Luxor: Day Trips and Tours from Cairo

In Cairo, you're blessed with a Wonder of The World (The Pyramids of Giza, of course), you're treated to sweeping desert views, and you're shown a glimpse of the eye-opining contrast of old meets new that runs through Egypt's capital like the very Nile River.

But if it's ancient history you're after, you'll find no better journey than a day trip to Luxor from Cairo. The former capital of Ancient Egypt is packed with world-famous historical treasures and iconic monuments from the time of the Pharaohs — think Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Karnak Temple Complex.

Luxor is about a 7-hour drive away from Cairo, but it's only just over an hour by air, so it's best to book an organized tour for the day to take care of all the logistics. After touching down, you'll explore some of Luxor's iconic temples and tombs alongside an expert Egyptologist guide.

Next up, you can read up on our detailed guide on Luxor, one of the most exciting day trips from Cairo.

Where is Luxor located?

Luxor is approximately 700 kilometers south of Cairo, directly down the Nile River. It's about halfway between Cairo and the Sudanese border, about an hour south of Qena and about 3 hours north of Aswan.

From Cairo to Luxor by car

The drive from Cairo to Luxor is a long one — it takes around 7.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route involves driving south on the Western Desert Road (also known as the Asyuit Desert - Cairo Road) until reaching Luxor.

From Cairo to Luxor by bus

There are bus services available from Cairo to Luxor, but they are not as frequent or convenient as other modes of transportation. The journey can take around 9–10 hours, depending on the route and stops.

Guided tour to Luxor From Cairo

The easiest and most popular way to visit Luxor from Cairo is by booking a guided tour. These tours typically include round-trip transportation by plane from Cairo to Luxor (flights take just over an hour each way), which gives you much more time for guided sightseeing at the main attractions, meals and leisure time.

What are the prices of entrance tickets to Luxor?

There is no fee to visit Luxor, as it is a city. However, there are entrance fees for historical sites in Luxor, which vary depending on the specific attraction and season. The most common attractions and their fees and listed below.

• Valley of the Kings: EGP 265 (about US$8)
• Luxor Temple: EGP 160 (around US$5)
• Karnak Temple Complex: EGP 65 for regular admission (around US$2) and 35 EGP (around US$1) for students.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every Luxor day trip from Cairo is different, but the typical itinerary generally follows a similar layout. The day will start with a convenient pickup at your hotel in Cairo and be taken to the city airport, where you'll board a plane for short, 1-hour flight to Luxor.

Upon touching down, you'll meet your tour guide and proceed to your first stop, which will either be the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple Complex. Here you'll learn about ancient Egyptian culture and traditions, and explore some of the most breathtaking sites in Egypt.

You may also visit the Colossi of Memnon; the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning mortuary temple dedicated to the female pharaoh; as well as the Luxor Temple, an East Bank landmark known for its grandeur and magnificent statues.

In between your exploration, you'll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. After a full day of sightseeing, and a walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, you'll take the return flight to Cairo and your hotel.

What are the best Luxor tours available from Cairo?

Private day tour to Luxor from Cairo

Ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience, this tour type allows you to customize the itinerary of your trip and prioritize the sites in Luxor you'd like to visit. You'll be picked up from your Cairo hotel in the morning and travel by plane or train to Luxor, where your private guide will show you around all day long.

2-day tour to Luxor from Cairo by plane

This two-day trip gives you the opportunity to explore Luxor at a leisurely pace. You'll leave Cairo in the morning and fly to Luxor, where you will spend the night – usually in a 5-star hotel. Since you have two days in the city, you'll get to visit more sites on both the East Bank and the West Bank and get a deeper understanding of the region's history.

2-day trip to Luxor plus hot air balloon ride from Cairo

Suited to adventurous travelers who want to get a unique perspective of Luxor and its surroundings, this tour includes a hot air balloon ride over the Nile Valley. On the first day, you'll fly from Cairo to Luxor and explore the city's ancient sites. On the second day, you'll board a hot air balloon for an hour-long flight over Luxor at sunrise – a truly unforgettable experience.

2-day tour to Luxor from Cairo with overnight bus

A more affordable option compared to flight, this tour takes you from Cairo to Luxor by overnight bus. You'll have two days in the city and start with a tour of the East Bank sites before heading over to the West Bank on day two. This is an excellent way for budget travelers to experience a taste of Luxor.

4+ day tour to Luxor plus Aswan and a Nile River cruise from Cairo

Providing a highlight reel of the entire region, you have several options for combination tours that last anywhere from 4 to 8 days. Besides a day trip or two to Luxor, you'll also get to sail down the world's longest river, the Nile River, taking in sites like Aswan, Abu Simbel and Edfu along the way.

How much does a day trip to Luxor from Cairo cost?

The cost of the day trip to Luxor from Cairo depends on what type of tour you choose, but generally starts at around US$130 – which is the price for overnight bus trips.

For single-day private tours, prices vary from US$250 to US$500 per person. If you want a tour that includes a hot air balloon ride, that'll cost around US$360

A 2-day tour by plane usually costs around US$430 for adults and US$260 for kids, while a 4+ day tour can range between US$700 and US$1,400.

What will you see and do?

Valley of the Kings

Located on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is a renowned archaeological site where many pharaohs (including Tutankhamun!) were buried. The elaborate tombs are lined with intricate wall paintings and fascinating hieroglyphics.

Luxor Temple

Situated on the east bank of the Nile, close to the middle of town, the Luxor Temple is known for its the colossal statues, magnificent columns and intricate carvings.

Karnak Temple Complex

One of the largest temple complexes in the world, Karnak is a vast open-air museum that showcases the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. The Hypostyle Hall, with its towering columns, is a breathtaking focal point.

Colossi of Memnon

These towering statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III and once guarded his mortuary temple. Although the temple itself is mostly in ruins, the Colossi of Memnon still stand as impressive landmarks.

Luxor Museum

If time permits, a visit to the Luxor Museum is highly recommended. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from Luxor's ancient sites —statues, jewelry, mummies and more.

When is the best time to visit Luxor?

Egypt is sunny and hot almost all year round, with temperatures peaking in July and August. The ideal time to visit Luxor is from September to June, when the weather is more comfortable. The winter months (November to March) tend to be pleasantly mild. Avoid visiting during the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Adha and Ramadan, as crowds can be overwhelming.

Are there any tours to Luxor from other cities in Egypt?

• Day trips to Luxor from Hurghada
• Day trips to Luxor from Aswan
• Day trips to Luxor from Marsa Alam
• Day trips to Luxor from Safaga
• Day trips to Luxor from El Sheikh
• Day trips to Luxor from Dahab

Travel tips

• Book your tour online and in advance for a hassle-free trip. If possible, choose one of the flight options – this will allow you more time to explore Luxor.
• Bring plenty of water - you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors at Luxor's historical attractions.
• Wear comfortable and modest clothing for the plane and for exploring, and bring a hat and sunscreen to protect from the harsh sun.
• Some lesser-known tourist attractions may not accept cards, so bring cash with you.