How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost? Full Budget Breakdown
How much does a trip to Egypt cost? For most travelers, Egypt can fit almost any budget: a budget trip can be very affordable, mid-range offers strong comfort for reasonable money, and luxury can reach premium levels—especially with 5-star resorts and private guides. A helpful benchmark: traveler spending averages around $41/day for on-the-ground costs (excluding international flights), but your total depends on your style and destinations.
This guide breaks down the main cost categories so you can plan a realistic Egypt trip budget.
What Changes the Cost of a Trip to Egypt the Most?
If you’re calculating how much does a trip to Egypt cost, these factors move the total fastest:
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International flight price (origin + season)
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Hotel level (hostel vs 4-star vs 5-star)
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Pace of travel (flights vs trains vs buses)
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Paid experiences (Nile cruise, diving, balloon rides, guided tours)
Flights: What You Should Budget
International flight costs vary widely by departure point and season.
Typical planning ranges many travelers use:
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From Europe: often $300–$600 round trip
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From the US/Canada: often $700–$1,200 round trip
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From the Middle East: often $200–$500 round trip
Money-saving flight habits
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Book 2–3 months ahead when possible
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Cairo is often the most flexible gateway for pricing and schedules
Accommodation: Hostels to Luxury Resorts
Egypt offers a wide spread of hotel prices, and accommodation is one of the biggest drivers of how much does a trip to Egypt cost.
Budget stays
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Hostels/basic hotels: $10–$30 per night
Mid-range comfort
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Comfortable hotels (often with breakfast): $40–$100 per night
Luxury
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5-star hotels/resorts: $120–$300+ per night
Nile cruises (important to budget separately)
Many Nile cruise cabins bundle meals and guided excursions, which changes daily cost comparisons.
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Typical range: $100–$250 per night (varies by ship, season, inclusions)
Food & Dining: Daily Meal Costs
Egypt can be very affordable for food, especially if you enjoy local dishes.
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Street food/local eateries: $5–$10 per meal
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Mid-range restaurants: $10–$25 per meal
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Fine dining/hotel dining: $30–$60+ per meal
Popular dishes travelers build meals around:
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Koshari, ful medames, ta’ameya, molokhia
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Seafood is especially popular in coastal cities
Transportation Within Egypt: Cities and Long Distances
Transport style can quickly change how much does a trip to Egypt cost.
Domestic flights
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Often $50–$150 for routes like Cairo–Luxor/Aswan (varies by date and demand)
Trains (including sleepers)
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Often $15–$50 depending on class and route
Nile cruises as transport
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Sometimes priced $100–$250 per day including meals/excursions (package-dependent)
Getting around cities
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Ride-hailing and taxis can be just a few dollars per ride in many cases
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Private transfers/day drivers may run $30–$100 per day depending on route and duration
Entrance Fees & Tours: What to Expect
Tickets and tours are where many travelers underestimate how much does a trip to Egypt cost.
Entrance fees
Major sites typically require paid tickets, and prices can vary by site and whether you add special areas (like pyramid interiors). For official, itemized ticket lists, check the Ministry ticket PDF and local government pages.
Guided tours
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Common day tour range: $30–$100 per day
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Often worth it for complex sites when you want historical context and smoother logistics
Activities & Extras (Optional but Common)
These add a lot of value—and cost—so include them early in your budget.
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Hot air balloon in Luxor: $50–$120
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Red Sea snorkeling/diving: $40–$100 per trip/session
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Desert safaris / Siwa-style tours: $50–$150 per day
Comparison Table: Typical Egypt Trip Cost Styles (Per Person)
| Travel Style | Daily Spend (On the Ground) | What’s Included Most Days |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30–$50 | Hostel, street food, basic transport, limited paid sites |
| Mid-range | $100–$200 | Comfortable hotel, restaurants, rides/apps, tours + tickets |
| Luxury | $250–$500+ | 5-star stays, private guides, premium transport, exclusives |
(International flights are usually calculated separately.)
Sample Total Cost: 7 Days in Egypt (Typical Planning Ranges)
These examples help answer how much does a trip to Egypt cost as a full trip (including flights), using your travel style:
Budget (1 week)
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Often around $700–$1,000 total
Mid-range (1 week)
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Often around $1,200–$2,000 total
Luxury (1 week)
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Often around $2,500–$5,000+ total
Which Trip Type Is Best for You?
Choose Budget if you want:
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Maximum value, simple stays, local food
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More independent exploring with fewer paid add-ons
Choose Mid-range if you want:
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Comfort + convenience
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Guided days at major sites + optional experiences like cruise or snorkeling
Choose Luxury if you want:
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Premium hotels and seamless logistics
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Private guides, upgraded transport, and exclusive experiences
Money-Saving Tips That Actually Lower Your Egypt Trip Cost
If you want to reduce how much does a trip to Egypt cost, focus on the big levers:
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Travel in shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr) for better value
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Eat local (big savings vs hotel restaurants)
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Book flights/hotels/cruises online early when possible
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Use ride-hailing where available to reduce overcharging risk
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Plan paid sites in clusters (fewer transfers, fewer “wasted” travel days)
Conclusion
How much does a trip to Egypt cost depends on your style, but Egypt is flexible: budget travelers can keep costs low, mid-range travelers get strong comfort for fair prices, and luxury travelers can build a premium experience with private services and high-end resorts. Plan flights, hotels, transport, entry tickets, and activities early—and your Egypt trip budget will stay realistic and stress-free.
4. FAQ Section
1) How much does a trip to Egypt cost for 7 days?
How much a 7-day trip to Egypt costs depends on style. Budget travelers often plan roughly $700–$1,000 total, mid-range travelers around $1,200–$2,000, and luxury trips around $2,500–$5,000+ including flights, hotels, food, and activities.
2) Is Egypt cheap or expensive for tourists?
Egypt is often considered good value because daily costs can be low for food and basic transport, while upgrades like Nile cruises, domestic flights, and 5-star resorts increase the budget quickly. Your trip cost mainly depends on hotel level and paid experiences.
3) What is the biggest cost in an Egypt trip?
International flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs, followed by tours and activities like Nile cruises, diving, or hot air balloons. Entry tickets also add up if you visit many major sites in a short time.
4) How much should I budget per day in Egypt without flights?
Many travelers budget $30–$50 per day for budget travel, $100–$200 for mid-range, and $250–$500+ for luxury, excluding flights. Daily totals vary depending on how many paid sites, tours, or transfers you add.
5) Are entrance fees expensive in Egypt?
Entrance fees vary by site and can add up across multiple attractions. Some places also charge extra for special areas or add-on access. Checking official ticket lists before you travel helps you plan realistic sightseeing days.
6) Is a Nile cruise expensive compared to traveling by train?
A Nile cruise can cost more than trains because it often bundles lodging, meals, and guided excursions. Trains are usually cheaper for transport alone, while cruises offer convenience and a packaged sightseeing flow between Luxor and Aswan.
7) Can I visit Egypt without guided tours to save money?
Yes, you can reduce costs by visiting sites independently and choosing only a few guided days. Many travelers hire guides for complex places like major temples or tombs and explore simpler areas on their own to balance learning and budget.
8) How do I reduce my Egypt trip cost without missing highlights?
To reduce your Egypt trip cost, travel in shoulder seasons, eat local food, book hotels and transport early, and prioritize one major paid activity per day. Combining nearby attractions into one day also cuts transfers and keeps spending predictable.
