Your driver will meet you at your address in Luxor.
You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Aswan.
A car trip from Luxor to Aswan covers a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of the Nile River on one of the most ancient routes in the world. Along the way, you can stop at ancient Egyptian archaeological sites like Edfu, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and UNESCO-listed Karnak, the home of the Egyptian gods.
This road trip is a great complement to your Nile River cruise, whether you have already done the river route from Aswan to Luxor, or if you plan to drive to Aswan and take a cruise back north.
When you ride with Daytrip, you'll transfer between cities in comfort, and can easily add on excursions to turn your travel day into an archaeological adventure!
Aswan was once a frontier town that marked the southern border of the Egyptian Empire. Today, this riverside city is home to 1.5 million people who preserve traditional handicrafts and folk art as well as an impressive collection of temples and monuments spanning Egypt’s long history.
Due to its location where the Nile River meets Lake Nasseris, Aswan has become the starting or ending point of Nile River cruises that travel from cities like Cairo or Luxor. This artificial lake was created by the Aswan High Dam for hydroelectricity and to be more resilient to droughts (but not without controversy).
Your trip from Luxor to Aswan will go much more smoothly by following these two easy travel tips!
Egypt is one of the hottest, sunniest places on earth, so long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothing are excellent ways to combat the heat. They keep the sun off of your skin and help air circulate by your skin. Wear natural fibers and stay away from polyester and nylon. Modest clothing is also required at religious sites, so long pants and shirts keep you compliant while also staying cool on your desert trek!
Egypt is strict about when and where you can take photos and videos due to the heightened security risks. While out and about, be conservative with your camera use, even at major tourist spots.
The Nile is the lifeline of Egypt, and most roads follow the same path. This means no matter how you get from Luxor to Aswan, they all just follow the Nile south for 125 miles (200 km)!
A private driver is great if you don't have the time or money for a river cruise but still want to visit all the ancient Egyptian sites along the Nile. With Daytrip, your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Luxor and take you to all the temples you’d like to see as you head south to Aswan. Once you arrive in Aswan, you’ll have help with your luggage at your new accommodation and won’t have to stress about returning a rental car at night or dealing with train delays.
Egyptian Railways operates multiple trains per day from Luxor to Aswan. Tickets start at 39 USD and the trip is supposed to take 3 hours and 15 minutes but is often delayed. To avoid arriving in Aswan at night, pick a train earlier in the day to account for delays. Considering the risk of delays, price, and inability to stop for sightseeing, it's usually better to just hire a driver. If you're traveling in a group, a private car comes out at almost the same price!
A typical cruise from Luxor to Aswan will be about 4 days and 3 nights and will take you to important sites between these cities. This option makes sense if you're on a longer vacation that you've planned around the river cruise already. Prices vary greatly by cruise provider; some boats have very basic amenities while others have spas, restaurants, gyms, and private tours.
There are a wealth of ancient Egyptian landmarks to be found all along the Nile, from Cairo to Luxor, and from Luxor to Aswan. When you get to Aswan, make sure you visit these two sites:
The Philae Temple is one of the many sites that were impacted multiple times by the creation of Lake Nasser. The temple in its current state was dismantled piece-by-piece and placed on a new “Philae Island,” after the first one was submerged entirely by the dam. This relocation is a modern feat and we can thank the countless research and labor it took to preserve this temple to the goddess Isis.
To get to the Philae Temple, you need to purchase a ticket on the mainland, then take a boat about ten minutes to the island to start your tour. Try to time this for early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the strongest sun.
The Unfinished Obelisk is exactly what it sounds like, but don’t let the name fool you into thinking it will be boring. This archaeological site is located in a quarry and tells us a lot about ancient Egyptian stone-cutting and construction methods before cranes and power tools. If completed, this obelisk would have been 137 feet (42 meters) tall---the tallest in the world at that time.
The biggest draw to both Luxor and Aswan are the temples and archeological sites. Since you'll spend most of your time outside, the best time to visit Aswan is during the winter months from October to April. Temperatures are milder and more comfortable, but you will still need sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen during the day. Nights get cool though, so pack a sweater.
This is the wet season, so the water levels of the Nile are higher and you’ll be able to see it in its full glory. However, this is also peak season, so be prepared for larger crowds.
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt