How to get from Hurghada to Luxor

Hurghada to Luxor is one of Egypt’s most popular day trips. Your main choices are a small-group tour by coach/van, a private car/driver for full flexibility, a self-drive (via the Safaga–Qena desert road), or a slower public bus + local taxi combo. Below you’ll find the pros/cons, how to book, and step-by-steps with map links.

At A Glance (Hurghada to Luxor)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Small-Group Coach/Van Tour (Hotel Pickup)	~4–5h each way + sightseeing	Hassle-free first timers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$40–95 pp (often incl. guide, lunch, major sites) » compare tours | Klook picks
🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door)	~4–4.5h each way	Families, flexible pace, sunrise starts
🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–250 per vehicle (size-dependent) » get quotes
🚘 Self-Drive (Safaga → Qena → Luxor)	~4–5h each way (stops/weather)	Independent travelers, photo stops
🏷️ Cost: Car ~US$30–60/day + fuel » compare rentals
🧭 Public Bus + Local Taxi	~6–8h total (connections)	Shoestring budgets, flexible timing
🏷️ Cost: ~US$10–20 total (bus segments + taxi). Buy in person; schedules vary.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + easiest: Private car/driver or a well-reviewed small-group tour with hotel pickup and a guided route of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple.
• Cheapest: Public bus + taxi—works if you’re flexible and speak some Arabic (or can negotiate fares).
• Most flexible/scenic: Self-drive via Safaga and Qena for photo stops; set off pre-dawn to beat heat and traffic.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Pick a reputable operator: Compare inclusions (lunch, entry fees, Nile boat ride) and reviews on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Start very early: Many departures leave 4:00–5:30 a.m. to maximize time in Luxor and avoid midday heat.
• What to bring: Passport (checkpoints), sunhat, sunscreen, 2–3L water, small bills for tips, modest clothing for temples.
• Ride-hailing: Local taxis are common. For fixed prices or large vehicles, compare GetTransfer.
• Staying over? Consider a night in Luxor (Karnak light show, sunrise balloon). Browse Luxor hotels.

🚌 Option #1 — Small-Group Coach/Van Tour (Most Popular, Guided)

Guided Hotel pickup Fixed schedule

• Overview: Hotel pickup in Hurghada → highway via Safaga and Qena → Luxor highlights (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple; often lunch and short Nile boat crossing) → return to Hurghada in the evening.
• How to book (with price): Commonly US$40–95 per person depending on inclusions. Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: No logistics; licensed guide; good value. Cons: Early start, less time for independent exploring.

Step-by-step: Small-Group Tour

1. Choose a tour with clear inclusions (temple entries, lunch, Nile boat option) and confirm the exact pickup time/location from your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, or Makadi Bay.
2. Prepare documents (passport for checkpoints), cash for tips/souvenirs, and modest clothing for temples.
3. Meet your guide/driver at pickup; ride ~4–5 hours to Luxor with a rest stop en route.
4. Tour the main sites with your group; keep your meeting times to maximize your day before the return drive.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup corridors)

• Pickup areas: Central Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay (some charge extra for distant resorts—check your voucher).
• Drop-off: Usually back to the same hotel; confirm if you’re staying in Luxor overnight.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Flexible Timing)

Custom schedule Direct hotel pickup Higher cost

• Overview: Door-to-door transfer on your timeline with rest stops when you like; ideal for families or travelers planning a sunrise/sunset temple visit or an overnight in Luxor.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$120–250 per vehicle (sedan/MPV/van size). Compare instant quotes and vehicle sizes on GetTransfer or browse private options on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: No shared stops, maximum time at sites, easy with kids/elderly. Cons: Cost vs. shared tour; still an early start.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup address, departure time (ideally 4:30–5:30 a.m.), and luggage count via GetTransfer.
2. Confirm what’s included (fuel, waiting time in Luxor, return or one-way) and share site stops you want (e.g., Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut).
3. Meet your driver at the hotel lobby; carry passports for checkpoints; arrive in Luxor by late morning.
4. Return the same evening or stay overnight and transfer back next day.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel/apartment & Luxor sites)

• Pickup: Any Hurghada/El Gouna/Sahl Hasheesh hotel or address.
• Drop-off: Any Luxor hotel/site entrances (agree on sequence to save time).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive (Most Flexibility, Requires Confidence)

Freedom Photo stops Checkpoints

• Overview: Rent a car in Hurghada and drive the main route: Hurghada → Safaga → Qena desert highway → Luxor. Roads are paved; expect checkpoints (carry passports and rental papers). Start pre-dawn for cooler temps and lighter traffic.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$30–60/day for a compact. Compare pickup/return locations and insurance on Booking.com Car Rental (Hurghada).
• Pros: Choose your stops and timing; easy to turn into an overnight. Cons: Egyptian driving style may feel assertive; avoid night driving.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car (airport or city) and check spare tire, jack, and fuel level. Download offline maps in case of patchy signal.
2. Set navigation: Hurghada → Safaga → Qena → Luxor. Keep passports and rental contract handy for checkpoints.
3. Plan breaks (Safaga fuel/coffee; Qena rest stop). In Luxor, park near Karnak or on the West Bank for Valley of the Kings/Hatshepsut.
4. Return the same day or check in to a Luxor hotel and drive back next morning.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route towns)

• Hurghada depots: Airport and city offices—verify opening hours for early pickups/late returns.
• Route waypoints: Safaga (fuel/food), Qena (rest stop), then onward to Luxor’s East/West Bank.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧭 Option #4 — Public Bus + Local Taxi (Cheapest, Slowest)

Budget Adventure Irregular schedules

• Overview: Take a regional bus/minivan from Hurghada toward Qena or Luxor (buy at the station/agency), then continue by local taxi or secondary bus into Luxor proper. Timetables change—check the day before.
• How to book (with price): Typically US$10–20 total. Purchase in person at the bus station or via your hotel; online listings are limited.
• Pros: Cheapest option; frequent departures on busy days. Cons: Slower with waits; comfort varies; limited English signage.

Step-by-step: Public Bus + Taxi

1. Go to Hurghada’s main bus station or ask your hotel for the current agency stop serving the Qena/Luxor route; arrive early for a seat.
2. Buy a ticket to Qena or directly to Luxor if offered. Keep small bills and your passport handy.
3. From Qena, take a shared/local taxi or onward bus to Luxor; confirm fare before boarding.
4. On arrival in Luxor, use a taxi to reach your first site or hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus stations & junctions)

• Hurghada boarding: Ask your accommodation which station/agency serves your preferred departure time that day.
• Transfers: Qena is a common interchange; onward to Luxor is ~60–70 km.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Hurghada to Luxor)

How long is the drive?
Around 4–5 hours each way via the Safaga–Qena desert route, plus sightseeing time in Luxor.

Is the road safe?
It’s a main, paved route with checkpoints—carry passports and follow your driver/guide’s instructions. Avoid night driving if possible.

Can I see Luxor in one day?
Yes—most day trips cover Karnak, Valley of the Kings (select tombs), and Hatshepsut Temple. Add Luxor Temple at dusk if time allows.

Should I stay overnight?
Highly recommended if you want a sunrise balloon, quieter temple hours, or a Nile felucca cruise. Check deals on Luxor hotels.

Any dress code for temples?
Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered helps), bring a hat and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes for tomb steps and hot paving.

Are there bathrooms and food stops?
Yes—tours stop at roadside cafés; in Luxor, several eateries sit near the Nile/Corniche and by Karnak/Luxor Temple areas.