Hurghada to Luxor by car: the road, the time and the price
Luxor is about 300 km from Hurghada — 4 hours by car on the Safaga–Qena road across the Eastern Desert, with police checkpoints. A private day trip (driver waits all day, back the same night) costs from $305 per car; one way from $160. Leave at 5–6 a.m. to see Karnak and the West Bank before the heat. Prices checked .
- Distance ≈ 300 km
- Drive ≈ 4 h each way
- Day trip from $305 per car
- Best start 5–6 a.m.
How long does the drive take, and what is the road like?
About 4 hours each way: south along the coast to Safaga, then west over the Red Sea mountains and the Eastern Desert to Qena on the Nile, and south along the Nile to Luxor. The road is paved all the way; tourist-police checkpoints check passports, so keep them in the car.
Can I do Luxor in one day from Hurghada?
Yes, it is a long day: about 8 hours on the road plus 6–7 hours in Luxor — enough for Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and one more West Bank site. If you want Luxor Temple at night or a balloon flight at dawn, take the 2-day trip with a night in Luxor.
Bus, hotel excursion or private car?
Intercity buses run between Hurghada and Luxor, but schedules change — check at the bus station. Hotel excursions are a shared bus with a fixed programme. A private car leaves when you want and stops where you want; the price is per car, so it gets cheaper per person the more of you there are.
How much is a private car from Hurghada to Luxor?
| Route | Sedan | Minivan (Hiace) | Bus (Coaster) | Premium van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor day trip from Hurghada driver waits, back the same day | $305 | $420 | $745 | $675 |
| Hurghada to Luxor transfer one way | $160 | $220 | $420 | $355 |
| Luxor in 2 days from Hurghada 2 days, driver's room included | $440 | $585 | $1,035 | $940 |
| Luxor East & West Bank with driver driver waits, back the same day | $160 | $220 | $420 | $355 |
Tickets and opening hours
Entrance tickets are not included. Opening hours and prices of Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings are published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — check before you go.
Are entrance tickets included, and when are the sites open?
Tickets are not included and are bought at each site. Hours change by season — check the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities site the day before.
Sources and checks
- 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 Hurghada Airport (HRG) — also at night: visa, exit, the ride to your hotel
- Soma Bay: getting there from Hurghada Airport, day and night
- Arriving at Luxor Airport (LXR) — also at night: visa, exit, the ride to your hotel
- Aswan to Abu Simbel: how to get there without a group tour
- Luxor to Aswan via Edfu & Kom Ombo — from $180
Questions
How far is Luxor from Hurghada?
About 300 km by road, around 4 hours each way.
How much is a day trip to Luxor by private car?
From $305 per car (sedan, up to 3); the driver waits all day.
What time should we leave?
Between 5 and 6 a.m., so you arrive before the midday heat.
Is a guide included?
No, drivers are not guides; a licensed Egyptologist guide can be added per day.
Are entrance tickets included?
No — buy them at the sites; prices are on the Ministry website.
Can we stay overnight in Luxor?
Yes, book the 2-day trip; the driver’s room is included.