Cairo Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh by Flight

Staying in Sharm El Sheikh and want to see the Pyramids? You can do it in one day. A Cairo day trip from Sharm El Sheikh by flight takes you to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and brings you back to your hotel the same night.

Sharm El Sheikh is on the Sinai Peninsula, about 500 km (310 miles) from the Pyramids. By road that is around 6–7 hours each way, which makes a same-day return very tiring. By plane, the flight to Cairo takes about one hour, so you spend your day at the sites, not on the road.

How the day works

This is a typical plan for a private day trip by flight. Exact times depend on the flight schedule on your date.

• Early morning: pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh and transfer to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
• Morning flight to Cairo: about one hour in the air.
• Arrival in Cairo: your Egyptologist guide and driver meet you at the airport, and you travel to Giza in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, a panoramic viewpoint for photos, and the Sphinx.
• Lunch break: at a local restaurant, if it is included in your booking.
• Grand Egyptian Museum: the new museum next to the Pyramids, with the treasures of Tutankhamun and the giant statue of Ramses II in the Grand Hall.
• Evening flight back to Sharm El Sheikh and transfer to your hotel.

Expect a long day of around 13–15 hours from pickup to drop-off. It is a full day, but it is the easiest way to see the Pyramids during a Red Sea holiday.

By flight or by road?

If you travel by road, we recommend staying one night in Cairo so you are not in a vehicle for 13 hours in one day.

Want more time? Make it two days

With a night in Cairo, you can add Saqqara and Memphis, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Royal Mummies, Old Cairo, or an evening at Khan El Khalili bazaar. See all our Cairo day tours for ideas, or ask us to plan a short trip around your dates.

What can be included

Each trip is private and arranged for your group. Your quote will show exactly what is included. Depending on the option you choose, it can include:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh
• Domestic flights Sharm El Sheikh – Cairo – Sharm El Sheikh
• Private air-conditioned vehicle in Cairo
• A professional Egyptologist guide
• Entrance tickets to the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum
• Lunch and bottled water

Usually not included: tickets to go inside the Great Pyramid, drinks, personal expenses and tips.

Practical tips

• Bring your passport. You need it for the domestic flight.
• Bring a bank card. Most major sites in Egypt now accept card payment only for tickets.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. There is very little shade on the Giza Plateau.
• Book a few days ahead, so we can secure the flights that give you the most time in Cairo.

For all the travel options, read our guide: How far is Sharm El Sheikh from the Pyramids?

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sharm El Sheikh from the Pyramids?

About 500 km (310 miles). That is around 6–7 hours by road, or about one hour by plane.

Can I visit the Pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh in one day?

Yes, by flight. You leave early in the morning, visit the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and fly back the same evening.

Is the trip worth it?

For most travelers, yes. It is a long day, but the Pyramids of Giza are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and the Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums in the world.

Can children join the day trip?

Yes. Because the day is long, it suits children who are comfortable with early starts. With younger children, a 2-day trip with a night in Cairo is often more relaxed.

Can I go inside the Great Pyramid?

Yes, with an extra ticket bought at the site. Your guide will advise you on the day.

Can you also arrange a trip from Hurghada?

Yes. Contact us with your hotel and dates and we will suggest the best option.