Do you know? In 2023, a remarkable 150,000 Indian tourists visited Egypt, making India one of the top sources of international visitors to the country that year. This surge represents a significant 180% increase in tourism compared to pre-COVID levels. Such popularity stems from several appealing factors: a straightforward visa process, convenient direct flights and world-renowned attractions like the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Nile River. 

Moreover, beyond its iconic sites, the country offers something for every traveller—whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options. 

So, how much does a trip to Egypt from India really cost? In this guide, we break down the costs of a trip to Egypt from India (including tips to save) to help you consciously plan a great Egyptian journey!

Cost of Travelling to Egypt from India: Quick Overview

Before we discuss all the expenses in detail, here’s an overview of the different budget costs associated with a 7-day trip to Egypt from India. 

Each segment represents the percentage of total expenses allocated to essential travel components such as flights, accommodation, food, and more, providing insight into the typical distribution of costs for a one-week journey.

Let’s explore each expense category in detail, with tips on where to save along the way.

Cost of Travelling to Egypt from India: Category-Wise Expense Breakdown

1. Egypt E-Visa Cost 

The first step in planning your trip to Egypt is to factor in visa expenses. Indian passport holders need a valid visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained either online or through the Egyptian embassy. Applying online for an Egypt e-visa is often convenient, as it requires minimal documents, involves faster processing time, and allows you to get your visa from the comfort of your home! 

Here’s the Egypt visa cost:

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2. Cost of Flights from India to Egypt

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Egypt from India, thanks to Egypt's strong connectivity with major Indian cities. 

According to Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry, the country has 15 international airports, with Cairo International Airport (CAI) being the busiest and most well-connected. On average, round-trip flights from India to Egypt range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000, depending on the departure city, travel season, and airline choice. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of costs and important points to note about flights from major Indian cities:

Cost-Saving Tips

• Book early: Booking flights 2-3 months ahead can lead to significant savings, as fares are usually lower initially. Use comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. To avoid potential price hikes from frequent searches, try using “incognito mode” to prevent websites from tracking your activity.

• Set up fare alerts: Fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper notify you of price drops on specific routes. Hopper even predicts future fare trends, advising you on the best booking time. 

• Consider layovers: Direct flights are convenient but generally more expensive. Choosing flights with layovers can significantly reduce costs. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways offer layovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha, which can make your travel more affordable, especially during peak seasons.

• Be flexible with travel dates: Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekends. Use Google Flights’ date grid or Skyscanner’s “whole month” view to find the most affordable travel dates. Consider travelling during shoulder seasons for lower rates and fewer crowds as well.

• Use points and miles programs: Frequent travellers or those with travel rewards credit cards can benefit from points and miles programs. Programs like Emirates Skywards or Qatar Airways Privilege Club allow you to earn miles, redeemable for discounts or free flights. Many credit cards also convert points into airline miles, helping reduce travel costs.

3. Accommodation Costs in Egypt

Egypt offers a vast range of accommodations, from inexpensive hostels for budget travellers to luxury resorts for those seeking a high-end experience. According to an analysis by Budget Your Trip, the average hotel price for a night in Egypt is around ₹6,000. However, prices vary significantly based on the type of accommodation, location, season, and hotel quality.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Stay in budget stays: Egypt has a variety of well-rated budget accommodations, especially in Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada. Choosing budget hotels like Safary Hotel in Cairo and Ithaka Hostel in Alexandria can help you save significantly.

• Use booking platforms for discounts: Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb frequently offer discounts, especially for early or last-minute bookings. Signing up for loyalty programs can unlock additional savings and exclusive deals.

• Travel during shoulder seasons: Egypt’s peak tourist season is from November to February. Accommodation rates are higher during this period, particularly around Christmas and New Year. For lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-October).

• Consider apartment rentals for long stays: According to Numbeo, a month’s rent in a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs EGP 8,415 (₹14395 approx.). So, for extended visits, renting an apartment can be more economical than a hotel. 

• Leverage credit card rewards: Use travel rewards credit cards, which allow you to redeem points for hotel stays. Cards like HDFC Regalia, American Express Membership Rewards, and Axis Bank's Miles & More offer valuable points that can be redeemed on platforms like Expedia.

4. Local Transportation Costs in Egypt

The next significant expense after accommodation in Egypt is transportation. Much like lodging, Egypt provides a diverse range of transportation options to suit various budgets and comfort preferences. 

• If you want to save on transportation, budget-friendly options like buses and the Cairo Metro are widely available. 

• For a more comfortable, flexible experience, ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are great alternatives. 

To read more about transportation options in Egypt, read our comprehensive guide on getting around in Egypt. 

Cost-Saving Tips 

• Use the metro: It’s economical and efficient, especially outside of rush hours.

• Opt for CTA buses: If you’re looking for comfort without splurging, upgraded CTA buses are a great choice. These buses have AC, which is especially useful during Egypt’s hotter months.

• Book trains in advance: Early booking on scenic train routes saves both time and money, especially for long-haul routes.

5. Food and Dining Expenses

Egypt offers a rich culinary experience that is both delicious and affordable, with options to suit every budget. 

• Low-budget: If you are looking to enjoy Egypt’s flavours without stretching your wallet, street food and local markets offer some of the best value for money. A meal from a street vendor generally costs around ₹80-250 per person. Moreover, there are a few must-try Egyptian dishes that are quite low-cost, like koshari, shawarma and falafel, allowing you to enjoy local delicacies without worries! 

• Mid-range: For those who want a slightly more refined dining experience without splurging, there are enough casual and family-friendly restaurants where meals typically cost between ₹400 and ₹1000 per person. These restaurants serve traditional Egyptian dishes, often with a wider selection of menu options than street vendors, in a comfortable dining atmosphere. You can enjoy good, mid-ranged food at restaurants like Gad or El Tabei El Domyati, both popular chains across Egypt.

• High-range: For those seeking a more luxurious dining experience, Egypt has a growing selection of high-end restaurants that offer exceptional food in upscale settings. These meals generally range from ₹2000 to ₹4000 per person. Some of the great restaurants are Zooba and Pier88 Nile River in Cairo, Silk Road Restaurant in Luxor and Blue Harbor Rooftop Restaurant in Alexandria. 

Cost-Saving Tips

• Eat street food: Not only is street food affordable, but it also provides an authentic taste of Egyptian culture.

• Look for lunch specials: Many fine-dining restaurants offer set lunch menus that are more affordable than their dinner offerings.

• Opt for local chains: Restaurants like Gad and Felfela offer consistently good food at affordable prices.

6. Attractions and Tour Costs

Another key daily expense during your Egypt trip will be the costs associated with exploring its world-famous landmarks. Entry fees for major attractions vary, but on average, you can expect to pay between ₹250 and  ₹770 (150 - 400 EGP) per site for the most popular locations, with some high-demand activities like snorkelling and diving along the Red Sea costing between  ₹1540 and  ₹2560 (900 - 1,500 EGP). 

To give you an idea, here’s a breakdown of entry fees for some of Egypt’s popular attractions:

Cost-Saving Tips

• Look for student or senior discounts: Certain attractions in Egypt offer discounted entry rates for students and seniors. If you’re eligible, carry a valid ID, such as an international student ID card, to access these discounts.

• Purchase combination or circuit passes: Egypt offers bundled ticket options that allow you to explore several sites at a discounted rate. For example, the Cairo and Luxor Passes. 

• Opt for DIY tours: Instead of buying individual tickets and hiring a guide, consider booking local tours, which include both the entry and guide fees. Local guides also often know the best times to visit each site to avoid crowds, as well as hidden gems that are not part of the typical tourist circuit. Additionally, these tours allow for a more flexible schedule, so you can spend more time at the locations that interest you most.

7. Shopping and Souvenirs

While we’ve provided below an overview of typical prices for some of the most popular souvenirs, it’s essential to note that the cost of shopping in Egypt will ultimately depend on your personal choices and preferences. Since souvenirs aren’t a mandatory expense, you can spend as much or as little as you like!

Popular souvenirs’ to look out for include:

• Papyrus Art: Known for its significance in ancient Egyptian culture, papyrus art often features hand-painted scenes of gods, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics. Prices range from $5 to $20, depending on the size and detail of the artwork.

• Handmade Jewellery: Egyptian jewellery, inspired by ancient designs, includes intricate pieces crafted from silver, gold, and semi-precious stones. These items make beautiful gifts and typically cost between $10 and $50, with prices reflecting the material and craftsmanship.

• Spices: Egypt is known for its flavorful spices, including cumin, saffron, and hibiscus. Spice stalls are common in markets, where you can purchase packs for about $1 to $5 each. These are lightweight, easy to pack, and add a taste of Egypt to your cooking back home.

• Traditional Scarves: Scarves are versatile and popular souvenirs, often decorated with patterns and colours inspired by Egyptian culture. They range from $5 to $15 and are a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet stylish keepsake.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Bargain: Bargaining is an expected part of shopping in Egyptian markets, and vendors often start with higher prices. A polite but firm negotiation can help you secure a fair price for your purchases.

• Avoid tourist hotspots: While it’s convenient to shop near major attractions, prices tend to be inflated in tourist-heavy areas. If possible, venture to local markets and smaller shops away from high-traffic spots to find better deals.

8. Miscellaneous Costs to Consider

In addition to the main expenses of travel, it’s essential to budget for miscellaneous costs such as tips, extra snacks, emergency expenses, and other unexpected needs. Tipping is customary in Egypt, especially for service staff, guides, and drivers. A small tip (often 5-10 EGP) is appreciated for good service, and it’s wise to keep change on hand for these small but frequent expenses. 

Planning for an extra 5-10% of your total budget to cover miscellaneous expenses can help ensure a stress-free trip, allowing for unexpected costs or spontaneous purchases.

Visiting Egypt soon? Check out our “Complete Egypt Travel Guide” where we cover everything from what to pack, essential apps to download, travel tips, and more for a seamless adventure!

Conclusion

By understanding the costs involved, from flights to local transportation and dining, you can plan a trip that fits your budget while ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic pyramids, the bustling markets, or the serene Nile River, Egypt offers something for every traveller. With this guide, you’re equipped not only with a clear cost breakdown but also with practical tips to save money along the way.

Have a stress-free journey to Egypt. Safe travels!