How to get from Aswan to Luxor

Aswan and Luxor are two Egyptian cities located on the banks of the Nile in the Upper Egypt region. They are both famous for their incredible archaeological sites that bear witness to Egypt’s thousand-year-old history.

Aswan is located on the southern border of Egypt and is a peaceful and charming city with an African feel. It is famous for its colourful markets, bustling streets and remarkable ancient temples such as the Temple of Philae, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Abu Simbel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxor, meanwhile, is considered the world’s largest open-air art gallery and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is home to many major archaeological sites, such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the city of Madinat Habu, and many others. It is a city rich in history and culture, with museums, bazaars and fine restaurants.

Both cities are popular tourist destinations in Egypt, offering unforgettable experiences for those interested in the ancient history, architecture, culture, and incredible scenery of the Nile.

Getting from Aswan to Luxor

To get from Aswan to Luxor, you have several options:

By taxi

It is possible to take a taxi or bus from Aswan to Luxor, which are about 230 km apart. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

The price of a taxi from Aswan to Luxor may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of taxi, the time of year, price negotiation, etc. In general, the cost of a private taxi for this trip is around 600-1000 Egyptian pounds (around €30-50) for a regular car, and up to 1500 Egyptian pounds (around €75) for a larger or more comfortable car.

By train

Trains are a popular way to travel between Aswan and Luxor. The railway line connects the two cities in about 3 hours, depending on the class of ticket chosen and the departure times.

The cost of train tickets between Aswan and Luxor depends on the class of ticket chosen. Economy class tickets are the cheapest, costing about 25 Egyptian pounds (about €1.5) per person one way, while first class tickets cost about 70 Egyptian pounds (about €4) per person one way.

Sleeper tickets are slightly more expensive, costing around 90-120 Egyptian pounds (around €5-7) per person for a one-way trip, depending on the season and ticket availability.

Trains run several times a day between Aswan and Luxor, offering flexibility for travellers. Advance booking is recommended, especially for higher class tickets which tend to sell out quickly.

By Boat

Taking a boat cruise on the Nile between Aswan and Luxor is a unique way to experience Egypt and its incredible scenery and sights. It is a popular transport option for travellers looking to explore the Upper Egypt region in a relaxed and comfortable manner.

There are several companies offering Nile cruises between Aswan and Luxor, with journey times typically varying from three to seven days, depending on the itinerary and planned stops. Nile cruise ships are often medium-sized and offer a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, private bathrooms, viewing decks, swimming pools and spas.

One of the great advantages of travelling by Nile cruise ship is the opportunity to visit several major tourist sites between Aswan and Luxor, such as the temples of Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak, as well as the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Stops along the way allow passengers to enjoy guided tours of these sites, with the opportunity to explore the historical monuments and archaeological treasures of ancient Egypt.

By Air

Flying between Aswan and Luxor is the fastest option for travelling between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. However, it is also the most expensive of all the transport options available.

There are several airlines that offer regular flights between Aswan and Luxor, including EgyptAir, Nile Air and FlyEgypt. Tickets can be purchased online, via airline websites or through online travel agents. Prices vary depending on the airline, season and demand, but in general, air tickets are more expensive than other modes of transport.

Despite the high cost, air travel offers some advantages, including time savings and comfort. Aswan and Luxor airports are modern and well-equipped, and offer services such as VIP lounges, duty-free shops, and restaurants. Flights between Aswan and Luxor are usually operated with small aircraft, allowing you to enjoy the incredible scenery of Egypt from the air.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the method of transport that suits you best to get from Aswan to Luxor.