Saqqara

Saqqara is the name given both to a village 32 km to the south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo and (more particularly) to the extensive ancient necropolis on the plateau above the Nile Valley, the location of tombs and pyramids dating to the Predynastic, Old Kingdom, New Kingdom and Late Periods of ancient Egyptian history.

Understand


The desert plateau above the modern village of Saqqara formed one of the main cemeteries of the ancient Egyptian capital city of Memphis for thousands of years. As such, it attracted a large number of royal and high prestige burials, the remains of which can be seen in pyramids and decorated tombs scattered across the area. The site of Saqqara is quite extensive, stretching 6 km north-south and 1.5 km across at its widest point.

By taxi
Taxis can be hired from central Cairo to visit Saqqara. Negotiate with your driver for a daily rate.

By bus
Travelers may be told there is no bus to Saqqara. This is not true. Bus services do exist to Saqqara from central Cairo, but may entail a more lengthy journey and a potentially a long walk from the village up to the plateau.

Either way, it is possible to reach the plateau by taking a microbus from the Giza metro station. It should be expected to transfer to multiple microbuses as there is no direct microbus. Tell the driver you want to go to "Marishay and then Saqqara" and he should indicate where to transfer. Prices vary based on where the transfer points are LE3-5 Once in Saqqara village, take a tuk-tuk for a few pounds to the site.

Another possibility to get to Saqqara by public transport: From El Monib metro station (Line 2, the last station) take a microbus to El Badrasheen and there catch a tuk-tuk to Saqqara Archeological site & Imhoteb museum. The ride takes 25-30 min in microbus and 20 min in tuk-tuk, depending on the traffic. The microbus costs LE4-5, and tuk-tuk regular prices around LE15-30.

By train
There are local trains from central Cairo. The future east-west high-speed line will have two stops close to Saqqara.



See
Saqqara complex. Opening hours: 9AM-5PM, and till 4PM in winter. Entrance fees (as of Dec 2018), students are entitled to 50% discount:
 * General admission to the complex and Imhotep Museum: LE180 (March 2022)
 * Tomb of Mereruka: LE80
 * Tombs at the Unas Causeway ("Saqqara New Tombs"): LE60
 * Temple Tombs of the New Kingdom (Tomb of Horemheb): LE50
 * Serapeum: LE150
 * Step Pyramid of Djoser: LE100
 * Inclusive ticket: LE440

Tickets are sold at near the entrance.



Go next

 * Abusir
 * Cairo
 * Dahshur