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Private tour from Luxor · Hotel pickup in Luxor (East Bank)

Luxor to Abu Simbel and back

A private car from your Luxor hotel all the way to Abu Simbel and back in one very long day, with the entry ticket, an English-speaking guide at the temples and lunch in Aswan. Pick it if you are based in Luxor and have one spare day, and you would rather sit in a car than change hotels.

Abu Simbel Private Day Trip from Luxor

About this experience

This is a 15-hour day, and most of it is driving. Luxor to Abu Simbel is about 480 km by road, roughly 6 hours each way, through Aswan. The private, air-conditioned car picks you up in the early hours at your hotel on the East Bank of Luxor; West Bank pickup is an add-on. Tourist vehicles pass security checkpoints and travel the desert road in daylight, so the timing is set by the road.

At Abu Simbel your English-speaking guide is waiting. The listing says the visit is with a group: the car is yours, but at the temples you may share the guide's briefing. Guides usually brief you outside; inside the temples you explore on your own. Guests describe a guided talk before entering and then time on their own; plan on about 2 hours on site. The entry ticket is included: EGP 822 per foreign adult on the official ticket site in 2026, EGP 1,272 on 22 February and 22 October.

Lunch is included, in Aswan on the way back; one guest chose between fish and meat, served soon after arrival. Then the drive north to Luxor. A Spanish, German or French guide costs extra. The drivers stop for breaks when you ask, but bring a pillow and snacks. There is little shade at the temples, and from May to September it passes 38 C by midday. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before the start on GetYourGuide.

  • Abu Simbel in one day from Luxor, no hotel change
  • A private air-conditioned car and driver
  • The entry ticket for both temples included
  • An English-speaking guide at the temples
  • Lunch in Aswan on the way back

How the day runs

  1. Very earlyPickup in Luxor

    From your East Bank hotel (West Bank as an add-on). The supplier confirms the time on WhatsApp.

  2. About 6 hSouth via Aswan

    About 480 km through Upper Egypt and the desert, with checkpoints and breaks when you need them.

  3. About 2 hAbu Simbel

    Your guide meets you with the tickets and briefs the group, then time in both temples.

  4. AfternoonLunch in Aswan

    A meal on the way back, included in the price.

  5. Late eveningBack in Luxor

    The long drive north and drop-off at your hotel, about 15 hours after pickup.

The temple hill seen across the waterCarved pillars in the hall of the Great Temple

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off on the East Bank of Luxor
  • Entry ticket to the Abu Simbel temples
  • Professional English-speaking guide (Spanish, German or French as a paid option)
  • Private tour
  • Private transport
  • Lunch

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off on the West Bank (add-on)
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks and snacks on the road

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You are staying in Luxor and have one free day
  • You do not want to pack up and move to Aswan
  • You can sleep in a car and do not mind 12 hours on the road
  • You want the ticket, guide and lunch sorted

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

I had given up on visiting Abu Simbel Temple due to my schedule, but then I found an excursion that could be done as a day trip from Luxor. [...] I received a guided tour before entering Abu Simbel Temple, and although I went around alone, it was nice because I was able to take my time and see everything at my own pace. For lunch, we could choose between fish and meat

Hikari · Sep 2026
★★★★★

Our driver was also excellent and very considerate. He regularly checked on us and asked if we needed to stop for a break or use the restroom, which made the long journey much more comfortable.

Ivan Wong · Sep 2026
★★★★★

A strenuous journey but absolutely worth it! Our guide Ahmed was excellent! Highly recommended as an experience if you have an extra day in Luxor!

Marco · Aug 2026
★★★★★

Ahmed Ashraf's explanations were very clear, and it was great that we could go around at our own pace and take our time to look around.

Mizuki · Sep 2026

Tips before you book

  • Book the West Bank add-on if your hotel is across the river. Standard pickup is East Bank only.
  • Bring a neck pillow, snacks and water. You spend around 12 hours in the car.
  • Keep the next day free. You get back late, and an early start the morning after is hard.
  • Carry your passport for the checkpoints and small Egyptian pounds for toilets and tips.
  • If you are heading to Aswan later in your trip, do Abu Simbel from there. It halves the driving.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Abu Simbel ticket included from Luxor?

Yes. The entry ticket for both temples is in the price, along with the private car, an English-speaking guide and lunch. The 2026 adult ticket is EGP 822 on the official ticket site.

How far is Abu Simbel from Luxor?

About 480 km by road, roughly 6 hours each way via Aswan. Aswan is much closer, at about 280 to 300 km.

How long do you get at the temples?

About 2 hours, with a guided briefing first. The rest of the 15-hour day is driving and lunch in Aswan.

Is the guide private?

The car and driver are private. The listing says the visit at the temples is with a group, so you may share the guide's briefing there.

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Book Abu Simbel Day Trip from Luxor

A long private day from Luxor to Abu Simbel and back, with the ticket, a guide and lunch included.

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A long private day from Luxor to Abu Simbel and back, with the ticket, a guide and lunch included.

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