Best Ways: How to Get from Luxor to Cairo

Are you looking for the best ways to get from Luxor to Cairo? Cairo is the most visited place in Egypt, so don’t miss it on your Egypt Itinerary.

It is the best base for visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, exploring the Egyptian Museum, visiting the Muhammad Ali Mosque, taking day trips, and enjoying a Felucca ride on the Nile.

Getting to Cairo may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Cairo by train, bus, taxi, or plane.

In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Luxor to Cairo, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a plane or train ticket costs.

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Luxor to Cairo Distance

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

A Nile Cruise is one of the best things to do in Egypt. However, most Nile cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan. There are currently no Nile cruises or boat trips to Cairo.

Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.

Read our → Cairo Guide

TIP
Book this top-rated full-day private tour from Cairo to the Pyramids of Giza, Memphis, and Saqqara through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Luxor to Cairo by Flight

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

The flight takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes. The plane tickets cost between 38 and 100 USD (excluding luggage) per person for one way. In high season, flight tickets can be even more expensive.

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

Cairo Airport to City Center

The journey time between Cairo Airport and the city center is 30-90 minutes, depending on traffic. You can get to the city center by taxi, shared minivan, bus, or private transfer.

Book a private transfer from Cairo Airport to the city, which starts from 33 USD, and 3 pax are allowed.

Good to know
Uber and metro are available in Cairo.

The Pyramids are just a 1-hour drive from the airport. Make the most of your visit to Cairo and join a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Book this excellent Cairo tour via Viator.

Luxor Airport to Cairo by Taxi, Private Car

One of the best ways to get to Cairo is by car. The transfer from the airport to Cairo (any hotel) starts from 233 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 Cairo is by taxi. The journey takes 8-8.5 hours, depending on traffic.

The taxi cost from the airport to Cairo/Giza starts from 329 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.

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 Cairo starting from 262 USD, and 9 pax are allowed.

Luxor to Cairo by Train

The most comfortable way to get to Cairo 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.

The train tickets start from 56 USD, depending on the type of train.

Get train tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

The train journey to Cairo (Ramses Railway Station) takes 9-10 hours. It’s good to know that trains are often delayed so train journey time can take up to 12 hours. You can also buy train tickets at the stations, but we recommend that you purchase your tickets at least 1-2 days in advance.

Luxor to Cairo by Sleeper Train

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

Book private sleeping cabin train HERE.

Luxor to Cairo Train Timetable

The trains run several times a day from 00:05 to 22:00.

00:05-10:20
02:15-12:30
04:50-15:05
08:40-18:55
09:10-17:25
10:55-21:10
12:40-20:55
18:30-02:45
19:10-03:25
19:25-03:40
19:45-06:00 *
20:35-06:50 *
21:20-05:35
22:00-06:00

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

Luxor to Cairo By Bus

The cheapest way to reach Cairo is by Go Bus. But many bus companies offer buses to Cairo. Each company has different departure and arrival 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 00:30 and 23:59. 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 Cairo

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

Best hotels in Cairo

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Mid-Range: Grand Nile Tower or Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Budget: Tahrir Plaza Suites

more hotels in Cairo

Alternatively, stay in Giza and enjoy the spectacular view of the Pyramids from your accommodation.

Best hotels in Giza

Luxury: Marriott Mena House or Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo
Mid-Range: Hayat Pyramids View Hotel
Budget: Marvel Stone Hotel

more hotels in Giza

More Travel Guides about Egypt

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

Best Ways: How to Get from Luxor to Cairo