About the journey from Hurghada to Luxor
Swap the glorious Red Sea in Hurghada for the historic waters of the River Nile flowing through Luxor, a city gifted with some of the best temples in Egypt. With all the temples to discover, you'll likely feel like Indiana Jones.
Forget the Pyramids of Giza; the Valley of the Kings will leave you stunned with its out-of-this-world hieroglyphics. Entering a tomb really does feel like stepping back into Ancient Egypt.
The 208km (130 miles) journey from Hurghada to Luxor takes around four hours, no matter which transportation option you take — bus, minivan, or private car. For this reason, most people opt for the bus, as it's the cheapest option and quite comfortable.
There are multiple daily departures from various spots in Hurghada, including the airport.
Pick your departure location, find the arrival spot in Luxor, and enjoy the ride.
Unmissable things to do in Luxor
Luxor is an unmissable city. It's temples galore! Here are some spots you need to visit:
Pro tip: Grab a McFlurry or a snack in the McDonald's opposite the temple. The view of the temple from there is awesome.
Valley of the Kings is going to blow your mind. Built over 3,000 years ago as a resting place for the pharaohs, queens, high priests and other elites, it's difficult to believe that the hieroglyphics inside the tombs are so well-preserved. The vibrant colors are mesmerizing.
Valley of the Queens is overshadowed by the Valley of the Kings but is home to some of the best hieroglyphics in Egypt. Here, you'll find 91 tombs for the great wives of the Pharaohs.
Karnak Temple began as multiple temples that eventually came together to create the masterpiece it is today. It boasts vibes similar to the Luxor temple with its towering obelisk, impressive columns, and admirable carvings.
The Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural and engineering masterpiece, was built by one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. She was one of only 12 female pharaohs out of an estimated 170.
A hot air balloon ride at sunrise will give you a birds-eye view of the River Nile and the temples dotted along its banks, all bathed in a warm golden glow.
How many days should you spend in Luxor?
If done intensely, Luxor can be visited in two days. Plenty of tour agencies offer one-day tours that include the top highlights.
You can tick off the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut and a few smaller temples all in one day. Just be prepared for tired feet at the end of it all.
Another day allows you to explore the bustling city and temples you may have missed, like the Karnak Temple.
If time isn't an issue, then slow down. Give Luxor an extra day or two. Visit the other side of the Nile and indulge in some delicious food.
How to get from Hurghada to Luxor
There are three ways to cover the 208 km (130 miles) between Hurghada and Luxor: by bus, minivan, and car.
By bus
The bus is the most popular option as it's comfortable and cheap, and there are multiple departures throughout the day. You'll find a few bus companies covering this route, offering a direct and safe journey, plus a selection of classes:
Standard class — basic economy seats and A/C
Deluxe plus class — more comfortable seats, A/C, charging port, TV and WiFi, subject to availability
Pro tip: The deluxe plus bus is surprisingly the cheapest option, starting at $7 for the 4-hour journey.
Bags are included in the ticket fair, but some bus workers may ask for a tip before loading your bag on board. 5 EGP should be sufficient.
Make sure to check the departure location. Most bus companies leave from their own bus stations or outside their office in Hurghada. The arrival location will also be different for each company.
By minivan
Shared minivans from Hurghada to Luxor are more expensive than the bus and aren't necessarily faster since they include several hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Prices start at $29 per person for the 4-hour ride.
The higher price is justified by the door-to-door service, fewer people on board, and potentially a comfier ride than the bus, depending on which one you opt for. All minivans have air conditioning to battle Egypt's formidable heat.
If you want to avoid multiple stops or there's a big group of you, private minivans are available, starting at $102.
For those flying into Hurghada Airport and heading straight to Luxor, minivans offer transport directly from the airport to your hotel. It couldn't be easier!
By car
The fastest way to get from Hurghada to Luxor is by private transfer. The journey time can range from 3.5 to 4 hours, so you may not save much time compared to the other options.
However, a private car is likelier to be on time than the bus and stick to the estimated journey time.
Private transfers start at $46 — cheaper than a private minivan. A private car might be the best option for a smaller group.
What to expect from the journey from Hurghada to Luxor
The journey time from Hurghada to Luxor can vary between 3.5 and 4 hours, but don't be surprised if the ride takes longer than advertised. That's a common thing with Egyptian transport.
Most buses and minivans take a break halfway through the journey, so you can grab something to eat and go to the toilet.
Pro tip: Make sure to have small change on you for the toilets. They usually charge around 3-5 EGP.
In terms of views, it's not the most exciting journey, but not the worst either. Most of it will be on the highway with views of nothing but mountains and arid landscapes until you reach the outskirts of Luxor and the River Nile. Here, it becomes fertile and green, filled with bountiful farmland.
This route is safe for all travelers, whether alone, in a couple, or in a group.
When is the best time to visit Luxor?
The best thing about the weather in Egypt is that you rarely have to worry about rain ruining your plans. Instead, the biggest thing you need to consider is the temperature.
Walking around the temples in the scorching sun isn't an enjoyable experience. To avoid this, visit in the cooler months, February to April and late September to early November. Expect temperatures that range between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
The crowds also tend to be smaller during this time, so you won't feel like sardines packed in an ancient tomb.
Where to visit after Luxor?
If you're going to the south of Egypt, then Aswan has to be your next destination. Thanks to its unique culture, this city is like no other in Egypt. 8,000 years ago, a group of Nubians moved from Sudan to the Aswan area, bringing a new culture now intertwined with the Egyptian way of life.
And it's the gateway to one of the most remarkable temples in Egypt, Abu Simbel.