Egypt Discovery
AttractionCairo

Archaeological Area of Dahshur Entry Ticket

Entry to Dahshur’s Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and surrounding monuments; check whether a printed PDF ticket is required at the entrance.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Archaeological Area of Dahshur Entry Ticket grants admission to the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and surrounding monuments south of Cairo, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Archaeological Area of Dahshur
Includes
Entry to the Archaeological Area of Dahshur · Access to the Bent Pyramid area · Access to the Red Pyramid area · Access to surrounding mastabas and minor monuments · Date-valid admission ticket · PDF ticket sent by email
Best for
Independent visitors · Ancient history enthusiasts · Architecture enthusiasts · Visitors combining Dahshur with Saqqara or Giza

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for outdoor walking, with daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C, though conditions vary. Visit in mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat, and check current opening hours as they can change seasonally. During Ramadan and major public holidays, access and visitor numbers may vary, so arriving early is sensible.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The entry ticket is valid for the date printed on it.
  • A PDF ticket is sent by email after booking confirmation.
  • The ticket covers the archaeological area containing the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and surrounding monuments.
  • Transport and professional Egyptologist guiding are not included.

02Overview

A first look

Dahshur is the pyramid field where you may well stand alone. Sneferu's Bent Pyramid changes angle halfway up — the experiment that taught Egypt's builders how a true pyramid must rise — while his Red Pyramid nearby, the first true pyramid completed, can be entered down its long northern passage.

Your ticket covers the archaeological area and is emailed as a PDF. Dahshur combines naturally with Saqqara and Memphis for a day south of Cairo; transport and guiding are organised separately.

Background

The facts

The Archaeological Area of Dahshur is a royal necropolis south of Cairo, associated with Pharaoh Sneferu of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty, around 2600 BCE. Its admission ticket covers the archaeological area containing the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and surrounding mastabas and minor monuments.

The Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid stand several kilometres apart in the Dahshur desert zone. Each is roughly 4 to 5 km from the main access area, depending on the route within the complex. Dahshur lies south of Giza and is commonly visited as a separate archaeological site.

The Bent Pyramid changes angle partway up its structure, recording a stage in pyramid design. The Red Pyramid is considered the first successfully completed true pyramid in ancient Egypt. Dahshur forms part of Memphis and its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage property.

Opening hours can vary by season, so check current information from the site authorities and consider arriving early. The ticket is valid for the date printed on it. Tickets are sent by email as a PDF; print the ticket if acceptance of a mobile screen is uncertain. Photography rules may vary, so check at the entrance.

Named in this entry

Archaeological Area of Dahshur·Dahshur·Bent Pyramid·Red Pyramid·Sneferu·4th Dynasty·Cairo·Giza·South Saqqara·Memphis and its Necropolis

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This dated entry ticket suits adults and independent travellers interested in how Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid mark early pyramid design. It is a good choice for repeat visitors to Giza who want a quieter, self-guided visit and time to examine the masonry.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another site if you need step-free paths, plentiful shade or visitor facilities. Dahshur is also a poor fit for visitors who cannot manage sandy, uneven ground in outdoor heat.

What lingers

  • 01Enter the Dahshur archaeological area, home to the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid.
  • 02See pyramids built during the reign of Sneferu, whose monuments mark an important stage in pyramid construction.
  • 03Access surrounding monuments within the archaeological area.
  • 04Visit a quieter pyramid site than the Giza Plateau, with fewer facilities and visitor services.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many visitors bundle Dahshur with Giza; we usually arrange its admission separately, allowing more flexibility over visit timing. This is an entry ticket, not a guided visit, and transport is not included.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Archaeological Area of Dahshur, valid on the date shown on the ticket
  • Ticket PDF emailed after your booking

Not included

  • Professional site specialist services, which can be arranged separately if required
  • Travel to and from the site
  • Meals and personal spending
  • Photography permit, if site staff require one
  • A printed ticket may be required at some venues. Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether a mobile ticket will be accepted

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check with the site authorities before travel for current opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.

  2. 02

    Arrive early to allow time for the distances between monuments in the desert complex.

  3. 03

    Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts mobile tickets.

  4. 04

    Ask at the entrance about current photography rules before taking photographs.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The ticket is valid for the date printed and covers admission to the archaeological area; it does not include transport or a guide. We usually arrange Dahshur admission separately from Giza visits, which allows you to plan the timing around South Saqqara or other stops.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Dahshur fits well into a Cairo itinerary alongside Giza and Saqqara, as a separate visit focused on Sneferu’s pyramids. Allow time for the site’s spread-out monuments when planning the day.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Bent PyramidRight here
  • Red PyramidRight here
  • Black PyramidRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Book Dahshur admission separately for flexible visit timing

  2. 02

    Receive your date-valid ticket as an emailed PDF

  3. 03

    Visit Sneferu-era pyramids away from Giza's busier plateau

·In summary

Dahshur preserves two major pyramids built for Sneferu around 2600 BCE, during Egypt’s 4th Dynasty. The Bent and Red Pyramids are roughly 4 to 5 km from the main access area, depending on the route through the complex.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is included with the Dahshur admission ticket?
    The ticket grants admission to the Archaeological Area of Dahshur on the date printed on it. It covers the area containing the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and surrounding monuments, with interpretive panels. It does not include transport, meals, personal expenses or a professional Egyptologist. Entry into pyramid interiors is not confirmed by the supplied ticket details, so check at the entrance.
  2. 02What are the opening hours at Dahshur?
    Dahshur’s opening hours can vary by season, so check the official site information before setting out. Arriving early can help you visit before the strongest midday heat. The ticket is valid for the date printed on it, but the available information does not specify opening or last-admission times.
  3. 03When is the best time to visit Dahshur?
    An early visit is usually the most practical choice, particularly in warmer months when shade is limited around the pyramids. Winter, from November to March, is generally cooler for exploring the open archaeological area. Unlike a visit tied to a Giza schedule, a separately arranged Dahshur ticket allows more flexibility over when you go.
  4. 04How do I get to the Dahshur archaeological area?
    Dahshur lies south of Giza, outside central Cairo, and transport is not included with the ticket. A taxi or pre-arranged private car is a practical way to reach the entrance; confirm the route and return arrangements before leaving. Check the current road route locally, as no nearest public transport hub is specified here.
  5. 05What is the photography policy at Dahshur?
    Photography rules at Dahshur may vary by area and can change, so check the signs or ask site staff at the entrance. The ticket does not include a photography permit if one is separately required. Do not assume that a camera or phone is permitted everywhere, particularly inside monuments.
  6. 06What should I wear to visit Dahshur?
    Wear modest, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking across uneven ground and sand. Bring a hat, sunglasses, water and sun protection, as shade is limited in parts of the archaeological area. There is no stated special dress code for this site, but practical coverage is useful in the Egyptian sun.
  7. 07Is the Dahshur archaeological area accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
    The site includes open ground, sand and uneven surfaces, which can make movement difficult for visitors with limited mobility. We’ll confirm what is possible on the paths and at the entrances before you visit. Consider whether you can manage outdoor walking without confirmed step-free routes.
  8. 08Can children visit Dahshur, and is there a child ticket?
    Children can visit the archaeological area, but the available ticket information does not state age categories, child concessions or a minimum age. Check the ticket conditions before booking if you need a child fare. The open site has limited shade, so bring water and sun protection and plan regular rests.
  9. 09Does the Dahshur ticket include skip-the-line entry?
    The ticket information confirms admission for the printed date, but does not state that it provides skip-the-line or fast-track entry. You may still need to pass the entrance and any security checks. Keep the emailed PDF ready, and print it if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts tickets on a phone screen.
  10. 10Can I enter the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid with this ticket?
    The ticket grants access to the Dahshur archaeological area where the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid stand. We’ll confirm whether it includes access to their interiors and whether another ticket is required. Both are monuments built under King Sneferu.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-CAI-469050

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