Giza Pyramids shuttle system has 1 big fat flaw (but only 1)

What can I possibly say about the Giza Pyramids that hasn’t already been said? We took pictures, we wandered and wondered and goofed around. But we also had a major hurdle: the Giza Pyramids shuttle system has one big fat flaw.

Since the new shuttle system has a hiccup that nearly ruined our first day at the pyramids, I am sharing the experience so others might be spared our frustration in an otherwise smooth, excellent, dreamy visit!

On background, the new shuttle system streamlines the experience for visitors. There are no more private cars on the complex, unless it’s prearranged for large groups.

Giza Pyramids shuttle system has 1 big fat flaw (but only 1)

Our bed and breakfast was right across from the ticket window to the Sphinx Gate, so that is the way we entered the historic site.

We walked around the desert site for hours, took pictures, absorbed the energy inside the pyramids. We loved being at the only surviving ancient Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramid of Egypt, tomb of the pharaoh Khufu.

As the sun got higher, we needed a break and Theo wanted a beer overlooking the pyramids, so we sought out 9 Pyramids Lounge. We jumped on the free shuttle bus that goes around the pyramids in order to get the other shuttle line that goes beyond the equestrian area to 9 Pyramids Lounge.

That’s when things went sideways.

The big fat flaw

When our shuttle bus arrived at the Visitors Center, we were shuffled through to the EXIT with all the other passengers by a security guard and we unknowingly left the grounds – with no right to return! We hadn’t been to the Great Gate yet, because we had come in through the Sphinx Gate. There was no signage whatsoever pointing out the other shuttle line.

*Where we ended up outside the new Great Gate.*

Well, we pitched a fit, showed a manager our tickets and he eventually let us back in.

So be aware: there is no clear indication on where to go if you use the Visitors Center as a transfer hub from the pyramid shuttle line to the 9 Pyramids Lounge shuttle line, or if you want to look at the displays inside the Visitors Center after you enter through the Sphinx Gate.

After readmitted, we still had a problem! Not all workers/volunteers speak English. They didn’t understand where we wanted to go, and they sent us by minibus to what we thought would be the lounge, but we instead arrived at the fine dining place — so we had to go back to the Visitors Center – again! This all chewed up more than an hour of our day.

What’s more: because of all the confusion, we never got to see any of the informational displays inside the Visitors Center.

Thankfully, we had the time to spare, and we did finally make it to the lounge when someone spoke enough English to understand our dilemma. Theo finally had a few beers to calm down and cool off — LOL.

By the way, 9 Pyramids Lounge has good food! We had an assortment of snacks for $25 (they add a 14% VAT and 12% service charge into the final bill). Make a reservation, or go during non-peak meal times for a better chance at a front row seat. It is the best view of the pyramids where you can get food, drinks and shade.

Related: We stayed in the room closest to the pyramids – see a tour here. It was a great value – highly recommend!

Roll with it

Compared to how the Giza site used to be, from what I’ve read and watched, this new system is truly a dream for tourists and travelers like us. It’s less chaotic with fewer aggressive touts, but remember: it’s still possible for things to be lost in translation, for things to go a little sideways, because, well, it’s a foreign country.

And that’s fine by us budget slow travelers in early retirement, who wander the planet at whim and roll with the punches.

Lastly, a quick shout out to a YouTube vlogger who has an overview explainer of the new shuttle system. I recommend her video on this . (She entered through the Great Gate and so was not aware of this shuttle signage flaw.)

We travel now, because Life is Now, and we hope you don’t miss this new streamlined – and mostly efficient – shuttle system at Giza.