Discovery Tours Egypt
AttractionCairo

Bent Pyramid, Dahshur

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Bent Pyramid Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the Bent Pyramid and archaeological area at Dahshur in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Cairo

Best time to go

The most comfortable months for visiting Dahshur are typically October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder than in the summer. Mid-morning or late afternoon often offers better light and less heat, while Fridays, public holidays, and Ramadan hours may affect visitor flow and operating times. Seasonal opening hours can change, so confirm the latest schedule before travel.

02Overview

A first look

Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid demonstrates an early change in pyramid engineering, switching angle partway up. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage area 'Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur' and lies about 40 km south of central Cairo.

Background

The facts

The Bent Pyramid is one of the best-known Old Kingdom monuments at Dahshur, south of Cairo, and is generally attributed to Pharaoh Sneferu of the 4th Dynasty, around the 26th century BCE. It is historically important because its two-stage profile shows a visible change in slope between the lower and upper sections, making it a key example in the development of true pyramid construction in ancient Egypt.

This entry ticket grants access to the site grounds and the exterior of the Bent Pyramid. Interior access is controlled separately by site rules and may require an additional fee at the ticket window, depending on visitor regulations on the day of travel. Facilities at Dahshur are more limited than at the Giza Plateau, so visitors should plan for a more basic site experience.

Dahshur is typically visited together with the Red Pyramid, which is located nearby and is also associated with Sneferu. The site is quieter than Giza and is often preferred by visitors who want a less crowded setting for viewing stonework, photographing the monument, and spending more time at close range. Opening hours can vary by season and official policy, so checking before arrival is recommended.

Tickets are arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt and delivered by email as a PDF after confirmation. Some venues require a printed copy at the entrance gate, so it is advisable to print the ticket if there is any doubt and carry it with you for entry control.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits history-focused visitors, photographers, and independent travelers who want to see a major Old Kingdom pyramid without the crowds at Giza. It is also appropriate for adults, older children, and students who are comfortable with basic site facilities and outdoor walking on uneven ground.

What lingers

  • 01Ticket to the Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, part of UNESCO "Memphis and its Necropolis" listing; entrance included.
  • 02Construction angle shifts from 54° to 43° – our Egyptologists explain the structural experiment and why it changed.
  • 03Located in Dahshur, roughly 40 km south of central Cairo – 50 to 60 minute drive; less crowded than Giza.
  • 04Interior access is steep with low passages; entry is sometimes restricted for conservation and visitor-safety reasons.
  • 05Unlike Giza’s monuments, Dahshur allows close external inspection of original casing stones and early limestone experiments.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Bent Pyramid entry ticket (site admission)

Not included

  • Interior pyramid access if separately ticketed by the site
  • Professional Egyptologist or guided tour (book separately if required)
  • Transport to and from Dahshur
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Photography permit if required by site rules

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Can I go inside the Bent Pyramid?
    Interior access to the Bent Pyramid is available but can be closed for conservation or safety. The interior contains narrow, sloping corridors and low headroom, so visitors should be comfortable with stairs and stooping. Interior tickets are commonly charged separately; as a licensed Egyptian tour operator we do not include interior access by default and can arrange it on request.
  2. 02How do I get to the Bent Pyramid from Cairo?
    The Bent Pyramid sits at Dahshur, south of Cairo, within the Memphite necropolis. Drive time depends on traffic; we schedule pickups to avoid peak congestion where possible. Unlike visits to the Giza Plateau, Dahshur tends to be much quieter, making it practical as a private half-day excursion.
  3. 03Do I need a ticket for the Bent Pyramid?
    Yes – you need a Dahshur site entrance ticket to visit the Bent Pyramid. Standard site entrance fees are normally included in our arrangements; interior access and premium areas are excluded unless explicitly requested. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we handle tickets and permits on your behalf and advise on any separate interior-ticket requirements.
  4. 04Is the Bent Pyramid wheelchair accessible?
    No – the Bent Pyramid interior and many parts of the Dahshur site are not wheelchair accessible. External viewing points have uneven sand, loose gravel, and steps; interior corridors are narrow and steep with low ceilings. We can provide close drop-off points and recommend an accompanying helper; tell us your mobility needs when you book so we can plan alternatives.
  5. 05When is the best time to visit the Bent Pyramid?
    Early morning or late afternoon avoids the midday heat and provides better light for photography. There is limited shade on the plateau and temperatures can be extreme in summer, so we suggest starting before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM in hot months. Site opening hours can vary during Ramadan and for conservation reasons; we confirm local timings before departure.
  6. 06Can I combine the Bent Pyramid with the Red Pyramid and other Dahshur sites in one trip?
    Yes – the Bent Pyramid is commonly visited together with the Red Pyramid and other Dahshur monuments. Allow at least two hours to see both exteriors comfortably; adding interior visits or a full archaeological commentary will extend that time. We arrange private transport and an Egyptologist if you want detailed context; we do not operate crowded coach day tours.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: TKT-CAI-029369

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