Getting from Cairo to Luxor
Once you navigate the chaotic streets of Egypt’s capital city, heading south along the Nile may feel like an unnecessary excursion. But this vast ancient country has so much more to discover.
Luxor is one such epic wonder. Far quieter than its sister city in the north, it has a rich history and culture that entices travelers from all over the globe.
Located 501 kilometers (313 miles) from Cairo, Luxor is easily reachable by flight, bus, minivan, train, or car.
You can zip through the skies to save time, take the scenic route by riding in a minivan, car or bus, or experience local transport on a train.
Is Luxor worth visiting?
Among the oldest inhabited cities in the world and once the largest city, Luxor is absolutely worth visiting.
Nicknamed the “greatest open-air museum," its sprawling streets, on both sides of the Nile are lined with ancient tombs and temples.
Luxor Town sits on the East Bank, where most locals live and work in the modern city. You’ll likely stay there when visiting because all the best hotels and restaurants are built in and around the town.
Across the Nile, the West Bank houses a treasure trove of tombs, temples, and stunning buildings dating back thousands of years.
Unmissable activities in Luxor
You could spend months in Luxor and still not discover all its wonders, but these are a few of the highlights you should prioritize:
Marvel at the Valley of the Kings: The Kings Valley is a royal burial ground for pharaohs from the 18th and 20th dynasties, including famous figures like Seti I and Tutankhamun.
Visit the Valley of the Queens: This is where Kings buried their wives. Most tombs are not as grand as those in the Valley of the Kings, but Queen Nefertatri’s is one of the most spectacular in Egypt.
Explore the Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum: Unlike other temples, this temple has never been credited to a single king. Instead, historians believe it is where all the kings celebrated their coronation.
Wander the Karnak Temple Complex: It’s the second-largest temple complex in the world — only beaten by Angkor Wat in Cambodia — with contributions from over 30 pharaohs spanning more than 2000 years.
Learn about Egyptian death culture at the Mummification Museum: This small but fascinating museum details the history of mummification in all its gross glory. You can see the mummies of humans, cats, birds, and crocodiles up close.
Enjoy the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: Although those who came after attempted to erase her from history, historians know that Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful female rulers in ancient Egypt.
Take a hot-air balloon ride: Seeing this gorgeous landscape from above is an unbeatable experience. It might break the daily budget, but it’s so worth it.
How do I get from Cairo to Luxor?
The 501-kilometer (313-mile) distance between Cairo and Luxor can be traveled by bus, flight, minivan, train, or car.
By bus
The cheapest way to travel from Cairo to Luxor is by bus, but it can take up to ten hours to reach your destination.
Opting for the bus will cost around $10-$15 per passenger.
While the ticket classes go by various names, including Elite Plus, Delux Plus, Super Go, and Tourist, bus classes between Cairo and Luxor can be split into two:
Standard: Standard buses will mostly have upright seats and less legroom.
Deluxe: This more comfortable class includes reclining seats and more legroom. Some buses will also include a TV for entertainment on your journey.
Conditions and amenities vary between buses; however, you will typically get:
Pro tip: Whichever class you choose, the journey will be a long one, so bring a neck pillow, plenty of refreshments, and something to entertain you along the way.
Buses depart from various points in Cairo and arrive at different stations in Luxor. Don’t assume that there is a singular departure point because it will depend on the company you’re traveling with.
Buses leave throughout the day, starting at 3 a.m. and up until 10:30 p.m., so you can pick a departure and arrival time that suits your adventure’s timetable.
By flight
The quickest way to travel between Cairo and Luxor is to take a flight.
Taking a plane costs approximately $110.
This short hop is only 1 hour and 10 minutes long, and the only available class is economy.
Departing from Cairo International Airport and arriving at Luxor International Airport, this option is perfect if you are short on time when exploring Egypt.
By minivan
One of the most convenient ways to travel between Cairo and Luxor is to hire a private minivan.
Each minivan can take up to nine passengers, costing around $300.
Travelers can book pick-up and drop-off at any time (or place) and have a slightly shorter travel time of 8-9 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
All minivans have air conditioning, and some include free WiFi.
By train
The most adventurous and memorable way to get from Cairo to Luxor is by train.
You will depart from Cairo Train Station and arrive at Luxor Train Station. Tickets cost between $55 and $75.
The journey will take eight to twelve hours, depending on delays and the number of stops the service you choose makes.
Taking a standard train
These older trains are slower and have unreserved seating, so expect more crowds.
Also, air conditioning is rarely available, but the windows stay open the whole way, ensuring a cooling breeze that staves off the humidity.
Trains with newer carriages may have air conditioning in 2nd class.
Taking the VIP Special Express Train
These trains offer a more luxurious experience with air conditioning in both 1st and 2nd class carriages. Passengers can buy refreshments on board.
All tickets come with a reserved seat. The seats rotate to face either way, which means you can create a cozy bay of four seats for families or friends traveling together.
Some services include a meal delivered to your seat for an extra cost The servers may not charge you when delivering the meals, but they will return to ask for the fee.
Pro tip: Book a window seat to watch the surreal views whiz past!
Taking a Deluxe Sleeper Train
On these even more luxurious trains, travelers get a larger, private cabin for two people with seats that convert into bunk-bed-style seating.
This train class is ideal for those looking for a little more privacy and a place to rest during this wondrous journey.
Each cabin has three seats, and the middle seat folds down to form a table. At night, these berths fold away to form the bottom bunk, and the top bunk pulls down from the ceiling.
These cabins include:
Locks to ensure extra privacy and security
Washbasin, soap, and towel
Bedding
Air conditioning
Shared W/C in the carriage, not the cabin
Socket for charging devices
Luggage storage above the door so larger bags can be stowed away
An airline-style meal in the evening and a simple breakfast in the morning
Room service option to deliver drinks to your cabin for an extra fee
A connecting door with the neighboring cabin, so parties of up to four passengers can stay in adjoining rooms
Although best suited for traveling as a duo, book both seats to get a private cabin as a solo traveler. Alternatively, you can pay for a single bed and share it with another passenger of the same sex.
You must contact the supplier for a hard copy of the ticket at least 10 hours before the scheduled departure.
By car
Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to reach Luxor from Cairo.
Private car transfers can transport up to three passengers and will pick you up at any hotel in Cairo before dropping you off at any hotel in Luxor. You can also book a trip straight to the airport if your holiday is coming to an end.
This option costs approximately $200.
Possible car amenities include:
When to go to Luxor?
The best time to visit Luxor is in the region’s brief shoulder seasons, between March and April and October and November.
These months invite cooler weather, allowing visitors to make the most of the sites without melting in the summer sun.
How many days should I spend in Luxor?
While there is plenty to see in Luxor, you only need to spend three to four days to see the highlights.
History buffs might want to extend their trip for longer, and those who are all templed out will want to spend a maximum of two days exploring Luxor’s history.
