7 Essential Tips for Exploring Egypt on a Budget

Many budget travelers discover just how far their money can stretch while exploring Egypt.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a deeply immersive experience here. With a bit of research and planning, you can maximize both your time and your budget.

By choosing local cuisine and embracing hostel accommodations, you can see much of Egypt on a budget while still treating yourself to some affordable luxuries. Here are our top tips for stretching your funds further.

Don’t assume that flying into Cairo is your only option.

Finding a budget flight is essential for an affordable trip, and if your Egypt itinerary includes destinations beyond Cairo (which it should!), you can save a significant amount by booking a flight to one of the country’s other international airports.

Flying into Egypt via Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, or Alexandria may cost you less than half of what a flight to the capital would.

Embrace the hostel experience

To cut accommodation costs in Egypt, opt for shared dorms in hostels, camps, or basic hotel rooms. You'll find plenty of choices throughout the country, with some beds available for under US$20 per night. Sharing a room with multiple single beds is a smart way to save money, especially when traveling with friends.

For budget hotels, anticipate spending between $25 and $50 per night for a double room, depending on the city and the time of year.

When visiting Cairo, choose to stay in the city center

Cairo is a feast for the senses, offering plenty to see, taste, and experience. To dodge the city’s infamous traffic and maximize your time, book a room right in the city center where all the major attractions are just steps away.

Downtown Cairo boasts a wide range of budget-friendly lodging options, including boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs, all within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum and the Nile. Staying centrally also provides easy access to public transport and quick pickups from ride-hailing services to destinations like Khan Al Khalili, Islamic Cairo, and the Giza Plateau.

Savor the local flavors

Food is a vital aspect of Egyptian culture, and there's no better way to immerse yourself in local life than by indulging in Egypt's vibrant street food scene.

Egyptian food is generally more affordable than international cuisine, offering a wide range of tasty, inexpensive, and varied choices.

Cairo's numerous street food vendors present a variety of treats, including options for vegetarians and vegans. You can enjoy a full meal on the go for as little as $2, while meals at local sit-down eateries typically cost between $5 and $12.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the many carts lining the streets to prepare your own meals.

Master the art of negotiation

You see a souvenir you want to take home, but the seller just quoted an outrageous price. Don’t lose hope: this is part of the experience. Vendors often inflate prices for tourists, but with respectful haggling, you can score a fantastic deal.

Start by offering a price that's a little less than half of what was quoted. You'll likely find yourself in a back-and-forth with the seller, gradually increasing the price while you lower yours until you both agree on a fair amount.

Street vendors in Egypt can be quite persistent, so you might find yourself saying 'no thank you' frequently. Remember, you don’t have to buy anything you don’t want – just flash a friendly smile and walk away.

Check prices at other shops to understand the average cost. Avoid settling for the first price you’re quoted; be savvy in your negotiations and sharpen your bargaining skills.

Get to grips with public transportation

In Egypt’s larger cities, public transport is a fraction of the cost of hiring a private driver. Using buses, trams, and Cairo's Metro can also be simpler than haggling over taxi fares. Cairo has several public bus operators, with Mwasalat Misr being the most reliable, affordable, and easy to use.

Ride-hailing services like Uber, Careem, Swvl, and Didi operate in some Egyptian cities and are significantly cheaper than in many other countries. They also offer various ride options, including scooters and buses, which can be more economical than traditional cars.

For domestic trips, trains and buses are more cost-effective than flights. You can travel from Cairo to Alexandria for just $5 on a five-hour train journey. A longer, 12-hour train ride to Luxor and Aswan costs approximately $10.

If you’re heading to Sinai, Siwa, or other locations not serviced by trains, there are numerous bus companies to consider. Go Bus is a popular option that can be booked online ahead of time, with tickets averaging around $10.

For additional savings while traveling between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, consider taking the sleeper train or an overnight bus, allowing you to save on accommodation for the night.

Purchase a Cairo Pass and a Luxor Pass

If your travel plans in Egypt feature numerous museums and archaeological sites in Cairo and Luxor, investing in a Cairo Pass and a Luxor Pass is a smart financial choice.

The Cairo Pass offers access to all major sites and museums in Cairo and Giza for $100. It’s valid for five days, allowing unlimited entries to places like the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur. You can buy this pass at the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Plateau, or the Citadel.

The standard Luxor Pass, priced at $100, grants access to all archaeological sites on both the east and west banks of Luxor, excluding the tombs of Seti I and Nefertari. For those tombs, you can opt for the premium Luxor Pass at $200, which is still a great value. This pass can be purchased at Karnak or the Valley of the Kings.

To buy a pass, you'll need your passport, two photocopies of it, two passport-sized photos, and the exact cash amount for the pass. Students with valid IDs receive a 50% discount on the pass price.

Daily expenses

• Budget hotel room for two: $20–40

• Public transport fare: $0.20–0.50

• Coffee: $1–3

• Falafel sandwich: $1–3

• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: $10–20

• Beer at a bar: $2–3