Saqqara and the Step Pyramid

Saqqara and the Step Pyramid tickets and tours

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground south of Cairo, home to Egypt’s oldest stone pyramid. Here are the main ways to visit and what to know before you choose.

Photo: Wknight94 talk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ticket options compared

What each kind of ticket lets you see, and how the options differ in price and cancellation terms.

OptionWhat’s includedGood forBook
Visiting Saqqara and the Step Pyramid on your ownAn entry ticket lets you walk the site and see the Step Pyramid at your own pace. Some tombs may need a separate ticket.Independent travellers with their own transportBook now
Guided tour of Saqqara and the Step PyramidA guide explains the pyramid and the painted tombs around it, and takes you to the best-preserved chambers. Many tours include a transfer from Cairo.First-time visitors who want the history explainedBook now

Check live prices

Open each option to see the price and the cancellation terms for your date.

About Saqqara and the Step Pyramid

Saqqara served as a cemetery for the ancient capital, Memphis. The Step Pyramid, built for King Djoser, is the oldest large stone building in Egypt. Painted tombs of officials surround it.

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Good to know

Which tombs are open at SaqqaraOpen tombs can change from one visit to the next. A guide or the site staff can tell you which ones you can enter.
Heat and distances at SaqqaraThe site is spread out, with little shade. Bring water and a hat, and expect to walk on sandy ground.

Nearby

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The most famous pyramids in Egypt, a short drive north.

Grand Egyptian Museum

A vast museum near the pyramids, with the treasures of Tutankhamun.

Also in Cairo

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book Saqqara and the Step Pyramid in advance?

It is not always required, but a booked tour gives you transport and a guide who knows the tombs.

How long does a visit to Saqqara and the Step Pyramid take?

About two to three hours at the site, plus travel time from Cairo.