Tours and Tickets to Experience Abu Simbel Temples

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-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
• 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Abu Simbel + Balloon
• 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Air Balloon
• 4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
• Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour

It costs EGP 600 for foreign adults to visit the Abu Simbel Temples and EGP 300 for students and children, except during the special sun alignment days (on February 22 and October 22, when adult tickets go up to EGP 900 and student tickets increase to EGP 450.

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.

Yes. For many visitors to Egypt, the temple complex remains their favorite memory. For sheer “wow” factor, Abu Simbel is tough to beat. That said, unless you’re splurging on a flight, getting here involves a 3-4 hour drive through the desert each way from Aswan. It also means battling extreme temperatures.

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.