How to Travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel

Aswan and Abu Simbel, located close to the Egypt-Sudan borders, are some of the remotest destinations of the country. Often missed by the tourists coming to country, mostly due to its remote location, making it one of the few places in Egypt where you can enjoy the country’s ancient marvels at your own pace – without any tugging or push from your fellow travelers.

Traveling from Aswan to Abu Simbel is easy, if you plan early and know the routes better. Usually, most visitors opt for either non-stop flights or take a bus from Aswan to reach the venue. Often, tourists hire a rental car for the journey as well – but it can prove expensive.

Traveling to Abu Simbel from Aswan via Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the Abu Simbel from Aswan. The non-stop flight usually takes around 1.5 hours to complete the trip. Egypt Air is the only airlines to provide non-stop services between the two cities. Usually, the tickets can be booked online or via a local tour agent. Tickets can cost around EGP3, 000 for a single trip.

Currently, the Egypt Air provides three flights throughout the day from Aswan to Abu Simbel – 7:25 am, 10:00 am, and 12:30 pm. Most tourists opt for a roundabout trip, reaching Abu Simbel early morning, exploring the city throughout the day and then leaving for Aswan the same evening. However, you can also take the next day flight and stay at Simbel for a night.

Interestingly, the Egypt Air provides bus transit to passengers from Abu Simbel Airport till the temples. Moreover, the service is free – but the bus driver might request baksheesh. The bus waits for 1.5 hours, before taking the passengers back to the airport.

Tourists planning on staying at Abu Simbel for the day can either head for cruise on Lake Nasser and enjoy the Light and Sound show in the night.

• P.S: The flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel are expensive and not recommended for tourists on a shoe-string budget.

Traveling to Abu Simbel from Aswan via Roads

To travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel via roadways, tourists can either rent a car or opt for organized tours. The car rentals can cost up to EGP500 (plus tips) and take around three hours to complete the trip.

Organized tours cost around EGP250 per passenger, and includes food and drinks on the trip. Usually, the trip can last for 8 to 9 hours, and drops the passengers at their hotel or preferred drop location. These trips usually do not include the entry fee to the landmarks at Abu Simbel.

• P.S: Holidaymakers taking the Aswan to Abu Simbel via road might run across several police and military check posts. This is an essential security measure meant for protecting the tourists and locals.

Conclusion

Overall, Abu Simbel is one of the popular landmarks of Egypt – but often left by holidaymakers due to its remote location. Home to the huge temples and iconic Lake Nasser, the place is worth a visit for vacationers.
Read more about Abu Simbel Temple