Egypt Guide
I Did 7 Days in Egypt for ₹85,000. Here Is Every Rupee I Spent.
The complete India to Egypt travel guide for budget travelers. Real costs, honest tips, and no fluff.
Everyone told me Egypt would cost ₹2 lakhs. I did it for ₹85,000. Seven days, two cities, the pyramids up close, a felucca on the Nile, and some of the best food I have ever eaten. This blog breaks down every single cost so you can plan your own Egypt trip without the guesswork.
FLIGHTS: ₹19,000 TO ₹28,000 (RETURN)
Mumbai to Cairo has decent connectivity with Air Arabia, IndiGo via Muscat, and flydubai via Dubai. Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance for the best fares. I found my return tickets for under ₹22,000 booking about 7 weeks ahead. The key is flexibility on travel days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are almost always cheaper than weekends.
Pro tip: Set a Google Flights alert for “Mumbai to Cairo” and let it track the price for you.
VISA: ₹2,800 APPROX (E-VISA)
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. The good news is it is straightforward.
Apply online at the official Egypt e-Visa portal: visa2egypt.gov.eg
What you need
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Passport size photo
Processing time: 3 to 7 working days
Fee: approximately USD 25 (around ₹2,100 to ₹2,800 depending on the exchange rate)
Validity: 30 days single entry
Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Do not leave it to the last minute.
WHERE TO STAY: ₹1,800 TO ₹3,500 PER NIGHT
Cairo has excellent budget accommodation options, especially around the Garden City and Downtown areas. You want to stay close to the Metro for easy access to Giza and Old Cairo.
Budget picks in Cairo
- Pyramids area hotels for convenience on Giza day
- Downtown Cairo for nightlife, food, and transport access
- Garden City for a quieter, residential feel close to the Nile
Look for properties with rooftop access. Cairo’s skyline at night with a cup of Egyptian tea is genuinely one of the best free experiences in the city.
Book activities in Egypt at the best rates via Klook (use code PIYUSHH04) or Viator to save on entry fees and guided tours.
WHAT TO DO IN EGYPT
Day 1 to 3: Cairo and Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are the reason most people come to Egypt and they absolutely deliver. Go early, before 8 AM, to avoid the crowds and the heat. The Sphinx is right next to the pyramids and included in the same ticket.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (opened fully in 2023, it is massive and worth a full half day)
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar for spices, papyrus, and souvenirs
- Old Cairo and the Coptic churches
- A felucca ride on the Nile at sunset (negotiate the price yourself, aim for ₹500 to ₹800 per person)
Book Pyramids tours and Nile cruises via Klook (code PIYUSHH04) or Viator.
Day 4 to 5: Luxor
Take the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor (book via Egyptian National Railways). This saves you a hotel night and is a genuine experience.
- Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun’s tomb is here)
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple (lit up at night, stunning)
Hire a local guide for Valley of the Kings. The context makes it worth every rupee.
Day 6 to 7: Alexandria or Aswan
Both are worth it depending on your interest. Alexandria is coastal, Mediterranean, and easy to reach by train from Cairo (2.5 hours). Aswan is quieter, more Nubian in character, and has beautiful temples.
FOOD IN EGYPT: ₹400 TO ₹800 PER DAY
Egyptian street food is one of the most underrated food scenes in the world. Here is what to eat and where:
- Koshari at Abu Tarek in Cairo (Downtown). ₹150 to ₹200 per bowl. It is rice, lentils, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce all in one bowl. Order the large size.
- Ful medames (slow cooked fava beans) for breakfast at any local foul cart. ₹80 to ₹120.
- Hawawshi (spiced minced meat in bread) from street stalls near Khan el-Khalili. ₹150.
Avoid tourist restaurants on the main drag near the pyramids. Walk one street back and prices drop by half immediately.
TRANSPORT IN EGYPT
Cairo Metro is cheap at around ₹15 to ₹20 per ride and covers most tourist areas. Use Uber or Careem for anything not on the metro. Both apps work well in Cairo and Alexandria.
For intercity: Egyptian National Railways for Cairo to Luxor and Cairo to Alexandria. Book online or at the station. The overnight sleeper train to Luxor is worth booking first class for around ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.
TOTAL BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Category | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Flights (return) | ₹22,000 |
| Visa | ₹2,800 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₹15,000 |
| Food (7 days) | ₹5,600 |
| Activities and entry fees | ₹12,000 |
| Transport (local + intercity) | ₹8,000 |
| SIM + Misc | ₹3,500 |
| Total | ₹68,900 to ₹85,000 |
BOOK YOUR EGYPT ACTIVITIES
Save money on entry tickets, guided tours, and day trips by booking in advance through these trusted platforms:
Booking in advance also means you skip the queues at the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings, which get long by mid-morning.
Want a day-by-day Egypt itinerary with hotel names, food spots, and all activity links?
Want a custom Egypt itinerary built around your dates and budget?