Valley of the Kings Ticket Price | Luxor Entry Fees

The Valley of the Kings ticket price sits at a fixed rate for most visitors, though the final amount you pay on the day can climb quickly once tram fees and optional tomb add ons are factored in. Golden Map includes this entrance fee inside its Luxor day trip package, so this guide breaks down exactly what the ticket covers and where the extra costs come from.

Egypt raised entrance fees at most major archaeological sites in recent years, so prices listed on older travel blogs are often no longer accurate. This guide reflects current published rates, along with the payment rules now in place at the ticket window itself.

Valley of the Kings Ticket Price in 2026

The standard entrance fee follows a tiered pricing structure based on nationality and age rather than a single flat rate for everyone.

Standard Adult and Student Pricing

Adult visitors from outside Egypt currently pay 750 Egyptian pounds, roughly fifteen US dollars, while students with valid identification pay half that at 375 pounds. Children under six generally enter free.

What the Standard Ticket Includes

This base ticket covers entry to the valley itself and a choice of three tombs from a rotating list of open sites, which changes periodically as Egypt cycles tombs in and out for conservation work. The open list typically includes tombs from several different pharaohs, so even the standard ticket offers a reasonable cross section of burial designs across different dynasties.

Extra Tomb Tickets Beyond the Standard Price

Several of the valley’s most famous tombs sit outside the standard three tomb allowance and require a separate paid add on.

Tutankhamun’s Tomb Pricing

Adding Tutankhamun’s tomb typically costs around 700 Egyptian pounds on top of the standard entry ticket, even though the tomb itself is smaller and plainer than many visitors expect once the famous treasures have moved to Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum. Many first time visitors are surprised by how modest the burial chamber looks compared to its worldwide fame.

Seti I and Other Premium Tombs

Seti I’s tomb carries the highest add on fee, generally running around 2,000 Egyptian pounds due to its exceptionally well preserved wall paintings, while Ramesses V and VI’s shared tomb adds a smaller fee, closer to 220 pounds. Guides often rank Seti I as the single most impressive tomb in the entire valley, which explains the premium pricing compared to the other add ons.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the entrance ticket itself, a couple of small extra fees apply once inside the valley.

The Valley Tram Fee

A short electric tram carries visitors from the entrance to the tomb area for a return fare of around 20 Egyptian pounds, saving a hot uphill walk in the desert sun.

Photography Inside the Tombs

Phone photography is generally allowed at no extra charge inside most tombs, though a separate permit applies for professional cameras or tripods at certain sites.

How to Buy Valley of the Kings Tickets

Payment rules at the Valley of the Kings changed significantly in recent years, and it is worth knowing the current system before arriving.

Cashless Payment Rules

As of 2026, ticket windows at the Valley of the Kings no longer accept Egyptian pound banknotes for entry, so visitors need a card enabled for international transactions or a ticket purchased in advance.

Booking Online in Advance

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through Egypt’s official monuments ticketing portal, which issues a QR code that can be scanned directly from a phone at the entrance, avoiding the morning ticket line entirely. Travelers arranging their own visit rather than joining a guided tour should bring a card enabled for international payments, since foreign banks sometimes flag Egyptian transactions and delay approval at the gate.

Is the Valley of the Kings Ticket Price Worth It

For most visitors, the standard ticket delivers strong value once the right tombs are chosen from the included list.

Which Tombs to Choose With the Standard Ticket

Selecting a mix of tombs from different dynasties among the standard options gives a good sense of how burial designs changed over time, without paying for any of the premium add ons.

Skipping the Extra Tombs

Many guides suggest skipping the Tutankhamun add on specifically, since the tomb is small and most of its treasures have relocated to Cairo, while a splurge on Seti I is considered worthwhile for its far better preserved artwork.

Best Way to Include Valley of the Kings in Your Trip

Rather than managing tickets, tram fares and payment logistics separately, most travelers prefer to have the entrance fee handled as part of a guided day.

Golden Map’s Included Ticket Package

Golden Map’sLuxor day trip tours includes the Valley of the Kings entrance fee and tram fare in the tour price, removing the need to navigate the cashless payment system on arrival. Transport from Hurghada is arranged as part of the same booking, so the entrance ticket becomes one line item inside a single confirmed price rather than a separate purchase to manage on the day.

Combining With Hatshepsut Temple and Karnak

Since the Valley of the Kings sits close to Hatshepsut Temple, most itineraries pair the two on the same morning before crossing to Karnak and Luxor Temple later in the day.

Best Time to Visit for the Ticket Price to Feel Worth It

Timing your visit affects comfort more than cost, though a better experience makes the entrance fee feel more worthwhile either way.

Early Morning Entry

Arriving close to opening time avoids both the worst heat and the largest crowds, giving more time inside each of the three included tombs before the site fills up.

Avoiding the Midday Heat

Temperatures inside the valley climb quickly by midday, so scheduling the visit for the early morning hours makes the walk between tombs considerably more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valley of the Kings Tickets

How much is the standard Valley of the Kings ticket? 

750 Egyptian pounds for adults, around fifteen US dollars at current rates.

How many tombs does the standard ticket include? 

Three tombs, chosen from a rotating list of currently open sites.

Does the ticket price include Tutankhamun’s tomb? 

No, it requires a separate add on ticket of around 700 pounds.

Can I pay cash at the Valley of the Kings? 

No, ticket windows now require card payment or an advance online booking.

Is the tram to the tombs included in the ticket price? 

No, the tram costs a small additional fare of around 20 pounds.

Do students get a discounted ticket price? 

Yes, valid students pay half the standard adult rate with ID.

Is the Valley of the Kings ticket included in Golden Map’s Luxor tour? 

Yes, entrance and tram fees are included in the day trip price.

Is photography allowed inside the tombs? 

Yes, phone photography is generally free, with a fee for professional cameras.