Cost of a trip to Egypt from India: Detailed expenses
India is emerging to be amongst the leading markets and countries for Egyptian tourism, registering thousands of Indian travelers visiting Egypt year-on-year. The sources of this growth include the easy visa processing, flights right from India, and the world's wonders like the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Nile.
Beyond the historic monuments, Egypt offers package tourism options whether you are looking for a fun time or a luxury vacation trip. But what is the real cost of a trip to Egypt from India? This guide will give you a complete breakdown of expenses, from flights and hotel accommodations to food and sightseeing, along with useful tips to save some cash.
For smooth travel, apply for an Egypt e-visa through the Egypt Immigration Service website and enter this fantastic destination seamlessly.
How much does a trip to Egypt cost from India?
Overview of the cost of traveling to Egypt from India
Are you considering going from India to Egypt? The amount you will spend to visit Egypt from India is important as it allows you to budget your trip successfully. Before discussing the specific expenses, it helps to have a rough idea of the budget composition of a 7-day trip, namely:
- Flights (40 - 50%): Airfare is one of the largest expenditures on any trip and could vary widely depending on the season, airline, or booking date.
- Accommodation (20 - 30%): Accommodation costs vary widely based on personal choices, ranging from budget hotels to more luxurious resorts.
- Food & Dining (10 - 15%): Egyptian food offers street food options that are very cheap compared to expensive fine-dining locations.
- Sightseeing & Activities (10 - 15%): The entrance fees for great places like the Pyramids and Nile cruise would figure into this expense.
- Local Transport & Miscellaneous (5 - 10%): Taxis, the metro, shopping, and some other minor expenses are all included.
All expenses involved are exclusively necessary variables for the travel budget. The next section will analyze each expense category in detail and provide tips on how to save money so that you can have fun in Egypt without breaking the bank.
Overview of the cost of traveling to Egypt from India
Cost to visit Egypt from India: Category of expenes
It is critical to realize the nature of the expenses incurred for traveling to Egypt from India for different spending categories while planning a trip. The budget ensures that the journey is maximized without overspending.
Visa cost
The visa fee is probably the first thing to consider in consciously calculating the cost of the trip to Egypt from India. Indian passport holders need to obtain a valid visa to enter Egypt. There are primarily two options for obtaining one:
- Egypt e-visa: The e-visa is the most worthy option, as it is available online with minimal documentation. Processing is quite quick, and the e-visa can be procured from the comfort of your own home. You can read more about Egypt visit visa for Indian to clearly information.
- Visa through the Egyptian embassy: The other method by which travelers can secure a visa is through the Egyptian embassy. This might involve more paperwork and take longer to obtain.
Expenses of flight
The airfare forms one of the costliest components of a trip to Egypt from India. With commendable air connectivity between major Indian cities and Egypt’s 15 international airports, by far, the best and quickest way to reach Egypt would be by air. More than half of the international arrivals in Egypt are processed through CAI, which sees the most traffic and is the best airport in Egypt in terms of connectivity.
Round trip airfare from India to Egypt would generally range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 depending on the departure city, seasonality, the airline, and flight duration. Below is a detailed cost table for some of the major Indian cities:
City |
Average Round-Trip Cost (INR) |
Flight Duration |
Major Airlines |
Advantages |
Considerations |
Mumbai |
₹35,000 - ₹50,000 |
7-9 hours |
EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways |
Direct flights available, flexible schedules |
Direct options available, prices rise in peak season; layovers may be cheaper |
Delhi |
₹35,000 - ₹45,000 |
8-10 hours |
Gulf Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways |
Various flights, high service standards |
Direct options, prices rise in peak season; layovers may be cheaper |
Bangalore |
₹40,000 - ₹60,000 |
9-11 hours |
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa |
Comfortable, high service standards |
Longer duration due to layovers |
Chennai |
₹40,000 - ₹50,000 |
10-12 hours |
Qatar Airways, Emirates |
Quality airlines with layovers in major hubs |
Higher costs, limited direct flights |
Kolkata |
₹55,000 - ₹70,000 |
11-13 hours |
Etihad, Qatar Airways |
Known for excellent in-flight service |
Long travel time, multiple layovers |
While visa costs are fixed, you can save money on other aspects of your trip. Here are some expert travel hacks to reduce expenses:
- Buy flights in advance: Airfare is a big percentage of your budget, and booking 2-3 months in advance would be economical in booking cheaper fares. Use programs including Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak, but search under "in incognito mode" to avoid price hikes.
- Establish travel alerts: Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper are platforms that as ticket flight prices decline, ticket flights prices decreases, will notify you. Hopper forecasts fare trends to help you book at the ideal time.
- Connecting flights: Correspondence makes air travel inexpensive, very expensive for airlifters. You might save great money on Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways by going to stopovers- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha- flights as they won't charge you extra during peak times.
- Be flexible on travel dates: Fly much cheaper than weekends on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Use the "date grid" of Google Flights or the "whole month" tool of Skyscanner to find the best fares. Traveling during both shoulder seasons, fall and spring, will also cut costs.
- Use the miles and points program: You can redeem not just discounts through points but also free flights for a frequent flyer or travel rewards. Try to check under Emirates Skywards or Qatar Airways Privilege Club to make some more savings.
By planning wisely and taking advantage of these strategies, you can significantly cut down the overall cost of a trip to Egypt from India while enjoying a seamless travel experience.
Save money on other aspects of your trip
Fee of accomodation in Egypt
Egypt has many choices for accommodation, from pocket-friendly ones to lavish resorts and everything in between. The cost of accommodation comprises a substantial portion of a trip from India to Egypt. According to Budget Your Trip, the average hotel price per night in Egypt is around ₹6,000; however, the price does vary widely due to location, season, and category of the hotel.
Budget Category |
Cost Range (INR per night) |
Stay Options |
Key Features |
Low-Budget |
Up to ₹2,500 |
Safary Hotel (Cairo) Madina Hostel (Cairo) Happy Land Luxor Hotel (Luxor) Adrenalin Beach Lodge (Sharm El Sheikh) Ithaka Hostel (Alexandria) |
Affordable stays with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms, and occasional free breakfast. |
Mid-Budget |
₹2,500 - ₹5,000 |
Jewel San Stefano Hotel (Alexandria) Tahrir Plaza Suites (Cairo) Golden Palace Hotel (Cairo) Nefertiti Hotel (Luxor) Naama Bay Promenade Beach Resort (Sharm El Sheikh) |
Comfortable rooms with added amenities like private bathrooms and on-site dining; ideal for families and small groups. |
High-Budget |
Above ₹5,000 |
Meraki Resort (Hurghada) Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (Cairo) Ramses Hilton (Cairo) Sofitel Winter Palace (Luxor) Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel (Hurghada) |
Luxurious accommodations feature spas, private beaches, pools, fine dining, and proximity to major attractions. |
Cost-saving tips for accommodation:
- Stay at budget hotels: The cheap hotels and hostels in Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada that are rated well indeed save a lot. There are places like the Safary Hotel (Cairo) and Ithaka Hostel (Alexandria), which are a bit more comfortable but at a much lower price.
- Use booking sites for discounts: Booking sites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb offer discounts many times, and signing up for their respective loyalty programs can earn a discount on top of that.
- Travel during the shoulder season: Prices are higher during the peak season (November-February). Traveling in March - May or September - October can help reduce accommodation prices considerably.
- For long stays, rent an apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Cairo costs about ₹14,395 a month (EGP 8,415). When staying for weeks, it may be cheaper to rent an apartment instead of a hotel.
- Use credit card rewards: Cards like HDFC Regalia, American Express Membership Rewards, and Axis Bank's Miles & More allow points to be redeemed for hotel stays on sites such as Expedia.
Cost-saving tips for accommodation
Local transportation cost
Second, transportation also plays an important role when calculating the cost of a trip to Egypt from India. Luckily, Egypt offers so many kinds of transport at every budget level and comfort level. Whether you want to be economical in travelling around the country, or you like more comfort and privacy, there are plenty of options open to you.
Transport Mode |
Cost (INR) |
Details |
Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Uber, Careem) |
₹19 base fare + ₹8-11/km |
Convenient, safe, and available in major cities. Prices can fluctuate based on demand. |
Cairo Metro |
₹13-27 per ride |
Fast and affordable way to travel around Cairo, avoiding traffic congestion. |
Standard & Upgraded CTA Buses |
₹13-54 (varies by bus type) |
Budget-friendly, widely available in Cairo and other cities. |
Microbuses |
₹13-40 (depending on distance) |
Inexpensive but often crowded; best for short-distance travel. |
APTA Buses & Trams |
₹8-40 (depending on distance) |
Cheap and useful for short trips within cities. |
Trains |
₹80-₹1,600 (varies by route & class) |
Ideal for intercity travel, with economy and first-class options. |
Domestic Flights |
₹80-₹1,600 (varies by route & class) |
Best for long-distance travel within Egypt, especially between Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh. |
Tips to save on transportation costs:
- Metro and Buses for budget travel in Cairo: The cheapest and fastest way to travel across the city is through the Cairo metro. Other inexpensive options include the public CTA and APTA buses.
- Opt for ride-hailing services over Taxis: Uber, Careem, or any other services offer its customers transparent pricing compared to local taxis and is usually cheaper, especially for tourists.
- Travel between cities by Train: Train journeys are pocket-friendly for those traveling to cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor, having many class options for people with varying budgets.
- Book early for internal flights within the country: Booking domestic flights early best helps to save money. This is because late reservations are marked by an increase in prices.
Tips to save on transportation costs
Food and dining expenses
One of the lovely aspects of traveling to Egypt involves good food that doesn't tear your pocket. Egypt offers everything for every taste and budget, whether you're on a shoestring budget or out to dine fine. When setting the costs of a trip to Egypt from India, food expenses play a great role. But when it comes to fine choices, you enjoy top flavor without suffering financially.
Budget Category |
Cost Per Meal (INR) |
Dining Options |
Popular Choices |
Low-Budget Travelers |
₹80-₹250 |
Street food, local markets |
- Koshari: Rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce. - Shawarma: Grilled meat wrap (chicken or beef). - Falafel (Ta'ameya): Fried fava bean patties in pita bread. |
Mid-Budget Travelers |
₹400-₹1,000 |
Casual & family-friendly restaurants |
- Gad: A fast-food chain with Egyptian & Middle Eastern dishes. - El Tabei El Domyati: Egyptian breakfast and street-style food. |
Luxury Dining Experience |
₹2,000-₹4,000 |
High-end restaurants with fine dining |
- Zooba (Cairo): Modern take on Egyptian street food. - Pier88 Nile River (Cairo): Fine dining with Nile River views. - Silk Road Restaurant (Luxor): Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisine. - Blue Harbor Rooftop (Alexandria): Seafood & international dishes with rooftop views |
Cost-saving tips for dining in Egypt:
- Cross the street: It is not only inexpensive but also lets you get a fair grasp about the Egyptian culture.
- Lunch specials: Big hotel restaurants usually have set lunch menus that are way cheaper than their dinner specials.
- Consider local chains: Budget restaurant chains such as Gad and Felfela offer delicious Egyptian dishes at reasonable prices.
Cost-saving tips for dining in Egypt
Attractions and tour Costs
Entrance fees to antiquities, museums, and other significant sites account for a large part of this trip from India to Egypt. Visiting Egypt's major attractions will generally cost a person between ₹250 and ₹770 (150 - 400 EGP) per site, although premium experiences such as tomb visits and Red Sea activities, may cost more.
Ticket prices for popular attractions
Attraction |
Ticket Price (EGP) |
Ticket Price (INR Approx.) |
540 EGP |
924 INR |
|
450 EGP |
770 INR |
|
Qaitbay Citadel |
150 EGP |
256 INR |
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization |
500 EGP |
855 INR |
Karnak Temples |
450 EGP |
770 INR |
Luxor Temple |
400 EGP |
684 INR |
National Museum of Alexandria |
180 EGP |
308 INR |
600 EGP |
1027 INR |
|
Temple of Hatshepsut |
360 EGP |
616 INR |
Valley of the Queens |
180 EGP |
308 INR |
200 EGP |
342 INR |
Visiting several attractions? Then consider our Cairo or Luxor Pass, saving you valuable money.
Type of Pass |
Price |
Price with 50% Discount |
Cairo Pass (Foreigners) |
$130 or 120€ |
$65 or 60€ |
Cairo Pass (Foreign Students) |
$70 or 60€ |
$35 or 30€ |
Luxor Pass Premium (All sites, including Nefertari & Seti I tombs) |
$250 or 220€ |
$125 or 110€ |
Luxor Pass Standard (Excluding Nefertari & Seti I tombs) |
$130 or 120€ |
$65 or 60€ |
Luxor Pass Premium (Foreign Students) |
$130 or 120€ |
$65 or 60€ |
Luxor Pass Standard (Foreign Students) |
$70 or 60€ |
$35 or 30€ |
Cost-saving tips for attractions:
- Student or senior discounts may apply: This would be helpful as many sites offer discounted rates to students and seniors. Carrying an international student ID would help to get the savings.
- Buy combination or circuit passes: The Cairo and Luxor Passes allow access to multiple sites at a discounted price, which would be pretty suitable for history lovers.
- DIY-ish tours: Instead of hiring a guide for every site, it would probably be cheaper and much more fun to join a local group tour where entry fees and guided experience are included. Local guides can share great insider tips and help you avoid tourist traps.
Cost-saving tips for attractions
Fee for shopping and souvenirs
It is always really fascinating to go shopping for souvenirs while on any holiday, and there are plenty of good and unique souvenir items from Egypt that represent the wealth of culture and history of the land. Shopping is one of those activities that is not a must-do, but it can add to the cost of the trip to Egypt depending on individual liking. Whether it's artistically designed papyrus traditional art from Egypt, finely handcrafted jewelry, or aromatic spices, we have good buys to suit any budget.
Souvenir |
Price Range (USD) |
Price Range (INR Approx.) |
Details |
Papyrus Art |
$5 - $20 |
₹415 - ₹1,660 |
Hand-painted scenes of gods, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics. |
Handmade Jewelry |
$10 - $50 |
₹830 - ₹4,150 |
Silver, gold, and semi-precious stone jewelry inspired by ancient Egyptian designs. |
Spices |
$1 - $5 |
₹80 - ₹415 |
Includes cumin, saffron, hibiscus, and other flavorful Egyptian spices. |
Traditional Scarves |
$5 - $15 |
₹415 - ₹1,245 |
Colorful scarves featuring Egyptian patterns and motifs. |
Cost-saving tips for shopping in Egypt:
- Bargain smartly: Haggling is expected in most Egyptian markets. Vendors usually quote higher prices, so negotiating politely can help you get a fair deal.
- Shop at local markets: Tourist-heavy areas tend to have inflated prices. Explore local markets and smaller shops away from major attractions for better deals.
- Compare prices before buying: Check multiple stalls before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the best price.
- Buy in bulk: If you’re purchasing multiple items, vendors may offer a discount. This works well for spices, jewelry, and papyrus art.
Cost-saving tips for shopping in Egypt
Miscellaneous costs to consider
When budgeting for your travel to Egypt from India, do not forget to include incidental expenses like tipping, snacks, emergency costs, and spontaneous purchases. Tipping is called baksheesh and is widely practiced in Egypt; thus, it usually demands a small tip of around 5-10 EGP for service staff, guides, and drivers.
Expenses for bottled water, coffee, and snacks can add up daily. Keeping aside 5-10% of the total budget is, however, prudent for emergencies. Good preparation can lead to a smooth, hassle-free trip through small change, using local payment methods, and an emergency fund.
In conclusion
It is different for a travel style; costs may vary from India to Egypt, but if you plan smartly, you can travel within Egypt on a budget. To save time and facilitate a seamless entry, it is preferable to apply for an Egypt e-visa through the Egypt Immigration Service site before the trip. With some proper budgeting, enjoying Egypt's history, culture, and landscapes will hardly hurt your pocket.
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