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The world-famous burial ground of Egypt’s pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Its richly decorated tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient funerary traditions.
Contents
Luxor City to East & West Bank: Time & distance
- From Luxor City: ~10 km / 6 mi
- Car/taxi + ferry: ~20–25 min (to West Bank sites)
- Bus: ~20–30 min (city → East/West Bank sites)
- Car/taxi: ~15–20 min (direct to East Bank sites)
- Tour: ~4–8 hr round trip including sightseeing
Cairo to Luxor East & West Bank: Time & distance
- From Cairo: ~650 km / 405 mi
- Flight: ~1 hr (Cairo → Luxor)
- Train: ~9–10 hr (Cairo → Luxor station)
- Car: ~9–10 hr (no stops)
- Tour: ~15 hr including sightseeing
Hurghada to Luxor East & West Bank: Time & distance
- From Hurghada: ~280 km / 175 mi
- Minivan: ~4–4.5 hr (Hurghada → Luxor)
- Bus: ~5–6 hr (Hurghada → Luxor)
- Car: ~4–5 hr (no stops)
- Tour: ~12–14 hr round trip including sightseeing
Book Luxor day tours
Transport from Luxor City
Car/taxi
Bus
Car/taxi + ferry
- Duration: ~15–20 min (direct to East Bank temples)
- Cost: ~EGP 50–100 depending on negotiation.
- Parking: Limited near temples; early arrival recommended.
- Best for: Quick access to the most famous landmarks.
- Cons: Some streets are narrow, traffic can delay mornings.
- Duration: ~20–30 min (city → East/West Bank sites)
- Cost: ~EGP 5–10 one way
- Frequency: Every 15–30 min
- Best for: Budget travelers
- Cons: Stops frequently, East Bank connections are limited, may require short walks to main sites.
- Duration: ~20–25 min (to West Bank sites via Nile crossing)
- Cost: ~EGP 30–50 for taxi + ~EGP 5–10 for ferry
- Best for: Independent travelers looking for flexibility and a Nile crossing experience.
- Cons: Ferry can be crowded during peak hours, taxi negotiation required, limited schedules early morning.
Transport from Cairo
Flight
Train
Car
- Duration: ~1 hr
- Cost: ~EGP 800–1,200 one way
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Best for: Fastest DIY option
- Cons: Airport transfer needed (~20–30 min), limited luggage options on budget flights, fewer flights in off-peak seasons.
- Duration: ~9–10 hr (Cairo → Luxor station)
- Cost: ~EGP 150–400 one way depending on class
- Frequency: Several daily departures
- Best for: Budget travelers, overnight trips
- Cons: Can be crowded, station → temples requires taxi (~15–20 min), seating may be limited in standard class.
- Duration: ~9–10 hr via Asyuit Desert - Cairo Rd/Route (no stops)
- Cost: ~EGP 2,500–3,500 one way depending on provider
- Parking: Limited at East/West Bank sites; allow extra time
- Best for: Flexible travel
- Cons: Long drive, long stretches through sparsely populated desert areas, traffic possible; early start recommended.
Transport from Hurghada
Bus
Car
- Duration: ~5–6 hr (Hurghada → Luxor)
- Cost: ~EGP 150–250 one way
- Frequency: Every 1–2 hr
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
- Cons: Slower than car, may be crowded, taxi needed from Luxor station to temples.
- Duration: ~3.5–4 hr via Al Hurghada – Qena / Qena – Safaga Rd
- Cost: ~EGP 4,500–6,000 per car (up to 4 passengers)
- Parking: Limited at East/West Bank sites; allow extra time
- Best for: Comfortable, flexible travel for groups
- Cons: Higher cost, potential traffic delays, and long stretches through sparsely populated desert areas.
Things to do in Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Your day at Luxor
Morning
Depart from Luxor city around 8:00–8:30 am with your expert guide and head to the Valley of the Kings. Explore the tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun (optional entry ticket), before visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut on the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, where your guide shares insights about the terraces and architecture.
Midday
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch, included in all tour options, featuring local dishes such as grilled meats, fresh salads, rice, and baladi bread, with sweet treats or fruit to finish. After lunch, visit the Colossi of Memnon, where your guide highlights the history and significance of these colossal statues.
Afternoon
Cross to the East Bank to explore Karnak Temple, wandering its massive columns, obelisks, and sacred lake with your guide explaining the ancient Egyptian stories behind them. End your day at Luxor Temple, ideally around sunset when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Optional add-ons
Enhance your visit by entering the interior chambers of the temples or tombs, which require an upgraded ticket. Your expert guide can help you navigate these sites and provide deeper insights into the history, architecture, and artifacts, making your Luxor experience even more memorable.
Frequently asked questions about Luxor directions
What’s the cheapest way to get to Luxor?
The cheapest way is by bus from Cairo or Hurghada. While slower than flights or tours, buses are budget-friendly and widely available. Journey times can be 4–6 hours depending on traffic.
What’s the fastest way to get to Luxor?
The fastest option is a direct flight from Cairo to Luxor, taking about 1 hour. From Hurghada, flights require a stopover in Cairo, so driving or a guided tour may be quicker overall.
Is a Luxor guided tour worth it?
Yes—Luxor guided tours save time, manage all transfers, and provide expert insights at the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other sites. Many tours include lunch and entry upgrades.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance from Cairo to Luxor?
Yes—trains run from Cairo to Luxor, including overnight sleeper and daytime express options. Booking in advance ensures a reserved seat or cabin, especially during peak season.
Can I drive to Luxor myself?
Yes, driving from Cairo or Hurghada is possible, but it involves long desert stretches and limited parking near major sites. Summer heat and traffic can make it challenging.
Can I visit both East and West Banks in a single day?
Yes, it’s possible, but managing timing, transport, and ticketing independently can be tricky. Guided tours are the easiest way to cover both banks efficiently in one day.