Best Ways: How to Get from Aswan to Abu Simbel
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel? Abu Simbel is a must-see destination in Egypt, so don’t miss it on your Egypt Itinerary. The Abu Simbel Temple Complex consists of two beautiful rock-cut temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are no direct flights or public transport from Cairo or Luxor to Abu Simbel. Therefore, you must first travel to Aswan and then visit the temples from there.
Getting to Abu Simbel may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to Abu Simbel by plane, private car, taxi, or organized tour that includes transport.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a taxi or plane ticket costs.
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Aswan to Abu Simbel Distance
Abu Simbel is located in southern Egypt, about 20 km from the Sudan border. The road from to Abu Simbel is open between 5 AM and 5 PM. Previously, tourists had to travel in convoys. But this is no longer necessary, and you can also get there safely by taxi or private car. However, cars still pass through security checkpoints for the safety of tourists and locals.
The distance between Abu Simbel Temples and Aswan is about 290 km, which is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Important note
There are no train services between Aswan and Abu Simbel. So the cheapest way to reach Abu Simbel is by public bus.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or plane ticket will cost.
Book the Abu Simbel Temples day tour with Viator or GetYourGuide.
Aswan to Abu Simbel by Flight
The easiest and fastest way to get to Abu Simbel is by plane. Only EgyptAir operates three daily flights (except Sundays) from Aswan International Airport (airport code ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (airport code ABS).
The flight takes just 45 minutes, and plane tickets start from 70 USD (without luggage) per person for one way. In high season, flight tickets may be even more expensive.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Abu Simbel, Egypt.
The distance between Abu Simbel Airport and the temples is only 5 km, and the journey time by taxi or shuttle bus is about 10 minutes.
Aswan to Abu Simbel by Taxi, Private Car
The most expensive way to get to Abu Simbel is by taxi. The journey takes 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost to Abu Simbel and back starts from 4000 EGP (130 USD), depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, book a private customizable day tour to Abu Simbel by private car HERE.
Aswan to Abu Simbel Day Trip
Are you spending limited time in Egypt but want to make the most of your visit? You can easily join group tours from Aswan to visit the stunning temples. Departures usually start at 4 AM and return to Aswan around 2 PM. After arriving at the Abu Simbel Temples, you will have about 2 hours to explore.
Group tours without a guide usually start from 29 USD per person.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, driver, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide (depending on the option selected).
Book your full-day tour to Abu Simbel via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Group tours usually do not include an entrance fee. The entrance fee to Abu Simbel Temples is 615 EGP (20 USD) per person. A valid student ID card gives you a 50% discount on the ticket price.
If you want to take photos inside the temples, the camera ticket costs 300 EGP (10 USD), and the tripod fee is 20 EGP (0.65 USD). But taking photos with your phone is free.
Aswan to Abu Simbel Private Tour
As most group tours leave Aswan at 4 AM, a private tour is a great way to avoid the crowds and explore the temples on your own. For the best experience, choose a departure time of 8 or 9 AM, as you will arrive just when the other tourist groups are leaving.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, bottled water, a local guide at Abu Simbel Temple, and entry fees.
Check the tour prices and availability HERE.
Aswan to Luxor Cruise
For the ultimate experience, book an Overnight Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the iconic sights like the Abu Simbel Temples, Kom Ombo Temple & Edfu Temple, and finish the trip in Luxor.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Edfu Temple, and 1-night accommodation on a 5-star cruise ship with full board.
Book this best Nile Cruise via GetYourGuide.
Alternatively, join this top-rated 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, with a visit to Abu Simbel and a Hot Air Balloon ride.
Where to Stay in Abu Simbel
Most people take a day trip to Abu Simbel, but for the best experience, stay one night in Abu Simbel and enjoy the sound and light show at the temples. Aswan has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Abu Simbel
- Mid-Range: Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort
- Budget: Eskaleh Eco-Lodge
Best hotels in Aswan
- Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Aswan
- Mid-Range: Basma Hotel Aswan or Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan
- Budget: The Mango Guest House
More Travel Guides about Egypt
- How to Get from Cairo to Aswan
- How to Get from Luxor to Aswan
- 7 Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
- The Ultimate Egypt Itinerary for 10 Days
- How to Get from Luxor to Cairo
- 9 Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt
- How to Get from Cairo Airport to Giza Pyramids
We hope our post on how to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel will help you plan your next trip to Egypt. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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