Aswan to Luxor tickets

How to travel from Aswan to Luxor in Egypt 

Aswan is a treasure with beautiful temples, palm tree-studded shorelines, and traditional Egyptian boats sailing the Nile River.

But now it's time to make your way north to Luxor, an incredible city also sitting on the banks of the Nile. Home to an incomparable number of ancient Egyptian monuments, this city is one of the most important and famous destinations in Egypt.  

There are several ways to travel between these two cities. Your options include a minivan, train, and car. 

Regardless of which option you choose, the average travel time is three hours. 

Best things to experience in Luxor 

Luxor is known as the world's greatest open-air museum, so you have a lot of activities and experiences to choose between. 

Below are some of the unmissable ones:

1. Be mesmerized by the Valley of the Kings. You will find this in every guide to Luxor, but there is a good reason. Given that they're 3,000 years old, you'll be amazed by the size of the tombs and incredibly well-preserved artworks.

2. Take a tour of the Temple of Karnak. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Here, you will find the Avenue of the Sphinxes, where you can stand next to a 70-foot tall, 18-foot wide column. 

3. Take a night tour of the Luxor Temple. It's incredible to witness during the day, but visit in the evening to see this temple in its full glory. The sandstone, figures, and pillars change colors, creating a dramatic backdrop against the night sky. 

4. Book a hot air balloon experience. If you are visiting Luxor for a special occasion, why not book a hot air balloon? You'll have first-class views of the world's largest open-air museum. 

5. Embark on a cruise of the Nile River. Luxor is a fantastic spot to jump on a traditional Egyptian boat or felucca and sail along a historic river.

How to travel from Aswan to Luxor 

Now that you are eager to explore all Luxor has to offer, it's time to work out how to travel between the two locations. 

Below are the three options. 

Option one: Car 

Travel time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Traveling by car is one of the most relaxing ways to move between Aswan and Luxor because of its door-to-door service — you can choose your pick-up and drop-off location. 

There are two companies to choose between: Relax Tours Egypt and Egypt Holiday Makers. Both operate 24 hours a day. 

A few other things to note about choosing a car as your method of transportation:

1. You can have up to a maximum of three passengers per vehicle.
   
   

2. There will be air conditioning and wifi (subject to availability).

3. Each passenger can bring one 20 kg bag plus one handbag.

4. Relax Tours Egypt also has a child seat available, but be sure to confirm this when making your booking. 

5. Prices start at $40.

Option two: Minivan 

Travel time: Approximately 3 hours to 3 hours and 25 minutes. 

If you are traveling with a larger group or don't mind sharing the journey with other travelers, a minivan could be a perfect option. 

There are three companies to choose from - Sharm Wonders, Relax Tours Egypt and Egypt Holiday Makers. 

They all allow you to choose your pick-up and drop-off location, whether a hotel or the Grand Cruise Luxor dock. 

The main difference between the three companies is that Sharm Wonders is a shared transfer for up to 15 passengers, whereas the other two are private. 

Relax Tours Egypt and Egypt Holiday Makers can be booked for up to 9 passengers. 

They all allow you to bring 20 kg of luggage plus one handbag. 

Also, all minivans have air conditioning. 

Prices start around $48.

Option three: Train 

Travel time: 3 hours 

The third option for traveling between Aswan and Luxor is to take a train operated by Egyptian National Railways. 

Each day, there are multiple departure times starting as early as 5.15 a.m. and as late as 11.10 p.m. Prices start at $39.

When purchasing your ticket, you can choose between a first-class or second-class seat. The main difference is the seating. In first class, the seats will be slightly wider and more comfortable. 

Regardless, you will have a reserved seat with a tray table and overhead storage in both classes. Throughout the journey, there will be a trolley offering light refreshments for purchase. 

Any baggage that does not fit above your seat is placed at the end of each cabin. 

About the journey from Aswan to Luxor 

If taking a car or minivan, the driver will either take the direct drive along the highway or opt for the scenic route, which takes the rural roads along the east bank of the Nile River. 

There are several important sites on the journey, so if you are taking a private transfer, you may be able to arrange for the driver to stop at the temples of Edfu, Esna and Kom Ombo. 

You can expect picture-perfect views of the Egyptian countryside when traveling by train.

Along the way, you will get insight into what life is like in Egypt. 

The best time to visit Luxor

As one of Egypt's most popular and highly rated destinations, it's important to get your timing right. 

The peak season is during the winter. From December to February, the weather is beautiful, with warm temperatures ranging from 22°C (71°F) to 27°C (82°F). These temps make it pleasant to stroll through the city's lovely streets, bazaars and marketplaces. Keep in mind you will need some warm clothing as evenings can be chilly, reaching a low of 10°C (50°F).  

If you want to travel when there are fewer tourists and more reasonable prices, visit from March to April or October to December. Temperatures are slightly warmer during these two periods, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).