Luxor to Cairo Trip Overview
Distance 504 km (315.0 miles) | |
Price range US$ 8-US$ 301 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h-10h 45m | |
Earliest Departure 22:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Luxor to Cairo
Fastest bus: 9h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$ 8

About the ride from Luxor to Cairo
You've walked through Luxor's Valley of the Kings. You’ve stood before the Karnak Temple, and you’ve floated down the Nile on a felucca. You could leave Egypt today and be fulfilled.
But Egypt is a land of contrasts, and no journey is complete without experiencing its other side. Like Cairo, with its mix of ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza and modern urban sprawl, where historic mosques sit beside neon-lit cafés. It's an exciting contrast to Luxor's serenity.
To get from Luxor to Cairo, you'll travel 658 km (408 miles) overland by riding in a bus, train, car, or minivan.
Alternatively, you could zip through the skies to save time.
Five things in Cairo you can't miss
Cairo is loud, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable, and these are the top things that make it so epic:
Gawk at the Pyramids of Giza. They're the reason most people go to Cairo, and they do not disappoint. Whether you wander on foot, ride a camel, or snap a pic doing the classic "holding the pyramid" pose, this is a non-negotiable moment.
Take your time — there's a lot more than just the three pyramids, like the Sphinx and the tombs of ancient pharaohs.
Get your mind blown at the Egyptian Museum. This place makes history feel alive. It is overflowing with ancient treasures, mummies, and golden artifacts. You'll see King Tut's famous mask, royal sarcophagi, and enough artifacts to keep Indiana Jones busy for a lifetime.
Once the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) fully opens, it'll be the largest archaeological museum in the world, so definitely put it on your list.
Get lost in Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Cairo's most famous market is a feast for the senses — spices, handcrafted goods, and the smell of fresh bread fills the air.
Bargain hard, snack on a koshary bowl for less than a buck, and grab a seat at El Fishawy Café, where tea has been flowing since 1797. This is where you soak up the authentic charm of Cairo.
Take in the views from the Citadel. Cairo's skyline is packed with mosques, but the Citadel of Saladin and Sultan Hassan Mosque are the stars of the show. This massive medieval fortress was once the power center of Egypt, and today, it's where you get jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Climb to the top, snap some pics, and take in the breathtaking Islamic architecture.
Step into ancient Christianity in Coptic Cairo. Not all of Cairo's history is about pharaohs and pyramids. This area is home to some of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
Walk through the Hanging Church, visit Abu Serga Church (where Jesus and his family supposedly hid), and explore the Coptic Museum for a totally different side of Cairo's past.
How to get from Luxor or Cairo
There are five ways to get from Luxor to Cairo:
Bus
Flight
Train
Car
Minivan
If you've got the time, take the scenic overland route. It's more affordable than a flight but will take eight to ten hours.
Here are all the details to help you decide:
Option one: Bus
Duration: 8-10 hours
Starting price: $8
Buses in Egypt are very modern and clean, and most are double-decker on this route. They all have air conditioning and reclining seats, but as far as other amenities, those vary for each company. Some have personal TVs, bathrooms, and USB chargers.
Most have a two-bag per-passenger limit, but if you have more, there is a small fee.
Buses depart from multiple points throughout Luxor and arrive at various destinations in Cairo. It all depends on the company you book with.
Buses run throughout the day and into the night. Take an overnight bus, and you'll save on one night's accommodation. No, it won't be the best sleep you've ever had, but you'll wake up in Cairo ready to start exploring!
Pro tip: The trek is going to be a long one, so bring a pillow, something warm in case the AC is set to Arctic mode, plenty of refreshments, and something to entertain you along the way.
Option two: Flight
Duration: One-ish hour
Starting price: $65
Flights are the fastest way to travel between Luxor and Cairo — only a one-hour and ten-minute hop.
Departing from Luxor International Airport (LXR) and arriving at the Cairo International Airport (CAI), this option is excellent if you are short on time.
Most flights depart early in the morning, which means you'll be exploring by lunch. It's definitely the most convenient way to travel between these two must-visit cities.
There are multiple airlines to choose from, but Nesma Airlines and Air Cairo are usually cheaper than Egypt Air.
Option three: Train
Duration: 8-11 hours
Starting price: $72
Train travel is the most memorable way to get from Luxor to Cairo.
You will depart from the Luxor Train Station and arrive at the Cairo or Giza Train Station — it's up to you.
The journey typically spans about eight to eleven hours, depending on any delays and how many stops the service you select makes along the way!
There are three train classes: first, second, and third. Just like you'd expect, the first class is roomier, with nicer seats and more amenities, like personal TV screens.
Second class is roomier than third and doesn't have TVs. The third class is the most affordable, and therefore, has the highest number of people. However, it offers the fewest amenities and the least comfortable cabins.
All classes are air-conditioned and have bathrooms in the cabin or nearby.
Trains depart throughout the day and into the night. If you take a daytime bus, you'll see the landscapes of Egypt whizz by. If you take a night train, you'll save on a night's worth of accommodation.
Option four: Private car
Duration: 9.5 hours
Starting price: $180 flat fee
If you're looking for convenience, hiring a private car is the best option. They can accommodate up to three passengers and will pick you up from any hotel in Luxor and drop you at any hotel in Cairo — or even directly at the airport if you're leaving Egypt.
It's a door-to-door service, making your travels even easier.
It's a modern car with all the bells and whistles. So you'll be able to sit back and relax while someone else does the hard work. Plus, you'll have time to chat with a friendly local and learn first-hand what life is like for them.
The cost is split between your group. If there are three of you, it'll cost $67 per person.
Luggage allowances vary by car company; be sure to pay attention to those details when booking.
Option five: Minivan
Duration: 8-10 hours
Starting price: $16
With a minivan, you have two options: shared or private.
If you are a solo traveler, you can book a seat on a shared minivan to reach Cairo. The modern minivans have air conditioning and reclining seats, and some have USB chargers and WiFi (but don't rely on it).
They depart from specific locations at specific times during the day, just like a bus.
If you are traveling with a small group, you can hire a private minivan to take you from door to door. The cost is a flat fee starting from $165, so if there are eight of you, it's only $21 per person. Not bad for a private ride.
You get to choose your start time and departure location as well as your drop-off spot in Cairo. It could be your hotel or the airport if you are on the way out.
You'll get to stop along the way as needed and get an ample luggage allowance.
The best and worst times to go to Cairo
Weather-wise, October through April is perfect for touring around Cairo. However, it's peak season. The temperatures are warm but not sweltering, so you can explore in comfort. Typically, temperatures range from 14 to 23°C (57 to 73°F).
The worst time to travel there is between June and August. The heat is brutal, with temperatures often soaring past 40°C (104°F). With the humidity, you'll feel like you're walking on the sun.
How many days should you spend in Cairo?
You're probably going to Egypt for its rich history. And Cairo is the heart of it.
You could spend seven days here and not see it all, but there are other places to visit. Try to spend at least three to four nights there to get a feel for all it offers. You won't regret it.
Where should you travel after Cairo?
After the chaos of Cairo, how about switching up the vibe? Alexandria delivers a Mediterranean seaside retreat with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Additionally, the train ride from Cairo to Alexandria takes only 1.5 hours.
Want some extraordinary nature? Visit Siwa, the stunning Insta-famous town, where you can experience Egypt's most secluded oasis lifestyle. It is known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush palm-lined springs, and rich Berber heritage.
Companies Operating from Luxor to Cairo
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Luxor to Cairo
Based on 471 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Luxor to Cairo
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Popular stations and stops in Luxor and Cairo
Departure stations in Luxor
Arrival stations in Cairo
Cairo - Any hotel
Cairo Train Station
Bashtil - Upper Egypt Train Station, Giza
On Time Bus - Attaba
On Time Bus - Giza
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Luxor to Cairo
What is the most popular transportation service from Luxor to Cairo?
What is the distance between Luxor to Cairo?
What is the fastest transportation service from Luxor to Cairo?
What is the cheapest transport option from Luxor and Cairo?
Who are the service providers on this route?
MINIVAN: Visit Egypt Tours | Juver Luxor | Limousine Al Baron | Star Bus Egypt
BUS: Star Bus Egypt | Trip Egypt | On Time Bus | Blue Bus
CAR: Relax Tours Egypt | Trip Egypt | Basita Tours | Go Siwa Travel
TRAIN: Talgo Train | Egyptian National Railways | VIP Train | Sleeping Train
FLIGHT: Nile Air | Air Cairo | EgyptAir | Nesma Airlines
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