How to get from Cairo to Luxor
Cairo to Luxor is a classic Egypt trip. Your main choices are a quick flight, an overnight sleeper train, a comfortable daytime express train, an intercity coach, or a private car/driver if you want door-to-door flexibility with sightseeing stops on the Nile Valley. Compare speed, comfort, and price below—with step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Cairo to Luxor)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (CAI → LXR) | ~1h10 flight + ~20–30m city transfer | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 2,500–6,000+ one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. deals | ||
| 🛌 Overnight Sleeper Train (Watania) | ~10–12h overnight | Sleep en route, private cabin |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–120 pp (cabin class) » official booking | ||
| 🚆 Day Express Train (ENR) | ~9–10h | Budget + scenery, daytime travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 400–900 (class/date) » ENR official | 3rd-party help | ||
| 🚌 Intercity Coach (Go Bus/Upper Egypt) | ~10–12h (day or overnight) | Lowest cost when trains are full |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~EGP 350–800 (class/season) » curated options | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-door) | ~8.5–10h via Nile Valley | Families, flexible stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$220–420 per vehicle (size/timing) » instant quotes | driver + guided | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Flight CAI→LXR with a short taxi/transfer into Luxor.
- Most Comfortable Overnight: Sleeper train with private cabin, arrive rested near Luxor Temple.
- Budget + Daylight Views: Day express train—watch the Nile Valley roll by.
- When trains are sold out: Intercity coach—frequent departures and multiple classes.
- Door-to-door + Side Trips: Private car/driver via El Minya, Sohag or Qena as optional scenic stops.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for holidays: Trains and flights sell out; compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. Sleeper cabins via the official Watania site.
- Station transfers: In Cairo use Uber/Careem; in Luxor use local taxis or prebook a meet-and-greet such as Welcome Pickups (Cairo) or fixed drivers via GetTransfer.
- Luggage: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure, stash bags via Radical Storage Cairo or ask your hotel; in Luxor many hotels will hold bags after checkout.
- Onward tours: Book hot-air balloon, West Bank/Valley of the Kings, or Karnak sound & light through GetYourGuide or Klook.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (CAI → LXR) — Fastest Overall
~1h10 airtime Many daily flights Short city transfer
- Overview: Multiple daily nonstops from Cairo International (CAI) to Luxor International (LXR). Land and transfer 15–25 minutes to central Luxor.
- How to book (with price): From ~EGP 2,500–6,000+ one-way depending on airline/season. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Fastest; frequent. Cons: Airport processes; fare spikes on peak dates.
Step-by-step: Flight Cairo → Luxor
- Get to CAI by Uber/Careem or hotel car (Terminals 2/3 for most flights).
- Compare and book your flight on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online if available.
- Fly ~1h10 to LXR; collect bags.
- Take a taxi (fixed-price stand), or prebook a meet-and-greet via GetTransfer to your hotel near Luxor Temple/Karnak.
Getting to the main embarking points (CAI & LXR)
- CAI departures: Allow 2–3 hours; traffic can be heavy.
- LXR arrivals: 10–25 minutes to East Bank hotels depending on traffic.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛌 Option #2 — Overnight Sleeper Train (Watania) — Private Cabins
Sleep en route Dinner & breakfast Fixed timetable
- Overview: Classic sleeper service with 1–2 berth cabins, dinner and light breakfast included. Departs Cairo in the evening, arrives Luxor early morning—steps from the temples.
- How to book (with price): ~US$80–120 per person depending on berth type/date. Reserve via the official Watania Sleeping Trains website.
- Pros: Comfortable cabin; saves a hotel night. Cons: Higher price than day train; sells out on weekends/holidays.
Step-by-step: Sleeper Train
- Book your cabin on the official site and note your departure station (usually Cairo Ramses).
- Ride Uber/Careem to Ramses Station; arrive 45–60 minutes early to find the correct platform and carriage.
- Board, present passport/ticket; dinner is typically served after departure.
- Wake up approaching Luxor; disembark and taxi/walk to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ramses → Luxor)
- Ramses Station (Cairo): Central, busy—watch your bags and use the main concourse screens for platforms.
- Luxor Station: 10–15 minute walk to Luxor Temple and many hotels; taxis queue outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #3 — Day Express Train (ENR) — Scenic & Affordable
City-center to center Budget-friendly Long sitting time
- Overview: Modern air-conditioned expresses (1st/2nd class) run by Egyptian National Railways by day—great for Nile scenery and photos.
- How to book (with price): ~EGP 400–900 depending on class/date. Check timetables on the ENR official site or use third-party assistance like Trip.com (trains).
- Pros: Cheapest comfortable option; daylight views. Cons: 9–10 hours seated; popular trains can sell out.
Step-by-step: Day Express Train
- Check schedules on ENR; choose departure from Cairo Ramses or Giza Station.
- Reach your station by Uber/Careem or Metro; arrive ~30–45 minutes early.
- Board your reserved coach, keep ticket/ID handy, and enjoy the Nile Valley panorama.
- Arrive at Luxor Station; walk/taxi to your hotel or start a tour.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ramses/Giza → Luxor)
- Cairo Ramses: Most frequent departures; central.
- Giza Station: Handy if staying in Giza; fewer services than Ramses.
- Luxor Station: Close to East Bank sights and hotels.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Intercity Coach (Go Bus / Upper Egypt) — Cheapest Seats
Many departures Overnight options Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Long-distance coaches connect Cairo with Luxor by day and overnight, with several seat classes (recliners, “deluxe”).
- How to book (with price): ~EGP 350–800. Buy at company counters/online (Go Bus / Upper Egypt). If you prefer a platform, browse Trip.com activities for curated picks.
- Pros: Frequent, cheap, many city boarding points. Cons: 10–12 hours; rest stops vary.
Step-by-step: Intercity Coach
- Choose a departure terminal (e.g., Go Bus Tahrir or other Cairo stops) and time/class.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; show e-ticket and tag your suitcase for the hold.
- Ride overnight/daytime with rest stops; bring snacks and a travel pillow.
- Disembark at Luxor Bus Station; take a taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Cairo coach stop → Luxor Bus Station)
- Cairo boarding: Use Metro/Uber/Careem to your selected terminal.
- Luxor arrival: Bus station is a short taxi ride from the East Bank hotel areas.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door) — Flexible & Comfortable
Custom route Great with luggage Higher cost
- Overview: A dedicated driver picks you up at your Cairo address/airport and drives the Nile Valley highway to Luxor with optional sightseeing stops (e.g., Al Minya, Sohag, Qena).
- How to book (with price): From ~US$220–420 per vehicle depending on size/season. Get firm quotes on GetTransfer or browse private day transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Door-to-door, schedule control. Cons: Long day on the road; costlier than train/coach.
Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and timing via GetTransfer (choose sedan/van as needed).
- Confirm what’s included (fuel, tolls, waiting time) and share exact hotel pins.
- Depart Cairo after rush hour; plan 2–3 rest/fuel stops; arrive Luxor late afternoon/evening.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup: Any Cairo hotel/airport/home—drivers will message you on arrival.
- Drop: Any Luxor hotel on East/West Bank; ferry crossings can be arranged if needed.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Cairo to Luxor)
Flight or train—what’s better?
Flights are fastest; the sleeper train offers a private cabin and saves a hotel night; the day train is cheapest for comfortable travel and scenery.
Which Cairo station should I use?
Ramses is the main hub; Giza works well if you’re staying near the pyramids and your chosen train calls there.
How far is Luxor Airport from the city?
About 7–10 km; usually 15–25 minutes by taxi to East Bank hotels.
Are there meals on the sleeper train?
Yes—dinner and a simple breakfast are included in most Watania fares.
Can I bring big luggage on trains/coaches?
Yes, but pack light enough to handle stairs/platform gaps. Keep valuables with you.
Where to stay near arrival?
East Bank (near Luxor Temple/Karnak) for convenience; West Bank for a quieter vibe. Compare options on Booking.com (Luxor).