Where are the Pyramids of Giza? Ways to Get There from Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza are located in the Giza Governate, west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. They are located along Al-Haram Street in Giza, which technically falls under the governance of Greater Cairo. The site is on the edge of the Western Desert, in the north of Egypt.

On the Giza Necropolis, you'll find the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramids of Menkaure, as well as their surrounding complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. These are some of the most famous tourist destinations in the entire world, so you'll want to make sure that you plan in enough time to visit Giza during your trip to Egypt. No visit to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

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Giza's Historical Importance: Proximity to Memphis

People can learn the ancient Egypt's history from the frescoes of ancient Egyptian temples.

The Pyramids of Giza are located close to the site that was the ancient capital of Memphis, which explains why so many pharaohs, queens, and nobles were buried on this site. At the time, pre-2000 BC, Memphis was the largest city in the entire world, inhabited by between 30,000 and 60,000 people. On top of that, it was the first capital of ancient Egypt, dated at between 2950 and 2180 BC, making it an extremely important part of ancient Egyptian history.

The location was also important in terms of resources for the construction of the pyramids. A lot of the limestone blocks were actually quarried at Giza, as well as other nearby sites, while the granite came from Aswan and some of the limestone also came from Tura. Due to Giza's proximity to the Nile, it was believed to be easier to transport the granite from Aswan and the limestone from Tura by boat to the construction sites.

Suggested reading: Top 7 Ancient Cities of Egypt: Location and Unique Features and How to Plan Your First Trip to Egypt — 7 Easy Steps

How to Get to the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramids are the largest pyramids in the world.

To get to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo, it is possible to get there by taxi or by Uber, or you can go by a tour, either organized or private. It takes approximately 20–40 minutes to get to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo, depending on where in the city you are staying, and you'll likely want to spend the full day exploring the site.

If you are hiring a car while you're in Egypt, and driving yourself, there are a few parking spaces near the pyramids, either at the entrance to the Sphinx, or the entrance to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Suggested reading: Top Places to Visit in Cairo

Giza's Sphinx International Airport

You can't say you've been to Egypt without seeing the Sphinx

While Giza does have its own airport, aptly named Sphinx International Airport, most visitors will fly into Cairo's airport from their home country and start their tour of Egypt from Cairo, due to its proximity to Giza.

Sphinx International Airport does not have a huge number of flights (most/all of which are internal), and COVID-19 impacted its flight schedule further with the international flight to Jordan getting scrapped and not yet having been reinstated at the time of writing (October 2022).

Top Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramids are a must-see for tourists.

• We do recommend taking a guided tour of the pyramids, whether in a group or private, because this is the best way to ensure you get all the interesting information about the sights, and that you don't miss seeing anything important. A guided tour organizer can also help you getting tickets.
• If you are visiting without a tour guide, we recommend booking your tickets online in advance because they often sell out by 8am. This is especially the case for the limited number of tickets to visit the inside of the pyramids
• Don't forget to wear sunscreen when you visit as you will be outside and exposed to the elements for most of the day. A hat can also help protect you.
• Wear comfortable shoes when you visit the Pyramids of Giza since you will be walking around quite a bit to see everything. Trainers or closed shoes are best since you'll be walking through the desert.
• If you are visiting on your own, we recommend getting to the pyramids by taxi. You can ask them to wait until you've finished your visit, and negotiate a price for the day. Your hotel will also be able to help you arrange for a taxi to take you.
• Suggested reading: What to Pack for Your Trip to Egypt