Getting to the Valley of the Kings from Luxor
The valley is on the west bank, and the hotels, station and most of Luxor's restaurants are on the east bank. You cross the river first, then continue by road to the visitor centre. The ferry is only the first part of the trip, because you still need transport on the other side.
If you would rather not organise the pieces yourself, many guided West Bank tours arrange pickup and transport. Check what each one includes, in particular whether the entrance tickets are part of the price.
Ferry, motorboat, taxi or bridge: the options compared
Approximate asking prices in 2026. They are not fixed tariffs, and the route, the wait and the pickup bank are not standardised.
| Option | How it works | Approximate price | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public ferry | Leaves from the dock in front of Luxor Temple, then you find transport on the west bank | EGP 5 to 10 per person | Low cost, flexible plans |
| Motorboat | Small boats wait beside the ferry dock | EGP 20 to 50 per person | Short waits, a quicker crossing |
| Car with driver | Pickup at your hotel, over the bridge or by arrangement across the river | EGP 250 to 350 for half a day, EGP 400 to 600 for a full day | A full west bank day |
| Bicycle | Hire in town, cross by ferry, ride on the west bank | EGP 30 to 150 per day | Fit riders who start early |
| Guided tour | Pickup, transport and often a guide | Varies by tour | No planning, a set route |
For most visitors, a car with a driver for half a day is the simplest choice, because the driver handles the crossing and the stops. Take the ferry and a local ride if you want the lowest cost and can fit your visit around the boat.
Our pick: the bus from Hurghada
Our take: the lower-cost way to reach the valley from the Red Sea.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Valley of the Kings and West Bank tours
Guided day trips with transport, with live prices and availability.
From the Nile to the tombs: step by step
What a self-organised trip looks like.
1. Cross the Nile
The public ferry runs from the dock in front of Luxor Temple. The ferry runs from 06:00 to 23:00, so check the first crossing on the day if you want an early start. Motorboats wait beside the ferry dock. The other way across is the road bridge, about 12 km south of the city, which is where a taxi or hired car will go.
2. Continue by road
The tombs are not at the river. Arrange a car, a driver or a bicycle for the rest of the way. A driver is not a guide: the car is transport, and entrance tickets and a guide are separate. Do not plan on driving up to the tomb entrances.
3. Use the visitor centre ride
From the visitor centre, a small electric tram carries you up the valley in about 3 minutes. The usual fare is EGP 20 per person for the return ride, and it is not part of the basic ticket. Confirm the fare at the centre. The gates open at 06:00, and the opening hours page lists last entry.
4. Agree the way back
Fix a pickup time with your driver, or know your return boat. Allow a full morning for the valley and more if you add other west bank sites. Tickets are normally paid by card, so bring a card as well as cash.
Cycling and other ways to arrive
Cheap, but plan the heat.
By bicycle
Bike hire in town costs about EGP 30 to 150 per day, depending on the shop. Do not assume the whole route is flat, and do not plan to ride at midday in summer. Start early and read the best time to visit page first.
From Hurghada
Luxor is about 4 hours from Hurghada by road. A day trip means roughly 8 hours in transit plus sightseeing, so it is a long day. Details are on the Valley of the Kings from Hurghada page.
To Luxor itself
Flights, trains and the airport belong to the wider Luxor guide: see getting to Luxor for how to reach the city before you cross the river.
Plan the rest of your visit
What comes after the crossing.
Getting to the Valley of the Kings: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings?
Cross the Nile by public ferry, motorboat or the road bridge, then continue by road. Most visitors use a car with a driver or a guided tour. The ferry alone does not take you to the tombs.
Where does the ferry leave from?
The public ferry leaves from the dock in front of Luxor Temple and runs from 06:00 to 23:00. Motorboats wait next to it. Check the schedule on the day.
How much does it cost to get there?
Approximate prices in 2026 are EGP 5 to 10 for the ferry, EGP 20 to 50 for a motorboat, and EGP 250 to 350 for half a day with a car and driver. These are not fixed tariffs.
Is the tram ride included in my ticket?
No. The short ride from the visitor centre is a separate fare, typically EGP 20 per person return. Confirm it at the centre.
Can I visit as a day trip from Hurghada?
Yes, but it is long. Luxor is about 4 hours from Hurghada each way, so plan around 8 hours of travel on top of the visit.
Is this an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by an authority, a museum or a tour operator. Prices and times are given for planning, so confirm them when you buy.