How much does it cost to go to Egypt and what expenses should you expect?

Average Trip Costs by Style

Egypt is one of the few places where you can see world-famous history on a backpacker's budget, often costing less than a trip to Southeast Asia. How much you spend really comes down to your travel style, how long you stay, and the activities you choose.

Here’s what will eat up most of your budget:

• Accommodation standards
• Dining choices
• Transportation methods
• Entrance fees for historical sites

The Budget Backpacker

According to Nomadic Matt, expect to spend about $30–$40 per day for a hostel bed, food, and local transport. When you add entry fees and a budget tour, a full 7-day trip typically totals around $500–$700. You'll save a ton by staying in hostels, eating local street food, and using public transport.

A standard 7-day money-saving itinerary generally costs between $700 and $1,200 per person. These figures cover your essential needs so you don't miss out on the major historical attractions.

The Mid-Range Traveler

If you want more comfort without the luxury price tag, a mid-range budget goes a long way here. A 7-day trip usually ranges from $1,300 to $2,500 per person, while a longer 10-day adventure costs around $2,530.

Daily expenses for a mid-range vacation average between $40 and $50 USD. This budget gets you into 3-star or 4-star hotels, professional guided tours, and meals at sit-down restaurants. You'll have the freedom to use private transport and access more paid activities.

Luxury & Private Tours

If you want a private experience away from the crowds, luxury packages deliver an incredible experience. Costs often exceed $5,000 for a fully inclusive 7-day vacation, with daily expenses starting at $100 USD but frequently reaching $150 to $200 USD.

You'll be sleeping in prestigious 5-star hotels and premium cabins on luxury Nile Cruises. The higher price guarantees private guides, high-end dining, and personalized itineraries. This level of service is all about maximum comfort and unique access to major sites away from the crowds.

Flight Prices & Best Times to Book

International airfare is often the single largest expense when planning your trip. Final prices depend on where you fly from, the season, and how far in advance you book.

Round-trip flights from European hubs typically cost between $350 and $800. Travelers flying from North America generally pay between $700 and $1,300. Routes from Asia and Australia are usually the most expensive, ranging from $700 to over $1,500. Flying during the peak season of December through February drives prices up. Booking early is your best bet to save money.

Accommodation: From Hostels to Nile Views

Accommodation in Egypt ranges from dusty, basic hostels to some of the world's most historic luxury hotels along the Nile.

As reported by Earth Trekkers, budget accommodation, such as hostels and guesthouses, typically costs $10 to $40 per night. Mid-range 3-star hotels generally charge between $40 and $100. Boutique properties and 4-star hotels usually range from $100 to $220 per night. Luxury 5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor start at $250 and can exceed $600. Expect prices to skyrocket during the winter peak season.

Food & Dining Budget

Egypt’s culinary scene offers incredible value. Street food is deeply integrated into daily life, allowing you to enjoy hearty, authentic meals for just a few dollars. Staples like falafel and Koshary cost just $1 to $2—trust me, one bowl will keep you full for hours—while sit-down restaurants offer main courses ranging from $5 to $12.

Mid-range diners should budget approximately $20 to $30 daily for food and drinks. Fine dining in tourist hubs generally will set you back $50 to over $120 per day. Tipping is standard for table service, with 5% to 10% usually expected. It's best to use local currency when buying from small vendors.

Getting Around: Transport Costs

Navigating between major hubs like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is surprisingly affordable, with options ranging from domestic flights to overnight trains.

Domestic flights are the fastest option, while trains offer a scenic and budget-friendly alternative. Overnight sleeper trains are an adventure in themselves—just make sure to pack some earplugs. For maximum flexibility on day trips, hire a private driver.

Local Transport in Cairo

Local transport in Cairo ranges from cheap public transit to private ride-sharing services. The Cairo Metro is the most affordable long-distance option, with tickets costing between 5 and 15 EGP. Microbuses and public buses are a cheap way to get around with fares from 2 to 10 EGP.

Tourists often prefer ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem over traditional taxis to stay safe and get fixed pricing; I found this indispensable for avoiding the stress of haggling. A typical 30-minute ride costs approximately $2 to $3 USD. An Uber from Cairo airport to downtown typically costs between $10 and $15 USD. Daily local transport expenses usually run between $3 and $20 USD.

Traveling Between Luxor and Aswan

Travel between Luxor and Aswan is mostly done by flights, trains, or private drivers. Domestic flights are the quickest method, with one-way tickets typically costing between $40 and $150 USD.

Trains are a great budget option for budget-conscious travelers.

• Official sleeper trains have fixed foreigner rates (often $80+ per cabin), while standard sitting trains are a fraction of the cost ($10–$20) but offer far less comfort.
• Standard first-class tickets offer savings, costing between $3 and $18 USD.
• Long-distance buses are the cheapest method, with fares of $1 to $8 USD.

Hiring a private driver is much more comfortable during the journey, though it requires a higher budget than public transportation.

Tours, Attractions & Entrance Fees

Tours and attraction fees will take up a large portion of your travel budget. Entrance fees vary widely, with iconic landmarks commanding the highest prices. Guided experiences also add to the cost, with private tours led by an Egyptologist averaging $100 USD per person per day.

Site Fees: Pyramids & Temples

To get into the Giza Pyramids complex, you'll need a standard ticket of 700 EGP ($12–$20 USD). Entering the Great Pyramid's interior costs an additional 900 EGP. While basic admission to most temples is moderate, premium areas like the Tomb of Seti I cost 2,000 EGP, and Abu Simbel costs 750 EGP.

If you plan to visit all the major sites in Cairo and Luxor, budget roughly $280–$300 for entrance fees alone. Travelers planning extensive sightseeing in Upper Egypt often buy a Luxor Pass to manage expenses. This pass costs $130 USD for standard access or $250 USD for premium access, which is worth it if you love history.

Nile Cruise Costs

Nile cruise prices depend on the vessel's luxury rating, trip duration, and included services. Standard 3-day cruises generally start at $450 per person. For a more exclusive vacation, travelers often pay over $2,500 for a luxury 5-day experience. These costs typically include accommodation, meals, and guided site visits.

Prices rise significantly during peak seasons like Christmas and Easter. Specialized options like Dahabiya yachts cost more due to their intimate setting. Budget-conscious tourists sometimes opt for a simple felucca ride, though this doesn't have the comforts of a cruise ship.

Staying Connected: eSIMs

Dealing with local SIM vendors at the airport can be chaotic. You can skip the line by setting up a dedicated eSIM card for Egypt before you even land. This digital alternative means you don't have to swap physical cards and avoids high roaming fees.

These plans operate on reliable local networks, ensuring coverage in key destinations like Cairo and Luxor. You just scan a QR code to set it up, bypassing long airport queues. Costs are budget-friendly, with 10 GB data packages averaging $17 USD. Immediate internet access is a lifesaver for navigation, booking rides, and staying in touch.

Visas, Tipping & Extra Costs

You must budget for extras beyond flights and hotels to ensure a realistic budget. Mandatory costs include entry visas for international visitors. Tipping, or "baksheesh," is deeply ingrained in the culture so you'll need to set aside some cash for it.

Travel insurance is a must-have, generally costing between $10 and $50 for a 7-day trip. Spending money on souvenirs like papyrus or spices often adds $30 to $120 to the total. Proper planning ensures these additional costs don't come as a surprise.

Visa Fees & Requirements

Per the Egypt Embassy, the standard cost for a single-entry tourist visa is $25 USD. Most nationalities get a Visa on Arrival at airport bank kiosks before immigration. You must pay in cash, preferably USD. Crucially, ensure your bills are crisp, new, and tear-free; bank kiosks often reject worn or marked currency. I’ve seen travelers get turned away for a tiny tear, so check your bills carefully.

Travelers can also get an e-visa online to speed things up. The e-visa price matches the arrival fee at $25 USD for a single entry, while a multi-entry option costs $60 USD. You'll have to pay this unless you have exemption status.

Tipping Culture (Baksheesh)

Tipping is a huge part of the culture in Egypt that affects daily expenses. Service providers, from guides to hotel staff, expect tips for their help. A general rule for restaurants involves adding 5% to 10% to the final bill.

Travelers on a 7-day itinerary typically budget between $30 and $120 USD per person for tips and small fees. Carrying small Egyptian Pound notes makes sure you're ready for porters or bathroom attendants—I always keep a separate pocket for small bills just for this purpose. Private guides and drivers often receive larger sums based on service quality.

Money-Saving Tips

Your budget goes much further if you swap international chains for local alternatives. Here are the most effective ways to cut costs:

• Choose overnight trains between Cairo and Luxor to save on airfare and one night's lodging.
• Use local transport like the Cairo Metro or ride-sharing apps to avoid expensive private drivers.
• Cut hotel costs by staying in budget hotels or hostels rather than international chains.
• Eat at local street food stalls where filling meals like koshary cost under $2 USD.
• Plan your trip during off-peak seasons like late spring to find lower prices for flights and tours.
• Book hotels and activities in advance to get better deals and avoid price surges.
• Haggle in markets and for services to get a lower price for souvenirs and taxi rides.

Sources

• https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/save-money-egypt/
• https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-visit-egypt/
• https://egyptembassy.net/consular-services/visas-travel/visa-requirements/