Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Egypt

Best Day Trips from Egypt 2026

Where a single day out of Egypt can take you, and exactly how to make each trip work.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Alexandria, Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El Rayan and Saqqara and Memphis. This guide profiles 5+ day trips in Egypt, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

220 km north of Cairo

Alexandria

Egyptian National Railways intercity train (Alexandria Ramses station)

Highlights: Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Qaitbay Citadel · Corniche seafood restaurants · Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa · Pompey's Pillar

100 km southwest of Cairo

Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El Rayan

Private car or taxi from Giza

Highlights: Wadi El Rayan waterfalls · Lake Qarun flamingos · Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan) fossils · Tunis village pottery workshops

30 km south of Cairo

Saqqara and Memphis

Private taxi from Giza

Highlights: Step Pyramid of Djoser · Pyramid of Unas · Serapeum of Saqqara · Memphis open-air museum · Colossi of Ramesses II

40 km south of Cairo

Dahshur Pyramid Field

Private taxi

Highlights: Bent Pyramid of Sneferu · Red Pyramid (climbable inside) · Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III · Virtually no other tourists

120 km east of Cairo

Ain Sokhna and the Red Sea Coast

Private car

Highlights: Galala Mountain Cable Car · Red Sea snorkelling · Porto Sokhna resort beach · Zafarana lighthouse road drive

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized day tours from Cairo to Saqqara and Memphis from $40 per person; Alexandria tours from $60 including train and guide
Private
Private car and driver hire from $60-80/day for Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur circuit; $120-150 for Cairo-Alexandria return
Public
Egyptian National Railways trains serve Alexandria (EGP 30-60), Luxor (EGP 80-200), and Aswan. Go Bus company serves Hurghada and Sinai.
Rental
Car rental from $30-50/day; recommended only for Ain Sokhna and Fayoum as Cairo city driving is chaotic for foreigners

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start all desert day trips before 8 AM to complete outdoor sightseeing before midday heat from April to October

Tip

Book organized tours to Alexandria, Saqqara, and Luxor from Cairo — the guides add enormous value at sites that require context

Tip

The Egyptian National Railways online booking system requires advance purchase for air-conditioned first-class carriages on popular routes

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