A Cairo and Pyramids day trip from Hurghada is the chance to stand in front of the last wonder of the ancient world during your Red Sea holiday. In one day you can see the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, discover the treasures of Tutankhamun and walk through the old bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. In this guide we compare the different ways to do this Cairo excursion from Hurghada, explain how the day works and share our local tips.
How far is Cairo from Hurghada?
Cairo is about 460 km from Hurghada. By road, the drive takes around 6 hours each way, with rest stops on the way. That is why road trips to Cairo leave in the middle of the night and bring you back to your hotel late in the evening. If you prefer a shorter day, the flight takes only about 1 hour.
Your options: which Cairo trip should you choose?
- Cairo by bus (from €65 per person): the best price, in a comfortable air-conditioned bus with a guide. Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili.
- Cairo by minibus (from €70 per person): the same visits in a small group, so the day is quicker and more relaxed.
- Cairo VIP by minibus with the Grand Egyptian Museum (from €100 per person): a small group, the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) with the complete Tutankhamun collection.
- Cairo by private car (from €125 per person): a car, driver and guide just for you, at your own pace. Ideal for couples and families.
- Cairo by plane (from €252 per person): a round-trip flight from Hurghada, so you avoid 12 hours on the road and have more energy for the visits.
Prices and what is included (entrance tickets, lunch, guide language) are shown on each trip page. All our Cairo trips include hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hurghada, and are available from 2 people.
What will you visit in Cairo?
The Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built more than 4,500 years ago, is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Next to it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and from the panoramic viewpoint you can see all of them together in the desert.
The Great Sphinx
With the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, the Sphinx has guarded the Giza plateau for thousands of years. It is the perfect place for your most famous holiday photo.
The Grand Egyptian Museum or the Egyptian Museum
Depending on your trip, you visit the historic Egyptian Museum in the city centre or the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) next to the pyramids, the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation. Both are home to the treasures of the pharaohs, including the famous objects of Tutankhamun.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
The old souk of Islamic Cairo, full of spices, lamps, jewellery and small cafés. A great place to feel the atmosphere of the city and buy a souvenir (included in the bus, minibus and private car trips).
How does the day work?
- Night pick-up from your hotel in Hurghada and drive to Cairo, with rest stops on the way (or transfer to the airport for the plane option).
- Giza plateau: guided visit of the Pyramids and a stop at the Sphinx.
- Museum: the Egyptian Museum or the Grand Egyptian Museum, depending on your trip.
- Lunch in Cairo (depending on the trip).
- Khan el-Khalili: free time in the bazaar (depending on the trip).
- Return to Hurghada and drop-off at your hotel late in the evening.
The exact order of the visits can change on the day to avoid the traffic and the crowds.
Tips for your Cairo trip
- Sleep in the car or bus: the day starts very early, so bring a small pillow or a scarf.
- Wear comfortable shoes: you will walk on sand and stone at the pyramids.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: there is almost no shade on the Giza plateau.
- Take some cash for drinks, tips, camel rides or entering inside a pyramid (optional extra ticket).
- Bring your passport or a copy: it can be asked at checkpoints and is needed for the plane.
- Best season: October to April is the most comfortable time. In summer, the private car or the plane make the day much easier.
Want more time? See more of Egypt
If one day is not enough, our 7-day Egypt Discovery Tour (from €561 per person) combines Cairo, Luxor and the Red Sea in one trip. You can also discover the temples of the south with our guide: Luxor day trip from Hurghada. Need only the transport? Our private transfer from Hurghada to Cairo takes you door to door.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Cairo day trip from Hurghada worth it?
Yes. It is a long day, but seeing the Pyramids and the Sphinx with your own eyes is unforgettable, and it is the easiest way to do it during a holiday on the Red Sea.
Bus, minibus, private car or plane: which is best?
The bus is the best price, the minibus is quicker and more comfortable, the VIP trip adds the Grand Egyptian Museum, the private car gives you total freedom, and the plane saves you around 10 hours on the road.
What time does the Cairo trip start?
By road, pick-up is in the middle of the night, and you are back at your hotel late in the evening. We confirm the exact pick-up time for your hotel on WhatsApp after booking.
Is there a minimum number of people?
Yes, our Cairo trips are booked from 2 people.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the trip.
Do your guides speak French?
Yes, our team and guides speak English and French, so you can enjoy your excursion from Hurghada in your own language.
Book your Cairo trip with a local team
Mon Hurghada is a local team in Hurghada. Choose your Cairo and Pyramids trip, discover more things to do in Hurghada, or message us on WhatsApp (+20 101 780 8340) and we will help you choose.
