Aswan to Abu Simbel: how to get there without a group tour
Abu Simbel is about 290 km south of Aswan through the desert — around 3.5 hours each way. Travellers report that tourist cars leave Aswan early in the morning and pass police checkpoints, so most trips start at 4–5 a.m. A private car with a driver who waits and brings you back costs from $280 per car, not per person; tickets are bought at the temple. Prices checked .
- Distance ≈ 290 km each way
- Drive ≈ 3.5 h each way
- Start 4–5 a.m. (travel reports)
- Private day trip from $280 per car
Why do cars leave so early?
Travel reports describe convoys or checkpoint timings for tourist vehicles on the desert road and recommend arriving before the midday heat. Rules change; the driver confirms the current timing the day before.
Bus, flight, group tour or private car?
Group minibuses from Aswan hotels share one programme. Flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel exist on some days — check with the airline. A private car leaves from your hotel or cruise ship, waits at the temple and can stop at the High Dam or Philae on the way back.
How much is a private car Aswan → Abu Simbel?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan (Hiace) | Bus (Coaster) | Premium van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan (early start) driver waits, back the same day | $280 | $380 | $640 | $610 |
| Aswan Airport to Aswan hotels one way | $30 | $40 | $95 | $65 |
| Luxor to Aswan via Edfu & Kom Ombo one way | $180 | $245 | $465 | $395 |
Tickets and opening hours?
Tickets are not included; current prices and hours are published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Can we combine Abu Simbel with a Nile cruise or the Aswan arrival?
Yes: the driver picks you up at the ship or hotel; with an evening arrival in Aswan, book the airport transfer and the Abu Simbel trip for the next morning.
Sources and checks
- Aswan to Abu Simbel (travel report: transit rules, timings, tickets) — solobackpacker.com — travel report, not an official source, 2026-05-11; checked by us
- Egyptian monuments: opening hours and tickets — Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; checked by us
- Egypt travel advice — regional risks — UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk), 2026-08-04; checked by us
You may also need
- Arriving at Luxor Airport (LXR) — also at night: visa, exit, the ride to your hotel
- Hurghada to Luxor by car: the road, the time and the price
- Aswan Airport to Aswan hotels — from $30
- Luxor to Aswan via Edfu & Kom Ombo — from $180
Questions
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
About 290 km, around 3.5 hours each way.
How much is a private car to Abu Simbel?
From $280 per car (sedan, up to 3), return the same day.
What time do we leave?
Usually 4–5 a.m.; the driver confirms the timing the day before.
Can we start from a Nile cruise ship?
Yes, give us the ship name and the quay.
Are tickets included?
No, they are bought at the temple.
Can we add a guide?
Yes, a licensed Egyptologist guide per day.