The necropolis of Saqqara with the famous Pyramid of Djoser lies about 30 km south of the centre of Cairo and 19 km from the more famous pyramids of Giza.

Saqqara was the most extensive burial site of ancient Egypt and belonged to the then city of Memphis. Due to its distance from Cairo and the less well-preserved pyramids than those in Giza, Saqqara doesn't get as much attention and thus receives significantly fewer tourists than Giza.

Pyramid of Djoser

The monuments in the necropolis of Saqqara date mainly from the 3rd to 6th dynasties, roughly the 3rd millennium BC.

Of the numerous pyramid complexes, mostly only the foundations or half-demolished masonry remains. Many tombs are also accessible.

The best-preserved dominant feature of the entire necropolis is the Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2560 BC. It is the only one to have preserved almost its complete original form and it is therefore possible to enter its interior.

Compared to the pyramids of Giza, Djoser's has an unusual six-tiered appearance.

Admission and opening hours

The Necropolis of Saqqara has a single main entrance at the point where the Libyan Desert transitions into the fertile Nile Plain (location at google.com/maps).

It is open daily from 8:00-17:00.

Always buy tickets at the official ticket office just outside the site. Payment can only be made by credit card. Ticket prices are as follows:

450 egp - entrance to the premises
100 egp - entrance to the interior of the Djoser Pyramid

You can also purchase tickets online through the official website of the Ministry of Tourism: egymonuments.com/Saqqara.

How to get to Saqqara?

The necropolis can only be conveniently reached by car. If you have internet access, for example via an airalo.com e-sim card, the most convenient way to get around is via the Uber mobile app.

The price from Tahrir Square is between 175 egp and 200 egp.

The price of regular taxis depends entirely on your haggling skills. However, most of the time you will not be able to negotiate a price lower than 300 egp.

The journey by public transport is very complicated. First you need to take the metro to El Monib station, where minibuses run about once every 20-30 minutes to the El Badrasheen location.

However, here you have to arrange a tuk-tuk or taxi for the last approx. 4 km to Sakkara. In total, the journey by public transport takes over an hour and a half.