Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt that goes deep into history. This city was one of the most important centers of Ancient Egypt. Known as “Sunn” by the ancient Egyptians, it was the southern gateway to the Nile River and a transit point for traders and travelers from Nubia. Today, Aswan stands out not only for its archaeological riches, but also for its heritage, which bears traces of Nubian culture in the region. From Elephantine Island to Philae Temple, from Kalabsha Temple to Abu Simbel, Aswan’s past power and influence is evident in its many historical monuments.
The Philae Temple Complex is located on Agilkia Island on the Nile River, south of Aswan. The temple is one of the most important temples of Ancient Egypt. This temple is dedicated to Isis. Although it was once flooded, the temple was restored to its former splendor in the 1960s with the rescue work carried out by UNESCO. As one of Egypt’s last pagan temples, Philae deeply reflects the religious and cultural heritage of Ancient Egypt.
The Abu Simbel Temples are colossal monuments built by pharaoh Ramses II, located 300 km south of Aswan, in the region of Nubia. These temples are particularly famous for their large stone statues with the faces of Ramses II carved into them. The Abu Simbel Temples were moved and relocated to another site in the 1960s due to dam construction. These temples are examples of the artistic and architectural genius of Ancient Egypt.
The Temple of Kalabsha is another important temple from the Roman period, located further south of Aswan. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Horus. It is an ideal spot to see the Roman beliefs and architecture of ancient Egypt.
The Unfinished Obelisk is located in the granite quarries in Aswan, so named because a giant obelisk under construction here was never finished. This obelisk is an impressive structure that showcases the stonemasonry and engineering know-how of Ancient Egypt. Had it been completed, this obelisk would have been the largest obelisk in the world.
The Nubian Village and the Nubian Museum are both located in the heart of Aswan and are ideal places to explore Nubian culture. The Nubian Village showcases traditional Nubian life and architecture. In addition, the Nubian Museum has rich collections describing the history, culture and art of the Nubian people in the region.
The Nile Islands are two enormous islands located around Aswan: Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island. Elephantine Island is very close to Aswan city center and has been a strategic settlement since ancient times. There are many archaeological ruins and temples from Ancient Egypt. Kitchener Island is famous for its tropical vegetation and different types of trees.
Getting from Luxor Airport to Aswan
The distance between Luxor Airport (LXR) and Aswan is 217 km. Land transportation from Luxor Airport to Aswan takes 3 hours. You can rent a car from the airport and reach Aswan in a short time. There is no direct flight from Luxor Airport to Aswan.
Egyptian Railways organizes a train service from Luxor to Aswan every 3 hours. Tickets cost between 30$-60$ and the journey takes 3h 7min. First you need to take a taxi from Luxor Airport to the city center. This journey takes about 15 minutes. From Luxor city center you can take the train from Egyptian Railways Station to Aswan. You need to make a reservation in advance for VIP travel. Prices are 35 dollars on average.
Super Jet bus company has regular bus services from Luxor city center to Aswan. Prices are 20 dollars on average. The journey takes approximately 3 and a half hours. Super Jet, based in Sohag, Egypt, provides bus transportation services between Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Mersa Matruh and many other destinations.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luxor to Aswan?
The cheapest way to get from Luxor to Aswan is by driving, costing around $14–$22 and taking about 3 hours 6 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Luxor to Aswan?
The fastest way to get from Luxor to Aswan is by driving, taking about 3 hours 6 minutes and costing $14–$22.
Is there a direct train between Luxor and Aswan?
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Luxor and arriving at Aswan. Services depart every three hours and the journey takes approximately 3 hours 7 minutes.
How far is it from Luxor to Aswan?
The distance between Luxor and Aswan is about 208 kilometers (129 miles) in a straight line, and around 215 kilometers (134 miles) by road.
How do I travel from Luxor to Aswan without a car?
Travel from Luxor to Aswan without a car by taking a train, which takes about 3 hours 7 minutes and costs approximately $22–$40.
How long does it take to get from Luxor to Aswan?
The train from Luxor to Aswan takes approximately 3 hours 7 minutes including transfers and departs every three hours.
Where do I catch the Luxor to Aswan train from?
Luxor to Aswan train services, operated by Egyptian Railways, depart from Luxor station every three hours.
Where does the Luxor to Aswan train arrive?
Luxor to Aswan train services, operated by Egyptian Railways, arrive at Aswan station.
Can I drive from Luxor to Aswan?
Yes, you can drive from Luxor to Aswan. The driving distance is about 215 kilometers (134 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours 6 minutes.
Where can I stay near Aswan?
There are over 425 hotels available in Aswan, with nightly rates starting from around $31.
What companies run services between Luxor, Egypt and Aswan, Egypt?
Egyptian Railways operates a train from Luxor to Aswan every three hours, with tickets costing around $22–$40 and the journey taking about 3 hours 7 minutes.