of the price.

With that said, don’t be afraid of street food or street vendors, especially if the food is cooked in front of you. And if there is a crowd of locals waiting, then chances are you’re onto a good thing.

Eat at a kosheri – A kosheri is a small, local restaurant that serves up generous portions of pasta, chickpeas, lentils, etc. often for less than $1 USD! There’s no menu, you just select the size of your portion and then you’re served this mishmash of deliciousness.

Cook your own meals – As mentioned, preparing your own meals while traveling is also a great money saver. If you have access to a kitchen, just ask your host to point you in the direction of the nearest market. They also have the lowdown on where to eat for cheap, so take advantage of their local knowledge!  

3. How to Save Money on Transportation

Now, when I say convenient, I mean they’ll get you to where you need to go relatively quickly. But I would be remiss if I didn’t add a few disclaimers.

Taxi drivers can be aggressive on the road, leaving you white-knuckled from hanging on for dear life. I’ve never experienced a more heart-stopping journey than a Cairo taxi ride.

Furthermore, while Cairo does have metered taxis, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Meters are notoriously unreliable or rigged, and drivers frequently “forget” to turn them on. It’s one of the oldest travel scams in the book.

The best practice is to use an unmetered taxi and agree on a price with the driver before getting in . (Outside Cairo, most taxis are unmetered, so no matter what, always agree on a price upfront.)

If you’re not sure how much is an acceptable price, ask someone at your hostel or guesthouse for a pricing recommendation, and then start your bargaining at about ½ that price. Oftentimes even they will give you a higher estimate than is normal (it’s locals helping locals), but the real price should be about ¾ of what you’ve been recommended.

For longer-distance trips, hiring a car with a driver is the most cost-effective option. The price will be the same whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a group of four, so round up some travel buddies and split the cost.

But of course, be prepared for some aggressive haggling to get the best price. Be clear about where you want to go and for how long you will need the driver. Don’t worry if negotiations break down, though. When it comes to haggling over price, never be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of drivers available, so just move on to the next one.

Take the local train – Taking the train between Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is the most popular mode of transport for this route.

If time or budget is a concern, you can take an overnight train. By taking the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll save a night’s worth of accommodation in a hotel. A deluxe sleeper cabin for one is about $110 USD, while a two-berth cabin is $80 USD per person. Cabins are secure, and fares include an airline-style dinner and breakfast. The food is basic, but it’s edible.

But for a real bargain, you can book the day train between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan for as little as $10 USD. However, there’s one caveat: for safety reasons, the Egyptian government prohibits foreigners from purchasing day train tickets for this route. Officials say this is because only the night trains have armed guards in case of a terrorist attack, but this is an incredibly rare occurrence.

It’s easy to get around this, though. You’ll need to book tickets online at enr.gov.eg (you’ll have to register an account but it’s easy to do) or ask your guide, host, or driver to book the tickets for you. They will likely oblige for a small fee.

There are no reports of ticket attendants kicking any foreigners off the day train, so you’ll be fine. And if not, you’re only out $10 USD.

Get the Flight Pass – The fastest way to travel around Egypt is by plane. Egypt Air is the national carrier and Star Alliance Member serving most major domestic destinations. Its Flight Pass is a cost-effective option that allows you to lock in low fares for domestic flights even if you haven’t determined your travel dates.

All you have to do is purchase a minimum of four flights (or credits) and choose a time when you’d like to travel in the next 12 months. You can then book your flight up to seven days before departure.

On the downside, you’ll have to always fly back to your original departure point. That is, instead of flying from Cairo to Luxor and Alexandria, you’ll need to fly Cairo to Luxor and back to Cairo before going to Alexandria. That said, the Flight Pass is still about 30% cheaper than booking the same multi-destination flights with other airlines.

The Flight Pass is super customizable. You can select the number of flights (e.g. four, which is two round-trip flights) for a period of time (e.g. within one month), and also how early you can book your flights (e.g. one week before travel). This means that if you pick Cairo as your origin, you can select two round-trip flights to Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, Sharm E Sheikh, or Hurghada. Each flight is $73 USD one-way.

But if I were to book a flight from Cairo to Luxor for one week from now, that same leg would cost at least $142 USD!

You can play around with this pass. For example, if you purchase a similar pass to the one above but select “one month” for how early you can book, the flights become $66 USD each per one-way.

If that’s too much of an inconvenience for you, there are plenty of other airlines offering affordable flights. When it comes to finding cheap flights on other airlines, I use Skyscanner. By being flexible with your dates, you can save up to 50%. Keep in mind, though, that you might be traveling at inconvenient times, like the middle of the night.

In the Skyscanner search bar, instead of entering specific dates, select the “Entire Month” option. This will show you a calendar with fare prices for departing and returning flights for every day of the month. This also works for one-way flights. However, it does not work for multicity flights.  

4. How to Save Money on Tours and Guides

If you’re a Type A traveler who needs a plan in hand before you even arrive, you’re not going to like this. But online agencies charge massively inflated prices, and you will end up paying a lot less if you deal directly with the tour company or guide locally on the ground.

Add in the feel-good factor of your money going directly to your guide, their family, and community (and not to some middle person, agency, or large corporation) and you’ve got yourself a win-win situation.

You may need to be a little more flexible with your dates. But you will have the added advantage of being able to negotiate (haggle, in reality), which translates to overall savings.

Tours, private drivers, and the quintessential cruise down the Nile can all be booked locally at significantly lower prices than booking in advance. So, if you can stomach it, wait until you get your boots on the ground before booking your tours.

Guides, in my experience, are an invaluable source of local knowledge and information. They have the inside scoop on the best vantage points for photos at all the epic landmarks. In addition, they’re great at dealing with those persistent and sometimes aggressive street vendors.

The best guides can be found by asking for recommendations from other travelers who have used their services, but I always recommend my Egyptian brother, Rami.

Back in 2015, on my first trip to Egypt, Rami and I connected by way of a mutual friend. We hit it off, and ever since then, I’ve helped him to grow the little tour business he and his family-run. It feels good to be able to help a local family in such a positive way.

He’s honest, affordable, reliable, incredibly communicative, well connected, and did I mention honest? That’s one of the difficult parts about traveling in places like Egypt: when people are selling you things, it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But Rami is my man. Send him an email at [email protected] and let him know Jeremy sent you (there are no commissions here — this is just a helpful referral to a well-deserving friend). He will sort you out or put you in touch with someone else in your preferred destination.  

5. How to Save Money on Entrance and Admission Fees

Get a travel pass – You can get a Cairo Pass or a Luxor Pass (multi-entrance discount passes) from the Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Plateau for about $80 USD. You’ll save about 50% off entries to over 30 attractions in Cairo and Giza. You’ll find very little information about these passes online, however, so your best bet is to just show up at one of those locations and inquire there.  

Suggested Budgets for Traveling in Egypt

The biggest way to reduce costs is to stay in dorm rooms or hostels. If you opt for a private room or mid-range hotel, you can expect to spend $30-40 USD more per night.

Where and what you eat also adds to your daily budget. For example, street food is an affordable and filling option for dining in Egypt. You can eat everything from falafel and sandwiches to shawarma and koshari noodles for as little as $1 USD.

Eating in a restaurant is more expensive, but still relatively cheap compared to Western countries. Meals in a mid-range restaurant start at $4 USD, while international dishes can be around $10 USD.

Transportation is another added cost. Train travel can be cheap but may not be the most efficient option if your time is limited. So, if you plan to fly between your destinations, expect to add $50-$100 USD to your budget for each flight.

Of course, your daily budget will also increase if you book private guides or splurge on souvenirs and gifts.

And remember, haggling is one of the most important skills if you’re looking to save money in Egypt. Taxis, excursions, and other services can usually be bargained down to a lower rate than what is initially quoted. So, if you have a high tolerance for haggling, your daily budget could easily be less.

Regardless, it’s always better to go slightly over budget, especially somewhere with as many must-see sights and experiences as Egypt!

The key to budget travel in Egypt is to be generally well informed and to have a good sense of humor (the latter goes a long way when dealing with vendors). Haggling and scammers are all part of everyday travel life in Egypt. There are very few goods and services that can’t be bargained for.

Most importantly, always, ALWAYS ask for and agree on a price first before accepting any goods or services. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to politely say no and walk away.

Now it’s time to start planning your trip to Egypt for maximum adventures at minimum cost in the land of Pharaohs, pyramids, and wonders of the ancient world. Get to it!

Jeremy is the adventurous traveler behind TravelFreak, a website dedicated to helping people create lives they are passionate about. You can check out his blog to learn more or find him on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Dahab Hostel (Cairo)
• Al Salam Camp (Luxor)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Egypt Trips & Tour Packages

Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

You’ve got to see it to believe it in Egypt – the chaos of Cairo (seriously, this city never stops); the bustling bazaars; the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza, and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx).Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, marvel at the world's most spectacular temple complexes, wander through Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, and then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea. Take a moment as time stands still in Egypt.

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Egypt at a glance

Capital city.

Cairo (population 9.4 million)

107.5 million

Egyptian pound (EGP)

(GMT+02:00) Cairo

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Egypt

Best time to visit egypt.

Egypt is blessed with lots of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is negligible, except on the coast, with rain usually occurring during the winter months (December to March).

During the summer months (from June to August), daily temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) - perfect for snorkeling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai, but can prove challenging for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo.

Choose to escape the crowds by traveling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder, and there's the opportunity to experience Egypt during Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid (which marks the breaking of the fast). If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it's important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours.

Read more about the best time to visit Egypt

Culture and customs

Life in Egypt has been in a state of flux since the 2011 revolution. Many of the issues that motivated so many to take to the streets in protest continue to be points of contention, but Egyptians remain hopeful, relying on religion, family and humor to get them through, like they have for thousands of years. A strong sense of community binds people across the country. Families and communities support each other and there is a prevailing sense that everyone is in it together. For all these reasons, most express great pride in being Egyptian, despite their nation’s recent turmoil.

As a largely Muslim country (about 90% of the population is Muslim while most of the remaining 10% identify as Coptic Christian), Islam permeates daily activities. Life revolves around the five daily prayers and everything is closed on Friday, the Muslim holy day. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced by religion. Women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

Many Egyptians consider their country the gateway between the West and the rest of the Arab world, and take pride in their ability to mix tradition with modern influences. This mixing is most apparent in major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, where American fast-food chains can be found next to traditional cafes, secular attitudes are more common, and pop music rings through city streets.

Food and drink

With fragrant spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious sweets on offer, culinary adventures in Egypt are guaranteed. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.

Things to try in Egypt

1. Hamam mahshi

A north African delicacy, hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants. You may need a few to fill up though, as they don’t contain a lot of meat. And be careful of all the tiny bones.

2. Ta'ameya (falafel)

Crunchy on the outside, and moist on the inside, these deep-fried balls of spiced fava beans are a Middle Eastern vegetarian staple. Usually served in a pita with salad, pickles, and sesame-based tahina - buy it at a street stall for a quick, cheap meal.

Shops specializing in this popular ‘poor man’s dish’ can be found throughout Cairo. A hearty mix of rice, macaroni and lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, koshary is topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce.

4. Ful medames

Don't leave Egypt without trying the classic dish of ful medames, which can be traced back to pharaonic times. Consisting of slow-cooked fava beans, served with olive oil, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice - add some spice by seasoning with chili paste and eat with bread.

5. Pastries

Delicious, sweet pastries are found in restaurants, markets, and cafes in Egypt. Never was there a better time to live by the adage ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’.

Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, and any consumption of alcohol here is relatively low-key. There are many fantastic alternatives. Juice stands are common on main streets offering freshly squeezed banana, guava, or mango juice. Karkadai is a chilled, crimson drink brewed from hibiscus leaves (served hot in the winter). And tea (or shai) is the beverage of choice for most Egyptians, which is sipped throughout the day and with meals.

Read more about what to eat in Egypt

Read more about what to drink in Egypt

Geography and environment

Located in the northeast corner of Africa, Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya, and Sudan, as well as the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The two seas are connected by the man-made Suez Canal.

The remote triangle-shaped peninsula is largely characterized by limestone and desert, but also has a vibrant coral reef along the Red Sea coastline. Hot, dry desert covers most of the country’s terrain, with the Western Desert occupying much of the west, and the Arabian (or Eastern) Desert stretching the length of the eastern coast. These two regions are dissected by the Nile River, which runs the length of the country, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley, a narrow fertile band extending from the river, is the country’s only fertile land and where 98% of the population lives.

History and government

Recent history.

Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous pint-sized French leader, invaded Egypt in 1798, seeking to set up a French colony. However, not long after, the French were repelled, and Egypt became a part of the Ottoman Empire once again.

From 1882, the British Army occupied Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. Muhammad Ali officially ruled from the early 1800s, and his family and successors continued to rule for decades (alongside and during British occupation) until overthrown by a military coup in 1952.

During World War II, Egypt became a crucial element in Britain's defense. The Italian Army tried to advance into Egypt in 1940 but was stopped by the British Army at Mersa Matruh. Egypt continued to serve as a vital base for British troops during World War II and despite the disruption, Egypt's shopkeepers and retail trade benefitted from the thousands of Allied troops staying in Egypt.

In 1953, Egypt was officially declared a republic, and a year later, Colonel Nasser was declared Prime Minister, then President. In 1979, after decades of confrontation with neighboring Israel, the historic Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed. This agreement made Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel as a country - a significant step in the peace process. More recently, in February 2011, large-scale protests and mass demonstrations resulted in the removal of President Mubarak after decades of autocratic rule.

Early history

Ancient Egypt has been the focus of much fascination, investigation, speculation, and intrigue. It's hard to escape the education system without having studied Ancient Egypt in some way. Drawn in by the mighty pyramids, mysterious hieroglyphics, distinct burial rituals and animal-headed gods - scholars, students, historians, and travelers are all amazed by this civilization which has endured cycles of dynastic rule, invasion, and natural disasters.

Through key archaeological finds, historians have been able to unravel some of the mysteries of this great land. What is known is that the daily life of the average Egyptian usually involved working in agriculture with the waters of the Nile providing fertile ground for planting crops. Egyptians usually lived in modest homes with children and domestic pets. Professions were usually inherited - so if your father was a farmer, then so were you.

While most Egyptians led simple lives, dynasties of Pharaohs led lavish lifestyles, with the most well-known being Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra. Huge monuments, imposing pyramids, golden artifacts, and detailed paintings all hold details about pharaonic rule and succession, as well as commonly held beliefs about religion and the afterlife.

Spanning centuries and full of drama worthy of a soap opera, the epic history of Ancient Egypt is complex and we suggest you read about it before visiting.

Top places to visit in Egypt

1. nile river.

Sail down the mighty Nile River on a traditional Egyptian felucca.

Trip: Egypt Experience

Trip: Explore Egypt & Jordan

Dive into the warm, glittering waters of the Red Sea on a snorkeling adventure in Hurghada.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Express

Trip: Explore Egypt

Trip: Egypt Family Holiday

3. Alexandria

Discover the historic wonders of Alexandria, an ancient port city that locals call the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Experience the bustling energy of Cairo and shop for souvenirs at Cairo's Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Trip: Egypt Adventure

5. Mt Sinai

Hike to the summit of Mt Sinai, which many believe is where Moses received the ten commandments.

Trip: Discover Egypt & Jordan

Explore the impressive chapels, pylons and obelisks of Karnak Temple.

Trip: Egypt, Jordan, Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

7. Abu Simbel

These massive monuments dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are seriously impressive.

8. Valley of the Kings

King Tut’s treasures may be long gone, but his hieroglyphic-covered tomb remains an incredible sight to see.

Trip: Essential Egypt

Trip: Epic Egypt, Jordan & Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

Trip: Real Egypt & Jordan

Top 10 ancient wonders of Egypt

1. grand designs.

The original grand design - monumental and magnificent - the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.

2. Stony enigma

Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head - and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.

3. Mighty Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River - the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home to hippos and crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travelers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.

4. Terrific temples

Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns, and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

5. Holy mountain

Embark on a trek to the top of Mt Sinai and witness an incredible golden sunrise to remember. A place of worship for many faiths, a pilgrimage to Mt Sinai reveals stunning scenery, an ancient monastery and historic chapels. An iconic highlight of Egypt for believers and non-believers alike, Mt Sinai is not to be missed.

6. Double happiness

Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honour the craftsmen who created this wonder.

7. Museum magic

Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewelry, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

8. Roman ruins

The Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria may not be the biggest, but they are certainly among the best-preserved in Egypt, if not the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the Roman amphitheater and imagine it in all its glory - packed with 800 spectators ready for action.

9. Colossal characters

Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.

10. The ancient heart of Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.

Souqs – or open-air bazaars – are both the best place to shop in Egypt and attractions in their own right. The biggest and most famous souq is the 500-year-old Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Within the maze of narrow streets and laneways lie stalls selling jewelry, glass, copper, spices and artisan goods, along with more standard tourist fare. Quality can vary greatly so spend some time shopping around.

Like many markets around the world, bargaining is the norm, but Egyptians take it to another level. Expect to be offered tea (it can take that long) and for elaborate theatrics from the seller. While bazaars in Cairo tend to sell everything, visit Aswan’s bazaar for spices, incense, and basketwork, and Luxor for cheaply priced alabaster figurines and vases. It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.

Things to buy in Egypt

You’ll often see spices piled high in bazaars. In addition to making a great photo for Instagram, they’re often a good buy as long as you keep a couple of things in mind. Always buy whole spices rather than ground to ensure freshness and skip the ‘saffron’ – it’s actually safflower and tastes like dust.

2. Glassware

Hand-blown Muski glass, recognizable by its air bubbles, comes in brilliant shades of blue and green and purple and has been made in Egypt since medieval times. Be careful with this purchase though as it’s extremely fragile.

3. Cartouche

A kind of nameplate written in hieroglyphics. Most gold or silver shops sell these and many can customize them by engraving your name.

Festivals and events

Eid al-fitr.

After fasting for an entire month, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, or ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. For three days, starting on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, people celebrate with feasts, family, and festivals. Look for vendors selling kahk cookies (nut-filled cookies covered in powdered sugar) while taking in the festivities, a tasty treat synonymous with Eid for many locals.

Eid al-Adha

Arguably the most important holiday in Egypt, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ is not one for vegetarians and vegans. About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, sheep, and goats are slaughtered (often in the middle of the street) for a mighty feast.

Sham el-Nessim

Each year on March 21st, Egyptians celebrate the coming of spring by spending the day outdoors. Join the locals for this ancient holiday by packing a picnic and heading to a park or public garden.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

As if the two temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari weren’t impressive enough, they were constructed in such a way that twice a year, the sun’s rays reach its innermost chambers and illuminate three stone gods that reside within, while leaving Ptah (god of the underworld) in the dark. And those days just happen to be Ramses’s birthday (October 21) and coronation (February 21). Coincidence? We think not.

Read more about festivals in Egypt

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a number of locations across Africa. The options below may be of interest:

Cairo to Madaba

Amman to Madaba

Tours from Cairo

Tours to Cairo

Egypt or Jordan?

Further reading

Egypt travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Egypt?

Tipping is customary for pretty much all services in Egypt. A tip of 10–15% is customary at cafes and restaurants and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It’s also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers USD$2.50-3 per day.

What is the internet access like in Egypt?

Internet access is growing in Egypt, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots becoming increasingly common in large cities, especially Cairo, though access may be limited in smaller towns and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone in Egypt?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Egypt’s urban areas, but may not be available in remote and desert areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Egypt?

Squat toilets are most common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

Egypt's unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

A couple of pastries = EGP 49 Cup of tea or coffee = EGP 35-50 Falafel sandwich from a street stall = EGP 92 Sit-down dinner at a local restaurant = EGP 100-300

Can I drink the water in Egypt?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Egypt. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or hotel where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Egypt?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers, and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Egypt?

ATMs are commonly found in larger cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, near shopping centers, tourist areas, and 5-star hotels, but are far less common in small towns and rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

What public holidays are celebrated in Egypt?

• 7 Jan: Coptic Christmas
• 28 Apr: Coptic Easter*
• 25 Apr: Sinai Liberation Day
• 28 Apr: Sham el-Nessim*
• 1 May: Labor Day
• 5 Jun: Eid al-Fitr*
• 23 Jul: National Day
• 12 Aug: Eid al-Adha
• 11 Sep: Coptic New Year
• 1 Sep: Islamic New Year*
• 6 Oct: Armed Forces Day
• 10 Nov: Birth of Prophet Mohammed*
• *Please note many of these public holidays are religious holidays and change each year as they are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar cycle. For a current list of public holidays in Egypt go to World Travel Guide's website.

Is Egypt a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI travelers in Egypt. Though homosexuality is not officially outlawed, gay men have been prosecuted using debauchery and public morals laws and given long prison sentences. Be aware that signals are ambiguous in Egypt as men commonly hold hands, link arms and greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. As long as you use common sense, travel in Egypt should not be a problem.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex  or ILGA before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

What to wear in Egypt

Summer temperatures can get very high, so light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. If you’re traveling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you’re spending the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. Avoid packing anything in white – desert dust will quickly turn those light-colored clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.

How will I travel around Egypt?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Where will I stay in Egypt?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Egypt you may find yourself staying in a:

Felucca Glide down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca; sleep on deck under the stars as the sun slides away for the day - a must-do experience while in Egypt.

Homestay Be welcomed into the home of a local family and experience the cuisine, culture and customs of Egypt firsthand during your stay. A truly authentic travel experience like no other.

Desert camp Travel deep into the White Desert to camp under the stars amid surreal scenery. This is a rare chance to experience the remote wonder and isolation of the Egyptian desert.

With calming Red Sea views and fresh sea breezes, this rustic breach abode is all about life’s simple pleasures.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Egypt support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Egypt directly support our foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt . 

Animal Care in Egypt  

Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) cares for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, in Upper Egypt. Donations from our trips help ACE provide free veterinary care and fund education programs that empower local people with the knowledge and skills to best look after their animals. 

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Two Week Itinerary: Egypt on a Budget with Affordable Luxury

January 7, 2019 By John Widmer 72 Comments

Note: This Egypt on a Budget Travel Guide was last updated January 2019.

When planning a trip to this bucket list destination, we were determined to pack in all the quintesential stops while still experiencing Egypt on a budget. While planning a two-week Egypt itinerary during the summer low season, we noticed there is only a negligible difference in prices between a fairly barebones Egypt backpacking trip and a quite luxurious vacation in Egypt on a budget.

Prices for two-week tours of Egypt are usually priced well upwards of $2,000+ per person for a decent package. As an example, this National Geographic tour is priced at $6,000 per person. So the cost per couple is more than $12,000 for that 11-day Egypt trip – ouch!

Yet with a little advanced planning, it’s easily possible to string together a very nice 2-week Egypt itinerary that is complete with many affordable luxuries along the way. We wrote this post to detail some of our travel value finds and to show some of the tips and tricks we used to have an incredible trip to Egypt on a budget.

Egypt Budget for Two Week Itinerary

In Egypt we were our $55/pp per day budget was able to include:

• Visiting the Great Pyramids,
• a 5-day luxury Nile River cruise,
• 5-star hotel in Luxor, and
• a week-long stay at an 4-star all-inclusive beach resort on the Red Sea.

It’s pretty incredible how far your dollar can stretch in Egypt!

We now want to share all of our tips and strategies to show exactly how you can afford these luxuries during an entire 2-week itinerary to Egypt on a budget of only $820 per person ($420 per week).

Note: because USD-to-E£ rates have changed since this was first published, the currency conversion for local on-the-ground costs will be different than we’ve tallied throughout the charts. That means it will likely be even cheaper for you! Throughout this travel guide, we have updated prices to reflect 2019 rates. But the tables remain unchanged to reflect the pricing we experienced during our visit.

Traveling Egypt Independently with Some Affordable Luxuries

Although relatively inexpensive, Egypt can be a difficult country to travel in. This holds particularly true during summer months when it’s hotter and fewer visitors. Touts in Egypt’s popular destinations are some of the most persistent touts we’ve ever encountered anywhere in the world. It can become exhausting!

After traveling to over 80 countries and countless far-flung destinations, we concede that Cairo was one of the most maddening cities we’ve been in. Egypt can become a taxing destination to travel through, even for seasoned backpackers. But it doesn’t have to be. Prices in Egypt are such that it can be very affordable to make yourself much more comfortable in this far-off land.

We found that stepping up your comfort level and doing a little planning can often make the difference between an enjoyable trip to Egypt and a miserable one.

And with what seems like a complete lack of mid-range range accommodation, we wholeheartedly recommend, stepping things up rather than adjusting downward in Egypt. Backpacker accommodation in Egypt can be pretty bleak throughout the country. But when you can stay at a 4-star all-inclusive resort at prices that are less than the cost of a hostel bed in most places around the world (starting at $28 per person per night), and includes all of your meals and even unlimited alcoholic drinks, well, why not?

Most people’s travel style is firmly planted as either backpacking independent travelers or those who prefer packaged tours with a little luxury. But it doesn’t have to be one or the other. We regularly combine our preference for independent travel with affordable luxury. And we’ve found that Egypt can be a perfect place to meld these two mindsets together for a fantastic semi-DIY trip to Egypt, incorporating the best of both worlds and maximizing travel value!

After a very full week of touring around ancient Egypt’s many sites and the sheer craziness of Cairo, it can be absolutely heavenly to be able to unwind in such a relaxed environment as a Red Sea resort, snorkeling by day and sipping beers by night.

But the relaxing doesn’t have to last too long. A week at a Red Sea resort can be packed with adventure activities like Scuba diving and other outdoor pursuits.

After a week that is filled with touring all of those famous pyramids, temples, and museums, it’s easy to grow exhausted touring Egypt. That’s why we suggest trading in those ancient sites to instead explore some of Egypt’s natural wonders in the underwater world. The Red Sea beaches provide a wonderful contrast to the first week’s intensive touring itinerary, and provides for a well-deserved “vacation after your vacation.”

Right now is truly a special time to travel to Egypt. Not only are the prices low, but so are the tourist crowds that once swarmed the county’s most notable sites. Today you can visit the Great Pyramids and have them nearly all to yourself to enjoy, particularly during the summer off season. It’s absolutely incredible!

So come take an in-depth look to see how to have a little luxury while backpacking Egypt on a budget of $55 per day during a two-week itinerary in Egypt!

Luxury Egypt on a Budget: Table of Contents

• Two Week Sample Itinerary
• Giza and Cairo 2-Day Sample Itinerary and Costs

Where to Stay in Cairo

• Things to Do in Cairo on a Budget

Transportation Around Cairo on a Budget

• Eating Around the Great Pyramids on a Budget
• Plane or Train: Cairo to Aswan

Aswan to Luxor

• Aswan to Luxor Sample Itinerary and Costs
• Booking a Nile River Cruise Deal
• A Day in Luxor

Hurghada / Red Sea

• Luxor to Hurghada by Bus
• Hurghada Week-Long Sample Itinerary
• Finding a Hurghada Red Sea Resort Deal

Sample Two Week Egypt Itinerary

Here is the two week Egypt itinerary we completed and recommend:

• Day 1: Arrive into Cairo and transfer to hotel in Giza
• Day 2: Tour Pyramids of Giza
• Day 3: Tour sites around Cairo and overnight train to Aswan
• Day 4: Tour Aswan and begin Nile Cruise
• Day 5: Nile Cruise, Aswan to Edfu (overnight)
• Day 6: Nile Cruise to Luxor (overnight)
• Day 7: Tour Luxor
• Day 8: Bus Luxor to Hurghada
• Days 9-14: Unwind at Hurghada Red Sea resort
• Day 15: Depart Egypt

A few minor tweaks to this two week Egypt itinerary that you may want to consider incorporating are:

• Add an extra day in Aswan to make the journey to Abu Simbel (which tends to be a highlight of Egypt for many).
• Add an extra day in Giza/Cairo to explore additional sites such as the pyramids around Saqqara.
• Consider one day less in Luxor to squeeze in one of the aforementioned considerations.
• Do it in reverse! If so, we’d recommend bus from Hurghada to Luxor, Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise, train from Aswan to Cairo.

Giza and Cairo 2-Day Sample Itinerary & Costs

Day 2: Head directly to see all the sites of the Great Pyramids. After lunch, have a relaxing afternoon splashing around at the hotel’s pool as you admire the pyramids in the background or unwind in the complimentary spa. Alternatively, for a more action-packed itinerary, consider squeezing in some of the sites of Saqqara instead. That evening, go see the Sound & Light show.

Day 3: Now that you’ve been in Egypt for a few days, perhaps you’re ready for the madness of Cairo. Grab an Uber to the city’s main attraction, the Cairo museum. Use whatever remaining time after lunch to visit any secondary attractions that are of interest to you around Cairo. With most attractions closing around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, use the remaining time before your departing train to indulge in a few beers in one of Cairo’s cafes. Then take the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan.

We recommend not staying in Cairo and instead in neighboring Giza, near the Great Pyramids. While some may recommend staying in downtown Cairo, we firmly advocate staying near the Great Pyramids. This recommendation is for four reasons:

• Location: The Great Pyramids will most certainly be on your list of things to do in Cairo, and being close to the pyramids will allow you to get an early start to beat the heat. You can even walk directly from your hotel and not have to deal with deceptive taxi drivers. It can also be pretty special to look out your hotel window or go for a swim in the pool while having those ancient marvels as your backdrop!
• Value : The hotels near the Great Pyramids tend to offer better value compared to those in downtown Cairo.
• Calm : Downtown Cairo can be a maddening and hectic place. Meanwhile, we found the suburban area around the Pyramids to be more tranquil.
• Safe : Our research found that the majority of occasional incidents in Egypt have occurred in the downtown Cairo area. While such occurrences are infrequent and not targeting tourists, it may be a safer bet to stay outside of the downtown Cairo area.

Giza Hotel Luxury-for-Less Strategy

Le Meridian Pyramids is our recommendation in Giza. This 4-star hotel has beautiful Pyramid views and very nice rooms. But most importantly, it has tremendous value, priced at $59 per night during our stay. Yet don’t pay that or whatever it’s listed for today. We instead recommend staying there for free using points!

Pay Your Own Way : If you don’t want to deal with the points game or don’t qualify for this offer, we still recommend Le Meridian Pyramids Giza if you can find a good price during your travel dates. It is awesome to stay at a 4-star resort right at the base of the Great Pyramids! At the time of research, we found the best rate through HotelsCombined.com , which searches all the main booking sites.

Search Le Meridian Pyramids for your travel dates

Cheap Place to Stay Near the Pyramids

If you’re paying your own way and looking for a more budget-friendly accommodation that’s still right up close to the Great Pyramids, there are plenty of options that abound. But quality can vary at these more rustic guesthouses. Just some are completely fine and come with a warm dose of Egyptian hospitality. Just be sure to check up-tp-date reviews before booking.

Dream Pyramids View Inn (AKA Happy Days Guest House) can be a good choice. Double rooms with Pyramid views go for as low as $20 per night including breakfast. The rooftop has views of the light show too. It may not be quite as comfy as in the Le Meridian, but it can be a good choice for those seeking a more independent option and wanting to save.

Things to Do in Giza & Cairo on a Budget

Of course, you absolutely must visit Giza’s Great Pyramids , which now carries a modest entrance fee of 120 LE per person to walk around the grounds of all three Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Entering the Pyramids Price-Cutting Tip

Skip the additional 300 LE entrance fee into Khufu (the largest of the three Great Pyramids) and instead go inside whichever of the two other pyramids (Khafre or Menkaure) are currently open. These are priced at only 60 LE. Since this tradeoff will save a duo traveling together about $30 USD at today’s rate , it’s worth considering.

Many people are underwhelmed by going inside the Great Pyramid, while others rave about it and say it’s totally worth it. For us, it didn’t make sense to pay what amounted to $40 USD at the time for the chance of being disappointed when a similar experience can be had for much less. We were happy to explore the neighboring Khafre Pyramid instead of paying five times to go inside the Great Pyramid.

• Bring bottled water with you. Water is triple the cost (and higher) when purchased around Pyramids.
• Be aware that the interiors of either Khafre or Menkaure pyramid will be open, but not both.
• The interiors of Khafre or Menkaure are a bit smaller than the Great Pyramid, so take this into consideration.
• Cameras are not allowed inside any of the pyramids, although guards will watch them (or turn a blind eye) for a tip.
• You must buy your ticket at the front gate, not at the actual pyramid.

Cheops Boat Museum: requires a separate ticket (80 LE) and is a very worthwhile detour located behind Khufu. It is here that you will see what is said to be the world’s oldest boat! The Cheops Boat Museum will also give you a break from the heat, as there is a small air conditioner inside.

To Camel or Not-to-Camel?

If you want that quintessential photo at the pyramids, expect to pay an additional 30-150 LE for a camel ride, depending on the length of time and your haggling skills. We found the pyramid grounds to be very walkable, so we chose to forgo the hassle of dealing with a camel handler. And it is a hassle. They are aggressive.

A simple “no” or “la shukraan” (no thank-you in Arabic) is never enough to shake them off. They’ll think you’re just negotiating. It takes several minutes and heavy assertiveness for them to fully understand that you’re not interested. Also, some of the camel handlers are notable scam artists with very deceptive practices. Be extremely careful if choosing to deal with them.

There are also other animals who can take you around the site such as donkeys and horses. We received multiple offers to take quick jaunts in a horse carriage for 20 LE. That may sound like a good option, but also consider the horse’s well-being in the intense heat and know that the 20 LE price is likely a deceptive quote just to get you in their carriage.

How To Avoid Being Bothered or Scammed at the Great Pyramids

There are so many touts swarming all over the Great Pyramids. Many will be persistently hassling you to buy their camel ride. Some even go as far as jumping into taxis uninvited! (Taxi drivers allow this since they get a cut.) Others may be performing some of the many known scams that occur regularly. You may or may not get scammed. But you will certainly be hassled many times throughout the day.

One way to avoid this is to have a guide with you. We’re usually proponents of independent travel and generally avoid tours. But having a guide to accompany you at the Great Pyramids will not only provide in-depth knowledge about this ancient site, but touts don’t ever bother you when you’re accompanied by a guide!

Guides are like an instant repellent to touts . And unlike most other places around the world, guides are very budget-friendly in Egypt! You can book Egyptologists for half-day tours for about $10-$15 USD per person. These guides include hotel pick-up too, so the price of this can often come out even cheaper than taking a taxi from your hotel to the Pyramids and back.

Make arrangements with a good guide before your day of visiting the Great Pyramids and ensure they have a consistent track record of great reviews.

A great place to find a competent Egyptian guide is with GetYourGuide.com . They are a trusted website used to book local guides in destinations all around the world. And they have a fantastic selection of guides and tours in Cairo. Again, just be sure to choose one that’s not only priced well, but also has consistently great reviews. For example, take a look at this one currently listed at $35/person, which even includes a short camel ride. So you can get that Instagram shot without all the hassle.

Sound & Light Show Price-Cutting Strategy

Every night there is a sound and light show at the Pyramids narrated by the Sphinx himself. It’s dated, dull, monotone, and in our opinion, not worth the 150 LE per person admission. But it can still be a neat experience to see this legendary site all lit up at night. So instead of paying 150 LE per person, go to the fifth-floor rooftop of the only restaurant that overlooks the entire site.

Unfortunately, that place is Pizza Hut. (Sigh.) But it can be worth going there to take in a free light show, once you consider the economics of it. A large pepperoni pizza with bottled water and tip will run about 150 LE. So that’s dinner for two while simultaneously providing arguably the best seats for the sound and light show, for what amounts to half the cost of the official entry to the show alone. Both the pizza and the light show are ensured to be equally cheesy .

But you should also beware that the light show often gets canceled when attendance is low. So during the off-season, you could get stuck eating Pizza Hut with a dark view of the Pyramids.

How To Get to the Sound & Light Show : To get from Le Meridian to the Light Show is a hefty walk. Catch an Uber or consider a taxi. Shoot for 30 LE, each way.

In Cairo: The Egyptian Museum

After the Pyramids, the other must-see attraction in Cairo/Giza is the Egyptian Museum. There’s no price-cutting strategy here. Pay the 75 LE admission fee and enjoy what is the best collection of Egyptian antiquities in the entire world!

The new Grand Egyptian Museum is slated to open in 2020. But until then, Cairo’s Egyptian Museum remains open with many of the antiquities still in place. Although some artifacts are shifting over to the new museum, in advance of its grand opening.

• The museum has very little signage, so it may be worthwhile to splurge on a guide (~100 LE per hour).
• Also, know that the optional mummy room is an additional cost of 100 LE per person.

Other Things To Do In Cairo On A Budget

There are many sites and attractions to see in Cairo, but that’s a whole ‘nother post entirely. Here are a small handful of notable and budget-friendly Cairo recommendations you may want to consider to fill the remainder of your day:

• Bargain at the Khan al-Khalili souk (free + souvenir costs),
• Climb up the Bab Zuweila minarets (LE 20),
• Visit Cairo’s impressive Citadel (LE 60)
• If you have your Le Meridian room key, you’ll have access to the Egyptian Modern Art Museum  which provides free admission as part of their #UnlockArt promotion.

Price Cutting Tips: Airport Transfer

After a long flight to Cairo, you won’t want to deal with public transportation in Egypt. The savings of doing so is somewhat negligible and having a private transfer will do wonders for your sanity. You’ll avoid being bombarded with a hoard of about 100 screaming taxi drivers all aggressively pouncing on you upon exiting the airport.

Instead of dealing with that, we recommend the private airport transfer from GetYourGuide , as the best value we could find among all services offered. Their airport transfer to Cairo or Giza are currently less than $20 USD per person for couples (<$40 fo the car), with lower per person rates available for larger groups. For comparison, other companies charge upwards of $50 USD for an airport transfer to Giza.

Use Uber to Get All Around Cairo

Dealing with the taxis around Cairo can be a maddening experience. Most taxi drivers don’t speak any English, so communicating with taxi drivers to inform them of your destination and negotiate prices can be extremely difficult unless you happen to be fluent in Arabic. And as a foreigner, you’re likely to get grossly overcharged no matter how hard you try to bargain. Also, many of the cabbies drive like maniacs. We watched one taxi crash at a high speed right into a pillar in downtown Cairo – crazy!

Uber in Cairo is a saving grace. The rates are fixed. You input your location and destination into the Uber app, which eliminates the need to have to explain to the taxi driver where you’re heading. The driver is tracked, lessening any safety concerns you’d otherwise have in a taxi. Our nearly hour ride from the Pyramids to central Cairo came out to 37 LE ($5 at the time), driven by a very friendly local guy who even spoke some decent English. During other Uber rides within Cairo, we just hopped in the car and were seamlessly delivered to our destination, without even uttering a word to the Uber driver other than thanking him upon our safe departure.

We also found Uber to be a nice alternative to using the Cairo metro . Although the metro is extremely inexpensive, we found it to be crowded, hectic, and it often didn’t have direct routes to where we needed to go. For just a wee bit more, Uber provides your own private driver to anywhere you need to go in Cairo!

To see just how cheap Uber is in Cairo, you can check out their fare estimate page . In 2019, the 20-km ride from downtown Cairo to the Giza Pyramids was 73-95 LE, or less than $5.50 USD.

Eating Around the Great Pyramids on a Budget

Skip the overpriced hotel restaurants, except the garden.

If staying at the hotel we recommended – Le Meridian Pyramids Giza – the restaurants are predictably marked-up and overpriced, except for one. For lunch or dinner, consider eating at the hotel’s Garden Restaurant. The local Egyptian fare on the menu here is not only shockingly well-priced, but is also a very tasty introduction to local cuisine. The koshari , shwarma , falafel , and fatuous salad all come highly recommended by us and are priced at only about 15-30 LE per item.

Know Before You Go : While the food is all very reasonably priced, drinks (even bottled water) are still a bit overpriced, so take that into consideration when ordering.

Breakfast for Less

If you take our recommendation to stay at Le Meridian, know that the buffet breakfast is extremely overpriced. But with coffee and tea provided in the room for free, you can get your morning caffeine fix right there. Bring some breakfast snacks with you and enjoy a nice breakfast-in-bed from your beautiful room. There are also some reasonably priced pastries at the resort’s coffee shop you can snag on your way out to the Great Pyramids.

A 2-3 minute walk from Le Meridian towards the Pyramids will yield a stall slinging shwarma (30 LE) and other local eats. If you walk much further to Mansoureya Road , in the evening you’ll find a pleasant local’s night-market with cafes and tables in the median of the road. Despite being so close to the major tourist attraction of the Great Pyramids, you’ll find a surprisingly local environment here that is refreshingly both void of tourists and void of hassle.

Eating & Drinking Around Cairo

Downtown Cairo has plenty of local eateries that are both delicious and easy on the budget. You can find countless restaurant recommendation in Cairo online, so we won’t attempt to do it injustice within this travel guide. Just plan 30-50 LE per person for a decent sit-down meal or 10-25 LE for to-go street eats such as a shawarma.

Plane or Train From Cairo to Aswan

There are two main options to get from Cairo to Aswan:

• Take an overnight train from Cairo to Aswan
• Or fly Egypt Air Cairo to Aswan

Both options are nearly the same cost. So choose whichever one that you personally feel more comfortable with. If you’re short on time, the quick flight is the clear choice. If you’re looking for an interesting travel experience and have more time, take the train.

Egypt Air has a few daily flights from Cairo to Aswan that are usually $90-$110 per person. Sometimes these fares can be priced as low as $50, so it’s worth taking a look at dates. The flight is a quick jaunt, lasting about an hour and twenty-five minutes. At some points in the year these flights can be awkwardly timed (either really early or late at night). Be sure to check the flight schedule before making a decision. If you can find a good time and a price closer to $50, flying is likely a better option than taking the train.

Yet if flight prices are high and/or you’re paying for accommodation out-of-pocket instead of points, then it may make more sense for your budget in Egypt to take the train. The train from Cairo to Aswan is priced similarly to the flight. But it can present further value since it includes a night’s sleep and two meals. And it’s a unique experience to travel Egypt by rail!

Know Before You Go on the Overnight Train from Cairo to Aswan

Unlike the rest of our accommodation recommendations in this guide, don’t expect the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan to be luxurious. It’s not an awful experience either, but we recommend to come with low expectations. You’ll be sleeping in small bunk beds with clean sheets. If you’re backpacking Egypt, this will be a breeze.

Dinner and breakfast are both included and is very heavy on carbohydrates. There is a lounge car that serves only a few soft drinks, water, and coffee. The lounge car consists of just a couple of tables and was usually filled with men smoking cigarettes during our trip. But there’s not much of any reason to visit the lounge car, as there is currently no beer or alcohol served on the train from Cairo to Aswan. So bringing your own is recommended if you want a little nightcap to help you fall asleep on this bumpy rail journey across Egypt.

Cairo to Aswan Overnight Train Safety

There have been some reports that the train from Cairo to Aswan is not safe, as it travels through some supposedly dangerous areas. Despite these generalized warnings, we could not find any major incidents to support the claims. We felt safe the entire time and our cabin steward was pleasant and helpful. Be sure to have some small change for tipping him at the end, of course.

Cairo to Aswan Overnight Train Experience

If you really enjoy train travel, this may be a journey to take. But if you value a good night’s sleep, you may want to fly instead. The ride gets bumpy at points and oncoming trains blaring their horn will most certainly wake you a few times throughout the night. You’ll likely be woken up in the morning by the prayer calls from nearby mosques before the knock on your door for breakfast. Despite some of these downsides, it all makes for an interesting travel experience. So choose your own adventure!

Booking Cairo to Aswan Overnight Train

At time of writing, the easiest site to book a train ticket is through Bookaway . The train ticket price is $80 USD per person for foreigners. Be sure to have a printed ticket with you onboard the train as showing your ticket on your mobile screen likely won’t get you onboard.

Aswan to Luxor 5-Day Sample Itinerary & Costs

Moving on to the Nile portion of this two week Egypt itinerary, we’ll begin here with “Day 4,” because it picks up where the Cairo/Giza itinerary left off. Once you get onboard your Nile cruise, travel will become much easier, as the next several days are completely planned out for you. So you won’t have to worry about a thing. Just get on this ship and enjoy!

Cruising the Nile River Valley: Aswan to Luxor by Boat

The best way to tour the Nile Valley is by boat! This classic journey runs from Luxor to Aswan and makes the return trip from Aswan to Luxor. The entire experience was our highlight of Egypt and we highly recommend it as part of your two week Egypt itinerary. You can read our full experience and review of the Amarco Nile Cruise here.

It is interesting to note that attempting to see all of these sites as an independent traveler backpacking Egypt would likely end up costing more than the cruise, would be extremely inefficient, and perhaps even impossible to do. These reasonably-priced Nile River cruises are really the way to go and it has been one of our favorite experiences throughout our entire travels.

Pricing and Where to Book Nile Cruise for Cheap

Lock in Your Dates : While planning your budget-friendly Egypt itinerary, we recommend booking your Nile cruise first and planning around that if possible. The ships are scheduled to leave on only certain days, so once you have your Nile cruise agenda, you can then plan your pre- and post-Nile plans after locking in your exact dates.

Don’t Get Price Gouged : Most websites offer Nile River cruises for prices that run well into the thousands of dollars per person! It was a pleasant surprise to find these same exact ships, itineraries, and cabins listed in a few other places for a fraction of the cost. Many prices are further discounted for the Nile cruises offered during summer months, which makes for an incredible value.

To find these low Nile cruise prices, we recommend booking through either:

• Memphis Tours

The absolute best prices for a 5-star Nile River cruise that we tracked down were through Viator . Here’s what we found (2019 pricing):

• 4-day / 3-night Nile River Cruise Deal : from $350 per person

This breaks down to less than $100 per day, per person, which includes all your meals, luxury lodging, transportation down the Nile, all entrance fees, and even a personal guide to tour you around all of the historical sites during the 4-day trip. We think it all adds up to one of the best travel values out there! It’s not possible to organize an independent itinerary over the same route for less. It is such an awesome trip!

These Nile Cruises offered on Viator are the best deal you can book online. However, there are a few things you should know.

Understand that rates become higher in the more popular winter months, during high season.

Also know that the departure dates are limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays . If you can make those dates work, this is the way to go. Check prices and recent reviews for this low-cost luxury Nile River cruise .

For additional dates and options, consider booking through Memphis Tours (below) at slightly higher prices.

Consider Memphis Tours only if Monday, Wednesday, or Friday departures don’t work: Memphis Tours was one of the few other agencies that offered fair rates on the Nile cruises, with 5-star ships starting around $500+ per person for the 3-night trip. So these prices are higher than what was found on Viator, but you’ll have more departure dates to choose from by booking through Memphis Tours.

But you’ll definitely save a few hundred bucks per couple with Viator , if you’re able to work out a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday departure. That’s the Nile cruise we took and strongly recommend it.

Group Tour vs Private Tour

Also understand that all the cruise prices we’ve mentioned are based on touring the sites with a group rather than a private guide. If you noticed that the prices listed were higher than we mentioned, go back and ensure that you changed the pricing to reflect Group Tour. (Higher priced Private Tours are selected by default.)

The difference between group and private tours is about a hundred dollars or so per couple. While it’s actually very affordable to have your own private guide, we recommend choosing the group tour, as it will save you some money that you can spend elsewhere on your Egypt trip. Being part of a group tour will also provide for the chance of meeting & mingling with other passengers who speak your same language. We never saw more than four people to a group anyhow, so you’ll still likely to have a small and intimate tour. We were fortunate to get paired up with some lovely Aussie ladies.

Nile River Cruise Price Inclusions and Exclusions

Prices typically include all of your transfers, taxis, entrance fees to sites & museums, guide service for all days, accommodation and all meals. The only expenses not covered are drinks and tipping on the Nile cruise.

Nile Cruise Price-Cutting Tips

With beverages and tipping being your only added expenses during this portion of your trip to Egypt, there are definitely ways to minimize each.

For water , stock up on plenty of bottled water while on land. You should always be able to find large bottles for 5-10 LE. Bring this water back onboard with you too, as the savings will add up compared to what is tripple the cost on the ship.

Bring Your Own Booze : For booze, bring it with you. Some ships don’t allow outside beverages to be brought on board, so perhaps enquire in advance and plan accordingly. Our Nile voyage on the M/S Amarco thankfully did permit bringing drinks on board. Your room is equipped with an empty refrigerator to cool down whatever beer, wine, or liquor you may bring. But be warned: it can be difficult to find stores selling alcohol in Egypt, so bring some booze with you from home or stop by the duty-free store when disembarking your flight. Beers onboard our Nile cruise ran the equivalent of $6 USD during our trip, so this strategy will save you loads if planning to kick back a few while drifting down the Nile.

Tips on Nile Cruise Tipping : Tipping is a way of life in Egypt and it’s a must on these cruises. Recommended gratuity amounts are suggested onboard for the guide. Expect about 75 LE per day, per couple. It’s also recommended to tip the service on the boat another 75 LE per couple per night. If you were very pleased with the service, consider being extra kind with the gratuities you leave behind and adjust upward.

You will also run into situations during your daytime excursions on land in which you should tip. Taxi transfers, boat trips, horse carriage rides, or even a quick stop in the bathroom will all require a nominal tip. A 10 LE tip per couple seemed about right for each of most instances. Consider tipping more if a driver was with you all day and kept the A/C cold. Be sure you are prepared with lots of small 10 LE notes. If you only have a 50 or a 100, it may be difficult to find small change.

3-night vs 4-night Nile Cruise

The 3-night Nile cruise runs from Aswan to Luxor, while a 4-night voyage runs from Luxor to Aswan

Reasons to consider 3-night Aswan-to-Luxor cruise:

• The 3-night trip will cost less in total and still manages to squeeze in all of the same sites, which provides for better value.
• It saves what is arguably the best for last, touring the highlights of Luxor as your final excursions.
• You will be able to (attempt to) sleep in longer on the train to Aswan instead of an early wake-up call to get off in Luxor.
• Perhaps more importantly, at the conclusion of the cruise, you won’t have to backtrack to Luxor at an awkward time. The train from Aswan to Luxor leaves either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Reasons to consider 4-night Luxor-to-Aswan cruise :

• You’ll have an extra night to enjoy on the cruise.
• You will travel at a slightly less-rushed pace and will have a bit more daytime cruising on the Nile.
• If you’re doing the reverse version of our suggested Egypt 2-week itinerary, Luxor to Aswan may fit better logistically into your Egypt itinerary.

We would recommend the 4-night Nile Cruise if it weren’t for the awkward onward connection times once in Aswan. So if you can make that work out, do the 4-night cruise. For smoother connections following the rest of this itinerary, the 3-night cruise.

A Day in Luxor

The inclusive tours during the Nile cruise take passengers to Luxor’s star attractions along the West Bank (Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut) and the East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples).

That said, it’s possible to disembark from the Nile river cruise and head out to Hurghada later that same afternoon. Yet we’d instead recommend considering an extra night in Luxor. This will allow time to explore other attractions around the city that were not included on the cruise excursions.

It will also give you a moment to relax before immediately rushing off the cruise to catch a bus. But if your time is short, it could make sense for your Egypt itinerary to make an early exit from Luxor that same afternoon you get off the ship.

The Luxor Museum  (100 LE) is a great option to either fill that afternoon or the following morning. Also, after a full week of heavy touring around the country, take some time off to just relax. If taking our recommendation and staying at the Achti Resort , their Nile-front pool will certainly aid in this.

Where to Stay in Luxor: A 5-Star Resort for < $50!

We recommend staying at the Achti Resort . This 5-star property features an amazing pool right on the Nile! The Achti was formerly a Sheraton property and hence you could redeem points for redemption value. Although this Nile resort has since changed ownership, incredibly low prices have remained. You can currently find rates as low as $47 per night (2019). There aren’t many places in the world can you stay at a 5-star resort for what amounts to $23.50 per person. This is another fantastic value to experience luxury for less.

Search Achti Resort rates here for up-to-date pricing

Free Nile View Upgrade : One benefit of coming to Egypt in the middle of the summer while this property is empty is that you’ll likely get a free upgrade to a Nile view room. (We did.) Check out this view above!

Late Check-out: The Achti Resort also allowed a super-late check-out at 3:00 pm at no extra charge which will be very convenient if following the remainder of our suggested itinerary, given that the only bus to Hurghada leaves in the late afternoon.

Eating Around the Achti Resort : Unfortunately, there’s not much in the way of restaurants near the Achti. If you want to stay on property, most restaurants at the Achti are on the pricey side. But if you do want to take a break from Egyptian fare, there is an Italian restaurant with very reasonably priced meals and perhaps the best service we had during our entire stay in Egypt.

And if you’re feeling particularly lazy after a full week of touring Egypt, we found some very well-priced breakfast items on the room service menu, which was even lower than the reasonable breakfast buffet (125 LE, 2019 pricing) for a nice breakfast in bed, with Nile River views.

Luxor to Hurghada Bus

As of 2019, there are now two buses from Luxor to Hurghada running each day. The Luxor to Hurghada bus timetable is 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. The Luxor to Hurghada bus is operated by Go Bus. You can check the English version of the Go Bus website for up-to-date Luxor to Hurghada schedules. We personally took this bus and it was smooth sailing, comfortable, and with cold air conditioning.

The Luxor “bus station” is next to the train station. It’s not really a bus station though and rather a small parking lot in front of a small white office building where you can purchase your Go Bus tickets. But you can now also purchase Go Bus tickets online on their website. Ticket prices from Luxor to Hurghada now run 125 LE.

Week 2: Hurghada Red Sea Resorts – Luxury for Less

By now you will have spent a full week touring some of Egypt’s most famous sites, mostly in style. And while it’s hopefully been an awe-inspiring trip-of-a-lifetime, you’re likely going to be tired. The heat, the touts, and the madness of Cairo may be starting to wear you down a bit. This is now the perfect time to end your Egypt vacation with a relaxing all-inclusive stay at a Red Sea resort in Hurghada. The bargains here are amazing. And during the summer months, there are some particularly incredible rates to take advantage of.

All inclusive resorts are typically shunned by those trying to stick to a budget and travel independently. We’ve actually never stayed at an all-inclusive resort during our entire six-year trip around the world, other than here in Hurghada. The reason is that it presents amazing value! You can have an all-inclusive resort experience here for less than the cost of a hostel bed in most places in Europe !

Hurghada Red Sea One Week Itinerary

This sample itinerary begins with “Day 8” and picks back up right from where the prior itinerary left off, from the entire two week Egypt itinerary.

• Day 9:  Enjoy breakfast at the onsite restaurant. Take a dip in the pool and join the scheduled bocce ball tournament. Have lunch on the beach and take an afternoon snorkel. Sit back in one of the beach cabanas and order a beer (or seventeen beers, up to you). Freshen up before enjoying dinner al fresco. Then go play a game of pool in the billiards room before the nightly show in the theatre. Wind down the night at the onsite club or relax with a cocktail in one of the lounges.
• Day 10 : Repeat
• Day 11 : Repeat
• Day 12 : Repeat
• Day 13 : Repeat
• Day 14 : Repeat
• Day 15 : After breakfast, check out and taxi to the airport.

Other Things to Do in Hurghada

There’s really a lot to keep you busy on the resort property itself. But if you’re like me and have a hard time sitting still, not to worry as there are other things to do in and around Hurghada. So after you’ve rested and relaxed for a day or two, consider some additional excursions offered in the area. Here are just a few recommendations to get you started:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in the Red Sea : Scuba diving in the Red Sea is rather incredible, but you’ll need to budget an extra $66 for a 2-dive trip all day trip (including equipment).

Swim with Wild Dolphins : You may also want to consider the all day excursion that takes you to the Dolphin House which is not a “house” and is rather an area where pods of these sea mammals swim freely. (~35 Euro)

Quad Bike Desert Safaris : are another popular adventure that you can embark upon. (~35 Euro)

Note: These suggestions of things to do in Hurghada were not included in the total budget, so be sure to factor that in yourself.

Know Before You Go:

There are dozens of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. All-inclusive is the way to go. Prices not only include your meals, but also domestic beer, wine, and spirits. Your nightly rate also incorporates loads of daily activities and nightly entertainment. You really get quite the bang for your buck.

How to Book a Budget-Friendly Hurghada Resort Deal

Stay 1-week : The key to scoring these deals is to stay for at least one full week . When searching, be sure you look for exactly a seven-night stay. When staying in increments of less than a week, nightly rates will be significantly higher. Seven is the lucky number.

Incredible value : We found prices as low as $386 (including taxes and fees) for a weeklong stay at a four-star property. That’s only $28 per person, per night for an all-inclusive ! You could easily spend $28 on a few beers in Hurghada. So to get those beers and three meals per day and snorkeling and an awesome pool and luxury accommodation, all for the same price – this is incredible value.

Note on Pricing in 2019 – These great deals still exist. But prices have gone up modestly with an increase in tourism to the region. Yet it is still possible to find all-inclusive deals during the months for under $500/week. That breaks down to less than $36 per person, per day, all-inclusive of room, meals, and alcohol!

Where to book : We found the best Hurghada Resort deals on Booking.com , which includes  functionality such as the ability to filter on “all-inclusive.” Again, to find these deals, make sure you are searching in 7-night increments. Otherwise, you’ll see much higher prices.

There is a seemingly endless number of resorts to choose from, so we narrowed our selection down to 14 contenders. Our selection was based upon price, recent reviews, wifi availability, photos, and whether it was adult only. To save you the trouble of doing a similar exercise, you can see our findings below, sorted by price of a one-week stay.

Prices and review scores will change from this snapshot in time, so be sure to vet them out on your own before booking, of course. The table reflects older prices, although many still hold up to be about the same today.

Bel Air Azur Resort Review

We recommend the  Bel Air Azur Resort   because it offers what we have found to be the best value in Hurghada. Prices have gone up in 2019. But as recently as the last summer this 4-star, beachfront all-inclusive resort had rates for what amounted to $30 per person, per day, including all your food and even alcoholic beverages! Look for lower rates like this last-minute and over the summer months.

Search Bel Air Azur now for up-to-date rates .

The property itself truly is gorgeous. There are two fantastic pools and the beach cabanas that jut out on a peninsula into the Red Sea make you feel spoiled. It’s one of those rare occasions in which the property turns out to be even better than in the pictures online.

Jumping into the Red Sea, directly in front of the hotel reveals a very healthy reef ecosystem that we were pleasantly surprised to find. If you enjoy snorkeling, this house reef will provide for hours of enjoyment during your weeklong stay.

Sounds great – so what didn’t we like? In an effort to provide a balanced review, the room, while large, was not up to 4-star standards that we had experienced throughout the rest of Egypt. However, we’ve heard this is a common sentiment among all Red Sea resorts. Simple additions such as shampoo & conditioner along with some more plush bedding, would go a long way here. Yet given our typical accommodation standards elsewhere in the world, this resort still felt quite luxurious in comparison.

The meals were good overall and we enjoyed the themed dinners each night of the week. It was interesting to see an Egyptian take on Mexican food, but it was the local fare that shined the brightest. Lunch and dinner are all served outside which was pleasant for dinner, but would have been nice to have an indoor alternative for lunch. It gets hot in Egypt!

Another thing to note about this resort is that most guests are largely from Eastern Europe and Germany. That sometimes made mingling difficult as English speakers, as there can be a language barrier to overcome. Yet many also spoke English. This also means the resort is catering to that crowd, so you may notice minor inconveniences you’re not accustomed to. For example, drinks were always served without ice, by default. So just be sure to specify that you want ice in your cocktails.

But despite these somewhat minor misgivings, if you’re looking for an excellent-value resort to relax and unwind on the Red Sea coast, this most certainly will get the job done. We’ve never come across anywhere else in the world where you can enjoy a 4-star, all-inclusive resort for $30, per person. The value is mind-blowing.

Search Prices for Bel Air Azur

Minimizing Additional Expenses While at a Red Sea All-Inclusive:

With food, drink, accommodation and activities covered for the week, the only other expenses you may encounter are as followed:

• Tipping  at all-inclusive resorts in Hurghada is still the norm, so have small bills and be kind to exceptional staff members. Consider tipping the bellboy, housekeeper, servers, and bartenders. Tipping is by no means mandatory but it’s a nice gesture and the cultural norm in Egypt. For the servers and bartenders in particular find the good ones and be kind to them. It’ll pay itself off with excellent service.
• Laundry at the resort was costly but there are many local laundry facilities in Hurghada, a few right across the street from the resort, charging a very modest 1.5 LE per piece.
• In-room wifi was an additional 45 LE per day, but week long packages could be purchased for 200 LE.
• Optional excursions varied in price and you can usually find better values outside of the resort walls than at the resort.

Tip: When to Travel Egypt: Summer Off-Season for Lowest Prices

During Egypt’s hot summers, the accommodation rates, Nile cruise prices, and crowds are all lower. During this time, it’s possible to roam the Great Pyramids with only a trickle of other visitors, or perhaps none at all. It’s also possible to score last-minute deals at all-inclusive Red Sea resorts for less than $30/night, per person, including meals and alcohol! During the summer low-season is also when Nile cruise prices are at their lowest.

But do know that the tradeoff is extreme heat and more hassle. It gets excruciatingly hot during Egypt’s summers. From May- September, expect the mercury to rise above 38° C / 100° F. June and July tend to be the most scorching, with temps above 40° C / 105° F during those mid-summer months. (For examples, check weather averages for Luxor here .)

Planning excursions during the cooler morning mornings help to make outdoor exploration bearable. Afternoon museum visits, pools, and Nile cruises can be a good way to deal with the hottest part of the day.

It’s a good strategy to save what can amount to several hundred dollars. Yet those who are particularly sensitive to the heat may want to avoid this summer offseason.

Luxury Egypt on a Budget

If you are following this itinerary, we’d recommend budgeting for at $1,000 to be on the safe side. There may be additional expenses that fit for your travels that we didn’t account for. For example, we rarely ever buy souvenirs, so we didn’t account for them in this daily budget.

We hope you found our Egypt budget & guide helpful and that you are well prepared to go on an epic journey of your own. Egypt is a fascinating place and now is a most interesting time to go.

Enjoy it! And feel free to drop us a comment with any questions.

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October 19, 2020 at 8:05 AM

Agreat information

January 28, 2020 at 1:50 AM

Wow what an amazing place, I would love to visit Egypt one day but not sure it will happen. Thanks for sharing the post!!

January 17, 2020 at 8:44 AM

I found this post incredibly valuable and helpful. I am hoping to travel to Egypt this May and have contacted a travel advisor but some of the packages she sent me were extremely price and I am used to independent/backpacking/budget travel throughout Europe. I absolutely love this itinerary but am wondering what the prices would be for travel in mid-May?

January 19, 2020 at 2:44 PM

So glad to hear this has been helpful! Summer in Egypt is the low season, so many rates tend to ease by May. It can be a good time to go to for relatively lower prices and to beat the crowds. Just be prepared for the heat. Although you’ll be missing the worst of it, which comes in the mid-summer months. Hope you have a great trip!

March 28, 2020 at 8:34 PM

Thank You John Widmer! Great article. I totally agree that Viator is a wonderful resource for tours. Also, ending your trip with a week on the Red Sea would also be my suggestion. I am going to add another tip – have an Egyptian friend. In Egypt, there are tourist (foreigner) prices and then there are unpublished Egyptian Tourist prices. My daughter made a friend in Egypt through HelloTalk an app for language exchange with people all over the world. It’s free. She wanted to learn Arabic and he wanted to practice conversational English. (ladies, there are also other girls if you don’t want the occasional creep) Anyway, they became good friends after 6 months. And she decided to go to visit Egypt with another friend. He came and picked them up at the airport and pretty much showed them the local life, meet and have dinner with his family and go out at night with his friends, plus escort them in the tourist areas, (which she was very glad he did because she and her friend didn’t have to deal with any male harassment). They ate street food for $1 and if they wanted to splurge at a fancy restaurant, the bill for 2 people was $20. Later they went to Sharm-El Sheikh and when she talked about the prices they paid for the 4-wheel desert safari, I couldn’t believe how cheap it was! Then she said, “yeah, well, that is the Egyptian tourist price not the Foreign tourist price” – so… get an Egyptian friend before going to Egypt! 😂😂

@megri I understand what you mean! I suggest that if you want someone to help put your Egypt trip together, to find a like-minded travel advisor who can relate to what you want, and is more interested in you having a great experience rather than how much commission they will get by selling you a package. Although I am now an advisor, I have always been a kind of traveler like you, I understand completely what you are talking about! I like finding articles like this to help guide people and give them options. I will say, just like I insinuating earlier, that there are places where traveling on your own is fine, but without knowing the language or how things work in the country, I would either go with a tour or put your tour together whereby there are guides and transfers set up for you. This is not backpacking in Europe. I am especially saying this for women. But definitely Go! Egypt is a MUST DO! 😁 and extremely affordable and now is the time to go when tourism has not come back in full force yet and the dollar (or Euro) goes a long way!

August 5, 2019 at 6:46 PM

I absolutely loved the article. My girlfriend and I are planning a trip this year around end of October. The information you provided was awesome. I am a huge Egyptian history buff and this trip is going to be unforgettable!! Thank you so much. Happy and safe travels……

August 6, 2019 at 8:58 PM

So great to hear! Traveling to Egypt is really such a fascinating of a lifetime for anyone! Yet for someone who is a huge Egyptian history buff, you’re sure to have an incredible experience awaiting you come October. Hope you have an awesome time! 🙂

April 9, 2019 at 7:59 PM

Just wanted to thank you for this great article. Just got back from Egypt & used some of your ideas. I used the link you provided for the cruise from Aswan to Luxor and had a great time…plus, I took your suggestion for a stay at resort in Hurghada. We ended up staying at the Desert Rose Resort for 4 nights (we didn’t have any longer) & loved it. I tried using the resorts that you suggested, but had problems with availability. With your help, this was one of the best vacations we’ve had…pretty luxurious and incredibly cheap (well, maybe not cheap…that’s relative…but definitely an almost impossible-to-belief value for your money). Thanks again!

April 14, 2019 at 11:34 AM

This makes us so happy to read this! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping back by with this positive feedback. Am so glad we could help steer ya in the right direction. That cruise from Aswan to Luxor is such a great experience. Really, it’s among one of our most fond memories during all our travels. So glad you got to enjoy it too! Yeah, some of those resorts we suggest have 7-night minimum stays, so perhaps that may explain some lacking availability. We’re planning to update this post again soon though, as I’m sure many rates and other things have changed at some of those hotels. It’s helpful to know that the Desert Rose proved well to have a personal recommendation for when we update this. Love hearing that this was one of the best vacations! The value really is almost unbelievable. Ah, this is making me want to get back to Egypt soon!

August 16, 2018 at 8:56 AM

Great post you had shared here thanks

August 1, 2018 at 12:02 PM

Did you fly out of Hurghada? Can you recommend transportation from Hurghada to Cairo for a return flight?

August 1, 2018 at 6:56 PM

We flew from Hurghada to Budapest using a once-a-week Wizz Air flight, as it was the cheapest flight to Europe. There are many direct flights from Hurghada to Cairo every day on Egypt Air that usually run between $40-$100.

July 23, 2018 at 7:03 AM

Very big blog..and very informative and very detailed before we visit to any kinda of places must get to know little information its quite-common..and this blog was same too..very detailed, very informative , very helpful to travels guides…and what an amazing trip was yours..and amazing shoots..! this blog was so absorptive..!

March 31, 2018 at 8:54 AM

Just came across your post as I am planning a similar trip. Loved all the tips and advice as well as the costs shown!

April 4, 2018 at 10:05 AM

We’re so glad to hear that you found our tips helpful! Enjoy discovering Egypt!

January 19, 2018 at 2:12 PM

Incredible post. Came across while trying to decide if we could possibly afford to experience Egypt this September on top of the airfare to get there from Nova Scotia. Thanks for keeping our dream alive. al and donna

January 24, 2018 at 10:48 PM

So happy to help keep the dream alive! 🙂 We found that Egypt can be such an affordable trip by combining some independent travel strategies with some tours. Hope you can make it there, as it’s such a fascinating place! By the way, we spent last summer in Nova Scotia and loved roaming around your beautiful province! 🙂

November 16, 2017 at 2:09 AM

thanks very much for the heads up for traveling in Egypt. It certainly gives us many options to follow.

November 18, 2017 at 4:15 AM

So glad it’s helped. There are certainly lots of options to be had throughout Egypt, and hope we’ve given a few ideas. Have a great trip!

November 5, 2017 at 10:11 PM

What an incredible post guys, thank you so much. I’m in Kenya trying to work out if I can see mainland Egypt in 7 days and I’ve got all the info I need just from reading this! So helpful, can’t thank you enough

November 6, 2017 at 1:47 AM

Awesome! So glad to hear it’s proved helpful. Hope you have a fantastic trip as you venture into Egypt – cheers!

October 29, 2017 at 6:12 AM

Thank you so much for putting the time into writing this article. I am planning a trip to Egypt next month solo and continually refer to this page to find out how to do it. Thanks!

November 6, 2017 at 2:11 AM

So glad to hear it has helped in your planning! Hope you have an awesome trip to this fascinating country – happy travels! 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 1:05 AM

Liz, I am about to embark on a solo trip through Egypt as well. Do you have any other pointers or suggestions? Thanks.

October 18, 2017 at 1:27 PM

Also bring your own toliet paper ladies.

October 24, 2017 at 9:38 PM

Yes, important. Very good advice! 🙂

October 17, 2017 at 2:06 PM

Great itinerary, I went last year on an organized tour and the Nile cruise was the highlight. Never made it to the Red Sea but went to Alexandria which was pretty cool. My word of advice is to bring about 50 $1 bills. If you are American. And wear sunglasses so you can turn down the hawkers that are so desperate for tourists. Country in a pitiful state but so worth it. Great article makes me want to go back!

October 24, 2017 at 10:55 PM

The Nile cruise was definitely our highlight too. Such an incredible experience and makes us also want to go back! Great advice on the on the $1 bills. Would certainly make the many backsheesh easier. Better yet, we’d recommend a pocket full of 10 LE notes. (Although small change in Egyptian Pounds can sometimes be hard to come by.) Sunglasses are another great suggestion! And if not for the tenacious touts, then for the brutal sun! 🙂

October 8, 2017 at 1:44 PM

Nice article, very informative about visiting Egypt. I am sure it will be very helpful for first-time tourists. Africa really is awesome! And we love visitors so much.

October 24, 2017 at 11:45 PM

Africa is indeed awesome! We are craving a return visit. Glad you found the post informative! 🙂

August 8, 2017 at 8:50 AM

Thanks for sharing the great article and budget tips are always .this article will help those who are planning to egypt.

August 16, 2017 at 8:47 PM

Always happy to share our travel tips! 🙂

July 18, 2017 at 3:53 AM

Your blog is so awesome. And it was among few others encouraged me to start a blog on my website. Thanks for sharing such an awesome experience. And yeah, keep it always up!

July 18, 2017 at 9:45 AM

Am so glad to hear it has inspired you. We wish you best regards in your blogging journey! 🙂

May 14, 2017 at 4:32 PM

This blog is very impressive. My husband and I were on the prowl for budget iteneraies to Egypt this February and stumbled across this awesomeness. I think we’ll follow your itinerary to a T!!!! Loved the price posting, the pictures, the tips to get discounts, and how you specifically shared where you stayed! I’ll have to read from the beginning!!!! Thank you for the quality of your blog!!!

May 16, 2017 at 12:26 PM

Hi Kristen, so glad you found our budget itinerary to Egypt! 🙂 We hope it’s helpful in your planning and you enjoy it all as much as we did! Let us know if you have any questions at all as you plan out your trip. Cheers!

April 21, 2017 at 1:20 AM

Wow, Awesome place, Awesome journey. I like this informative adventure article. Thanks For sharing Keep Posting Awesome article like this.

April 29, 2017 at 4:17 PM

Hi Christopher, Thanks so much for the kind comment! Egypt has so much to offer to travelers, we’re happy to share 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 12:31 PM

Mate, I’m gona copy and paste your itenary 😊 thanks a lot for that. Your a blessing. I’m planning to go there in March 2018. I wish you guys well..and awesome writting ! 👏👏👏👏👏👏 sending my love to you from New Zealand ☺

March 3, 2017 at 1:18 PM

Hey Tino, thanks for sending some love from New Zealand (one of our favorite countries!). We’re thrilled that you found our guide helpful. Have a fantastic time in Egypt!

January 12, 2017 at 7:20 AM

Egypt is a beautiful place. I think the best time to vacation in Egypt is between October and March when the weather is not as hot as in other months and it is comfortable to visit the sites. Egypt is a wonderful place for lovers of history, art, and architecture. Egypt offers a wide array of historical treasures – temples, pyramids, tombs and museums to name but a few. And I like your vacation pictures also:-)

October 6, 2016 at 8:42 AM

hi, we are considering travelling to egypt for 8-9 days later this year. we will stat at cairo and then over to aswan on the 3rd day. while the nile cruise sounds exciting, we were wondering if its a good idea to skip the cruise and do it by land (rent a car maybe). we definitely want to cover both Aswan and Luxor. we will have 4-5 days for this latter part of the trip.

is this a good idea? is renting a car and driving it safe and doable in egypt? do you think this will turn out to be costlier than the cruise, considering we would like to visit the same places, just that we want to be able to do it at our own pace.

October 12, 2016 at 8:02 AM

Hi Saurabh! Thanks for your question. It is of our opionion that renting a car there is not a good option, if even possible. It’s not safe to drive in that area and often a police escort is necessary for those traveling by caravan. There are buses and trains, but the timetables aren’t always convenient. Once you add up all the transport/accommodation/food costs, it will likely exceed the cost of the cruise. Initially, we also wanted to travel this route independently, but were ultimately very glad we went with the cruise.

September 16, 2016 at 1:44 AM

This is just awesome. Will be making full use of these tips in November. Thank you so much

September 22, 2016 at 6:15 AM

Awesome! Thanks for the comment and we’re so happy to hear you found our advice helpful. Enjoy Egypt!

August 31, 2016 at 7:26 AM

My God! This is so true “Traveling Egypt on a tour may help you avoid some hassles of doing it on your own. Your post contains great collection of pics and information. I don’t have plans to visit Egypt in the near future, but it is for sure on my bucket list, and I have to say I still want to do it in a travel group. I really likes your post…..thanks for sharing

Keep Sharing More Regards Abel

September 22, 2016 at 6:34 AM

Hi Abel! Thanks so much for the comment. We’re so happy to hear that Egypt is now on your travel radar 🙂

May 8, 2016 at 12:15 AM

Oh my….. you guys are amazing. What absolutely astonishingly good information. It makes me want to go right now! Thank you for this.

May 8, 2016 at 12:25 PM

Thanks for the kind feedback! We’re so glad to hear you’ve found this info to be helpful. Happy travels!

April 19, 2016 at 5:04 PM

Hey guys, awesome guide – just convinced me to book my flight for August. Just a quick question, I noticed you didn’t get a local SIM, is there a reason for this (i.e. difficulty, cost)? I like having a local SIM whenever I go anywhere as it cuts me from the WiFi leash and makes life a lot easier in general.

April 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM

We have a global plan with t-mobile (US-based) in which we pay about $50 per month that gives us data and text in over 100+ countries. So when we’re bouncing around the globe, we don’t ever have keep switching out SIM cards. The only downfall to this is that you can’t call local numbers, when in Egypt, but we just connect to wifi and use Skype if we need to do that.

April 16, 2016 at 9:37 PM

I had planned on visiting Vietnam this November but now going to Egypt instead. This post will cut down on my research for sure. I hope to visit Israel and Petra while on the Egypt tour. I am not fond of cruises but you make it sound convincing.

April 17, 2016 at 10:19 AM

Awesome! So glad to hear this was helpful. Yeah, we’re not the typical cruise people either, but we really enjoyed our days going up the Nile River. We had initially planned to try to go to all those sites independently but then realized it would cost about the same as this comfy cruise (or possibly more). Ultimately we were so glad we did the cruise. Egypt can get a little crazy at times and that Nile river trip made for such nice reprieve. Hope you have a great trip to Egypt in Nov – such a fascinating place!

April 13, 2016 at 6:41 AM

I have been looking around online on Egypt travel itinerary and budget, this is the best one!

Can’t wait for my solo trip to Egypt. Have a good day! 🙂

April 17, 2016 at 10:29 AM

Thanks so much for stopping by to let us know. We tried to be pretty detailed with our budget and itinerary. 😉 We hope you have an awesome solo trip to this interesting country! Cheers!

March 15, 2016 at 2:41 AM

Every weekend i used to visit this website, as i want enjoyment, since this this web site conations genuinely good funny material too.

March 18, 2016 at 1:28 PM

Thanks for the compliments. We hope to see you back here! 🙂

January 20, 2016 at 1:54 AM

I reversed your route. Added Marsa Alam for some variety in my diving. Changed a couple places to stay. Great Pyramid Inn, I’m looking at you. Added Abu Simbel.

Buuuuttt. OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH. This was so helpful as a great overview. It helped me get started on my searches and let me get my bearings on the immensity of Egypt. I was a bit overwhelmed before I found you.

January 20, 2016 at 8:54 AM

Thanks so much for stopping back by and letting us know this was helpful! It puts smiles on our faces to hear that travelers are finding this information and its assisting with travel planning.

Interesting that you did it in reverse and glad to hear you made some adjustments to the itinerary! That’s exactly what we intended this guide for. Get some ideas and use it as a base to get you started, then tweak it towards your preferences. Sounds like you nailed that and we hope it enhanced your time in Egypt! Thanks again for stopping back by to let us know!

November 8, 2015 at 9:27 PM

This post was insanely helpful — I’ve bookmarked it to use for my spring trip and LOVE all the great, useful tips.

October 20, 2015 at 6:23 AM

Wow Egypt looks stunning! Amazing that it’s so cheap too, and you certainly did get luxury! Fabulous tips, thanks guys! Xx http://www.theemasphere.com

September 21, 2015 at 1:29 AM

That’s so great you were able to do all this on that budget–it’s awesome the exchange rate is so great right now. We aren’t much for lounging by a pool or at the beach either, but the Bel Air Azur Hurghada Resort looks pretty amazing! I could definitely hang by that pool for awhile! Looks like a fun trip!

September 20, 2015 at 6:27 PM

Brings back so many memories! Egypt definitely has had its struggles lately but it’s such an amazing place to travel! Abu Simbel is well worth the extra day, though it really is a day trip if you’re driving there. I never experienced a Nile cruise when I went to Egypt though my husband has. He said it was enjoyable. 🙂 It sure looks like to live luxuriously! It sounds like we overpaid for budget accommodation, haha.

September 20, 2015 at 7:37 AM

Great resource. I’m heading to Egypt late October and will be doing a similar itinerary. Really looking forward to it!

Will definitely use some of these tips.

September 19, 2015 at 6:07 AM

That’s a very usuful post! I’ve only been to Dahab for diving in the Red Sea and I absolutely loved it. I hope to go back one day to do some sightseeing as well.

September 19, 2015 at 4:45 AM

Great advice and recommendations – very detailed! And budget tips are always very welcome. I’ll keep the article in mind for the day I travel to Egypt (hopefully soon 😀 )

September 19, 2015 at 4:37 AM

Wow, what an amazing job you have done with all of the research. I will send friends to your site who are going to Egypt. This will be invaluable in their planning. I think that they will be very happy to find out how achievable it is.

September 19, 2015 at 3:52 AM

You really hunted down some amazing deals, this is a fantastic resource for anyone planning to visit soon

September 19, 2015 at 3:43 AM

I’m dumfounded how cheap Egypt is. I really want to take a few week trip there and thought it would put a huge dent in my travel budget. I’m re-thinking the whole thing now! Thanks so much for this in depth view on how to travel Egypt in style!

September 19, 2015 at 3:31 AM

What an amazing trip! Your pictures are beautiful and really showcase what there is to see and do. And those resorts look so inviting! You did a great job of nailing down all the details and providing them for anyone planning a similar trip!

September 19, 2015 at 3:06 AM

Woha, this is an incredibly detailed and useful itinerary and post, this would be super useful to anyone going on a budget, fantastic work!

September 19, 2015 at 2:58 AM

This is great information! Would love love love to see Egypt and you just opened a window for me.

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Cost of a Trip to Egypt & the Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt

The average price of a 7-day trip to Egypt is $1,349 for a solo traveler, $2,246 for a couple, and $1,654 for a family of 4 . Egypt hotels range from $36 to $160 per night with an average of $75, while most vacation rentals will cost $60 to $400 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Egypt (from all airports) are between $929 and $1,396 per person for economy flights and $2,917 to $4,383 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $31 to $62 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Egypt

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Egypt and stay in a Egypt hotel:

• January 8th to March 4th (except the weeks of February 12th and February 19th)
• April 16th to May 6th
• August 20th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Egypt is usually early to mid September .

Average Egypt Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Egypt for a week is $1,014-$2,027 ($145-$290 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $31 to $62 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $515 to $1,203 for economy

Lodging : $47 to $65 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $52 to $64 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Egypt for a week is $1,753-$3,665 ($250-$524 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $63 to $124 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,030 to $2,407 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Egypt for a week is $3,416-$7,323 ($488-$1,046 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $125 to $248 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,061 to $4,813 for economy

Lodging : $95 to $129 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $80 to $96 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Egypt

How cheap can you make a vacation to Egypt? The cheapest trip to Egypt is about $115 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 21% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $31.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Egypt for a week is $806-$1,888 ($115-$270 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $15 to $31 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $31 to $36 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $49 to $78 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Egypt for a week is $1,426-$3,302 ($204-$472 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $30 to $61 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Egypt for a week is $2,854-$6,382 ($408-$912 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $61 to $123 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $61 to $72 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $74 to $118 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very easy to travel to Egypt cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Egypt Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Egypt.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Egypt for a week is $2,282-$8,551 ($326-$1,222 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $64 to $125 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,258 to $2,990 for first class

Lodging : $96 to $160 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $391 to $781 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Egypt for a week is $3,981-$12,409 ($569-$1,773 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $127 to $249 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,516 to $5,980 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Egypt for a week is $7,968-$22,459 ($1,138-$3,208 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $254 to $498 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,032 to $11,959 for first class

Lodging : $193 to $320 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $589 to $1,169 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Egypt Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Egypt is much lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Egypt due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Egypt Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Egypt hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Egypt.

Flight Costs to Egypt

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,396 average in late July to a low of $929 in early to mid September. Median flight price is $897. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Egypt our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Egypt, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $467, so you can easily save about 50% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Egypt can easily cost $228 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $15 per person. Private tours can cost $458 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Egypt Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Ain Sokhna, Egypt
• Beni Suef, Egypt
• El Faiyûm, Egypt
• Suez, Egypt
• El Minya, Egypt
• New Cairo City, Egypt
• Abu Sir, Egypt
• Sanhur, Egypt
• Gizeh, Egypt
• Cairo, Egypt

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Chattahoochee National Forest, the United States
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9 ways to experience Cairo on a budget

Dec 8, 2023 • 7 min read

Find out how to travel on a budget in one of the world's most coveted destinations: Cairo © Mystockimages / Getty Images

Cairo is one of the biggest budget-friendly cities on the planet – where else can US$11 buy you entry to a wonder of the world ? The capital of Egypt – and the country as a whole – is a great destination for travelers on a budget , with reasonable prices for accommodation (even high-end properties if you time it right), food and activities.

However, be mindful that Egypt’s economy is floundering. Inflation has soared – the Egyptian pound is worth half of what it was in 2022 – and the currency fell to an all-time low against the US dollar in January 2023. While favorable exchange rates are good news for foreign visitors, poverty is becoming more widespread, and basics like eggs and meat are becoming luxury items even for middle-class Egyptian families.

Tourism makes up a significant percentage of Egypt’s GDP, so pay fairly for services and haggle respectfully. Here’s how to visit Cairo on a budget.

Daily costs

• Bed in a hostel dorm: LE247 (US$8)
• Basic hotel room for two: LE927 (US$30)
• Independent boutique hotel: LE2165-3710 (US$70-120)
• Cairo Metro ticket: LE5-10 (US$0.15-0.30)
• Cup of Turkish coffee: LE26 (US$0.85)
• Falafel sandwich: LE20 (US$0.65)
• Sit-down dinner for two: LE310 (US$10)
• Museum or archaeological site entry: LE95-465 (US$3-15)

Average daily cost

• Budget: LE930-1545 (US$30–50)
• Midrange: LE1545-4640 (US$50–150)
• High end: LE4640+ (US$150+)

1. Check whether it’s cheaper to fly to Sphinx International Airport

Cairo now has two operational airports: Cairo International – the capital’s main airport for decades, and the largest and busiest in Egypt – and Sphinx International on the western side of the Nile River in Giza. Sphinx Airport opened in 2019 on a trial basis , and in 2023 it started receiving flights from European cities on budget airlines. Low-cost carriers have not previously flown to Cairo, opening the gate to budget travelers to the capital for the first time.

Condor, a German low-cost carrier, started flights from Frankfurt in May 2023, while EasyJet and Wizz Air began flying from London a few months later. Budget airline flights are also landing from Berlin, Budapest, Milan and Rome. You can also fly on Middle Eastern low-cost carriers, such as Air Arabia, Air Cairo, flydubai, flynas and Jazeera Airways to Sphinx International.

2. Fly to a Red Sea resort town first

If departures to Sphinx International aren’t suitable and flights to Cairo International are out of your price range, see whether budget airlines in your city fly to Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada , popular resort towns on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Flights to these resorts tend to be significantly cheaper than those directly to Cairo, and bookending your visit to the capital with a bit of relaxation on the Red Sea is never a bad idea. 

An internal flight within Egypt is significantly cheaper than flying from abroad, or you can go the real budget route and take a bus to the capital. Go Bus operates lines from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada for as little as US$8.

3. Bring your student ID

Egypt’s treasure trove of archaeological sites – where incredible discoveries are still being made – promises to morph any traveler into a student of history. But if you’re an actual student of any discipline and under 30 years old, you are hugely rewarded in Egypt with 50% off ticket prices to all government-run sites around Cairo and beyond, including the Pyramids of Giza , the Egyptian Museum , the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization , the Coptic Museum and the Citadel .

Depending on the guard or ticket office worker on duty that day, you might be able to get in with a standard student ID, but to be guaranteed the discount, get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The US$25 cost will quickly pay for itself.

4. Buy the Cairo Pass

If you can’t get enough of the pyramids or the Egyptian Museum and want to return for multiple visits, consider investing in a Cairo Pass instead of paying for an individual ticket each time. The Cairo Pass gives access to the capital’s major tourist sites for a set price of US$130 for five days.

The pass comes with some big benefits, but also some major caveats. As with any city tourist pass, do the math to make sure it works out in your favor. If you’re also planning to visit Luxor and decide the Luxor Pass is worth it, you get a 50% discount on the second pass that you purchase. You must pay for the Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass in US dollars or euros, while the individual site tickets are sold in Egyptian pounds. With the ever-fluctuating exchange rate, individual tickets might be cheaper at times.

You can buy the Cairo Pass at the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Plateau or the Citadel. The documents needed to obtain the pass are somewhat daunting: bring your passport, two photocopies of your main passport page and two passport photos. Students also get 50% off the Cairo Pass with a valid ID. You must pay the exact amount in cash in new, uncreased bills.

5. Carry your passport

Egyptian nationals pay much reduced rates at tourist attractions – for example, a ticket to the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square costs LE30 (less than $1), versus LE450 (US$14.50) for foreigners. However, passport holders from Arab countries are allowed to avail of the Egyptian price, so make sure you’re carrying your passport for verification.

6. Stick to street food

Street food in Cairo isn’t a hipster movement – it’s an authentic way for Egyptians to eat an affordable meal. Seek out bustling stalls, which are more likely to have fresh ingredients and good eats. Popular handheld meals include freshly fried, crispy ta’maya (Egyptian falafel, made with fava beans instead of chickpeas), koshary (the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink mix of spaghetti, noodles, rice, lentils and chickpeas, so beloved that it’s considered Egypt’s national dish) and shawarma-filled wraps.

7. Go for the upgrade

While booking a room at a luxury internationally branded property might seem counterintuitive to traveling on a budget, staying at a four- or five-star hotel is more within reach in Cairo than in many other major cities. If you’re ready to upgrade from a hostel dorm to a more decadent double, the Egyptian capital is a good place to do it. 

Cairo’s endless accommodation options include several reasonably priced historic properties and modern skyscraper hotels with rooftop pools, and you might shell out less for it than you’d expect, especially in the quiet but scorching summer season.

Booking these types of places online in advance often nets you the best deal. Keep an eye out for sales, discounts and packages from the hotel before your trip. Bear in mind that the Egyptian weekend is Friday and Saturday, so reservations on Thursday and Friday nights often cost more.

8. Book a few nights and then pay in person

Type A travel planners, look away now. If you’re staying at a smaller property in Cairo, such as a locally run hostel or B&B, book a few nights and ask about extending your stay once you arrive. You’ll often be quoted a lower price than what you’ll see when booking online or through a third party. Tours and excursions are also cheaper to book when you’re in the country instead of online in advance.

9. To get around Cairo, take the metro or an Uber

Cairo is notorious for its horn-happy car traffic, but the Cairo Metro is an inexpensive and efficient way to get around the capital. Though its coverage isn’t extensive – it has 74 stops across three lines – you will save time and money by making even part of your journey by metro. Tickets cost LE5 ($0.15) to LE10 ($0.30) depending on how many stations you go through. Travelers over age 60 get a 50% discount on the ticket price. Two carriages in the middle of the train are reserved for women. (Women may ride in any other cars as well.)

If the metro isn’t an option, getting an Uber is less expensive than in other major cities, and booking a taxi through Uber will also give you a break from haggling fares with drivers.

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Affordable Budget Tours to Egypt

Ready to explore Egypt on a budget with an organized tour? These budget-friendly tours are your ticket to an unforgettable adventure without emptying your wallet. We've carefully evaluated low-cost tours from highly reviewed companies, ensuring that you get the most out of your travel budget. From wallet-friendly prices and glowing guest ratings to excellent service, captivating destinations, and immersive activities, these handpicked budget tours to Egypt offer an unbeatable combination of affordability and excitement.

• From Cairo - Private 3 Days 2 Nights White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour 3 Days, $175.00
• Package 3 Days 2 Nights to White Desert & Bahariya - Private Tour 3 Days, $220.00
• From Cairo - Private 2 Days Trip to White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour 2 Days, $145.00

What are budget and low-cost tours like in Egypt?

Here are the important factors:

• 258 trip options analyzed
• $105 average price per day (USD)
• 1 to 22 days in length
• 4.63 of 5 average rating
• 33 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of budget tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 33 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 1 days, while the longest is 22 days. Looking at physical activity , the tours are easy, relaxing, moderate, and heart-pumping, with the most as easy. Regarding travel styles , the tours are categorized as family and honeymoon, with the majority being family. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 258 budget tours, you can rest assured that Egypt has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Budget Tours in Egypt

From cairo - private 3 days 2 nights white desert and bahariya oasis tour.

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.9 out of 5 stars by previous guests. This terrific trip also highights family-friendly activities and safaris. With a duration of 3 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 200 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers aged 1 to 120 years old. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Cairo. Brought to you by Sun Pyramid Tours , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $53 per day. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Package 3 Days 2 Nights to White Desert & Bahariya - Private Tour

With this option you can experience an unparalleled journey for 3 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 100 participants at most. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Cairo. Sun Pyramid Tours , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers aged 3 to 100 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $73 per day.

From Cairo - Private 2 Days Trip to White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour

This fantastic journey has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Cairo kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. You'll love the emphasis on family-friendly activities and safaris, too. Lasting 2 days, the maximum group size is 100 people, and it's good for people of any age. Organized by Sun Pyramid Tours , this is a great deal because it's only $65 per day. It's currently on a special discounted offer.

2 Days White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour

With a stellar 4 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary trip is the perfect choice. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Cairo. Spanning across 2 days, the trip accommodates 200 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 1 to 120 years old. Offered by Sun Pyramid Tours , this remarkable trip is priced at just $65 per day. Act quickly to seize the current limited-time sale and reserve your spot now. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Egypt Luxury Guided Tour W/Nile Cruise & Air

• On Sale: 50% Off See Prices

This exceptional trip offering by Truly Egypt Tours has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating. On this 8-day journey you can unwind while also making new memories. Uncover the beauty of 6 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Aswan, Luxor, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Cairo will be both the start and end of your journey. With a group size of 25 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 3 or older. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $74 per day. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

• In-depth Cultural

The Egyptian Magic - 6 Days Pyramids and Cairo Highlights + Camping in the White Desert

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. Traverse through 4 enchanting destinations, with Giza and Bahariya Oasis among the must-see stops along the route. Your adventure starts and ends in Cairo. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Spanning across 6 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 10 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 2 or older. Brought to you by the renowned Egypt Best Holidays , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $83 per day - an unbeatable value.

Desert Planet : Giza Pyramids , Egyptian Museum + Overnight CAMPING in the white Desert with Cairo Private Transfers

This 3-day trip is ideal for travelers aged 1 to 85 years old. And priced at only $83 per day, it's a great value, too. This trip visits 4 destinations, including Giza and Bahariya Oasis along the way. Cairo will be the beginning and end of your trip. It's offered by Egypt Best Holidays , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Cairo : 3 Days Bahariya Oasis + Camping in the white desert with Round Trip PRIVATE Transfers

Priced at just $83 per day, this terrific 3-day journey is ideal for people of any age. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Cairo. Organized by the reputable Egypt Best Holidays , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Trip to Egypt: Pyramids & Nile by flight - 8 Days

• On Sale: 5% Off See Prices

Check out this incredible voyage that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 20 people, and is good for travelers aged 2 to 88 years old. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Cairo. This fantastic option, organized by Holiday in , presents an unbeatable value at just $89 per day. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Absolute Egypt (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• On Sale: 45% Off See Prices

Spanning over 15 days, this journey has a maximum size of 40 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 18 to 59 years old, it is organized by Travel Talk , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Discover a journey that spans 15 destinations, with notable stops in Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings, and Nuweiba. Cairo kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Available at an unbeatable price of only $144 per day, this option also has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from previous guests. Act now to take advantage of the special sale price!

• Hiking & Trekking

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt , The Best Historical Tours in Egypt , The Best 10-Day Tours in Egypt , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Egypt , The Best 3-Day Tours in Egypt , The Best 2-Week Tours in Egypt , The Best 3-Week Tours in Egypt , The Best River Cruises in Egypt , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Egypt , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Egypt , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Egypt , The Best Adventure Tours to Egypt , The Best Eco Tours in Egypt , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt , The Best Cultural Tours in Egypt , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Egypt , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Egypt , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Egypt , The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt , The Best Tours for Seniors to Egypt , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Egypt for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Cairo , The Best 3-Day Tours from Aswan , The Best 3-Day Tours from Luxor , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cairo , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Luxor , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Aswan , The Best 10-Day Tours from Cairo , The Best 10-Day Tours from Luxor , The Best 2-Week Tours from Cairo , The Best 2-Week Tours from Hurghada , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Luxor for more package tour options.

How much do budget tours cost in Egypt?

Travelers to Egypt will have a large number of terrific options for budget tours at a variety of great prices. The price of budget tours here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 258 budget tours, their average daily price is a very reasonable $105 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Egypt .

And for more information on Egypt, see Egypt Travel Costs and Egypt Hotel Costs .

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• Egypt Travel Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Egypt

Egypt lies in the heart of the cradle world where it has drawn travelers from every corner of the world and each traveler seeks to discover its mysteries. This North African country offers an experience like no other, however, before traveling on a journey to the land of pharaohs, it is important to understand some aspects of such a great adventure.

For the purpose of this article, Trips In Egypt Team answers an important question that lingers in the minds of millions of wanderlust souls: "How much does it cost to travel to Egypt?” Our travel agency aims to equip you with the essential knowledge that you require to plan a trip to Egypt to make sure that your exploration of Egypt remains both unforgettable and affordable.

What Factors Determine the Cost of Your Visit to Egypt?

Visiting Egypt can be an affordable experience that offers a great culture, wonderful historical places to visit in Egypt like the Pyramids of Giza, and the amazing vibes of cities like Cairo. Here are some averages of the cost depending on your interests and preferences such as:

The cost of obtaining a visa to Egypt can vary depending on several factors such as your nationality, the type of visa you require, and the time of the year. The fees of the visa range from around 25$ however, it is best for you to check with the Egyptian embassy to get the right cost.

The top 10 countries that visited Egypt in 2022 with the visa information for each country.

2. Flight Ticket from Home

The cost of your flight tickets can vary depending on some factors such as airline, the time of year, and departure location. You can expect on average to spend from $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip ticket from one of the major international airports to Cairo or Hurghada other Airports in Egypt .

The average of international flight tickets from the top ten countries visiting Egypt. This is a table to help you while booking your flight to Egypt.

3. Your Trip Duration in Egypt

Your trip duration can have a great impact on the cost of your trip to Egypt as the longer you stay, the more you will spend on accommodations, transportation, guides, meals, and your expenses, however, it is important to note that the cost of your trip will depend on several factors such as:

• The longer you will stay, the more nights you will need to book accommodations.
• If you plan to explore different attractions to other historical sites then, the cost of transportation will increase.

The more activities you will enjoy, the more expenses will increase.

• The number of meals and daily expenses such as snacks, drinks, and shopping may result in higher costs for these items.
• The duration of your trip can affect the cost of travel insurance.

Average prices for tour packages in Egypt range from 4 days to more than 15 days.

Does the Time of Year Impact the Cost When Visiting Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt in 2024 is during the winter months from November to April when the weather is wonderful and comfortable for exploring historical sites. Prices for flights, accommodations, and guides during this time are higher due to the high demand for travelers from all over the world.

If you are willing to visit Egypt during the shoulder seasons of autumn, you can find more affordable prices while still enjoying good weather and fewer crowds. The summer months from May to August are the least expensive, but temperatures can be hot.

Does the Number of Travelers Have an Impact on the Cost of Your Trip to Egypt?

The number of travelers can affect the cost of a trip to Egypt for many reasons. Group discounts are available for larger parties and it will reduce the cost per person. Transportation expenses such as flights or tour buses can be more effective when split among many travelers. The accommodation costs can be lower when it is shared between many travelers as many hotels offer rooms with two or three beds or suites for groups.

Egypt tour packages may offer discounted rates for larger groups, and it will be an opportunity to save money. There are some activities to do in Egypt that may offer group rates, and it will of course reduce the cost of the trip for each traveler.

Do the Prices for Accommodations Categories Change When Making a Booking for a Visit to Egypt?

The rates of booking a hotel in Egypt can vary based on some factors such as the time of year, category, and availability. Prices are higher during the peak seasons or holidays due to increased demand, and during off-peak seasons, prices can offer lower rates, and different accommodation categories such as luxury hotels and budget-friendly categories may vary in prices based on the quality of services.

Average prices for accommodation categories in Egypt:

Will the Cost Be Influenced by the Activities You Are Planning to Enjoy in Egypt?

Some activities will require entrance fees, tickets, or equipment rentals, which will increase the total cost, and some activities will include private transportation, and the cost of dining during your activities will impact your overall expenses. If you are planning to participate in many activities, the associated costs will be higher.

The average cost of the activities you can do in Egypt:

Choose your Nile Cruise Category

To enjoy a memorable Nile cruise , there are some factors to consider when choosing a Nile Cruise category in Egypt.

First: Determine your budget, Nile cruises range from budget options to luxurious Nile cruises .

Second: Decide on the duration of your cruise, if you would like to spend 3 nights, 4 nights, and 7 nights.

Third: Research the amenities and facilities offered by each Nile cruise, this could include swimming pools, restaurants, spas, furniture, quality of services, and other entertainment.

Fourth: Read reviews and feedback from other travelers to feel satisfied with the quality of service and customer satisfaction.

3 Nights Nile Cruise Itinerary from Aswan

Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan/ Aswan station/ Aswan airport to visit:

• The High Dam
• The Unfinished Obelisk
• Philae Temple

After enjoying your day, you will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to check in and have your delicious lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Get your breakfast box in the early morning, then join your guide to visit:

• Abu Simbel Temples

You will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to have your delicious lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Have your breakfast on board, then you will be transferred to visit:

• Kom Ombo Temple

Enjoy your breakfast on board then continue visiting:

• Edfu Temple

You will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to have your dinner, and overnight on board.

You will check out the Nile Cruise after having your breakfast, then get ready to visit:

• Karnak Temple
• The Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Luxor before visiting:

• The Colossi of Memnon

Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in Luxor/ Luxor station/ Luxor Airport.

4 Nights Nile Cruise Itinerary from Luxor

Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor to visit:

We will drive you to our Nile Cruise to check in and have your lunch on board, Evening time, join your tour guide to visit:

• Luxor Temple

Then, you will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to have your dinner and overnight on board.

Have Your Delicious Breakfast on Board, Then Join Your Tour Guide to Visit:

• Hatshepsut Temple

You will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to have lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

After having your breakfast, join your guide to visit:

Lunch will be served on board before visiting:

Then, we will drive you to our Nile Cruise to have your dinner, and overnight on board.

After receiving your breakfast box in the early morning, you will join your tour guide to visit:

Then we will drive you back to our Nile Cruise to have your lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Enjoy your breakfast on board, then check out before joining our tour guide to visit:

• Aswan High Dam

Then we will drive you to your hotel in Aswan.

7 Nights  Nile Cruise Itinerary from Luxor

You will meet your tour guide to start your 7 nights on the Nile cruise from Luxor by visiting:

Then, you will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to check in and have your delicious dinner on board before enjoying the evening at:

Enjoy sailing on our Nile cruise with all-inclusive

Have your breakfast on board, then join your tour guide to visit:

You will be transferred to the Nile Cruise to have your lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Enjoy your breakfast on board, then get ready to join your tour guide to visit:

Lunch and dinner will be served on the Cruise, and overnight on board.

Early morning, have your breakfast box, and then you will be transferred to visit:

• Abu Simbel Temple

Start your morning by having your breakfast on board, then join your tour guide to visit:

Then, you will be transferred to our Nile Cruise to have your lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Continue your trip by having your breakfast on board, then you will visit:

We will drive you back to our Nile Cruise to have your lunch, dinner, and overnight on board.

Check out after having your breakfast on board, and then we will drive you to wherever you want to go in Luxor to end your tour with us.

Nile Cruise Categories With Average Prices

Here are some general categories of Nile River cruises with approximate average prices. Please note that prices may have changed since then, and it's advisable to check with tour operators or cruise companies for the most up-to-date pricing.

Consider Tipping in Egypt

Tipping in Egypt helps support the local service workers who rely on tips to supplement their income. You can contribute to a positive experience for yourself and create a friendly and respectful atmosphere by tipping. You should carry Egyptian currency or tip and show your gratitude for the services you receive, it is recommended to tip around 10:15 % of your total bills.

Ancient Wonders of Egypt: A Timeless Journey

Egypt is a place where history comes alive and landscapes impress the eyes, and a wonderful destination that welcomes travelers with any budget. So, get ready to explore, discover, and be amazed by one of our amazing Egypt vacation packages . Trips In Egypt Team maps out the path to an amazing Egyptian adventure without breaking the bank, just contact our operational department now to make your dream trip to Egypt come true.

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Share your comment, what should i wear while being in egypt.

You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

Why book Trips in Egypt?

We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

Company Core Values

About Trips In Egypt

Trips In Egypt was founded in 2002 when it launched, since then the company specialized in providing trips in Egypt only which includes tour packages, vacations, Nile cruises, day trips, shore excursions, and any kind of trips in Egypt.

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Egyptian Budget Travel Guide: Cost of Traveling to Egypt

In comparison to Europe or North America, everyday expenses in Egypt are low.

From SE Asia, prices are quite similar with regards to food, accommodation and living expenses.

Vegetarian meals can be eaten for less than $1 per meal and beds can be bought for around $4 a night .

Egypt is blessed with an abundance of magnificent ancient historical sites – but almost all charge entrance fees.  The normal fees for each site range from about 30 LE – 80 LE ($5.20-$13.85)(1/2 price for students), which seems like quite a bit when thinking in Egyptian terms, but is really quite reasonable considering the significance.

Egypt was a little bit of a different story from my usual traveling habits.  My budget was a little higher than usual, aiming to see first hand the ancient sites that I had dreamed about.

At the end of my stay, I managed to see almost everything I wanted to see, eat my fill of Egyptian street food and kept a reasonable budget.

Egyptian Visa

Upon arrival for American citizens: $15 USD , payable at a bank (in the airport) before going through customs at Cairo International Airport .

18 Days Cost of Traveling to Egypt:  

(What I spent)

$394 + $15 Visa = $409 USD (2362 LE)

Average per day = $22.72 USD (131 LE)

NOTE: I will use 1 USD = $5.77 Egyptian Pounds (LE)

Main Places I Went in Egypt:

• Cairo – A lot of wandering around and exploring Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, a lot of street food, shopping at Attaba markets and souks, Muhammad Ali Mosque and Citadel, Pyramids
• Luxor – There are many things to do in Luxor – Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Bahari (Temple of Hatshepsut), Colossi of Memnon
• Kom Ombo – Temple of Edfu
• Aswan – Trip to Abu Simbel, Temple of Philae
• 2 Night, 3 Day felucca (Egyptian sailboat) trip on the Nile
• Alexandria – Only for ½ day, walked around and waited for a night but to Siwa Oasis
• Siwa Oasis – Ancient sites around the oasis, fresh water springs
• 1 day, 1 night desert safari near Siwa

What I spent most of my money on :

• Ancient Egyptian Sites – 630 LE ($109.18)

Food – 507 LE ($87.87)

• Transportation – 486 LE ($84.23)
• Accommodation – 119 LE ($20.62)(I used couchsurfing and spent nights in transit)

The first word I learned in Egypt was baksheesh . The most common form of baksheesh revolving around tourists is a combination of tipping and permission for favors (in monetary form).

The tourism industry in Egypt is run on baksheesh, from paying a Pound to use the bathroom to a random guy or giving a guard 5 LE to show you some hieroglyphics.

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It will be a part of your budget in Egypt if you like it or not.

Ancient Egyptian Historical Sites – 630 LE ($109.18)

(About 35 LE / day – but I didn’t go everyday)

My biggest cost of traveling to Egypt was entrance fees to historical sites which I had planned for and was not going to miss.  If you are not so much into history, your budget can be greatly reduced in this area.

If you are going to Egypt and want to see the ancient sites, entrance fees are inevitable. Student prices are almost always ½ the price of normal adult tickets. I attempted to use my over-due student card and received moderate success, depending on the ticket vendor (always worth a try).

ISIC Student cards are preferred and accepted at all the sites – very beneficial if you have it.

(About 28.2 LE / day)

Exploring culinary traditional food from around the world is where my passion lays.

Egypt was no different and I ate a lot of local Egyptian street food and at the occasional sit down restaurant. Within this budget I also drank plenty of fresh fruit juices and fruit concoctions.

Tip: Vegetarian food throughout Egypt can be eaten for less than $1 / meal.  Meat on the other hand can easily cost 3-5 times more.

• 1.5 L bottle of Water: 2-3 LE ($0.35 – $0.52)
• Cup of sugar cane juice: 1 LE ($0.17)
• Bread: bread stores offer all kinds of baked goods for 1-2 LE ($0.17 – $0.35)
• Ful beans: healthy staple beans (similar to Mexican re-fried beans), not a day went by without me indulging in some ful!  To avoid getting less than what you paid for, act like you know how much it costs and hand the attendant 3-5 LE ($0.52 – $0.87), saying you want a bag of that amount. 5 LE ($0.87) will get you a big bag of beans!
• Sandwich wrapped in pita bread: small sandwich stores throughout Egypt will cost you 1 – 3 LE ($0.17 – $0.52) per sandwich
• Kofta meal: 14–25 LE ($2.43 – $4.33)
• Meat meal at a nicer restaurant with meat: 30 – 50 LE ($5.20 – $8.67)

As usual, alcohol becomes quite an expense if you drink habitually.

Bars in Egypt are secluded into indoor areas with blocked windows. Beers usually run 15 – 30 LE ($2.60 – $5.20) per large bottle. Since drinking is not a part of many Egyptians, I steered mostly clear of alcoholic beverages and focused on historical sites and food.

Transportation in Egypt – 486 LE ($84.23)

Taxi: If you need to take a taxi, locate a white taxi , as they use the fare meter. A 30 minute ride will probably cost about 15 – 20 LE, quite affordable. Avoid the black taxis as you will probably be overcharged!

Cairo Metro : 1 LE for a ride

Microbus:  Egyptians are very friendly and will attempt to point you in the right direction and show you which bus to take (may not always be right!). Need to have extra time and be flexible!

Distance Train: The train can be a little confusing and never completely made sense to me. I heard all kinds of stories about tourist’s only being allowed to purchase sleeper bed cars.

We arrived at Ramses Railway Station in Cairo to attempt to buy a 2 nd class ticket to Luxor. The ticket vendor seemed to be sleeping or non-alert as the train arrived. We decided to just get on the train without a ticket and get charged on the train itself. We sat in 1 st class seats.

It proved to be very comfortable and although we got moved once, we had great seats. 2 nd class with 4 seats across is also very sufficient with loads of leg space.

Tip: You can always talk to a train attendant to see if he has open seats somewhere, if he directs you to a better seat, a little tip (baksheesh) is necessary.

Check out Seat 61 for the best information on trains.

Accommodation – 119 LE / 5 Nights ($20.62)

(About 23.8 / night)

Here’s where I slept:

• 6 Night’s  Couchsurfing ( http://www.couchsurfing.org/ )
• 5 Night’s Hostel
• 2 Night’s Felucca Sailboat
• 2 Night’s Train
• 1 Night Bus

There is a wide range of accommodation is Egypt. I did a combination of couchsurfing, staying at hostels, sleeping on a felucca sailboat and taking overnight transportation.

It is possible to find decent guest houses and hotels for 20–30 LE ($3.47 – $5.20) per night.  Some places are better than others and some offer dorm rooms or rooms with 2-4 beds.

2 Night, 3 Day Felucca (Egyptian Sailboat) Trip

From Aswan, it is possible to take a felucca sailboat trip and end up back in Luxor. Most hotels / guest houses in Aswan offer a package deal, but it’s good to ask around to compare prices.

We began our Nile felucca sailing trip in the afternoon, stopped for dinner and the night, waited around in the morning, sailed in the afternoon again, stopped to eat and sleep, got dropped off on the bank of the Nile in the morning, got picked up by a tour van, drove to Kom Ombo to stop at the temple, drove to Edfu to stop at temple, and finally arrived in Luxor at 2 pm the 3 rd day.  All food and lodging was provided.

I booked through the Noorhan Hotel , paying a very low (haggled) 115 LE ($19.93) for the entire trip package.

Siwa Oasis Desert Safari

Siwa Safari Desert Oasis Tours : Tours in the Western Desert and Oases Name: Sayed Abou Seif Email: [email protected] Phone: 002 010 6893687

Our full day desert safari package cost 150 LE ($26) , including accommodation, dinner and breakfast the next day.  Find a group to go with.

Check out more information about traveling to the Siwas Oasis here.

Shopping / Souvenirs

There is an over abundance of tourist shopping in Egypt. Usually souvenirs at sites of interest are over priced, though with a fair amount of chitchat, there are deals to be made. The Aswan market souk is a great place to buy things to take home from Egypt.

I purchased my awesome Jellabiya for  65 LE ($11.40) .

Conclusion:

Egypt is a fascinating country to explore with depths of history and culture.

While most tourists tend to book pre-packaged trips directly out of the airport into their air conditioned buses, it’s rewarding to be your own tour guide and accumulate your own information. The cost of traveling to Egypt in my opinion is quite low for what you can do and see.

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7 years ago

Hi, Thanks for useful information. Is it possible to do female (duo) backpack?

Hello, When you say you took the night train just by showing up, I assume that you didn’t had a berth and slept while sitting on 2nd class right? I’m planning to do this as I’m not paying 100€ fot those “sleeper” trains.

Agness of a TukTuk

Egypt is in every traveler’s list. Awesome job in getting into the details, expense-wise! This will totally help a lot people, myself included, in planning ahead our budget trip!

joydip sarkar

very good information…..thanks

8 years ago

What was. The total amount spent for a week plus airfare.

Saben cuales son los costos actuales?

When younletf Egypt were you asked about travel money and needing 2000 dollars to travel back to that states my friend was asked to show travel money of $2000 .00 in cash before he can get bon a flight is this true

Your sharing is very helpful. I will have two full days in Cairo. I will get into Cairo at 12:30 am midnight. Do you have any suggestion for airport pickup as I will be traveling solo? Are pyramids and other historical sites easy to travel by public transportation? Look forward to heading from you.

10 years ago

Hey thanks a lot for details abt budget; I was looking for it.I’m flying tonite and your post is very useful as I’m very bad at managing budget;).

11 years ago

Mark what is meant by couchsurfing? How to use it.

Hi Shiju, couchsurfing.com is a website where you can search for places to stay!

12 years ago

Egypt is amazing! My wife and I were there in May 2011. We went to all of the same places you did except Abu Simbel.. looks amazing though. We did a Nile Cruise out of Aswan so we didn’t have the time. Ended up in Luxor, then fly back to Cairo after a few days touring. I think Egypt is the top place Ive ever been! So much history.. so worth going and will definitely go again if the country settles down.

I fully agree with you Derek, Egypt is such an amazing country with its history, culture, food, and people. Even though I wasn’t able to do and see all that I wanted, I had such a great time. The Nile cruise was great, wasn’t it!

Loved It! You could probably spend a year touring Egypt.. we spent 3 weeks and even though we saw so much we still missed parts that I wish we could have seen such as Abu Simbel. It was a place we could have gone but just didn’t have time.

Hope the country stabilizes in the next few years.. would love to go back!

I agree Derek, one could easily spend a few years traveling around Egypt. There’s so much to do and see!

Emme Rogers @ Roamancing

How safe did you find your travels in Cairo?

I have the opportunity to go to speak to a conference in December.

Thanks for advice in advance.

Hi Emme, thanks for contacting me. To be honest, I felt completely safe the entire time I was in Egypt. People are extremely friendly and kind on an individual level – they are willing to go out of their way to help you. That being said, I’m not fully sure of the current situation in Cairo at this moment, and there’s always a possibility the some areas are not safe. I take the opportunity to speak at the conference, but make sure you read about the current situation before you go and make sure to have a plan! Hope this helps and hope you have a great time in Cairo! Mark

Cole @ FourJandals

Awesome advice. We are headed there on a 10 day tour over Christmas/New Years and cannot wait. Bit worried about Felucca cruise but sounds like fun.

Hey Cole, great to hear that you on on your way to Egypt during the holidays. I know that you’ll have an incredible time and know that you will also enjoy the felucca cruise!

Christine Ghobrial

I love your posts man!!! Really interesting, practical, exciting and to the point.. I love even the way you see Egypt in your point of view as a traveler…you go deep and true to the core of the culture. 🙂 Hope you’d come back soon and I was wondering if we could do something together…

I’ll continue reading more of those Egyptian articles :0) I like!

Hey Christine, Thanks so much for checking out my site and for leaving a comment! I’m glad to read this, because I really do appreciate the small and deeper things in a country when I travel. I would love to come back to Egypt sometime, will definitely let you know if I return! Thanks again and have a great day!

13 years ago

So glad to have read this I fly to Cairo on the 16th of this month for 9 days I’m 47 and travelling there to fulfil my dream of seeing pyramids etc I was panicking about how much money I would need but those fears are gone now I can wait I am staying with a family in Khatab district near Shubra area so I now to respect them and their beliefs thanks for such an informative page

That’s great to hear Debby! I hope you will have an amazing time, and I know you will enjoy the historical sites that you have been waiting to see. Have a great time!

Philippine Hotel

I always adore Egypt. This place is so amazing! And i never thought that it was this cheap. I think Egyptians are really hospitable to many travelers.

Very true – local Egyptians are extremely hospitable. I was happy with the way I could travel and live in Egypt at a pretty decent budget.

oh wow… never thought that egypt can be this affordable… did you fly from bangkok to cairo?

Yup! My parents actually live in Tanzania, so I bought a ticket to Tanzania via Egypt Air and decided to remain in Egypt for a few weeks. It’s an amazing place!

Nomadic Samuel

Mark, I would have never guessed Egypt would be that cheap! These cost analysis breakdown posts are some of my favourites on your site 🙂

Thanks Samuel! Everyday living costs in Egypt are really quite cheap and I was also surprised at the affordability of all the Egyptian sites, especially if you have a student ID.

It’s not a Mark post without ridiculous food photos! Great, useful roundup as always.

Ha! Thanks Jodi!

Cornelius Aesop

That looks amazing and you can’t argue the price. I had someone tell me they canceled their trip to Egypt because of everything that was going on over there, I desperately wanted to say I’d go in her place. I feel like Egypt would fulfill my history nerdiness and subdue my travel bug all in one.

Right about that Cornelius. I have always been interested in history, so when I had an opportunity to visit Egypt, I was so excited and loved every moment of it. Despite the struggles, I can assure you that most Egyptians are peaceful, extremely kind and are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I hope you get a chance to visit soon!

I really like ur post and I think it’s quite amazing to do all of these stuff with such an affordable budget! Btw I am Egyptian who lives in Cairo and I think it such an amazing thing for a non-Egyptian like u Mark who had the opportunity to know all these stuff about my country and lived it the way I always enjoyed! Thanks again for your great review

Hi Mo! Thanks so much for checking out this post and for taking the time to leave a comment. I had an incredible time visiting your country. Not only were the historical sites amazing, but the Egyptians I met were extremely kind and hospitable which added to the amazing experience. Glad you enjoyed the article!

Traveling Ted

One of the biggest costs in Southeast Asia is the $40.00 three day pass for Angkor Wat. Compared to other costs in Cambodia this fee is astronomical, but when visiting something so incredible like the temples or the historical sites of Egypt there is no point in quibbling. It is worth it. I always find posts where travelers break down their money spent especially helpful when planning trips.

Thanks Ted! It’s true, sometimes we just need to pay the entrance price and it’s completely worth it! The attractions that I visited in Egypt were worth all the money that I spent and I am 100% glad that I didn’t avoid visiting the sites to avoid paying the fees. Glad that this can be a helpful post!

Good post Mark, but when I get there I won’t be worrying about how much it costs. You see I have this amazing way of never having to worry about what I spend. I just leave that all up to my wife! 🙂

That’s a great way to travel Jim. I hope I can say the same in the future!

I find your budgeting costs quite amazing and only wish I was young and adventurous enough to do a trip like that. However, I’m in my late sixties and planned to go on a small group tour to Egypt & Jordan when all the trouble broke out earlier this year and the tour was cancelled. It sounds like it is safe enough now and you have provided such a lot of info. Egypt is still on my radar for next year and I’m all fired up again to go, after reading you blog. Did you ever get sick eating that delicious looking food from the food stalls?

Awesome to hear this Lyn, thanks for sharing! For me, I never got sick while eating the street food. I do eat a lot of street food around the world, so my stomach is accustomed to it, but on the whole I thought most of the food was quite sanitary. Glad you are excited about visiting and I really hope you are able to travel to Egypt and Jordan soon!

Eileen Ludwig

YEs if your going it is important to visit the sites, that is what Egypt is all about

Can’t miss the ancient sites in Egypt!

The Travel Chica

You really did get to see all the top attractions on your trip at a budget price.

Thanks Stephanie!

John in France

Great post – glad you still managed to squeeze in some great food shots – those Koftas look great!

No matter where I travel, I still have to eat a few awesome meals! I had meat only a couple of times in Egypt, but wow, it was tasty!

Cathy Sweeney

Thanks for the comprehensive post about your experiences in Egypt and the great tips. Still have Egypt high on my list — this is helpful information. Love the pics, too!

Thanks Cathy! I hope you can visit Egypt soon!

adventureswithben

Great post.

Thanks Ben!

Christy @ Technosyncratic

Egypt is top of my list (has been since I was a kid), but I’m still trying to convince Kali that now is a good time to visit. When we finally get there, though, I’m visiting ALL the historical sites regardless of the cost! 🙂

Sometimes, if it’s something you’ve been dreaming about for your entire life, it’s worth it to pay and enjoy. Like you, I dreamed of visiting Egypt since I was a kid and I did spend a bit more than usual to see all the sites! Hope you make it to Egypt soon – keep convincing Kali!

Helpful info! Will be useful for an eventual trip there in the future! 🙂 I have been enjoying your website immensely, it is a huge inspiration for me! Thanks!

Thanks a lot Jess! I really appreciate you checking out my site and I’m so glad to hear that it’s an inspiration! Good luck with all your travels as well!

Mark I like your budget posts the best. I think we have a similar spending style and it gives me a good idea of what to expect.

Thanks Ayngelina, I’m glad you like these budget articles and cool to know our traveling styles are similar!

David @ MalaysiaAsia

Very nice Mark. I’m still waiting for my Egypt trip as I have been planning this for many years. Seems like the crowds are getting bigger and bigger. What about visa charges for Asians?

Great Dave! Not sure about visa charges for Asians, but I think it’s still around $15 for the simple tourist visa. Hope you can get your trip planned to Egypt in the future – even though crowds are big, the historical sites were so incredible that I sorted tuned everyone out as I was seeing the ancient temples and hieroglyphics.

Sounds amazing! It might get pricy, but how can you go to Egypt and NOT see the sights?

Exactly. I budgeted a little more than usual, because those are historical attractions I had wanted to see me entire life!

Cost of Travel in Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt

Egypt is possibly the country that knows the powers of tourism more than anywhere else in the world. From renowned historical attractions to world-class dive sites and desert oases, Egypt has something for everyone. Though this Middle East country may have some of the world's most famous historical attractions, the cost of travel in Egypt can be held to a minimum.

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (officially EGP, but in Egypt, I ONLY saw the symbol LE: 1 USD is about 16.64 LE) as of July 2019.

Note : If you are a student, don't forget an ISIC (official student ID) card for 1/2 prices on almost all Egyptian sites.

Luxor, Egypt

Table of Contents

Accommodation

Nightlife / going out, transportation, sample cost of attractions in egypt, total cost per day.

Egypt attracts travelers from all walks of life that demand every form and style of accommodation. From prestigious hotels and boat cruises to dorm beds that look like they came from a tomb, you can find a place as affordable or expensive as you want. We'll stick with budget accommodation for this post.

Around the very tourist oriented towns, like Luxor, the prices will be slightly higher than other parts of the country.

• Dorm Beds (sometimes includes AC): $4 – $5 (67 – 83 LE )
• Double Room with Fan and sometimes rickety AC: $5 – $14 (83 – 233 LE)
• Decent Hotel Room: $14 – $21 (233 – 350 LE)

Sometimes rooms in Egypt are filled with a jumble of random beds, so it can be beneficial to be with a few friends to get the best rates.

Filing Kushari in Cairo, Egypt

Egyptian food is delicious, filling, and if you are willing to do some vegetarian meals, it's available for cheap! Meat tends to get more expensive, but every now and then is a must.

Street food

• Egyptian Sandwiches: Arabic bread filled with a choice of beans, eggplant, or other fillings cost $0.25 – $0.50 (4 – 8 LE) each, I normally indulged in 3 – 5 per sitting
• Falafel: Awesome deep-fried vegetable fritters that make a great meal or snack: $0.75 (12 LE) will buy a small bag
• Kushari – noodles, rice, beans, sauce: 16 LE ($1)
• Shawarma: sandwich loaded with meat or chicken: $1.25 (20 LE)
• A big pile of Egyptian desserts: 16 LE ($1)

Restaurants

• Egyptian pizza: $4 (64 LE)
• For a big meal at a nice sit down Egyptian or International restaurant: $7 – $10 (116 – 160 LE)

For myself, it's not so much about going out to clubs and bars, but about enjoying nightlife as locals enjoy it. In Egypt, it's common to hang out at tea shops during the night, drinking cups of tea and puffing on Egyptian sheesha (water pipe flavored tobacco).

• Cup of tea: $0.25 (4 LE)
• Sheesha pipe: $0.50 – $1 (8 – 16 LE), cost highly depends on where you go, men tea shops are the cheapest

Beer can be found in locations around Egypt, but bars must be enclosed and windows blocked so no one can see alcohol bottles from the outside.

• Bottle of Stella Beer: $3 – $5 (48 – 80 LE)

Metro in Cairo

• Metro : Packed and sweaty but single rides are just $0.25 (4 LE)
• Taxi : Always look for the white taxi's that use the meter, black taxi's can way overcharge and then put up a fight to get their money. Taxi meters begin at $1 (16 LE)
• Bus : The cheapest, most adventurous, but sure way to get lost form or transportation around Cairo, the fare is up to $0.25 (4 LE) per ride

Trains and buses are the main means of getting around the rest of Egypt.

• Train : There are all kinds of classes and the train system, though works quite well, can be rather confusing to figure out. I paid $16 (266 LE) for a night train from Cairo to Luxor in 2nd class – very adequate. Train from Cairo to Alexandria (2 – 3 hours): $6 (100 LE)
• Bus : Where the train does not go, the option is to take a bus. I took a bus from Alexandria to the Siwa Oasis (10 hours): $7 (116 LE)

Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt

Almost all Egyptian historical attractions are 1/2 price for students (some let you get away with just a student card, while others look for the official ISIC cards).

• Pyramids : $10 (160 LE) for adults, $5 for students (80 LE)
• Tour of the Valley of the Kings , including transportation and visit to 5 or so sites in the area, and entrance to tombs: $42 (700 LE) for adults, $25 for students (416 LE)
• Entrance to Abu Simbel : $16 (266 LE)
• 2 day, 1 night all-inclusive Desert Safari at the Siwa Oasis: $25 (416 LE)
• 3 days, 2 nights on an all-inclusive Nile River Felucca (Egyptian sailboat): $25 (416 LE)

I spent on average $20 (333 LE) per day while traveling in Egypt, but I am a huge fanatic of Egyptian history and wanted to see and do as much as I could while I was there (I stayed as cheaply as possible, ate almost all vegetarian street food in order to save money, but visited many sites which added up to my total daily expenditure). You'll also need to set aside some baksheesh (questionable tip) money while traveling through Egypt.

If you don't visit too many attractions and just stay put, it would be possible to hang out in Egypt for $10 (160 LE) a day. If you do as I did, but add drinking and more entertainment to the mix you might budget for $20 –  $40 per day in Egypt .

There is no shortage of awesome attractions in Egypt, and when things get hectic and hot (which they surely will), it's always nice to sit down with a cup of tea and sheesha , and just relax!

Last Updated on July 2, 2019 by Adam Cheshier

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology , he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @migrationology .

Kimberly Davis

Tuesday 25th of April 2017

Thank you! Good information!

Sunday 4th of December 2016

Super helpful post ! Thanks !

Friday 25th of November 2016

Im searching an accomodation Im TravéL by my OwN...i WanT to locaTe in Cairo...is there ANY WeBsite That i can find Cheap And safe RooMS?

lauriespoetry

Wednesday 9th of March 2016

Hello! This post is great as I'm planning a 2-3 week trip with my partner at the end of the year. Thanks so much :) Lauren

Marina Gouveia

Monday 15th of February 2016

Hey i would like to know the cost to travel to egypt for a 5 days in us dollars with accomodation and everthing.

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Now 1US$ = 16 EGP

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Egypt?

How much does it cost to travel to Egypt? This is one of the most common questions and there’s not a straightforward answer. What I can tell you is that it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s what you need to know when calculating the cost of an Egypt trip.

Egypt is a truly magical destination that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. 

While you can certainly choose to go all out and splurge on luxury accommodation, private tours and 5* meals, there’s equal possibility to visit the country on more of a budget. 

Either way, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled this handy guide to help you plan your trip to Egypt.  

First Up, Is it Expensive to Travel to Egypt?

On average, not really. 

Of course, this depends on where you are travelling from, how long you’re planning to spend in Egypt and how crazy your itinerary is – but you certainly won’t need to bring thousands upon thousands of pounds in spending money. That is, unless you’re planning to hit up the designer shops. 

The main costs are accommodation, transport, and spending money for tours/activities. 

Although airfare may seem pricey, there are ways to cut the costs down, including setting price alerts, booking early, and remembering to delete those sneaky little cookies on your browser.

How Much Does an Egypt Trip Cost?

Airfare 

Flying to Egypt will set you back a little. Travelling in July is more expensive than if you were to travel in early to mid-September. Though, December is a very expensive month to travel to Egypt.

In late July, airfare to Cairo is quite costly – a return flight from the UK starts at £538. If you travel from the US, return flights start from $1,230. 

Flying in September will cost you £229 for a return flight from the UK and $633 from the US.

Food & Drink 

Meal prices in Egypt vary, but the average cost for food per day is £8/$10 if you purchase from a market or local street vendor. 

A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant generally costs less than £20 or $25. 

Museum / Attraction Fees

The cost of attraction admission varies depending on where you are, but usually, these prices are under £4. 

Most smaller attractions are affordable, but you’ll pay more if you want to visit the more popular attractions like the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum. 

An inclusive ticket to the pyramids costs roughly £26/$35. This includes entrance into the Khufu Boat Museum and the Great Pyramid. 

Plus, there are plenty of things to do in Cairo that don’t cost much or are free, so it’s worth adding those to your itinerary if you’re looking to travel on a budget. 

Guided Tours 

Prices for guided tours range from £486 to £1705 ($600-$2000), depending on the tour. 

Some tour companies offer discounted prices for groups – so it’s worth keeping an eye out for special deals. 

Local Transportation 

On average, a local taxi ride costs 107 Egyptian pounds (£4.56/$6), and intercity transport costs 482 Egyptian pounds (£21/$26). 

Rail tickets depend on the class of tickets and if it is an overnight sleeper. On average, a one-way ticket on a tourist train costs around $100 per person in a compartment. 

A local taxi is the most convenient way to travel around Egypt’s cities as long as you agree upon a fare before getting into the car. If you are worried about getting scammed by drivers, ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber are your best bet. 

These apps are usually more expensive but save you the hassle of negotiating with drivers. Just be aware that any communication you have with the driver in-app will be in Arabic – I got caught out by this when I was trying to find my Uber driver at the airport. 

Another option for travelling through Egypt is by train. This is an excellent option if you want to avoid heavy traffic. 

The trains offer first, second, and third-class tickets. Second-class tickets are perfect if you wish to get from A to Z while saving some money. But, if you want to travel in luxury, first-class has air conditioning, padded seats, and serves meals and snacks. 

Accommodation

Prices vary depending on the location and the time of year. Peak tourist season in Egypt is from December through February, so you can expect prices to be higher than usual. 

I highly recommend checking and comparing prices on Booking.com as they have great deals and a wide range of accommodation types. 

Budget 

With a budget option, accommodation generally costs between £8.14 and £40.70 per night. The cheaper options are hostels where you will share a room with others. 

At a mid-range hotel, the prices range between £40 and £122 per night. For a double room, the cost is roughly £50. 

High-End 

For a high-end hotel, such as the Ritz-Carlton in Cairo or the Hilton Luxor , prices start from £277 per night. 

Is it a Good Idea to Take An Egypt Tour?

Yes, it’s not just a good idea, it’s an excellent one. You can, of course, visit many attractions and sites on your own, but nothing beats travelling with a local guide. 

They know the ins and outs of the attractions and are also great if you want photo ops as they usually know the best spots. 

Another reason to get a private guide is the opportunity to learn more about Egypt’s history. On tours, local guides will often show you many hidden places you would have never found on your own. Guides also share fascinating stories and great anecdotes about the attractions. 

Guided tours also allow you to skip the long lines to popular sites like the Giza Plateau. In my opinion, tours are a superb way to learn more about Egyptian history. 

How Expensive is Egypt: At a Glance. Is Egypt Expensive? 

Not too sure about the average cost of a trip to Egypt? I’ve compiled a quick guide that may help.

Conversion rates change quite rapidly these days, so it’s best to regularly check them before planning your budget.

Tips for Travelling to Egypt on the Cheap

If you are travelling on a budget and you need some advice, here are some top tips on how to travel to Egypt for cheap. 

Compare Accommodation Costs

The cheapest way to stay in Egypt is to book at a hostel. Generally, you will stay in a shared dorm room, but for a little extra, you can get a private single room with a shared bathroom. 

Another great option is to look for private rooms in guesthouses. These are usually cheaper than the bigger hotels in Cairo and Luxor. Prices are normally listed per room and not per person. This means you can split the cost if you are travelling with a friend. 

I also recommend looking for accommodation that offers extra benefits. Some guesthouses offer meals like breakfast and dinner at a more affordable price than if you were to dine out. 

If you are travelling in Egypt for more than a few days, vacation rentals are also a great option. Most of these rentals are fully furnished apartments with kitchens. This makes it easy to cut costs by cooking some meals at home as groceries are cheaper in Egypt. 

Saving Money on Food

One of the best ways to save on food costs is to eat at local restaurants and street vendors. Ditch opting for Western chain restaurants and try a local place near you – you can easily get falafel for £0.83 or $1. 

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, I recommend exploring any Cairo market to find delicious shawarma or a stuffed falafel sandwich for £1.65/$2.50. You can also find Arabic bread for cheap, a bargain at less than 5 cents. 

Don’t be afraid to try out Egypt’s street food, especially if vendors cook the food in front of you. Chances are if there is a crowd of locals purchasing from the vendor, you’re in for a tasty meal. 

If you are a little tentative about eating from street vendors, you can try eating at a koshari. These are small, local restaurants that serve hearty portions of chickpeas, lentil dishes, and pasta. 

Don’t Book Your Tours in Advance

You may not like this if you are someone who likes to plan ahead, but try not to book tours in advance. 

You can end up paying less if you use a tour company or local guide as they sometimes offer last-minute discounts on popular tours. 

You can book tours, private drivers and even the iconic cruise down the Nile locally at substantially lower prices than if you book in advance. If you’re easily adaptable and flexible with your dates, book your tours after you land in Egypt. 

Local guides are irreplaceable sources of knowledge and valuable information about the area. Guides are also great when it comes to dealing with hagglers. 

Get Travel Passes to Attractions

The Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Plateau all offer multi-entrance discount passes. 

These passes save you about 50% on entries to over 30 attractions in both Giza and Cairo. They cost £82 or $100 and are valid for 5 days. 

Travel passes are a fantastic option if you want to visit multiple attractions on your trip or visit the same place more than once. Information and offers for these are scarce online, so your best bet is to go to the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum or the Giza Plateau, once you’re in Egypt

If you are a registered international student, you can also get an International Student Identity Card which allows you discounted tickets to some of Egypt’s best museums. 

Using Local Transportation

Taxis are an accessible and cheap way to travel around Egypt. The only downfall is that taxi drivers are quite reckless. Taxi drivers might also try to get more money out of you for the trip. 

My advice is to use an unmetered taxi and agree on a price for the trip before getting in. Unsure about an acceptable price? Ask someone at your guesthouse or hostel for a price recommendation. Start your bargaining at half that price. 

If you are travelling longer distances, a hired car with a driver is the most cost-effective choice. Regardless if you are travelling with a group or by yourself, the cost will be the same. 

The local train between Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is a great option if you are visiting multiple cities. 

The overnight sleeper train is fantastic, and you save on accommodation in a hotel. A deluxe sleeper is £90/$108, and a two-bed cabin is £66/$88. These cabins are secure, and the fares include dinner and breakfast. 

So, How Much is a Trip to Egypt? 

In short, a trip to Egypt doesn’t have to cost too much. The most costly expenses will be your airfare and accommodation if you choose to book a luxe hotel. 

How much is the average trip to Egypt? 

Depending on where you want to go and how much of Egypt you want to experience, your trip to Egypt could cost you less than £1000/$1200. 

Following the tips in this guide, spending less than this is easy to do whilst still enjoying the best Egypt has to offer.  

Discover More Egypt Travel Guides

• 20+ Things You Should Know Before Your Egypt Trip
• The Ultimate Egypt Packing Guide
• 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
• Unmissable Things to do in Egypt
• Traveling to Egypt Guide
• Things to do in Cairo (+ Not Just Pyramids)
• How to Book a Nile River Cruise

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Find cheap flights to Cairo from $232

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to cairo departing on 4/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to cairo.

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The cheapest airline ticket to Cairo from the United States in the last 72 hours was $232 one-way, and $617 round-trip on the route from New York to Cairo . The most popular route is from Washington, D.C. to Cairo and the cheapest ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $626 round-trip.

How much is a flight to Cairo?

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This service ensures a friendly face awaits you upon arrival at Cairo Airport. An Ahlan representative will be waiting to welcome you with a sign in hand. You will then be transported in a dedicated vehicle to the VIP lounge, where you will be well taken care of until arrival procedures are finalized, and your baggage has been claimed. There are two levels to this service: meet and assist and VIP. Non-Egyptians will be charged an estimated E£2820 ($150) for VIP services and E£1410 ($75) for meet and assist services, subject to price changes.

Are car rentals available?

Limousine services are offered at Cairo International Airport (CAI). They pick up passengers from the terminals' curbside. The pricing is fixed based on the destination and type of car in use. Category A is for luxury limousines, Category B is for microbuses ferrying up to 7 passengers, Category C is mid-sized vehicles, while Category D is London Taxis.

What medical amenities are available?

Medical facilities are available to passengers at Cairo International Airport (CAI), with emergency cases being transferred to the nearest hospitals using ambulances. The medical facilities are also used to monitor arriving passengers while observing their health conditions. In the event of an infection, precautionary steps will be taken, such as quarantine. Vaccinations can be done at the International Vaccination Office to protect against epidemic diseases.

What services are available in the lounge?

The lounges in Cairo International Airport (CAI) offer world-class services for passengers to enjoy. There are open buffet restaurants for replenishment, Wi-Fi, and magazines to peruse while enjoying the comfortable space. MasterCard holders, American Express cardholders, first and business-class passengers, and holders of the Dragon Pass card are allowed into the lounge. Cash payment is also accepted at the counter or online at E£564 (around $18) for non-Egyptians.

What restaurant options are there at Cairo International Airport?

Travelers need not worry about going hungry at Cairo International Airport (CAI). There are a variety of both local and international restaurants available in the terminals. Popular options include Hippo Bar and Grill, Ritazza, and Yossri Khalaf Cafeteria.

How do I get from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to downtown Cairo?

Public buses, shuttles, taxis, and limos are all available for travelers looking to get into the city after their flight to Cairo. The cheapest method is undoubtedly the public bus. The buses are air-conditioned but may not be ideal for travelers with luggage. Taxis are always a good option if money is of no concern. However, the shuttle service is likely the best mix of price and comfort.

What hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to Cairo International Airport (CAI)?

If staying in the airport hotel doesn't suit you, then perhaps one of the numerous hotels in the city would be better. Many hotels in Cairo cater to tourists by offering free transportation service to and from the airport. Some of these hotels include the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, and Le Passage Cairo.

What is there to do while at Cairo International Airport (CAI)?

If you have a layover that will last a few hours, one unique option is to play tennis. Smash Tennis Academy is located just next door to the airport and is a great place to spend a few hours. However, if you don't plan on leaving the airport, another option is to visit the airport's internet cafe.

How far is Cairo from central Cairo?

Cairo is 12 miles from the center of Cairo.

What is the name of Cairo’s airport?

All flights to Cairo land at Cairo. The airport code is CAI,and it can also be referred to as Cairo, Cairo Airport, or Cairo Intl.

On average, a flight to Cairo costs $810. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $401 and departed from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport.

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KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Cairo.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Cairo?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairo is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Cairo?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Cairo with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Cairo?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairo up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cairo

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Cairo flight deals.
• When traveling to Egypt, your entry point will be the Cairo International Airport, the country’s main and busiest airport (CAI). On entry, non-Egyptian residents will require one of 3 visas granted abroad by Diplomatic bodies or at major entry ports. These visas fall under the categories of Tourist Visa, Entry Visa and Transit Visa.
• Cairo International Airport (CAI) has an automated people mover, the first of its kind in the Middle East region. This provides free services for passengers transiting in the airport , helping them connect between Terminal 1 (TB1), Terminal 2 (TB2), Terminal 3 (TB3), the air mall and the car park.
• Flights from the US either have no stops or can have up to two stops en route. For example, a flight from New York’s JFK will have a stopover in London, Heathrow. Depending on the airline of choice, a flight from Washington, DC, will have a stopover in Amsterdam or Vienna.
• Business travelers are in luck, as Cairo International Airport (CAI) has a business center located in Terminal 1. The center has printing and fax stations available, as well as Wi-Fi. There are also meeting rooms available at the airport.
• Since you will be traveling to a new country, various banks are available at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to help with currency exchange. The National Bank of Egypt is available at the arrival halls in all three terminals.
• Suppose you are staying in Cairo for a while and require a local sim card ; two Telco companies are located at the arrival post to assist with this. Vodafone and Amir Center Co are both available at Terminal 1.
• Worried about food poisoning during your travels? Why not stop off at one of the two pharmacies located inside Cairo International Airport (CAI)? Dr. Vivian Pharmacy in Terminal 1 and El Ezaby Pharmacy in Terminal 3 will serve your needs well. At either of the two stores, travelers can pick up any last-minute first aid supplies they might need.
• Tired after your flight to Cairo International Airport (CAI)? Consider resting up at the Le Meridien Cairo Airport , which is connected directly to Terminal 3 via a pedestrian bridge. Le Meridien Cairo Airport offers both day and night rates, so it is great for grabbing a few hours of rest or staying the night.
• No trip abroad is complete without a few souvenirs and gifts to bring home for family and friends. Fortunately for travelers, Cairo International Airport (CAI) has plenty of souvenir and gifts shops that are just perfect for last-minute purchases. The duty-free shops are particularly worth checking out to find local goods and specialties at cheap prices.
• If you need help planning your trip to Egypt, one good option might be to stop by one of the travel agency desks after your flight to Cairo lands. Many travel agencies, such as Al Nakheel Tourism and Kimidar Tourism, have their desks right inside the airport, making it quick and easy to book tickets, hotels, or tours through them.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Cairo?

Find which airlines fly direct to Cairo, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Cairo

ANA, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +67 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, +68 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +64 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, +65 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +66 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, +67 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +65 more

ANA, Aegean Airlines, +66 more

Nonstop returns

Cairo to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to cairo.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Delta did an awful job w logistics at DTW. Missed connection. We were there an hour early. SUCKED

Inflight entertainment stopped working as we taxi to runway and never worked again until landing and taxi to gate. Grrrr

Had to run to make it only to have the flight delayed to wait for all the late connectors Second drink service skipped up

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

Please see my lengthy description on MSP to Atlanta survey. Tailbone is killing me from old hard seats. Seat would not recline and were not near exit row. Entertainment did not work properly and couldn’t use. No audio and touch screen failed. 3 plus hours of discomfort in narrower seats than previous flight not in comfort plus. Very dissatisfied and deserve comfort plus charges refunds, at the very least, for both my wife and I. The plane needs to be retired. Please feel free to contact me directly for further details.

MSP to Atlanta was much better than Atlanta to St. Kitts. Paid $180 each for myself and wife for Delta comfort from Atlanta to St. Kitts. Seats were more narrow and obviously old and worn out. Tailbone is killing me. Seat would not recline. Seats behind reclined and we were not an exit row or in front of an exit row. Entertainment did not work in that the movie jumped forward and back and there was no audio. The plug in the arm rest was loose. Flight attendant tried “resetting” the video for my seat but no good. She never checked back. Someone else near me had the same issue. Touch screen was unresponsive. No where near as comfortable as MSP to Atlanta flight. 3 plus hrs. flight time without the basic amenities and not even remotely close to comfortable but paid for Comfort plus. I will be very disappointed if I have the same on my return “Comfort Plus” flight St. Kitts to Atlanta. At the very least my wife and I should be refunded for round trip “Comfort Plus” charges. Please feel free to contact me directly for more details.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

0ur assigned seats were given to other individuals when we boarded the plane. We were given new boarding passes with new seats all the way at the back of the plane. The reason given to us was that there were issues with the seats. We found out that there were no issues, and someone else's were seated on those.

The seats were broken, crew didn’t really care about service, boarding was not priority for business class, my bags arrived last

Comfortable flight with decent legroom and good seats. The crew were helpful and courteous and managed well with the stressful boarding and the chaos that’s involved. The food was decent, more than expected from a short flight like this. The only reservation I have was that the crew allowed passengers to board With massive amounts of hand luggage which were piled up on the empty seats next to passengers and and it was a risk to all passengers in the case of turbulence or emergency landing. I’ve never seen this ever on any flights I have boarded with many other airlines.

Flight was supposed to take off Saturday at noon. Bumped for unknown reasons until 2 am, then 9 am, then noon, then we don’t know. Not weather related. Dismal and non existent customer service. No 24/7 relations. Couldn’t get my bag back to attempt to get on another flight until 5pm Saturday. Will never take this airline again!

Greater clarity in organizing line-ups for the various boarding groups would have made it easier for all. Due to the many children, the announcements could not be heard clearly enough, so a simplicity in organization would have helped.

I had a great experience with EGYPTAIR. They offered me to check in my handbag which made it very easy since I use a cane. Thank you to EGYPTAIR crew for making sure everyone is receiving the right services.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

The crew on this flight were excellent. They were friendly and attentive. It really made the flight more enjoyable.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

British Airways canceled our plane and gave us a new flight scheduled to leave in only three hours, so we had to drop everything and rush to the airport. The new itinerary only left us a one hour layover in Madrid, which was too short because the plane landed late and so we missed our connecting flight. We were then booked onto a flight scheduled to take off 8 hours later, and were not given any compensation or remedial measures.

Seat layout, flight/club attendant service, food variety and quality could have been better. Business class Standard is visibly low compared with 6 other airlines that we have traveled for the past two years.

Despite many attempts to work out a change, neither British Airways nor Kayak nor Chatdeal would allow us to cancel or change this flight so we lost all of the payments when we were not able to fly. Absolutely terrible customer service. We will never use either of the services again.

It said that there was wifi. During the flight there was no wifi and while waiting at the gate the phone services already got cut off so I wasn’t able to say I am taxiing from the gate to my husband. This left me with an uncomfortable feeling. So I was waiting on the WiFi connection during flight and that never happened.

Asked for a wheelchair multiple times. Got denied the wheelchair in London layover.

Good. But there food was poor quality and 95% of movies didn't have English subtitles

I thought they had rebranded themselves in every aspect but it was quite the opposite. The food was terrible the service was sub-par. Overall it was not a good experience.

Service from staff was poor, food choices were limited. Air plane was not clean or hygienic and seemed like not cleaned for days. Seats were uncomfortable.

service from stAff was barely there , food choices were limited. AirPlane was not clean and seemed like it was not cleaned for days.. Seats were very uncomfortable.

I paid for premium seats and the last minute they changed the aircraft for a bigger one, they bumped me to another seat which was NOT at all comfortable for an 11 hour flight, will fight for a refund!!

The landing was catastrophic. I was very scared. I thought it were my last lminues. Pilotes should be more experienced

ALL services were good. An announcement should’ve been made at the end of the flight that filling out a customs form would not be necessary anymore for USA travelers entering Philadelphia.

The flight was smooth, the premier economy seats were comfortable, the flight crew were excellent. The on board food, however, was AWFUL. I suggest bringing your own food on board.

The flight was smooth, our premier economy seats were comfortable, the flight crew were especially fine - attentive, cheerful. The food, however was AWFUL. I advise bringing your own on board.

The service on board should have been better fast service

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How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Egypt?

For a bespoke 8-day Egypt tour that includes 4-star or 5-star hotel accommodation, a 5-star Nile River cruise, professional guides and admission to several sites, expect an average cost of around $1,600 p/person.

The figure mentioned above does not include airfare for your flights to and from Egypt. Of course, you could enjoy a 7-day trip to Egypt for less, but you would be missing out on so much of what makes Egypt such a fantastic and such a fascinating holiday destination .

For many people, a trip to Egypt is a once in a lifetime event, so it only makes sense that you should try to make the most of your vacation in the Land of the Pharaohs. You want your Egypt tour to be an epic journey with lifelong memories.

You could easily reduce the figure quoted above by not going for a Nile cruise , not using guides, staying in budget accommodation, using public transport only, and limiting the number tourist attractions you visit. However, you will probably go home with a lot of regrets. As with so many things in life, when it comes to having a vacation in Egypt , you get what you pay for.

Let’s take a look and various elements that can reduce or add to the cost of a trip to Egypt, including things like hotel accommodation, sightseeing, and Nile cruise prices. Any and all prices quoted in this post were correct at the time of this post being written.

How Much Does International Flight Tickets Cost?

International air travel to and from Egypt is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to visiting Egypt, so we recommend investing some time in shopping around for the best deals. Websites like Skyscanner can be a big help in finding really good flight prices. You can usually also save a good amount of money by booking your flights well in advance.

Remember, direct flights always cost more than indirect flights. This can further reduce the cost of your trip if you don’t mind the inconvenience of a one-stop or two-stop flight. Flying to Cairo International Airport almost always costs less than flying to one of Egypt’s other international airports.

Entering the country via Cairo also allows you to visit famous sites like the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum before moving on to places like Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada and/or Sharm El-Sheikh. Domestic flights in Egypt are very reasonably priced but you could also opt for train travel instead, depending on your daily budget.

How Much Does Nile River Cruises Cost?

How much would it cost to travel to Egypt if you don’t want to go on a Nile River cruise? Well, as of the time of writing, our own prices for a 5-day/4-night Nile cruise were starting at around 800 dollars per person during the low season and around 900 dollars per person during the high season. These are cruises on 5-Star ships with full board and lodging and Egyptologist-guided cruise excursions to numerous archaeological sites.

By not going on a cruise, you can save $600 or more. However, if you don’t go for a cruise, you will have to pay for hotel accommodation instead. You will also have to pay ticket prices for all the different archaeological sites you want to visit and for transport to and from those sites.

It is often said that there is no better way to experience the magic of Ancient Egypt than to do so by way of a Nile cruise, and we certainly agree. So, if you are planning a trip to Egypt , budget for a Nile cruise as well.

Nearly all Nile cruises listed on our site include guided cruise excursions to numerous ancient sites, including:

• Philae Temple
• Kom Ombo Temple
• Edfu Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Karnak Temple
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Valley of the Kings

Some of our cruises also include a day trip to Abu Simbel to see the rock-cut temples of Ramses II. As you can tell, all-inclusive Nile River cruises represent excellent value for money. For this reason, most of our Egypt tour packages include a Nile cruise.

How Much Does Tour Guides Cost?

How much does it cost to travel to Egypt and hire tour guides? Egypt is unlike any other country on earth and if you are planning to visit the country’s famous archaeological sites, we strongly recommend having a professional tour guide accompany you to the sites you visit. It really will make your trip so much more rewarding and memorable.

When it comes to hiring guides, you will need to book guided private tours or guided group tours . Alternatively, it is often possible to hire tour guides at the sites you choose to visit. Be aware that some of these guides are not licensed tour guides. They are operating illegally and will charge you as much as you are willing to pay, so be prepared to do some serious haggling.

If you want a tour guide, it is best to make arrangements with a local tour operator . To give you some idea regarding the price of guided tours, one of our Egypt day tours featuring the Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara cost 150 USD. This is assuming you want a private Egypt tour . Group tours cost less. The same tour would only cost you 69 USD per person if traveling as a group of 6. As a general rule, the more people there are in a group, the cheaper tours are.

If you have a full day tour with your own guide and driver, you should tip your driver about 50 Egyptian Pounds and your tour guide about 80 to 100 Egyptian pounds. At the time of writing, 1USD was worth approximately 18 Egyptian Pounds. Four or five dollars for a tip is not a huge amount but it is an expense you need to budget for if you are going to be using guides, and we certainly recommend that you do.

How Much Does Additional Activities Cost?

How much does it cost to visit Egypt is a question many people ask, and even after doing plenty of research, they still spend more than they had expected. Visiting places which you had not planned on visiting can quickly push you over your budget. The same applies to doing activities you had not planned on doing, such as going for a camel ride at the pyramids, or going for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s ancient monuments at sunrise or sunset.

A camel ride at the pyramids costs anywhere from US$5 to US$20 for a half hour ride depending on your haggling skills. The official rate for a camel ride is currently 50 Egyptian pounds but the price can vary tremendously.

If you want to go for a hot air balloon ride, expect to fork out another US$75 to US$200, depending on location and duration. If you decide you would like to go for an afternoon Felucca ride on the Nile , this will again add at least another US$30 to US$50 to the cost of your trip.

Summary: How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Egypt?

So, how much does it cost to travel to Egypt? You could probably get by on around $50 per day, but it will be a bare bones trip. To really enjoy Egypt, we would recommend a daily budget of $150 to $200 per day, or perhaps slightly more if you book a good quality Nile cruise holiday that includes four or five star accommodation, professional guides, a driver and vehicle, and a Nile River cruise.

While a good quality tour does cost a bit more than going it alone, it takes all the worry and hassle out of planning a trip to Egypt, and it guarantees a far more enjoyable and more rewarding experience.

Travel Egypt in Comfort and Style

If you are longing to experience the magic of Ancient Egypt and you want to do it in comfort and style, check out our fantastic range of Egypt travel packages . All our Egypt travel packages are customizable, or you can even design your own tour from scratch using our user-friendly online travel planner. With Egypt now fully open to tourists once more, and a fantastic USD to EGP exchange rate, now is the perfect time to enjoy a dream vacation in the Land of the Pharaohs .

Design Your Custom Egypt Tour

Explore Egypt and the Middle East your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

12-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise And Red Sea Stay

10-Day Luxury Nile Cruise and Cairo Tours

10-Day Egypt and Jordan Luxury Tours

8-Day Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour w/ Nile Cruise

8-Day Egypt Holiday Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Train]

8-Day Best of Egypt Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Air]

Egypt travel information.

Full Safety Guide: Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?

What are the Must Visit Places in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips: This You Need to Know

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt – Start Here!

Best Time to Visit Egypt and When to Book!

What to Pack for Egypt (Simple Packing List)

Last Updated on March 25, 2024

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Low Cost Egypt Holidays

Low cost holidays to egypt, cheap travel packages, short holiday to cairo and luxor.

Egypt Low Cost Holidays is a trip for those on a tight budget and looking for a cheap Egypt tour that covers all major attractions.

Price per person : $700 USD

7 Nights Travel Package with Cairo and Nile Cruise

This budget tour to Egypt is one of the popular choices for a complete trip to enjoy all the major attractions. in Egypt. A highly recommend package price starts from: $650 USD  

Cheap Egypt Holidays All Inclusive

Cheap Egypt holidays all inclusive is recommended for those who love history, want to explore  historic attractions in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria. Price per person : $900 USD

Nile Cruise Deals

Egypt Day Tours offers you various Nile cruise deals for your Nile cruise Holiday. Check our various Luxor Nile Cruises, Aswan Nile Cruises price starts from: $450 USD  

Cairo Short Breaks

Cairo low cost breaks and offers are for those who are coming to Cairo for Short Time. If you have limited duration of your stay, check our various Cairo Short Breaks. Price per person : $200 USD

Late Deals to Egypt

Low cost Egypt holidays and special offers holidays offers in Egypt. Feel free to browse through our Egypt special offers and frequently updated late deals and promotions in Egypt.

Omg... 8 Days package with Nile Cruise & Free camel ride Only 800$usd

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Flights on This Low-cost Airline Are Now Available to Book on Priceline

Priceline has become the first and only online travel booking site to sell Breeze flights.

Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Low-cost airline Breeze Airways is teaming up with Priceline to sell flights on the online site, making it easier to book tickets.

With the new partnership, Priceline has become the first and only online travel booking site to sell Breeze flights, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure . Previously, the only way to book a flight with the carrier was on its website or through its mobile app.

“We’re excited to work with Priceline, our first-ever OTA partner, to bring Breeze flights to a broader audience,” Lukas Johnson, Breeze’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Now Priceline’s many users have another way to book their next getaway on Breeze.”

Travelers can now book all of Breeze’s 170 routes directly through Priceline, and will soon be able to choose from the airline’s three fare bundles: “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “ Nicest ,” which includes Breeze Ascent complete with perks like checked baggage, in-seat USB and USB-C charging ports, and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Brigit Zimmerman, Priceline’s chief commercial officer, said the new partnership reinforces the company’s “commitment to offering unparalleled travel opportunities and best-in-class deals for our customers.”

Breeze was first created in 2021 by former JetBlue founder David Neeleman and has rapidly expanded since, now flying to 51 cities across 27 different states. The airline also plans to start flying to international destinations in the near future.

Breeze has also committed to using an all-Airbus A220 fleet for its scheduled service by the end of 2024.

For its part, Priceline offers a “VIP” membership program that offers discounts on bookings like hotels and car rentals along with “insider coupons.”

In addition to Breeze, travelers can purchase flights from other airlines directly on Priceline, including from major carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue, as well as low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

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‘A Lot of Chaos’: Bridge Collapse Creates Upheaval at Largest U.S. Port for Car Trade

A bridge collapse closed Baltimore’s port, an important trade hub that ranks first in the nation by the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles.

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Shipping in the Port of Baltimore

Monthly cargo handled by the Port of Baltimore

By Peter Eavis and Jenny Gross

• March 26, 2024

The Baltimore bridge disaster on Tuesday upended operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports, with disruptions likely to be felt for weeks by companies shipping goods in and out of the country — and possibly by consumers as well.

The upheaval will be especially notable for auto makers and coal producers for whom Baltimore has become one of the most vital shipping destinations in the United States.

As officials began to investigate why a nearly 1,000-foot cargo ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the middle of the night, companies that transport goods to suppliers and stores scrambled to get trucks to the other East Coast ports receiving goods diverted from Baltimore. Ships sat idle elsewhere, unsure where and when to dock.

“It’s going to cause a lot of chaos,” said Paul Brashier, vice president for drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore is the latest hit to global supply chains, which have been strained by monthslong crises at the Panama Canal, which has had to slash traffic because of low water levels; and the Suez Canal, which shipping companies are avoiding because of attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea.

The auto industry now faces new supply headaches.

Last year, 570,000 vehicles were imported through Baltimore, according to Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University. “That’s a huge amount,” he said, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the current inventory of new cars in the United States.

The Baltimore port handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year, and it was the 17th biggest port in the nation overall in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Baltimore Ranks in the Top 20 U.S. Ports

Total trade in 2021 in millions of tons

Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles, and for vessels that carry wheeled cargo, including farm and construction machinery, according to a statement by Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland last month.

The incident is another stark reminder of the vulnerability of the supply chains that transport consumer products and commodities around the world.

The extent of the disruption depends on how long it takes to reopen shipping channels into the port of Baltimore. Experts estimate it could take several weeks.

Baltimore is not a leading port for container ships, and other ports can likely absorb traffic that was headed to Baltimore, industry officials said.

Stephen Edwards, the chief executive of the Port of Virginia, said it was expecting a vessel on Tuesday that was previously bound for Baltimore, and that others would soon follow. “Between New York and Virginia, we have sufficient capacity to handle all this cargo,” Mr. Edwards said, referring to container ships.

“Shipping companies are very agile,” said Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor in the department of maritime business administration at Texas A&M University-Galveston. “In two to three days, it will be rerouted.”

But other types of cargo could remain snarled.

Alexis Ellender, a global analyst at Kpler, a commodities analytics firm, said he expected the port closure to cause significant disruption of U.S. exports of coal. Last year, about 23 million metric tons of coal exports were shipped from the port of Baltimore, about a quarter of all seaborne U.S. coal shipments. About 12 vessel had been expected to leave the port of Baltimore in the next week or so carrying coal, according to Kpler.

He noted that it would not make a huge dent on the global market, but he added that “the impact is significant for the U.S. in terms of loss of export capacity.”

“You may see coal cargoes coming from the mines being rerouted to other ports instead,” he said, with a port in Norfolk, Va., the most likely.

If auto imports are reduced by Baltimore’s closure, inventories could run low, particularly for models that are in high demand.

“We are initiating discussions with our various transportation providers on contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted flow of vehicles to our customers and will continue to carefully monitor this situation,” Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, said in a statement.

Other ports have the capacity to import cars, but there may not be enough car transporters at those ports to handle the new traffic.

“You have to make sure the capacity exists all the way in the supply chain — all the way to the dealership,” said Mr. Golara, the Georgia State professor.

A looming battle is insurance payouts, once legal liability is determined. The size of the payout from the insurer is likely to be significant and will depend on factors including the value of the bridge, the scale of loss of life compensation owed to families of people who died, the damage to the vessel and disruption to the port.

The ship’s insurer, Britannia P&I Club, part of a global group of insurers, said in a statement that it was “working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally.”

The port has also increasingly catered to large container ships like the Dali, the 948-foot-long cargo vessel carrying goods for the shipping giant Maersk that hit a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Dali had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off toward the 1.6-mile Francis Scott Key Bridge.

State-owned terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and privately owned terminals in Baltimore transported a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80 billion.

Materials transported in large volumes through the city’s port include coal, coffee and sugar. It was the ninth-busiest port in the nation last year for receiving foreign cargo, in terms of volume and value.

The bridge’s collapse will also disrupt cruises traveling in and out of Baltimore. Norwegian Cruise Line last year began a new fall and winter schedule calling at the Port of Baltimore.

An earlier version of this article misstated the Port of Baltimore’s rank among U.S. ports. It was the nation’s 17th biggest port by total tons in 2021, not the 20th largest.

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Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross