How to Get from Cairo to Luxor by Train

Are you looking for how to get from Cairo to Luxor by train? Luxor is one of the best destinations in Egypt, so don’t miss it on your Egypt Itinerary.

Spend 2-3 days in Luxor, visit Karnak and Luxor Temple, explore Valley of the Kings, see Colossi of Memnon, wander around Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and take a hot air balloon ride.

Getting to Luxor may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. The most popular way to get from Cairo to Luxor is by overnight train.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll find how to get to Luxor by train, including train ticket prices, train schedule, travel time, and where to buy online train tickets. We also suggest other ways to get to Luxor, such as by bus, plane, taxi, or private transfer.

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Cairo to Luxor Distance

The distance between Luxor and Cairo is about 650 km, which is 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

Read our → Luxor Guide

Book a day trip to Luxor from Cairo by plane HERE.

Cairo to Luxor by Train

The most comfortable way to get to Luxor is by train. We recommend you arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur around the railway station.

You can also board the train at El Giza Railway Station. The train takes about 20 minutes to reach Giza from Cairo.

Book a Full-Day Tour to Luxor West and East Banks through GetYourGuide or Viator.

Sleeper Train from Cairo to Luxor

We found traveling by train in Egypt comfortable and safe. Each private sleeping cabin has bunk beds, a sink with soap, a mirror, a plug socket, a bin, and tray tables. The beds are comfortable with pillows and blankets. The private sleeping cabin train ticket includes dinner, breakfast, and a coffee or tea in the morning.

Book a private sleeping cabin train HERE.

Tips for traveling by train:

As the cabins are air-conditioned, pack warm clothes!
Toilets are shared, and there are two in every carriage. Keep toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you.
Bring snacks and bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth!
Pack a sleeping mask and earplugs.
The cabins are lockable and secure.
Staff will arrive after dinner and will convert the folded-up seats into beds for sleeping.
The sleeping train to Luxor is a great way to save money on your trip to Egypt.

Cairo to Luxor Train Price

The train tickets start from 54 USD, depending on the type of train. The single cabin starts from 130 USD, and a cabin for two people from 180 USD.

Get train tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

Cairo to Luxor Train Time

The train journey from Cairo to Luxor usually takes 9-10 hours. It’s good to know that trains are often delayed, so train journey time can take up to 12 hours.

Join this top-rated Luxor Full-Day Tour.

Cairo to Luxor Train Timetable

The trains run several times a day from 00:20 to 22:00.

00:20-10:35
01:15-09:30
01:30-11:30
08:00-16:15
08:15-18:15
10:00-20:15
12:00-22:15
13:00-23:15
17:15-01:30
17.30-03:30
19:00-03:00
19:20-05:35 *
19:45-06:00 *
20:00-04:15
20:15-06:15
21:00-05:15
21:10-07:25 *
21:15-07:15
22:00-08:15

* Private Sleeping Cabin Train. Train schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable HERE.

Cairo to Luxor Train Tickets

The most reliable way to buy train tickets online is to use 12Go or Bookaway.

You can also buy train tickets at the Ramses Railway Station, but we recommend that you purchase your tickets at least 1-2 days in advance.

Other Ways to Get to Luxor

Cairo to Luxor by Flight

The easiest and fastest way to get to Luxor is by plane. EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and Nile Air operate several daily flights from Cairo International Airport (airport code CAI) to Luxor International Airport (airport code LXR).

The flight takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes. The plane tickets cost between 75 and 120 USD (excluding luggage) per person for one way. In high season, flight tickets may be even more expensive.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Luxor, Egypt.

Cairo Airport to Luxor by Taxi, Private Car

One of the best ways to get to Luxor is by car. The transfer from the airport to Luxor (any hotel) starts from 219 USD for 3 persons. The journey time takes 8-8.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Get Minivan Tickets here.

The most expensive way to get to Luxor is by taxi. The taxi cost from Cairo Airport to Luxor starts from 341 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable. The journey takes 8-8.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Book your taxi online.

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, you can book a private transfer to Luxor starting from 340 USD, and 9 pax are allowed.

Cairo to Luxor Nile Cruise

Are you spending limited time in Egypt but want to make the most of your visit? For the ultimate experience, book a 3-day or 4-day Nile Cruise to Luxor with a Hot Air Balloon Ride and Flights.

The tour price includes the pick-up, drop-off, flight tickets (departure & return), transportation, an English-speaking guide, an unforgettable hot air balloon ride in Luxor, horse carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, and accommodation for 3 nights on a 5-star cruise with full board.

Book the best Nile Cruise via GetYourGuide.

Alternatively, if you are spending more time in Egypt and don’t want to worry about how to get from one place to another, book this excellent private 7-night tour with Nile Cruise and flights.

Cairo to Luxor by Bus

The cheapest way to reach Luxor is by Go Bus. But many bus companies offer buses to Luxor. Each company has different departure stations, so you can choose the one that best suits you.

The travel time is approximately 10 hours, depending on traffic. Buses depart several times a day between 00:05 and 23:50. We recommend you arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.

The bus tickets start from 8 USD.

Buy your bus tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Luxor has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Luxor, Egypt

Luxury: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor
Mid-Range: Iberotel Luxor or Pyramisa Hotel Luxor
Budget: Nefertiti Hotel Luxor

more hotels in luxor

More Travel Guides about Egypt

We hope our post on how to get from Cairo to Luxor by train 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

How to Get from Cairo to Luxor by Train