Want to explore the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and the huge Nile? Egypt is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world, offering a wealth of attractions, including rich history, superb architecture, and the best hospitality. But how much does it cost to visit Egypt and enjoy my trip? Let’s talk about how it costs to visit Egypt and enjoy every trip to Egypt without any shortage.
Cost to Visit Egypt from the Flight
Flights from the USA and Europe are very expensive to Egypt; it costs around $1200 to $2000, and it also matters in which season are travel to Egypt. A flight from the Middle East or Asia is cheaper; it only costs around $300. If you want to save money on flights, book flights 2 to 3 months in advance, fly midweek, and use price comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to save more money.
Visa and Entry Requirements
You can get a visa on arrival and can apply for an E-visa from most countries of the world, which is not too expensive; it can cost around USD 25 for a 30-day stay. It’s a fast and easy process, and most people don’t face any strict limitations.
Housing Costs
Budget Hotels
If you are in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, you can find budget hotels that cost around $5 to $30; many other cities also have this type of hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you have more budgets and want more comfort, these hotels will cost you around $30 to $60 per night.
Luxury Resorts
If you have more and want more comfort, luxury hotels and resorts in Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh range from $100 to $300+ per night, offering the best services, pools, and Nile views.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
If you are in Egypt for a long stay, Airbnb is the best option, ranging from $20 to $80 per night for quality places.
Food and Dining Costs
Street Food and Local Restaurants
You can eat koshary, falafel, or shawarma for less than $1 to $3. Local eateries offer the best meals under $5.
Mid-Range Restaurants
A good restaurant meal for two people will cost around $15 to $30, depending on the city and the food you eat.
Luxury Restaurants
Luxury restaurants for two people can range from $40 to $100+, especially in tourist cities like Cairo and Alexandria.
Cost to Visit Egypt in Local Transportation
Public Transport
Cairo’s metro system is one of the cheapest in the world; tickets start at just $0.15. Long-distance buses cost around $5 to $15, depending on the distance.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and Careem are available in major cities in Egypt. A ride costs around $1 to $3. Always check fare pricing before accepting taxi rides to avoid overpaying.
Domestic Flights
Flights between Cairo and Luxor and Aswan cost around $60 to $100. Trains are more budget-friendly than Flights in Egypt.
Tourism and Entrance Fees
Pyramids of Giza
Entry to the Giza costs almost $10, while going inside the Great Pyramid costs an extra $15 to $20.
Museums and Historical Places
- Egyptian Museum, Cairo – Around $6
- Valley of the Kings – Basic entry for $6 to $10, additional fees for tombs like King Tutankhamun
Nile River Cruises
A 3 to 5-day Nile cruise costs $200 to $500, including meals and excursions.
Adventure Activities
- Desert Safari – Around $30 to $50
- Scuba Diving in the Red Sea – Day trips from $50 to $100
Tour Packages vs. DIY Travel
- Budget Group Tours: Around $500 to $800 for 7 days
- Luxury Private Tours: $1,500+
Going DIY allows more flexibility and can cut costs by up to 30%, but it takes more planning.
Daily Budget Estimates
Budget Traveler
- $25 to $40/day
- Hostels, street food, local transport
Mid-Range Traveler
- $50 to $100/day
- Decent hotel, some guided tours, sit-down meals
Luxury Traveler
- $150 to $300+/day
- 5-star hotels, private tours, fine dining
Travel Insurance
I recommend that you get travel insurance before traveling. Travel insurance is not too expensive; it costs around $40 to $80 for a basic policy to cover a 2-week trip. It protects you from medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations.
Shopping in Egypt
- Papyrus art – $10 to $30
- Alabaster figurines – $5 to $20
- Spices and perfumes – $2 to $15
- Handmade jewelry – $10 to $50+
Always haggle — it’s part of the shopping culture!
Tipping Culture in Egypt
- Restaurants: 10–15%
- Hotel staff: $1 to $2
- Tour guides: $5 to $10/day
- Drivers: $2 to $5/day
More Costs to Watch Out For
- Currency exchange fees: Use ATMs instead of exchanging currency.
- Tourist pricing: Some locals charge more from you.
- Extra charges: Some hotels add extra taxes or service fees.
Tips for Travel to Egypt
- Visit in March–April or October–November for better deals to save more money
- Use local SIM cards for cheap data
- Share taxis or rides with other travelers
- Book trips offline rather than online
Conclusion
Visiting Egypt is the best experience, no matter where you are; it’s also one of the most budget-friendly trips. If you’re a budget traveler or want a luxury trip, Egypt offers everything for everyone. By planning and knowing where your money goes, you can enjoy the whole trip to Egypt.
