Abu Simbel from Aswan: how to plan the perfect day trip
Introduction to Abu Simbel
Going to Aswan and not visiting Abu Simbel is a regrettable omission. Every Egypt itinerary should include a few must-sees: the capital Cairo with the Pyramids and the Sphynx, Luxor, Aswan, and of course Abu Simbel.
This page may contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will never recommend products and services I don’t trust or haven’t used. For more information, please read my disclosure.
The twin temples of Abu Simbel stand as undeniable masterpieces of ancient Egypt, carved out from a sandstone cliff in southern Egypt near the Sudan border. These massive rock-cut temples, dedicated to King Ramses II and his queen Nefertari, encapsulate the grandeur and ingenuity of the Egyptian civilization.
I love helping you plan your dream trips. If you need any of these services, please consider booking them through my affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra but will help me keep the website running.
🏠 Find the perfect place to stay with Booking.com or Hotels.com
✈️ Get the cheapest flights with Skyscanner
🚣 Book your favorite activities with Viator or Get Your Guide
📱Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo
Thank you very much for your support!
Discovered by Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in the early 19th century, the temples were later relocated to a higher ground in a monumental UNESCO World Heritage Site project in the mid-20th century. This enormous effort saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II, with its imposing statues standing guard at the entrance, is an architectural marvel that leaves visitors in awe. Inside, the intricate hieroglyphs and colossal statues narrate tales of valor and divinity.
Not to be overlooked, the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, showcases the reverence for the queen and the goddess Hathor, featuring stunning artwork and carvings. The temples are perfectly aligned with the sun, illuminating the inner sanctum during the biannual Sun Festival, a spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe.

- Abu Simbel Temples: Architectural wonders, encapsulating the richness of ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Historical Significance: Rediscovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, preserved through an international UNESCO project.
- Unforgettable Journey from Aswan: Offers a unique glimpse into the past and mesmerizes with its grandeur.
Travel options from Aswan to Abu Simbel
A day tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel temples involves various modes of transport, each offering a distinct experience.
Flights, swift and scenic, present the fastest way to traverse the distance, with Egypt Air conducting daily flights. However, the convenience of direct flight times comes with a higher ticket price and entry fees to the temple complex.
Traveling by private car affords comfort and control over your itinerary. Though less rapid than flying, this private tour allows you to indulge in the unique style of Upper Egypt’s landscape, albeit at a higher cost for the round trip. I would recommend it as the best way to visit Abu Simbel from Aswan.
Opting for a bus, especially an air-conditioned one, serves as the cheapest way to reach the grandeur of Abu Simbel. Despite being the slowest, with a long drive ahead, buses provide ample time to soak in the beauty of the route. Journey time significantly varies across these modes, molding your trip to these masterpieces of ancient Egypt into a memory echoing through time.

Are you enjoying this article so far? If you’d like to show your appreciation, feel free to book your accommodation, tickets, tours, and more through my affiliate links. You can find them at the top of the page or in my Travel Resources section. It won’t cost you anything extra but will greatly help me keep the website running. Thank you for your support!
Preparation for the journey
When planning your Egypt travel, be aware of the time and logistics involved. Booking your tickets in advance stands paramount, whether you opt for a serene Nile cruise or trust in the expertise of local tour operators. Partnering with them often grants access to the most efficient routes and insights into the temple’s storied past.
And remember the journey is not just about reaching; it’s about discovery. Allow enough time to explore Aswan’s nearby attractions like the Philae Temple or the Nubian Village, enriching your understanding of Egypt’s profound heritage.
Essential tips for your Abu Simbel visit
To fully enjoy the magnificence of Abu Simbel, here are some practical tips:
- Timing Your Visit: The Sun Festival (October 22 and February 22) is an extraordinary time to visit, but the temples are a marvel year-round.
- What to Bring: Essentials include water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Respect the site by dressing modestly and following photography rules.
- Cultural Etiquette: Engage respectfully with locals and be mindful of cultural norms. Purchasing souvenirs and local crafts supports the community and brings a piece of your journey home with you.
Must-see highlights around Aswan

- Philae Temple: Nestled on the island of Agilkia, near Aswan, this temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis. It mirrors the resilience of culture, having been moved from its original location on Philae Island to save it from flooding caused by the Aswan Dam. Its majestic columns and hieroglyphs stand as a testament to the ingenuity of early Egyptians and the global effort to preserve history.
- The Unfinished Obelisk: Lying in a stone quarry in Aswan, this obelisk offers insight into Egyptian stone carving techniques. Its colossal size suggests it would have been the largest ever erected had it been completed. Today, it narrates the tale of ambition that even time cannot erode.
- Nubian Villages: Splashed with vibrant colors and rich in tradition, the Nubian villages close to Aswan showcase a lifestyle harmonious with the Nile. Their unique style, visible in their homes and crafts, tells a story of adaptation and survival in southern Egypt, where the river’s rhythm dictates life.
Each site whispers secrets of the past, making them indispensable for anyone aiming to grasp the essence of ancient Egypt fully. As you continue southward to the great temple of Abu Simbel, these stops will enrich your journey, providing context and color to the landscape that shaped an empire.
FAQ
Yes, Abu Simbel is definitely worth a visit. This archaeological site, with its two massive rock-cut temples in Southern Egypt, is one of the country’s most awe-inspiring ancient monuments.
No, you cannot directly take a boat from Aswan to Abu Simbel. The distance between Aswan and Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometers (about 174 miles), and they are located on different parts of Lake Nasser. The typical ways to reach Abu Simbel from Aswan are by road, by air, or as part of a longer Nile cruise that includes a bus segment to Abu Simbel from a docking point. While not a direct boat from Aswan to Abu Simbel, there are Lake Nasser cruises that include a visit to Abu Simbel as part of their itinerary. These cruises focus on the sites along Lake Nasser and are a different experience from the traditional Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan.
The flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel is quite short, typically taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Exploring Abu Simbel typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, allowing sufficient time to appreciate both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
Was this article helpful? If you’d like to say “thanks”, please consider using my affiliate links to book your accommodation, tickets, tours, and more. It won’t cost you anything extra but it helps me keep the website running. Thank you so much!
Wrapping Up the Magical Experience
The temples of Abu Simbel stand as masterpieces of ancient Egypt, a testament to the ingenuity of the past. Few experiences can match the awe-inspiring moment when light first caresses the statues of the great temple of Ramses II, revealing the immense skill and vision of ancient builders. This moment, witnessed during your trip from Aswan, will stay with you forever, a cherished memory that highlights the unique style and grandeur of these massive rock-cut temples.
Set against the backdrop of Lake Nasser, the twin temples of Abu Simbel beckon travelers with an adventure that transcends time. The journey from Aswan, whether you opt for a direct flight, a Nile cruise, or a voyage by road, culminates in an unmatched spectacle. The sun’s rays filtering into the sanctum illuminate the masterpieces, rewarding those who made the effort with an experience that embodies the essence of exploration. Let the call of history guide you to these ancient marvels, where each stone tells a story of divinity, power, and the eternal struggle against time.