Wondering how to plan a Cairo to Luxor day trip? Here’s the detailed trip plan with flights and all the important attractions to make your day trip to Luxor from Cairo a memorable one!

I was always fascinated with Tutankhamun so, when I was planning my Egypt itinerary, I added a day trip to Luxor from Cairo without thinking twice as the Valley of the Kings is where the tomb of Tutankhamun lies!

I knew the Cairo to Luxor day trip could be long however there are direct flights available between Cairo to Luxor.

Many people wonder is Egypt is safe to travel , so here’s a detailed Cairo to Luxor day tour itinerary for you all. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cairo to Luxor day trip, including transportation options, sightseeing suggestions, and tour recommendations.

cairo to luxor cruise on a cairo to luxor day trip

Suggested Cairo to Luxor day trip itinerary

 

Early morning flight to Luxor – Currently runs before 12 PM

Luxor sightseeing –

  • Valley of the Kings
  • Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
  • Valley of the Queens
  • Deir el-Medina
  • Ramesseum
  • Colossi of Memnon
  • Lunch on a Private Felucca
  • Luxor Temple
  • Karnak Temple

Late night flight to Cairo – Currently post 6 PM


How to reach Luxor from Cairo?

 

There are multiple transportation options between Cairo and Luxor including direct flights, overnight train, day train, sleeper train, and a bus.

You can consider the Nile cruise Cairo to Luxor only if you are spending at least 10 days in Egypt and want to experience old ways of leisurely travel.


Cairo to Luxor flight – Most popular choice

 

EgyptAir and Air Cairo both have direct flights to Luxor from Cairo.

As you are interested in a day trip to Luxor from Cairo, this is your only option. Even though there are multiple flights throughout the day, I suggest catching the earliest one.

It will give you enough time to reach Luxor comfortably and explore all the wonders this place offers.

Currently, you will find only one non-stop flight in the morning for your Luxor trip from Cairo, leaving at 7.15 AM. It takes an hour to reach Luxor.

Remember that the Cairo to Luxor flight schedule keeps changing and even though morning flights are constant, the timings might vary. So, check which flights are available for your day trip Cairo to Luxor.

For returning to Cairo, there is an EgyptAir flight at 9.10 pm that reaches Cairo at 10.20 PM. Booking this return flight after your Cairo to Luxor tour will give you enough time to see the best of Luxor.


day trip to luxor from cairo cairo to luxor day trip cairo to luxor cruise nile cruise cairo to luxor


East side of Luxor on a Cairo to luxor day trip


Cairo to Luxor sleeper train – Budget-friendly option

 

This option for any Cairo to Luxor trip works well only if you are okay with spending a little more than one day and are open to different travel experiences.

Ernst operates night trains in Egypt and tickets can be booked directly on the website of Watania Sleeping Trains Services.

There are three trains every day between Cairo to Luxor departing at 7.20 pm, 7.45 pm, and 11.10 pm.

You can book any of the first two options and reach Luxor the following day at 5.35 am and 6.10 am respectively. It will give you enough time to freshen up and then explore Luxor.

If you do not want to spend another 11 hours on a train for your journey to Cairo, you can consider booking a flight to Cairo from Luxor.


Cairo to Luxor cruise – For leisure travellers

 

If you can spend more days exploring Egypt, then you can think of this unique option.

There are Cairo to Luxor cruise tours where you will get to explore Cairo, Luxor, and a few other cities as well. It is not about how quickly you can cover different spots, but all about re-living the traditional tourism in Egypt that thrived on and around the Nile River.

I would recommend this Egypt Tour 8 nights: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan tour as a local guide will be with you throughout. It also includes an Abu Simbel trip from Aswan and a hot air balloon tour in Luxor.

If you are spending a lesser number of days in Egypt, then here is another option for you – From Cairo: 4-Day Nile Cruise to Luxor with Balloon Flight. It will ensure a comfortable transfer to all the spots with an expert tour guide.

Keep in mind that most of the Cairo to Luxor cruises are booked months in advance during peak season. You may not find any last-minute openings. So, it would be ideal to plan your Egypt trip at least a couple of months in advance.


Karnak temple on a Nile cruise Cairo to luxor


Where to stay in Luxor if you plan to stay overnight

 

If you decide to spend the night in Luxor, then here are some of the best Luxor hotels to make your stay comfortable –

Luxury hotels in Luxor – If you want to experience real Egyptian luxury, then Al Moudira Hotel on the west bank of the Nile is the place to stay. The rooms have traditional oriental décor with antique furniture, and there is an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar on the premises.

Book Here

 

Mid-range hotels in LuxorPyramisa Hotel Luxor offers comfort within your budget and is conveniently situated only a kilometre away from the Luxor Temple. The spacious rooms and international buffet meals will make sure your stay at this Luxir hotel is memorable.

Book Here

 

Budget hotels in Luxor – Located only 10 minutes away from the Luxor railway station, Nefertiti Hotel Luxor is perfect for budget travellers who want to stay near the Luxor Temple. A variety of Egyptian dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. The staff is helpful and known for arranging different sightseeing tours in Luxor.

Book Here


Things to do in Luxor during your Cairo to Luxor day trip

 

It can be overwhelming to plan a detailed Luxor itinerary on your own as it has so many captivating sites.

I suggest booking the popular Shared Full-Day Tour to Luxor West and East Banks where everything from transport in Luxor to a local guide will be included. You can book the flights yourself and reach Luxor for the tour.

Are you looking for Luxor tours from Cairo by flight? This Private Luxor Day Tour with a Guide and Flights is convenient if you would like everything to be taken care of by experts. It will give you a chance to soak in the ancient vibes of Luxor without worrying about logistics.


If you want to plan a day trip to Luxor from Cairo on your own, then here is how to do it perfectly –

Considering you are opting for a Luxor trip from Cairo by flight, you will reach Luxor by 8.30 am.

You can start Luxor sightseeing by 10 am and continue doing so till 6.30 pm.

It will give you a whole day to cover almost all the popular things to do in Luxor.

I know it will be a long day and hopping from one destination to another may be different from your choice. But, this seems to be the only way to complete the Cairo to Luxor day trip. Here is the one-day Luxor itinerary based on my experience.


Valley of the Kings

 

Stand in the Valley of the Kings and imagine this giant structure being built thousands of years ago. With so much of the world changing so fast around us, it still stands tall, holding onto the mysterious aura.

It still gives me goosebumps when I think of the tomb of Tutankhamun, all the treasures, different burial chambers, walls decorated with astonishingly well-preserved symbols, and excerpts from ancient books like the Book of the Dead.

This is the place where, for 500 years, the excavation of 65 rock-cut tombs and chambers was being done.

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Kings will help you understand the glorious history of Egypt.

Keep in mind that the tombs of King Tutankhamun, Ramses IV, and Seti I can be entered after buying extra tickets. It helps in keeping a lesser number of people inside and controlling the damage due to humidity and poor ventilation.

DETAILS

Valley of the Kings

Address: Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt

Timings: Summer: 6 AM – 5 PM, Winter: 6 AM – 4 PM, Ramadan: 6 AM – 4 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 60, Student – EGP 30

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 750, Student – EGP 375


Inside one of the tombs in the valley of the kings on a cairo to luxor trip


Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

 

Do you want to see how beautifully ancient Egyptian architecture can blend with Greek architectural style?

Then, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is the place to be. Dating back to the 15th century BC, this was built after Hatshepsut, the queen, was declared as pharaoh.

Apart from being an architectural wonder, you need to visit this temple as it represents one of the most powerful early female rulers of the ancient world.

If you are not part of a guided tour, you can take a taxi to reach the temple. It will be easier and time-saving, something that you need to do during your fast-paced Cairo to Luxor day trip.

DETAILS

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Address: Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt

Timings: Summer: 6 AM–5 PM, Winter: 6 AM–4 PM, Ramadan: 6 AM–4 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 40, Student – EGP 20

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 440, Student – EGP 220


Deir el-Medina

 

As the tombs in the Valley of the Kings were being built, the ancient village of Deir el-Medina thrived with it. It was established for the workers and artisans who were helping erect the Valley of the Kings.

Do you know what makes it special? The artisans, when had days off, were allowed to create their own tombs. And as people who were chosen to work for kings, their tombs, even though smaller, were elegant, ornamented, and decorated with beautiful paintings.

You can see the foundations of around 70 closely built houses here and take a walk that will take you back to the long-gone era. Deir el-Medina, which is popularly called Valley of the Artisans, is often overlooked. So, that means, a lesser number of tourists and the freedom to explore the site leisurely.

DETAILS

Deir el-Medina

Address: PJH2+37, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340412, Egypt

Timings: Summer: 6 AM–5 PM, Winter: 6 AM–5 PM, Ramadan: 9 AM–3 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 10, Student – EGP 05

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 120, Student – EGP 60


Valley of the Queens

 

Valley of the Queens is where the tombs of wives and children of pharaohs were built.

The main wadi along with another 4 valleys has over 100 tombs. Some tourists choose to skip this archaeological site thinking it’s similar to the Valley of the Kings. But I insist on buying the tickets to the tomb of Queen Nefertari.

This is unarguably the best-preserved tomb with the most elaborate artwork you will see. You can also visit the tombs of Ramesside princes Khaemwaset, Queen Titi, and Amunherkhepshef.

Explore these burial sites, learn about the inscriptions from the Book of the Dead, and be amazed by the striking colours that are hard to believe to be thousands of years old.

DETAILS

Valley of the Queens

Address: PHHV+368, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340410, Egypt

Timings: Open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 30, Student – EGP 10

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 220, Student – EGP 110


Hatshepshut temple in luxor on a Cairo to luxor trip


Colossi of Memnon

 

The giant stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, even though heavily damaged, will leave you wondering about so many things. At least, that’s what it has done to researchers and early explorers.

Each of these statues is 60 feet tall and weighs around 720 tons. Carved from a single sandstone, both of the statues raise questions like who moved the enormous stones and how was it possible to transport these over the Nile without any equipment.

You will also find graffiti inscriptions on the base that are in Greek and Latin. When raised, the statues were guarding the entrance of Amenhotep’s memorial temple.

But, over the centuries, the temple could not withstand earthquakes and floods and what we see today are only the ruins. But, Colossi of Memnon weathered all the storms and still carries the part of the past for us to see.

Even if only for a photo opportunity, I wouldn’t have missed visiting this puzzling site.

DETAILS

Colossi of Memnon

Address: Al Bairat, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1341703, Egypt

Timings: Open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM

Price: Free entry


Ramesseum

 

Ramessum is one of the temples in Luxor that couldn’t weather the storms.

Today, most of the temple is in ruins and the efforts to restore the structure have been ongoing since 1991.

The fallen Ozymandias Colossus is one of the most famous sights here and has inspired the sonnet Ozymandias by poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818.

While exploring the Ramesseum, you will come across a courtyard and 48 columns that surround the hypostyle hall. The scenes depicted here represent the great Battle of Qadesh and Ramesses II’s campaign against Dapur.

If you hire a local guide, it will be easier to understand the true importance of structures like the Ramesseum.


DETAILS

Ramesseum

Address: Edfo, Luxor Governorate 1341711, Egypt

Timings: Summer: 6 AM–5 PM, Winter: 6 AM–4 PM, Ramadan: 6 AM–4 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 20, Student – EGP 10

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 220, Student – EGP 110


Enjoy the Egyptian sailboat Ride & Banana Island visit

 

Depending on your itinerary, you can consider booking the Egyptian sailboat ride on the Nile with a Banana Island visit.

You can enjoy eating fresh bananas and drinking Egyptian tea during this tour. If you would like to grab lunch, talk to the tour operators and check if it is available on the island during your visit.

Tours like these include at least one hour of a ride and some more time for snacks/lunch. So, keep this in mind before booking.

Else, you can grab your lunch on your way to Luxor Temple. It is located on the other side of the river and is only 20 minutes away from Ramesseum. If you are not interested in adding another activity to your already fast-paced itinerary, then this is the option you should go for


Colossi of memnon in luxor on a day trip from luxor to cairo


Luxor Temple

 

Luxor Temple complex is constructed over hundreds of years by at least 3 different pharaohs. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, it was one of the largest temples in Egypt.

It was not dedicated to pharaohs or gods, but the massive complex was said to be used mainly for crowning ceremonies.

Today, you will come across Abu Haggag Mosque which is active and has ancient columns in the structure. From the Luxor Temple to a church in 395 AD and then finally to a mosque in 640, this interesting journey makes for 3,400 years of active worship.

Luxor’s Avenue of Sphinxes is another unique feature of this complex. Statues of human-headed sphinxes once lined the avenue that connected the temples of Karnak and Luxor.

With so many points of interest in one place, Luxor Temple is rightfully considered one of the largest open-air museums in the world.

DETAILS

Luxor Temple

Address: Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt

Timings: Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 40, Student – EGP 20

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 500, Student – EGP 250


Mummification Museum

 

Even though one of the lesser-known attractions in Luxor, the Mummification Museum is worth stopping by. You can spend some time here when you are going from the Luxor Temple to the Luxor Museum.

It is an interesting place to learn more about the ancient Egyptian mummification.

Along with human mummification, you will find mummified remains of crocodiles, cats, and fish in the museum. Visit the artefacts hall and check different Tools of mummification, embalming materials, and embalming fluids.

DETAILS

Mummification Museum 

Address: ش Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt

Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 20, Student – EGP 05

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 220, Student – EGP 110

Luxor temple on a cairo to luxor day trip

Luxor Museum

 

Luxor Museum makes for a fascinating point of interest during your day trip to Luxor from Cairo.

Even though this museum is far smaller than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Luxor Museum is a proud holder of several distinguished artefacts. The labelling system and the clutter-free displays make it worth visiting.

There are 26 New Kingdom statues and mummies of 2 royal pharaohs. You will also come across a calcite crocodile god Sobek statue and the reconstructed wall of the temple at Karnak that is exhibited here.

Keep in mind that the Luxor Museum is open from 9 am to 2 pm and then again from 5 pm to 8 pm. It is closed every day in the afternoon for 3 hours. So, plan your itinerary accordingly.


DETAILS

Luxor Museum

Address: Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362503, Egypt

Timings:

 Summer:

9 AM – Last Entry 12 PM

5 PM – Last Entry 7 PM

Winter:

9 AM – Last Entry 1 PM

5 PM – Last Entry 8 PM

Ramadan Working Hours:

9 AM – Last Entry 12 PM

5 PM – Last Entry 7 PM

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 30, Student – EGP 10

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 400, Student – EGP 200


Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple complex is where you will find everything from chapels, temples, pylons, and several other buildings.

It took over a thousand years to develop this largest as well as most important religious site in ancient times. Today, you will also find the Karnak Open Air Museum on the premises.

The Hypostyle Hall has 134 enormous towers out of which 12 columns are 69 feet high. The Precinct of Amun-Re, Precinct of Mut, and Precinct of Montu make up the main parts of Karnak.

Several of the structures here consisting of palaces, simple houses, and garden areas around the temples are no more. The ruins do not tell much about these, but the sprawling complex has so many other secrets to share with visitors.

More than 200 structures here are enough to keep you busy for a couple of hours and even then it will not be possible to cover this entire site.

As Karnak Temple is supposed to be the last stop of your Cairo to Luxor day trip, you can spend a little more time here without hurrying through exhibits.

DETAILS

Karnak Temple

Address: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Timings: 6 AM – 5.30 PM (Timings may change during winter and Ramadan)

Price: Tickets for Egyptian nationals – Adult – EGP 40, Student – EGP 20

Tickets for international tourists – Adult – EGP 600, Student – EGP 300

Karnak temple on a Cairo to luxor day trip

Best time for you day trip to Luxor from Cairo

 

The best time to visit Luxor is during winter. The months of December, January, and February experience the coolest temperatures.

But it also means tourists flocking to Luxor from around the world and also high prices for flights, accommodation, and tours.

You can consider shoulder season to visit Luxor from March to April and October to November for a day trip to Luxor from Cairo.

It would be easier to manage Luxor day trips when the weather is cooler without the possibility of rain. It will give you a chance to visit different sites even when you are spending only 24 hours in Luxor.

I would strongly advise not going to Luxor from May to September as temperatures start soaring and go above 32°C. For those considering a day trip, these months will prove it hard to navigate outdoors in sunny weather.

Here is a popular 8-day Egypt itinerary that you can follow for an immersive experience.

If you have less than a week in this country, then this 5-day Egypt itinerary will be suitable for you.


Karnak temple on a day trip to luxor from cairo

Plan your Cairo to Luxor day trip based on this itinerary and no matter how fast-paced, it will be worth all the efforts.

What will you add or change in the suggested Luxor itinerary? Do let me know in the comments.


FAQs – Cairo to Luxor day trip

 

  • Is a day trip to Luxor worth it?

Yes, instead of skipping Luxor altogether, it is better to visit Luxor from Cairo in one day. Luxor day trip is worth the hassle as you can cover attractions like Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina, and Ramesseum.

 

  • Can you do Luxor in 1 day?

You can do all the important sites in Luxor in 1 day if you are okay with a fast-paced itinerary. It will give you just enough time to visit all the important places like Karnak Temple, Luxor Museum, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Ramesseum, and  Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.

 

  • How long is a ferry from Cairo to Luxor?

There are no fast ferries, but you can take a cruise trip from Cairo to Luxor that usually takes around 10 days to cover the distance and includes sightseeing.

 

  • Is there a luxury train from Cairo to Luxor?

There is a deluxe sleeper train between Cairo and Luxor that is run privately and offers a comfortable overnight journey.


Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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