How to get from Luxor to Aswan

Luxor to Aswan is a classic Upper Egypt journey. Choose between the comfortable Nile Valley train, a private car/driver on the desert or Nile roads, a cheap (but slower) bus/minibus, or go slow-and-scenic on a multi-day Nile cruise. Flying is possible only via Cairo and rarely beats train/road on total time. Details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Luxor to Aswan)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (ENR)	~3–4h (direct)	Comfort, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 120–450 one-way (train/class/date) » ENR official schedules
🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-door)	~3.5–4.5h (stops traffic-dependent)	Families, lots of luggage, custom stops
🏷️ Cost: ~US$65–140 per vehicle » get quotes | GYG transfers
🚌 Public Coach / Minibus	~4–6h (connections & stops)	Lowest cost, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 120–250 one-way (service-dependent)
🛳️ Nile Cruise (2–4 nights)	2–4 days	Slow travel, included sightseeing
🏷️ Cost: ~US$200–600+ pp (meals/tours vary) » compare cruises | Trip.com picks
✈️ Flight (via Cairo, not direct)	~4.5–7h incl. connection	When overland options sold out
🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–260+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & easy: Train — reliable timings, comfy seats, central stations.
• Most convenient with luggage/kids: Private transfer — door-to-door and optional temple stops (Edfu, Kom Ombo).
• Cheapest: Public coach/minibus — workable but slower/variable comfort.
• Most scenic/relaxed: Nile cruise — transport + hotel + guided sightseeing combined.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Buy in advance for weekends/holidays: Trains, cruises, and private cars sell out — compare transfers on GetYourGuide and check ENR for trains.
• Cash & IDs: Keep passport/ID; small cash helps for snacks, station porters, and quick taxis.
• Stops en route: With a private car, add Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple without major detours.
• Arriving early/late? Pick hotels near the station/corniche on Booking.com (Aswan) or Booking.com (Luxor).

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (ENR) — Most Popular, Good Value

Comfort City-center Fixed schedule

• Overview: Frequent day and evening trains run Luxor ⇄ Aswan with air-conditioned classes. Seats are reserved; sleepers are unnecessary for this short leg.
• How to book (with price): ~EGP 120–450 depending on class/train/date. Check times and availability on the ENR official site. If you prefer a simple voucher or hotel pickup, compare rail-inclusive options on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Predictable, inexpensive, scenic Nile-side views. Cons: Fixed departure windows; bring snacks/water.

Step-by-step: Train Luxor → Aswan

1. Get to Luxor Railway Station by short taxi from your hotel (corniche area). Allow 25–35 minutes buffer.
2. Buy/collect ticket (QR/e-ticket accepted where supported). Keep passport handy for ID checks.
3. Board your assigned coach; stow luggage overhead or at carriage ends. Keep valuables with you.
4. Arrive at Aswan Railway Station; walk/taxi to the corniche hotels or ferry to Elephantine if staying there.

Getting to the main embarking points (Luxor & Aswan Railway Stations)

• Luxor Station: Central on Mahattat El-Matar—easy taxi reach from East Bank hotels.
• Aswan Station: On Sharia as-Souk, a short hop to the Nile corniche.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Transfer / Taxi — Fastest Door-to-Door

Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost

• Overview: A sedan/van picks you up at your hotel and drives the Nile road with optional sightseeing at Edfu & Kom Ombo, dropping you at your Aswan hotel.
• How to book (with price): ~US$65–140 per vehicle (size/time). Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: No station hassles, flexible photo/temple stops. Cons: More expensive than train/bus.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup time/address and whether you want stops at Edfu or Kom Ombo (may add waiting fees).
2. Meet your driver at hotel reception (share your live location). Carry small cash for roadside cafés and temple tickets.
3. Drive ~3.5–4.5 hours to Aswan; confirm drop point (hotel, ferry pier, cruise ship).

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Door & Nile Road)

• Pickup: Any Luxor hotel/apartment on East or West Bank (allow extra time for cross-river transfers).
• Drop: Aswan corniche hotels, cruise ports, or Elephantine ferry.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Public Coach / Minibus — Cheapest (Basic Comfort)

Low cost Frequent Slower/variable

• Overview: Daytime coaches and shared minibuses connect Luxor with Aswan. Comfort varies; expect rest stops and occasional delays.
• How to book (with price): Buy at station windows or via hotel/agency; pay ~EGP 120–250. For curated transport/tour combos see GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Cheapest point-to-point. Cons: Less legroom, variable AC, timing not as reliable as train.

Step-by-step: Bus/Minibus

1. Go to Luxor Bus Station (ask your hotel for the latest departure bays) or a known minibus stand.
2. Buy a ticket or claim a seat; keep small cash and your ID handy. Ask about expected stops.
3. Arrive at Aswan Bus Station (Otogar); continue by taxi/dolmuş to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Luxor & Aswan Bus Stations)

• Luxor Bus Station: Short taxi from the corniche; arrive early for popular departures.
• Aswan Bus Station: Taxis and ride services cluster outside; agree on the fare before starting.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛳️ Option #4 — Nile Cruise (2–4 Nights) — Scenic & Relaxed

All-in-one Guided stops Fixed itinerary

• Overview: Cruise ships travel between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Cabins, most meals, and many tours are included.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$200–600+ pp depending on ship/season/inclusions. Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide or Trip.com.
• Pros: Hotel + transport combined, sunrise/sunset on the river. Cons: Less spontaneity; fixed sailing days.

Step-by-step: Board a Nile Cruise

1. Choose dates/ship and confirm what’s included (entrance fees, guiding, tips). Reserve early in peak season.
2. Embark at Luxor Cruise Port on the corniche (or vice versa if starting in Aswan). Porters can assist with luggage.
3. Enjoy guided stops at Edfu & Kom Ombo; disembark at Aswan Cruise Port and transfer to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Corniche Cruise Ports)

• Luxor Corniche: Most ships moor along the East Bank corniche; confirm exact pier with your operator.
• Aswan Corniche: Piers run along the city waterfront; taxis and hotel shuttles are nearby.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #5 — Flight via Cairo (Only If Needed)

Many daily CAI links Short airtime Connection overhead

• Overview: No regular nonstops Luxor↔Aswan; you’ll connect in Cairo. Total travel time usually exceeds train/road once transfers are included.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$120–260+ one-way depending on times/airline. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
• Pros: Useful if trains/cruises are sold out or you’re already connecting via CAI. Cons: Longer door-to-door than train/road.

Step-by-step: Fly via Cairo

1. Transfer to Luxor International Airport (LXR) by taxi; arrive 2–2.5 hours before your flight.
2. Fly LXR → CAI → ASW; minimum connecting times apply at CAI.
3. From Aswan Airport (ASW), take a taxi or prearranged hotel transfer to the city (20–30 minutes).

Getting to the main embarking points (Airports)

• Luxor Airport: 10–20 minutes by taxi from most East Bank hotels; confirm the fare before boarding.
• Aswan Airport: Fixed-fare taxis and hotel pickups available at arrivals.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Luxor to Aswan)

Is the train safe and comfortable?
Yes—day trains are popular with locals and visitors. Reserve seats, keep valuables close, and enjoy Nile-side scenery.

Can I stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo when taking the train?
Trains don’t wait for sightseeing. Choose a private car or cruise to include temple visits on the way.

How long should I allow in Aswan?
At least 2–3 days for Philae, the Nubian Museum, and a day trip to Abu Simbel. Add more if you want felucca time or desert temples.

Do I need to carry cash?
Cards work at many hotels/ships, but small cash is best for taxis, snacks, tips, and small museum kiosks.

What’s the best time of day to travel?
Early morning or late afternoon avoids midday heat; for road trips, start early if adding temples to beat tour crowds.