Luxor from Hurghada: how to get there and what to see
Mykyta Dzhus · Updated 2026-10-20 · 3 min read · Where to go
Luxor is ancient Thebes, the capital of ancient Egypt, where in a single day you can see Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. It's about four hours' drive from Hurghada. Here's how to go and what you can fit in.
Contents
In short
- The drive: about 300 km and roughly 4 hours each way.
- Day trip: leave at 4–5 a.m., back in the evening, about 14 hours in total.
- Better: stay the night, with no rush, Luxor Temple in the evening and a balloon at sunrise.
How to get there
- Organised tour: the easiest. Transfer, guide and tickets are included, and you're picked up from your hotel at night.
- Private transfer: more expensive, but you decide where to stop and for how long.
- Scheduled buses: the cheapest, but you organise getting between the sites yourself.
- Nile cruise: if you have a few days, boats sail between Luxor and Aswan over three or four nights.
From Sharm el-Sheikh Luxor is much further: people usually fly via Cairo or take a tour from Hurghada.
East bank: Karnak and Luxor Temple
Karnak is Egypt's largest temple complex. The entrance is guarded by an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, and the highlight is the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 giant columns. Allow at least two hours for Karnak.
Luxor Temple stands in the middle of town and is especially beautiful in the evening when it's lit up. Between it and Karnak runs the restored Avenue of Sphinxes, almost three kilometres long.
West bank: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut
The Valley of the Kings holds the rock-cut tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs. A standard ticket covers several tombs, while the most famous, including Tutankhamun's, cost extra. The paintings inside are so vivid they look recent.
The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is three terraces built into a sheer cliff. On the way you pass the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. If you have time, add Medinet Habu with its well-preserved reliefs.
A balloon over Luxor
At sunrise hot-air balloons rise over the west bank: below you are the Nile, green fields and temples in the middle of the desert. You can only fly if you stay overnight in Luxor. Like any balloon flight, it depends on the weather and may be cancelled.
One day or overnight
A day trip works if you're short on time: usually Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, with lunch on the Nile. The downsides are 8 hours on the road in one day and rushing around in the heat.
Staying overnight lets you split the banks over two days, see Luxor Temple in the evening, fly in a balloon and avoid getting up at 4 a.m. twice.
Practical tips
- It's hottest from midday, so start sightseeing as early as possible.
- Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes: there's a lot of walking between tombs and temples.
- Carry small change in Egyptian pounds for tips and small purchases.
- The most comfortable season is October to April; summer in Luxor is very hot.
What to book ahead
- Luxor in a day from Hurghada: bus or minivan, guide, temple tickets.
- Hot-air balloon over Luxor at sunrise.
Links to 12Go, GetYourGuide and Klook are partner links: the price for you is the same, and a small commission helps us run this blog.
Staying connected on the road
On the road between Hurghada and Luxor there are desert stretches with no coverage, while in Luxor mobile data works well. A travel eSIM gives you internet without an airport kiosk or a passport: Egypt starts at $3.49, 5 GB for 30 days is $10.49. More on staying connected in “Internet in Egypt for tourists: hotel Wi-Fi, a local SIM or an eSIM”, and on choosing a resort in “Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh: where to go in Egypt”.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?
About 300 km and roughly 4 hours each way; a day trip takes about 14 hours.
What can I see in Luxor in one day?
Usually Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Can I do a balloon flight in Luxor on a day trip?
No, flights are at sunrise, so you need to stay the night in Luxor.
Is Tutankhamun's tomb included in the standard ticket?
No, the most famous tombs, including Tutankhamun's, cost extra.
When is the best time to go to Luxor?
October to April; summer there is very hot.
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