Luxor is an open-air museum stretching along the Nile in Upper Egypt, home to the greatest concentration of ancient monuments on Earth. From the colossal Karnak Temple Complex to the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor preserves millennia of Egyptian civilization. Once the ancient capital of Thebes, it remains one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological destinations.
- Public
- Local minibuses are very cheap but routes are not signed in English; most tourists use taxis
- Taxi
- Most convenient option; no meters so always agree on fare before getting in
- Rental
- Bicycle rental (EGP 30-50/day) is excellent for independent West Bank exploration
- Walking
- The Corniche from Luxor Temple to Karnak is a pleasant 3 km walk along the Nile
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $3-4 (EGP 80-120), 20-25 minutes to city centre
- Taxi Info
- No meters — negotiate before getting in; typical to Luxor Temple area is EGP 80-100
- Shuttle
- No regular shuttle service; most hotels arrange pickups on request
- Shuttle Info
- Arrange hotel pickup in advance, especially for early flights
- Bus
- No regular public bus service between LXR airport and city centre
- Bus Info
- Not available
- Private
- $20-30 (EGP 600-900) pre-booked private transfer
- Private Info
- Book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Shared minibuses cover the East Bank for EGP 3-7; no printed routes in English
Alternatives
Taxis, bicycles (West Bank), horse calèches, Nile ferry for bank crossings
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters — negotiate before boarding; EGP 20-30 for short East Bank rides
- Apps
- Not available — no Uber or Bolt in Luxor
- Typical Fare
- EGP 30-50 for most tourist area rides; EGP 300-600 for full-day West Bank hire
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Superjet coaches to Cairo from EGP 200 ($7); Upper Egypt Bus Company serves regional routes
Shared
Shared service taxis (microbuses) to Esna, Edfu, Qena depart when full from the local terminal near the train station
Flights
EgyptAir domestic flights Luxor-Cairo from $60 USD
Private
Private car hire with driver from EGP 800-1,500/day for longer excursions
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Luxor is served by Luxor International Airport (LXR) with direct connections to Cairo and several European cities. Within the city, taxis (negotiate fares), shared minibuses, bicycle rental, and the traditional Nile public ferry are the main options. A calèche (horse-drawn carriage) adds colour but needs firm fare negotiation. Most East Bank attractions are walkable from the Corniche.
Airports
Luxor International Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
EgyptAir App
For booking domestic flights between Luxor and Cairo
12Go Asia/Egypt
For booking train and bus tickets in advance online
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always agree on taxi fares before getting in — never get in without negotiating first
The EGP 1 public Nile ferry is by far the cheapest way to reach the West Bank
For the West Bank, hiring a bicycle (EGP 30-50/day) and self-navigating is the most rewarding option
Luxor train station is on the East Bank; Cairo sleeper trains leave nightly — book in advance
Calèche (horse carriage) rides are scenic but agree on price, route, and duration before starting
Cruise ships from Aswan dock at the Luxor Corniche — many temples are within walking distance
Minivans with driver for a full West Bank day (EGP 300-500) are efficient for multiple sites
Karnak Temple is 3 km north of Luxor Temple — walkable along the Corniche in winter, hot in summer