Luxor divides neatly into two worlds. The East Bank is where modern Luxor lives – Luxor Temple, Karnak, most of the hotels, the souq, the Corniche. The West Bank is where ancient Thebes buried its dead – the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Medinet Habu, the Tombs of the Nobles. Getting between them, and around each side, requires a different approach.
There’s no metro. Almost everything requires either negotiation or a ferry crossing. Here’s exactly what to expect, and what to pay.
The East Bank: Walking, Taxis, and Carriages
The East Bank is compact and largely walkable if your hotel is near the Corniche. Luxor Temple, the souq, and the riverside promenade are all within easy walking distance of most central hotels – and walking is the right choice in the cooler hours of morning and evening.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere on the East Bank, and drivers will often approach you before you’ve decided you need one. There are no meters – negotiation is expected and normal.
| Journey | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|
| Short trip within East Bank | 30–50 EGP |
| To Karnak Temple | 80–100 EGP |
| To Luxor International Airport | 200–250 EGP |
Horse-Drawn Carriages (Calèches)
Calèches are a traditional way to move around the East Bank and are genuinely atmospheric on a cool evening. If you take one, agree on the fare before boarding and confirm the route.
Crossing the Nile
Getting to the West Bank means crossing the river – and the crossing itself is part of the experience.
The West Bank: Drivers, Taxis, and Bicycles
Once across the river, you have three realistic options.
Hiring a Driver for the Day
The most practical approach for covering multiple sites. A driver and car will wait for you at each stop, which eliminates the logistical friction of flagging taxis between temples.
| Option | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Half-day hire | 250–350 EGP |
| Full-day hire | 400–600 EGP |
A typical full-day itinerary includes the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon. Confirm the itinerary and any waiting time expectations before setting off.
Taxis
Individual taxis wait near the West Bank ferry landing and outside major sites. Fine for one or two destinations, but the day-hire option is more economical if you’re visiting three or more sites.
Shared Minibuses
The cheapest West Bank option – shared minibuses run between the ferry landing and the main sites for a few pounds per person. Workable for independent travelers comfortable navigating routes with locals; less practical if you’re on a tight schedule.
Cycling
For a slower, more immersive West Bank day, cycling is genuinely excellent. The terrain between sites is flat, the agricultural roads between temples are quiet and scenic, and arriving at Medinet Habu or Deir el-Medina under your own steam has a different quality to pulling up by taxi.
The Nile Itself
The Nile isn’t just a barrier between the two banks – it’s worth time in its own right.
Suggested Itineraries by Transport Mode
Practical Summary
| Transport | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| East Bank taxi (short) | 30–50 EGP | Quick hops between East Bank sites |
| Karnak by taxi | 80–100 EGP | Temple visits from central Luxor |
| Airport taxi | 200–250 EGP | Arrivals and departures |
| Public ferry | 5–10 EGP | Daily Nile crossings |
| Private motorboat | 20–50 EGP/person | Faster crossing or sunset trip |
| West Bank driver (full day) | 400–600 EGP | Covering multiple West Bank sites |
| Bicycle rental | 30–50 EGP/day | Slow West Bank exploration |
See entrance fees for every site
Now that you know how to get around, check current ticket prices across the East Bank, West Bank, and beyond.