Abu Simbel, famous for its colossal temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, is located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. Although it's remote, getting there is quite manageable with a little planning. How To Get To Abu Simbel From Cairo:
1. By Air – The Quickest Way
Step 1: Fly to Aswan from Cairo. Flights from Cairo to Aswan take about 1.5 hours and are available daily (mostly with EgyptAir).
Step 2: From Aswan, take a short domestic flight to Abu Simbel.
This flight lasts around 45 minutes.
Usually, planes depart early in the morning so tourists can visit the temples and return to Aswan by midday.
Tip: Book your flights well in advance, especially during peak seasons (October to April).
2. By Road – For Scenic Travel
Step 1: Travel to Aswan (by flight, train, or bus from Cairo).
Step 2: From Aswan, you can:
Hire a private car
Join an organized bus tour
The drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel is about 280 km (175 miles) and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours one way. Tours usually leave very early in the morning (around 4:00 AM) and return by the afternoon.
Tip: Road travel is comfortable but long; consider the early start time when planning.
3. By Lake Nasser Cruise – Unique Experience
Some luxury cruises on Lake Nasser include a stop at Abu Simbel.
This is a slower but beautiful option, offering unique views of southern Egypt and often including other ancient sites along the way.
4. Private Tours Packages
Many travel companies offer private or small group tours from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
These usually combine flights or road transfers with a guide and sometimes meals.
This is the easiest option if you prefer a fully organized experience.
Final Thoughts
The easiest and fastest way to get to Abu Simbel is by flying via Aswan, while the most adventurous option is driving through the desert. Either way, the journey is absolutely worth it — Abu Simbel’s breathtaking temples are a must-see for any visitor to Egypt.
