Abu Simbel Temples Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Abu Simbel Temples. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Abu Simbel + Balloon

• 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Private Guided Tours

• 4 Days Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

• 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor - Private Tour

• 4-Day Nile Cruise Sails Aswan to Luxor & Abu Simbel. Hot Air Balloon

Tickets for the Abu Simbel Temples cost 822 Egyptian pounds, and 445 Egyptian pounds for students. Many travelers opt to visit on tours from Aswan, because the temples are remotely located and hard to reach without private transportation; group tours from Aswan start at US$33, with private tours from US$53. Tour prices often do not include the temple admission fee, so check the details in advance.

Yes, the Abu Simbel Temples are worth visiting—carved from a mountainside, the sandstone structures are among the ancient world's most recognizable sights. While they're known for their colossal exterior statues of Ramses II, inside you'll find long halls with intricate, painted scenes that depict early Egypt in vivid color.

Per one customer who booked the Abu Simbel Private Full-Day Tour from Aswan, "We had a wonderful experience at Abu Simbel, all thanks to our guide ... Ahmed explained to us the history and significance of the temples. He was patient, friendly, and ensured we had enough time to explore, take photos, and absorb the beauty of this magnificent site. Highly recommend to anyone visiting!"

Soaring over the sands of southern Egypt, with millennia-old pillars and statues hand-carved from rock faces, the Abu Simbel complex is one of Egypt’s most recognizable landmarks—and arguably its most impressive. The site is a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in ancient history, Egyptian civilization, or archaeology.

Yes. That’s how many travelers get here, and there are a range of options to choose from. A standard full-day tour departs and returns from Aswan by air-conditioned vehicle, while longer excursions include stops in Abu Simbel as part of multi-day itineraries, including Nile River cruises. The temples are also reachable by plane.

Many day trips leave Aswan well before dawn and arrive in Abu Simbel by morning, right when the temples open. To beat the crowds, aim to arrive in the afternoon. This requires booking overnight accommodations nearby—you’ll find everything from no-frills hotels to a resort overlooking Lake Nasser.

Yes and no. While children are sure to be fascinated by the colossal statues of Ramses II and the hieroglyphics etched onto the walls, they’ll also have to contend with a harsh desert environment. If traveling with kids, avoid the summer months and bring plenty of water and sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.

Yes, with a big caveat. A bonus of a guided tour is that it includes round-trip transportation—count on a total of eight hours of road time if coming from Aswan. So, while guides can be hired at the entrance, you’ll still need to arrange for a car and driver. Otherwise, book a flight.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Abu Simbel Temples. According to travelers, these are some of the top Aswan attractions:

• Philae Temple

• Aswan High Dam

• Nile River

• Kom Ombo Temple

• Temple of Horus

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in and around Aswan.