Aswan Excursions · Aswan
Abu Simbel by Car
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 88 reviews
- Licence No. 121
Tour Overview
Abu Simbel by private car is a full-day road trip from Aswan to the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, with your own vehicle and Egyptologist. It is the most affordable way to see Abu Simbel and suits travelers who do not mind a long drive in exchange for the lower price.
What the day involves
The temples sit near the Sudanese border on the shore of Lake Nasser, roughly three and a half hours’ drive south of Aswan through open desert. That means a very early start from your hotel or Nile cruise and a return in the afternoon. A private vehicle has clear advantages over a shared coach: you control stops, have space to rest on the way, and your guide is with you for the whole visit. On site you see the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller temple dedicated to Hathor and Nefertari, and learn how the whole complex was cut apart and moved uphill in the 1960s.
At a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day from Aswan |
| Transport | Private air-conditioned vehicle, both ways |
| Sites | Great Temple of Ramses II, Temple of Nefertari |
| Guide | Private English-speaking Egyptologist |
| Not included | Optional tours, extras, tipping |
Price and tickets
The published rate is $120 per person. Entrance tickets are not listed in the published inclusions, so confirm when booking whether they are covered.
Car or plane?
If time matters more than budget, Abu Simbel by air replaces the drive with a short flight from Aswan. Bring snacks, water and something warm for the pre-dawn departure. If you can travel around 22 February or 22 October, the sun reaches the inner sanctuary in the famous solar alignment, though crowds are heavy then. Read our Abu Simbel temples guide before you go.
Find more Aswan excursions, such as the Aswan day tour, or ask about a tailor-made itinerary that adds Abu Simbel to a Nile cruise.
Tour Highlights
Private English-speaking Egyptologist
Transfer from/to your hotel by private AC vehicle
Entrance tickets to all sights mentionted
Tour Itinerary
Early in the morning, depart from your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan for a scenic journey by private air-conditioned vehicle to Abu Simbel.
On arrival, explore the extraordinary Temples of Abu Simbel, among the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. Built by Ramses II during the New Kingdom, the Great Temple—often known as the Sun Temple—is dedicated to Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramses II himself. Nearby, the elegant Temple of Queen Nefertari, devoted to the goddess Hathor, stands as a rare and graceful tribute to royal partnership.
Discover the remarkable story of their relocation in the 1960s, when an international effort led by UNESCO carefully moved the temples to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Following the visit, return to Aswan and transfer back to your hotel or Nile cruise.
Hint: Your journey should be as unique as you are. Share your ideas, and we'll craft a bespoke itinerary around your preferences.
Inclusions
- All transfers via private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private sightseeing tours in Aswan (listed on itinerary)
- English-speaking tour guide / leader
- All service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Any optional tours
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Tipping.
Tour Prices
Important Notes
👨👩👧 Delta Tours Child Policy:
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (except for flight tickets where airline rules apply).
- 2 – 5.99 years: Pay 25% of adult price (if there is a flight tickets).
- 6 – 11.99 years: Pay 50% of adult price (sharing parents’ room/cabin).
- 12 years and above: Considered an adult and pay full price.
Notes:
- Child discounts apply when sharing a room/cabin with two full-paying adults.
- If a child requires a separate room, the full adult rate applies.
- Some tours, cruises, or hotels may have different rules; in that case, the stricter policy applies.
Ready to Discover Egypt Your Way?
Let our local travel specialists create a private journey shaped around your interests, pace, and preferred travel style.
Driving to Abu Simbel: Your Questions
It is roughly three and a half hours each way, so the tour leaves very early and makes for a long day.
The inclusions list all transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle, along with a private English-speaking Egyptologist.
The published rate is $120 per person.
Yes. The tour starts and ends at your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan.
The car costs less and gives you private transport the whole way; the flight saves several hours of driving. Choose based on time and budget.
Entrance tickets are not listed in the published inclusions, so confirm when booking.













