How much does a trip to Egypt cost?

The land of the Pharaohs, the gift of the Nile, the home of timeless wonders—Egypt has captivated travelers for millennia. The call of the pyramids, the allure of ancient tombs, and the tranquility of the Red Sea are powerful. But for anyone planning this journey of a lifetime, one practical question consistently rises to the surface, much like the sun over Abu Simbel: How much does a trip to Egypt cost?

The answer, like the country itself, is layered. A trip to Egypt can be a surprisingly affordable bucket-list destination or a luxurious voyage into history, depending on your choices. This comprehensive guide will strip back the layers, providing detailed cost breakdowns, insider tips, and realistic budgets to help you plan your perfect Egyptian itinerary without any financial surprises.

Understanding the Cost Variables

Before we dive into numbers, it’s crucial to understand what shapes the cost of a trip to Egypt. Seven key factors will define your budget:

1. Travel Style: Are you a backpacker, a comfort-seeking mid-range traveler, or do you prefer 5-star luxury?

2. Time of Year: Peak season (October-April) sees prices skyrocket, especially around Christmas and New Year. The sweltering summer (May-September) offers deep discounts.

3. Group Size & Travel Companions: Solo travel often incurs single supplements. Family trips can save on shared rooms but increase activity costs.

4. Trip Duration: A whirlwind 5-day tour differs vastly from a 2-week deep dive.

5. Destinations: The classic Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route is standard. Adding a Red Sea resort (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh) or a remote oasis (Siwa, Bahariya) changes the calculus.

6. Pace & Activities: Are you ticking off major sites, or adding hot air balloon rides, scuba diving, and fancy Nile cruises?

7. Dining Preferences: Street food vs. hotel restaurants vs. fine dining.

Detailed Cost Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes

Let’s dissect every element of the trip to Egypt cost.

1. Flights: Your Gateway to the Pharaohs

This is often the single largest expense and varies wildly based on your departure point and flexibility.

• From North America (USA/Canada): Expect to pay $800 – $1,600+ for round-trip economy to Cairo (CAI). Major carriers (Delta, Lufthansa, British Airways) and Egyptair offer direct or one-stop options. Use flight aggregators, set alerts, and be flexible with dates.

• From Europe: Significantly cheaper. Fares from major hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt can range from €250 – €700 round-trip, with budget airlines sometimes offering stunning deals.

• From Australia/NZ: A long-haul journey typically costing AUD $1,500 – $2,500+, usually with a stop in the Middle East (Qatar, UAE) or Asia.

Pro Tip: Consider flying into Luxor (LXR) if starting in the south, or even Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) for a beach-first itinerary. Sometimes open-jaw tickets (into one city, out of another) can be efficient and cost-effective.

2. Accommodation: From Hostels to Historic Hotels

Egypt offers incredible value for lodging. Here’s a nightly price range (for double occupancy, excluding peak holiday periods):

3. Transportation Within Egypt: Nile, Rails, and Roads

Getting around is an adventure in itself and relatively inexpensive.

• Domestic Flights: Efficient for covering long distances quickly (e.g., Cairo to Aswan). Book in advance with Egyptair or other local carriers. Expect $80 – $150 per one-way segment.

• Trains: The most popular way to travel the Nile Valley.

  • Overnight Sleeper Train (Cairo-Luxor/Aswan): Operated by Watania, includes a private cabin and meals. $80 – $120 per person, one-way. Not luxurious but an experience.

  • First-Class Seated Train: Day trains with comfortable, air-conditioned seats. $20 – $40 for routes like Luxor to Aswan. The go-to for most travelers.

• Private Drivers & Taxis: Ideal for day trips (e.g., Cairo to Sakkara, Luxor’s West Bank). Hiring a car and driver for a full day costs $50 – $80, offering flexibility and comfort. Always agree on a price before getting in. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber/Careem in Cairo and Alexandria—they are safe, convenient, and eliminate price haggling.

• Nile Cruises: A transport and accommodation hybrid. A 3-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan typically costs $450 – $1,200+ per person based on boat quality and season, including all meals and guided tours to temples along the way.

4. Food & Drink: A Feast for the Senses (and Budget)

Egyptian food is delicious and famously affordable.

• Street Food & Local Eateries (Budget): $3 – $8 per meal. Feast on koshari (a mix of pasta, rice, lentils), falafel, taameya, shawarma, and ful medames.

• Mid-Range Restaurants: $10 – $25 per person. Enjoy mixed grills, fresh seafood by the Nile, or meals at tourist-friendly restaurants with great views.

• Hotel & High-End Dining: $30 – $70+ per person. International cuisine, fine dining, or upscale hotel buffets.

• Drinks: Bottled water is essential ($0.30 – $0.50 per 1.5L). Local beer (Stella) is $3-$5. Wine is expensive due to taxation ($7+ per glass). Avoid tap water.

Daily Food Budget Estimate:

• Budget Traveler: $15 – $20

• Mid-Range Traveler: $25 – $40

• Luxury Traveler: $60+

5. Activities, Tours & Entrance Fees: The Heart of the Experience

This is where you invest in your memories. Entrance fees add up quickly and are often quoted in Egyptian Pounds, so prices below are approximate in USD.

Pro Tip: A qualified Egyptologist guide is worth the investment, especially at complex sites like Karnak or the Egyptian Museum. They bring history to life and manage logistics.

6. Visas, Insurance, & Miscellaneous

• Tourist Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a $25 visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Pay in USD cash, get the sticker, and you’re set. E-visas are also available online in advance for some passports.

• Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable. A comprehensive policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage costs $50 – $150 for a 2-week trip, depending on your age and coverage level.

• SIM Card & Data: Purchase at the airport. A decent data package (10-15 GB) for 2 weeks costs $10 – $20. Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat are reliable.

• Souvenirs & Baksheesh (Tips): Bargaining is expected in markets (Khan el-Khalili). Set aside a small daily budget for baksheesh—small tips for everyone from restroom attendants to anyone who offers a small service. It’s a deeply ingrained part of the culture.

Sample Budgets: Putting It All Together

Let’s create realistic total trip to Egypt cost estimates for a 10-day / 9-night classic itinerary (Cairo 3 nights, 4-Night Nile Cruise, Luxor 2 nights) for one person.

Budget Traveler: The Adventurous Backpacker

• Philosophy: Hostels, street food, public/group transport, minimal paid tours.

• Flights: $900 (from US/Canada)

• Accommodation: $20/night x 9 = $180

• Food: $18/day x 10 = $180

• Transport (Internal): Overnight train (seated), local trains, buses = $120

• Activities/Entries: Key sites only = $150

• Misc (Visa, SIM, Tips): $60

• Estimated Total: $1,590

Mid-Range Traveler: The Comfort & Culture Seeker

• Philosophy: 3-4 star hotels, mix of local and mid-range dining, private drivers for day trips, guided tours for key sites, maybe a short cruise.

• Flights: $1,100

• Accommodation: $80/night x 9 = $720

• Food & Drink: $35/day x 10 = $350

• Transport (Internal): Flights & private drivers = $300

• Activities/Entries: Most major sites + a few guided tours = $350

• Misc (Visa, SIM, Insurance, Tips): $150

• Estimated Total: $2,970

Luxury Traveler: The Pharaoh’s Journey

• Philosophy: 5-star hotels & luxury Nile cruises, fine dining, private guides & drivers throughout, exclusive experiences.

• Flights: $1,500 (Business class upgrades)

• Accommodation: $300/night x 9 = $2,700 (or a luxury cruise package)

• Food & Drink: $70/day x 10 = $700

• Transport (Internal): Private drivers & domestic flights = $600

• Activities/Entries: All sites, private Egyptologist, special experiences = $800

• Misc (Premium Insurance, etc.): $250

• Estimated Total: $6,550+

 Essential Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip to Egypt

1. Travel in the Shoulder/Low Season: Late April-May or September-early October. You’ll avoid extreme heat and peak prices.

2. Haggle Respectfully: It’s expected in markets and for private taxi rides (not Uber). Start at 50% of the initial price and meet in the middle.

3. Carry Small Bills (EGP): Essential for tips, small purchases, and avoiding the “no change” dilemma.

4. Book Trains & Domestic Flights Early: Prices rise as dates approach, especially for the sleeper train.

5. Consider a Package Tour: For first-timers, a well-reviewed tour company can lock in rates for hotels, transport, and guides, often at a better price than piecing it together alone.

6. Stay Hydrated with Large Water Bottles: Buy 5-liter bottles from grocery stores for your hotel room and refill a small bottle—it’s cheaper and more eco-friendly.

7. Use Student/ Youth Cards: An ISIC card or valid student ID can get you a 50% discount on almost all entrance fees to historical sites and museums.

When to Splurge: Worth-Every-Penny Experiences

• A Private Egyptologist Guide in Luxor: The history is too rich for a guidebook alone.

• A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank: The view of the temples and Nile is unforgettable.

• A Quality Nile Cruise: The pleasure of unpacking once and gliding past ancient riverbanks is quintessential Egypt.

• A Few Nights at the Marriott Mena House: Waking up to an unobstructed view of the Pyramids from your garden is magical.

• Scuba Diving in the Red Sea: World-class sites at developing-world prices.

Final Thoughts: The Value of an Egyptian Journey

Planning the cost of a trip to Egypt may seem daunting, but the return on investment is immeasurable. Where else can you stand in the shadow of the last Ancient Wonder of the World, decipher hieroglyphs in a pharaoh’s tomb, and float over technicolor coral reefs—all in one vacation?

Egypt is a country that operates on its own rhythm, where ancient history collides with vibrant modern life. By planning your budget with the detailed insights above, you can replace financial anxiety with the pure excitement of anticipation. Your journey to the land of the Pharaohs awaits—and it is likely more accessible than you ever imagined.