Luxor International Airport
LUXOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Before you visit Karnak’s tall columns or sail the Nile at sunset, your journey starts at Luxor International Airport. This airport is only 9 kilometers from the city center. It is where ancient history meets modern travel, making it easy and efficient for you to enter the land of pharaohs.
Quick Facts About Luxor International Airport
- IATA Code: LXR
- ICAO Code: HELX
- Location: 9 km east of Luxor city, on the east bank of the Nile
- Opened: 1989, with major renovations in 2005
- Capacity: Up to 8 million passengers annually
- Elevation: 294 ft (90 m) above sea level
- Runway: One main runway (02/20), 3,000 m (9,843 ft), asphalt, equipped with ILS/DME and GPS approaches
Despite its large capacity, Luxor Airport currently handles around one million passengers per year. For travelers, this means shorter queues, faster baggage claim, and a calmer atmosphere compared to Egypt’s busier hubs.
Luxor Tours & Activities
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour to explore Luxor, Egypt? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
Location & Accessibility
Luxor International Airport is well-located. You can reach Luxor Temple or board a Nile cruise within 20 minutes after leaving the terminal.
Transport options include:
– Taxis: You can find them outside the terminal. Agree on a fare before leaving or ask the driver to use the meter.
– Private Transfers: Most hotels and tour operators offer this option. It is the easiest and most stress-free choice, especially for first-time visitors.
– Buses & Minibuses: These are cheaper but less reliable. They are not recommended if you have luggage.
– Car Rentals: You can rent a car at the airport if you want to explore on your own.
Tip: If you’re going to the West Bank or a Nile cruise, it’s best to pre-book a transfer through your hotel. This will help you avoid haggling and ensure a smooth start to your trip.
Terminals & Airlines
Luxor International Airport has one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Some people mistakenly think there are two terminals, but it is actually one building with separate areas for domestic and international travelers.
Airlines at Luxor include:
– EgyptAir: Offers frequent domestic flights to Cairo, which take about 1 hour.
– Air Cairo and AMC Airlines: Provide charter and seasonal flights.
– European Airlines: Offer seasonal direct flights from Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, especially during the winter tourist season.
Most international travelers reach Luxor by flying to Cairo first, then taking a short flight to Luxor.
Facilities & Services
While not a sprawling mega-airport, Luxor International offers all the essentials for a comfortable arrival and departure.
- Check-in & Security: 48 check-in desks, 8 gates, and 5 baggage claim belts.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Perfumes, souvenirs, and Egyptian handicrafts.
- Dining: Cafés and snack bars serving light meals and drinks.
- Lounges: A business lounge with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and workspaces.
- Financial Services: ATMs, currency exchange, and a bank branch.
- Tourist Information Desk: Helpful for arranging guides, tours, or last-minute transfers.
- Other Services: Post office, newsstands, car rental counters, and travel agencies.
Note: Wi-Fi connectivity may be inconsistent, so we recommend downloading maps and hotel details before arrival.
Hotels Near Luxor International Airport
There are no hotels inside the airport itself, but Luxor’s riverside location means you’ll find excellent accommodation options just a short drive away.
Top nearby choices include:
- Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: A historic colonial-era hotel, once frequented by Agatha Christie.
- Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: Overlooking the Nile with infinity pools and a luxury spa.
- Steigenberger Nile Palace: A modern option with excellent dining and a central location.
- Sonesta St. George Hotel: Known for its elegant rooms and Nile views.
Budget travelers will also find plenty of guesthouses and boutique hotels on both the East and West Banks. (20 Best Hotels in Luxor)
Getting From Luxor Airport to Major Attractions
One of the joys of flying into Luxor is how quickly you can immerse yourself in history.
- Luxor Temple: ~20 minutes by car
- Karnak Temple Complex: ~20–25 minutes by car
- Valley of the Kings: ~30–35 minutes by car, across the Nile
- Temple of Hatshepsut: ~35 minutes by car
- Nile Cruise Terminals: ~20 minutes, depending on your dock
Tip: If you’re short on time, consider hiring a private driver for the day. This allows you to move seamlessly from the airport to the monuments without worrying about logistics.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Arriving in Luxor can be exhilarating, but a little preparation goes a long way.
- Best Time to Arrive: October to April, when temperatures are cooler.
- Security & Customs: Expect thorough checks; keep documents handy.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available, but carry small notes for taxis.
- Language: Arabic is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Transfers: Pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid haggling with taxi drivers.
- Health & Safety: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid drinking tap water.
Why Luxor International Airport Matters
Luxor International Airport may not be Egypt’s largest, but it plays a vital role in connecting the world to the country’s most iconic monuments. For travelers, it offers a stress-free entry point, avoiding the chaos of Cairo while placing you just minutes away from temples, tombs, and the timeless Nile.
Think of it as the modern gateway to ancient Thebes—a place where your journey through 5,000 years of history begins the moment you step off the plane.
Got a Question?
F.A.Qs
About 9 km (20 minutes by car).
Yes, mainly from European cities during peak tourist season. Otherwise, most travelers connect via Cairo.
Yes, though services like dining and shopping may close late at night.
Take a taxi or private transfer to the ferry crossing, then continue by car to the Valley of the Kings.
Yes, there is a business lounge offering Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
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