How to Travel Egypt Cheaply: Full Budget Guide (Hotels, Transport, Tours)

Timing Your Trip for Maximum Savings

For the most affordable trip, consider visiting during the off-peak or shoulder seasons .

• Low Season (June to August): This is the cheapest time to visit, with significant drops in flight and hotel prices . However, be prepared for extreme heat, especially in southern cities like Luxor and Aswan .
• Shoulder Seasons (March-April and October-November): These months offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather, fewer crowds than the peak season, and more reasonable prices .
• Peak Season (October to April): This is the busiest and most expensive time . If you travel during this period, booking accommodation and transport well in advance is crucial to secure availability and better prices .

Affordable Long-Distance Travel

Traveling between Egypt's main hubs like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan can be done very economically by opting for ground transportation over expensive domestic flights .

• Buses: The most budget-friendly option is the bus . Companies like Go Bus, Blue Bus, and Super Jet operate modern, air-conditioned coaches on these routes . A trip from Cairo to Luxor takes about 10-12 hours, with prices starting as low as $7-$16 . The longer journey to Aswan takes 12-14 hours, with tickets from around $17 . Be advised that buses can have loud movies and strong air-conditioning, so bringing warm layers is a good idea .
• Trains: Egypt's rail network is another popular choice, but it's important to distinguish between train types .
  • Seated Trains: For the best value, consider the air-conditioned seated trains . A first-class ticket for a foreigner from Cairo to Luxor costs about $60, and to Aswan is around $75 . While there are cheaper local day trains for as little as $10, foreigners are officially restricted from buying these tickets for security reasons . However, it's often possible to book them online via the Egyptian National Railways website or by asking a local contact, like your hotel host, to purchase them for you .
  • Sleeper Trains: Operated by Abela Trains, these offer private cabins and are a way to save on a night's accommodation . However, they are not a true budget option . A bed in a shared two-person cabin costs around $90-$105, while a single cabin is $130-$170 . The fare includes a basic dinner and breakfast, but the value lies more in the experience than in cost savings .

Affordable Accommodation: Hostels, Guesthouses, and Budget Hotels

Egypt has a robust network of affordable accommodation, allowing travelers to find comfort, community, and value . Staying in a colorful Nubian guesthouse or a social hostel can be a bucket-list experience in itself .

Top Budget Stays by City

• Cairo: Budget accommodation is concentrated in the lively Downtown area, near Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum . Highly-rated options include the social Dahab Hostel with its Bedouin-inspired rooftop, the modern Holy Sheet Hostel, and the Tahrir Square Hostel, recommended for solo female travelers . For pyramid views, the Pyramids Temple Guest House in Giza is a great choice . Dorm beds typically range from $4-$15, with private rooms from $15-$50 .
• Luxor: Choose between the bustling East Bank or the quieter West Bank . On the East Bank, Bob Marley House Hostel is a lively social spot, while the Nefertiti Hotel is a popular family-run budget hotel with great views . On the West Bank, Sunflower Guest House and Beit Sabee Guesthouse offer great value and an authentic local feel . Dorms can be found for $4-$10, and private rooms for $7-$35 .
• Aswan: Aswan is famous for its colorful Nubian guesthouses on Elephantine Island and the West Bank . The Mango Guest House and Nile View Guest House on Elephantine Island are praised for their tranquility and hospitality . On the West Bank, AbAZido Nubian Guest House is known for its warm staff and delicious home-cooked meals . For a city-center option, Go Inn Backpackers has a great social vibe . Dorm beds cost $10-$20, while private guesthouse rooms range from $22-$60 .

Iconic Sightseeing on a Shoestring (2024 Prices & Tips)

Visiting Egypt's legendary monuments independently can save you a considerable amount of money . As of 2024, payment at most major sites is by credit card only .

2024 Entrance Fees & Getting There

Site	Adult Fee (EGP)	Notes & Budget Transport
Giza Plateau (Pyramids & Sphinx)	540 - 700 EGP	From Downtown Cairo, take Metro Line 2 to Giza station, then a short microbus or taxi . Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem are also affordable .
- Enter Great Pyramid (Khufu)	1000 - 1500 EGP	A separate ticket is required. A price increase to 1500 EGP is expected .
- Enter Khafre or Menkaure Pyramid	100 - 220 EGP	A separate ticket is required for each.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)	450 - 550 EGP	Located in Downtown Cairo, easily accessible.
Karnak Temple (Luxor)	600 EGP	A short local bus or taxi ride from Luxor's center .
Luxor Temple	500 EGP	Centrally located and easily walkable from most accommodations . Stunning at night.
Valley of the Kings (Luxor)	600 - 750 EGP	Ticket includes 3 tombs. Take the cheap public ferry to the West Bank, then hire a taxi for the day or rent a bicycle .
- Enter Tomb of Tutankhamun	500 - 700 EGP	Requires a separate ticket.
- Enter Tomb of Seti I	2000 EGP	An expensive separate ticket for one of the most well-preserved tombs.
Abu Simbel Temples	615 - 750 EGP	The most budget-friendly way from Aswan is the early morning public bus . Shared minivan tours are also a popular option .

Maximizing Value: Multi-Site Passes & Discounts

• Student Discounts: Foreign students under 30 can get a 50% discount on most entrance fees . An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is highly recommended and the most universally accepted proof .
• The Cairo Pass: Costs $130 USD and is valid for 5 consecutive days at sites in Cairo, Giza, Dahshur, and Saqqara . For most budget travelers, this pass is not worth the cost on its own . However, its main benefit is that it grants you a 50% discount on the Luxor Pass if purchased first .
• The Luxor Pass:
  • Standard Pass: Costs $130 USD and includes all sites on the East and West Banks, except the tombs of Seti I and Nefertari .
  • Premium Pass: Costs $250 USD and includes all sites, including the very expensive tombs of Seti I and Nefertari (note: Nefertari's tomb is often closed for conservation) .
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Luxor Pass, especially the Premium version, can offer excellent value if you plan to visit many sites, particularly the high-ticket tombs like Seti I . For many, the Standard Pass also pays for itself over a few days of thorough exploration .
• How to Buy Passes: Passes can be purchased at major sites like the Egyptian Museum, Giza Plateau, or Karnak Temple . You will need your passport, a passport photocopy, and a passport-sized photo. Payment is typically required in crisp US dollars or Euros .

Avoiding Common Tourist Scams

• At the Pyramids of Giza: Be prepared for aggressive touts offering camel rides, claiming it's too far to walk (it's not) . Firmly instruct taxi or ride-share drivers to take you to the official ticket entrance and ignore anyone who tries to stop you . Only buy tickets from the official booth . If you want a camel ride, agree on the price, currency, and duration clearly beforehand .
• In Luxor: Touts may tell you the cheap public ferry to the West Bank is "closed" to steer you to their expensive private boats; the public ferry runs regularly . Inside tombs, guards may offer to let you take photos in no-photo zones for a "baksheesh" (tip); this is against the rules and could lead to a fine . When hiring a horse-drawn carriage (calèche), negotiate the price and route clearly in advance .
• General Tip: A polite but firm "La, shukran" (No, thank you) is your best tool .

Affordable Nile River Experiences

Sailing the Nile is an essential Egyptian experience, and it can be done on any budget .

• Felucca Sailing: For a truly authentic and affordable journey, opt for a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat . In Luxor and Aswan, you can hire one for a sunset sail for 100-200 EGP per hour . A classic budget adventure is a multi-day trip from Aswan, which can cost $130-$250 per person for 2-3 nights, including all meals and sleeping on the deck under the stars .
• Budget Nile Cruises: The cheapest way to book a cruise is to negotiate directly with boat operators at the port in Aswan or Luxor . Last-minute deals can be as low as $45-$55 per person per night for a full-board package, offering great value with a private cabin and air conditioning .

Off-the-Beaten-Path Bucket List Adventures

• Siwa Oasis: This remote oasis is a rewarding destination for budget travelers . Take the 10-12 hour overnight bus from Cairo for 250-350 EGP ($8-$11) to save on a night's accommodation . Enjoy free activities like exploring the Shali Fortress ruins, swimming in Cleopatra's Spring, and floating in the salt lakes .
• The White and Black Deserts: This otherworldly landscape is typically visited on an overnight camping tour from the Bahariya Oasis . A 2-day, 1-night group tour costs between $65 and $125 per person, which usually includes a 4x4 jeep, guide, meals, and camping gear . For the best price, arrange the tour upon arrival in Bahariya .

Immersive Cultural Experiences for Less

Navigating Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

This medieval bazaar in Cairo is free to explore . If you shop, haggling is expected; start by offering 30-50% of the asking price.

Eating Like a Local: A Guide to Affordable Cuisine

Egyptian street food is delicious, safe, and incredibly cheap, offering a true taste of local life . Beyond the famous Koshari, here are some must-try dishes:

• Ful Medames & Ta'ameya: A cornerstone of Egyptian breakfast, ful is a hearty stew of slow-cooked fava beans, while ta'ameya is the local version of falafel made with fava beans . A sandwich can cost as little as a few Egyptian pounds .
• Hawawshi: An Egyptian-style meat pie, this dish consists of spiced minced meat baked inside crispy baladi bread . A plain one costs around 30-90 EGP .
• Shawarma: Thinly sliced marinated chicken or beef cooked on a rotating spit and served in a wrap . A large sandwich can be a filling meal for around 35-90 EGP .
• Fiteer Meshaltet: A flaky, layered pastry that can be served sweet with honey or savory with cheese, resembling an Egyptian pizza .
• Kofta and Kebab: Charcoal-grilled minced meat (kofta) or meat chunks (kebab) are staples, often served in sandwiches for around 35-72 EGP .
• Sweet Treats & Drinks: Look for Basbousa (semolina cake) or Kunafa (shredded pastry) for 10-25 EGP a piece . Don't miss refreshing sugarcane juice (asab) or hibiscus tea (karkadeh) from local stalls .

Where to Find Cheap Eats

• Cairo: Downtown Cairo and the historic Khan el-Khalili bazaar are hubs for street food vendors and local eateries (mat'am) .
• Luxor: The Luxor Market (Souq) and the Corniche el-Nil are fantastic places to find hawawshi, local sweets, and other snacks .
• Aswan: The main market, Sharia as-Souq, is the heart of the city's street food scene . For a unique experience, seek out home-cooked meals in Nubian guesthouses on Elephantine Island .

Food Safety and Ordering Tips

• Safety First: To avoid "Pharaoh's Revenge," eat at busy stalls popular with locals, choose food that is cooked fresh and served hot, and always drink sealed bottled water . Be cautious with raw salads and ice in drinks .
• How to Order: While pointing works, knowing a few phrases is helpful. "Ana 'ayiz..." (I want...) followed by the dish name is a good start . A simple "Shukran" means "Thank you" .
• Vegetarian Tip: The word "siami" refers to the Coptic Christian fasting diet, which is typically vegan, making it a useful term to find plant-based meals .

Executive Summary

A bucket-list trip to Egypt is well within reach for the budget traveler . By traveling during the shoulder seasons (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov), you can secure lower prices on flights and accommodation . For long-distance travel, utilize affordable overnight buses for as little as $7-$16 or opt for seated trains . A daily budget can comfortably range from $30 to $50.

For accommodation, Cairo's downtown hostels offer social hubs for as little as $4-$15 a night, while Luxor and Aswan provide culturally rich experiences in family-run guesthouses for $15-$60 . Visit iconic sites independently using public transport to save money. Entrance to the Giza Plateau is around 540 EGP, while major temples like Karnak cost 600 EGP . For those planning extensive sightseeing in Luxor, the Luxor Pass ($130) can be a great value, especially if you get a 50% discount by purchasing the Cairo Pass first . Students under 30 with an ISIC card can get 50% off most tickets .

For an unforgettable Nile experience, choose a multi-day felucca trip for an authentic adventure or seek a last-minute deal on a budget cruise in Aswan . Immerse yourself in the culture by exploring the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar and eating delicious, cheap street food like Koshari, Hawawshi, and Ful Medames, which often cost just a dollar or two per meal . To stretch your budget further, an all-inclusive overnight camping expedition to the surreal White and Black Deserts can be organized for as little as $65-$125 per person . With smart planning and a spirit of adventure, Egypt offers a wealth of historical treasures and cultural experiences that deliver incredible value for money.