Getting to Luxor Temple from Luxor Airport
Luxor International Airport (LXR) lies close to the city. The road to Luxor Temple is about 8.9 km and takes around 8 minutes in light traffic. To the town in general, expect about 7 km and 10 minutes, because the endpoint is different. Both figures are estimates, so allow more time at busy hours and with luggage. No rail line serves the airport, so you arrive by taxi, a pre-booked transfer or a hotel pickup.
Many visitors go straight to a hotel on the East Bank and start with the temple later. If you want a guide on your first day, look at the Luxor Temple tours, some of which can start from the airport or the hotel.
Our pick: private day from the airport or ship
This private full day can start and end at Luxor airport or your Nile ship, so it works as an arrival-day plan.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Luxor tours from the airport or your hotel
Private and group tours of Luxor Temple and the East Bank, some with pickup at the airport, with live prices and availability.
Luxor Airport taxi and transfers
No fixed fare to rely on.
Taxi at the terminal
There is no fixed taxi fare you can rely on, so agree the price before you get in, and have small notes ready. Ride-hailing availability at the airport varies.
Pre-booked transfer
A pre-booked transfer gives a set price and a driver who knows your hotel. Prices vary by vehicle and operator, so compare before you book.
Hotel pickup or a tour
Many hotels send a car. Some tours start at the airport and go straight to the temples, which suits a short stay. Check that the tour lists Luxor Temple.
Do not plan around a public bus from the airport. A taxi or transfer is the simplest way to the East Bank. From the East Bank you can reach the souk and the Corniche on foot.
By road from other cities
Road distances and drive times for transfers.
| From | Distance to Luxor | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo (airport CAI) | 679 km | About 7 hours 40 minutes |
| Aswan (city) | 242 km | About 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Hurghada (city) | 310 km | About 4 hours |
| Marsa Alam (city) | 369 km | About 4 hours 40 minutes |
These are road estimates to Luxor town, not to the temple entrance, and they exclude breaks. Driving outside cities and resorts at night is not advised. For most visitors from Cairo, the sleeper train or a flight is easier than the road. If you start from the Red Sea, the page on a day trip from Hurghada describes the road and the checkpoints.
Arrival by train from Cairo
Air-conditioned trains and a night sleeper.
Trains with air conditioning and sleeping cars run from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan. The airport has no rail link, so the train brings you to the city station, not to LXR. Two night sleeper services run, and you should confirm the timetable before you travel.
| Train | Leaves Cairo | Arrives Luxor | Arrives Aswan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | 19:45 | 06:10 next day | 09:25 |
| 82 | 21:10 | 07:50 next day | 11:10 |
The ride to Luxor takes about 10 hours 25 to 40 minutes, and Luxor to Aswan about 3 hours 15 to 20 minutes. Guideline fares per person for one way are USD 110 for a standard cabin shared by two and USD 150 for a single traveller. The Elite class costs USD 125 shared and USD 170 alone. Train 86 leaves from the Cairo Upper Egypt station. A sleeper is a good pick for most visitors who want to save a hotel night. Fares and times can change, so check them with the operator before you travel.
Entry requirements for Egypt
Short facts for 2026.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive.
e-Visa
A single-entry e-Visa costs USD 30 and a multiple-entry e-Visa USD 65. Travellers from Germany and the United Kingdom are eligible.
Visa on arrival
The fee at the border is USD 30 for a single entry. The free stamp for the Sinai resorts does not apply to Luxor, so it is no substitute for a visa.
Rules differ by nationality, so check your own government's travel advice before you go. Once in Luxor, the ticket page has the prices for the temple. The route from Cairo is covered in more depth at the Luxor guide, and a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is an alternative way to travel on.
Getting to Luxor Temple: frequently asked questions
How far is Luxor Airport from Luxor Temple?
About 8.9 km and roughly 8 minutes by road. To the town in general, expect around 7 km and 10 minutes. Both are estimates and depend on traffic.
How do I get from Luxor Airport to the city?
By taxi, a pre-booked transfer or a hotel pickup. No rail line serves the airport. Agree the fare with a taxi driver before the ride starts.
Is there a train to Luxor Temple from the airport?
No. The train brings you to the Luxor city station from Cairo or Aswan. The airport has no rail link, and the temple is on the East Bank in the city.
How long is the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor?
About 10 hours 25 to 40 minutes. Train 86 leaves at 19:45 and arrives at 06:10, and train 82 leaves at 21:10 and arrives at 07:50. Check the timetable before you travel.
Do I need a visa for Luxor?
Most travellers need an Egyptian visa. The fee is USD 30 for a single entry via the e-Visa portal or on arrival. Your passport must be valid for 6 months. Check your own country's rules.
Can I take a taxi from Hurghada to Luxor?
The road is about 310 km and takes about 4 hours. A taxi or transfer is possible, but a day trip with a guide is easier to arrange. See the page on Luxor from Hurghada.