How Much Does an Egypt Trip Cost? Budget Breakdown and Tips

Dreaming of exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt? From the colossal Pyramids of Giza to the serene cruises along the Nile, Egypt offers a truly unique travel experience. One of the first questions on any traveler’s mind is, “How much does an Egypt trip cost?”

The answer, like any travel destination, varies widely depending on your travel style, duration, and chosen level of comfort. However, with smart planning, Egypt can be surprisingly affordable. Let’s break down the typical expenses and share tips to help you budget for your perfect Egyptian adventure.

Overall Egypt Trip Cost Estimates (Per Person, Excluding International Flights)

Here’s a general idea of what a 7-10 day trip to Egypt might cost per person, not including your flight to and from Egypt:

Budget Traveler: $50−$100 per day (Total: $350−$1000)
Mid-Range Traveler: $100−$250 per day (Total: $700−$2500)
Luxury Traveler: $250−$600+ per day (Total: $1750−$6000+)

These ranges are for on-the-ground expenses, including accommodation, food, local transport, activities, and entrance fees.

Detailed Budget Breakdown:

1. International Flights (The Biggest Variable)

This is often the largest single expense for your Egypt trip cost. Prices fluctuate dramatically based on your departure city, time of year, and how far in advance you book.

From North America (USA/Canada): Expect to pay anywhere from $700 – $1,200 USD for an economy round-trip ticket. During peak season (December-February) or last-minute, these prices can rise to $1,500 or more.
From Europe: Flights are generally much cheaper, ranging from $400 – $700 USD.
Tips: Book 3-6 months in advance, be flexible with your travel dates, consider flying mid-week, and use flight comparison websites to find the best deals.

2. Accommodation

Egypt offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget.

Budget (Hostels, Guesthouses): $10 – $50 per night (e.g., small guesthouses near the Pyramids, basic city hostels).
Mid-Range (3-4 Star Hotels): $50 – $150 per night (comfortable hotels with good amenities in prime locations).
Luxury (5 Star Hotels & Resorts): $150 – $700+ per night (e.g., Four Seasons Cairo, Marriott Mena House, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, luxury Red Sea resorts).
Nile Cruises: A 3-7 night Nile cruise is a core part of most Egypt itineraries.
- Standard Cruise: $300 – $750 per person for 3-4 nights (typically includes full board and guided excursions).
- Mid-Range Cruise: $700 – $1,500 per person.
- Luxury Cruise/Dahabiya: $1,500 – $5,000+ per person (for a more intimate and upscale experience).

3. Food & Drink

Eating in Egypt can be incredibly affordable, especially if you embrace local cuisine.

Budget: $10 – $20 per day (street food, local eateries, koshary, falafel, fuul).
- An inexpensive restaurant meal: $2 – $7 USD (100 – 350 EGP).
Mid-Range: $25 – $50 per day (mix of local restaurants and some tourist-focused dining).
- Mid-range meal for two: $10 – $40 USD (500 – 2000 EGP).
Luxury: $50 – $150+ per day (fine dining in hotels, international restaurants).
Water: Essential and cheap. A 1.5L bottle is around $0.20 – $0.30 USD (5-15 EGP).

4. Transportation

Getting around Egypt is generally inexpensive, especially outside of private tours.

Local Public Transport (Cairo Metro/Buses): Very cheap, around $0.20 – $0.50 USD per ride (10-20 EGP).
Taxis/Ride-Hailing (Uber/Careem): Affordable. A typical short ride in Cairo might be $2 – $5 USD. Always use apps or agree on a price beforehand.
Intercity Buses/Trains: Budget-friendly for longer distances, ranging from $10 – $60 USD depending on distance and class.
Domestic Flights (e.g., Cairo to Luxor/Aswan): $50 – $150 USD per flight. Often included in tour packages.
Private Drivers/Tours: $40 – $100+ per day, depending on the car and duration. This adds convenience and comfort.

5. Activities & Entrance Fees

Egypt’s incredible archaeological sites require entrance tickets.

Giza Pyramids Complex: ~$20 – $25 USD (700 EGP).
- Optional entry inside Great Pyramid: ~$30 – $50 USD (1500 EGP) – additional ticket.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): ~$25 – $35 USD (Varies with sections; Royal Mummies Hall is usually extra).
Luxor Temple / Karnak Temple: ~$10 – $15 USD each.
Valley of the Kings (Luxor): ~$15 – $20 USD (includes entry to 3 tombs; specific tombs like Tutankhamun’s require an extra fee, ~$20-30 USD).
Philae Temple (Aswan): ~$10 – $15 USD.
Nile Cruise Excursions: Often included in cruise package price.
Average Daily for Activities: $20 – $70+ per day, depending on how many sites you visit.
Tips: Consider purchasing a Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass if you plan to visit many sites. These can offer savings but require careful calculation to see if they’re cost-effective for your specific itinerary.

6. Visa

For American citizens, a visa is required.

Visa on Arrival: $25 USD for a single-entry tourist visa (valid for 30 days). Available at major airports.
E-Visa: Also $25 USD for single entry, can be obtained online before travel.
Multi-Entry Visa: $60 – $85 USD if obtained in advance from an embassy/consulate.

7. Tipping (Baksheesh)

Tipping is customary and expected in Egypt, often referred to as “baksheesh.”

Guides & Drivers: Expect to tip your main Egyptologist guide around $10 – $20 per person per day. Drivers around $5 – $10 per person per day.
Cruise Staff: Around $5 – $15 per person per day for the overall staff.
Hotel Staff: Small amounts for porters, housekeeping.
Restaurants/Cafes: 10-15% if service charge isn’t included.
Small Services: $1-2 USD for bathroom attendants, helping with luggage, etc.
Budget for Tips: Allocate around $100 – $250 USD per person for a 7-10 day trip, depending on your group size and how many people you’re tipping.

8. Miscellaneous & Souvenirs

SIM Card & Data: Around $10 – $25 USD for a local SIM with data.
Souvenirs: Highly variable! Budget based on your shopping habits. Remember to haggle.
Contingency Fund: Always add 10-15% to your total budget for unexpected expenses.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Egypt Trip Cost:

Travel During Shoulder or Low Season: May-August is hot but offers significantly lower prices and fewer crowds. March-April and September-October are shoulder seasons with better weather and slightly lower costs than peak winter.
Book Flights & Accommodation in Advance: Especially for peak season.
Choose a Package Tour: Often more cost-effective than arranging everything yourself, as tour operators get bulk discounts on hotels, cruises, and transport.
Eat Local: Embrace street food and local restaurants for delicious and cheap meals.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Careem are cheaper and more transparent than street taxis.
Bargain (Respectfully): Haggling is expected in markets like Khan el-Khalili.
Limit Shopping: Souvenirs can add up quickly.
Public Transport (Cairo): Use the Cairo Metro for very cheap rides.

An Egypt trip cost can be tailored to various budgets, from the adventurous backpacker to the luxury seeker. By understanding these key expenses and applying smart budgeting tips, you can embark on your dream journey to the land of the pharaohs without any financial surprises.