Step off the train in Luxor and you are a short walk from Luxor Temple and the Nile Corniche. First, though, you have to cross the forecourt, where taxi drivers, guides and touts all call for your attention at once. Know your options and a fair fare before you arrive, and the first hour goes smoothly.
At a glance: central Luxor, a short walk from Luxor Temple and the Corniche · single-level station · ticket counters, waiting areas and food kiosks · on the Cairo–Aswan line.
Egypt’s railways date back to the 1850s, and Luxor is a key stop on the north–south line, with frequent connections to Cairo and Aswan. The station is functional rather than grand. Most travelers pass through quickly, and that is the right way to use it.
Getting from the Station to Your Hotel or the Sites
| Where you’re going | Best option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor Temple or the Corniche | Walk | Under 10 minutes on foot. Take a taxi if you have heavy bags or it’s hot. |
| Hotels near the station | Walk or a short taxi | Budget and mid-range hotels cluster around the station. |
| Luxury hotels such as the Winter Palace | Short taxi ride | Ask your hotel to arrange a pickup. |
| Karnak Temple | Taxi | About 15 minutes by car. Expect roughly 80–100 EGP. |
| West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut) | Taxi or a pre-booked driver | About 30 minutes by taxi. |
| Luxor International Airport | Taxi | Roughly 200–250 EGP. See our airport guide. |
Fares are approximate, and Luxor taxis don’t use meters, so agree the price before you get in. Uber doesn’t operate in Luxor, but inDrive does, and it can spare you the haggling. For current fares, the public ferry and full-day driver hire on the West Bank, see our Getting Around Luxor guide.
The simplest way to skip the negotiation is to have your hotel arrange the pickup before you arrive.
What to Expect Outside the Station
Taxi drivers, touts and guides will approach you as soon as you step out. Many are genuine, but some overcharge or push tours you don’t need.
- Say “no, thank you” once, politely, and keep walking. Stopping to argue invites more attention.
- Have your pickup arranged in advance, or use inDrive, so you never have to negotiate on the pavement.
- Solo travelers, especially women, tend to attract extra attention. Walk purposefully and have your ride sorted before you arrive. Our solo female travel guide has more.
For broader scam awareness, see Is Luxor Safe?
Inside the Station
Expect the essentials and not much more:
- Ticket counters and kiosks.
- Waiting areas with benches and fans, often crowded.
- Basic restrooms. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Food stalls and kiosks selling snacks, tea and bottled water.
- Security checks and baggage scans at the entrance.
Accessibility: everything is on one level, but elderly travelers or anyone with heavy luggage may need help. See our notes on Luxor wheelchair accessibility for more.
Buying Tickets at the Station
The counters sell regular and sleeper tickets for same-day and advance travel. You can also book online through Egyptian National Railways’ official booking channels or through third-party platforms.
Sleeper trains are popular with tourists and often sell out, so book at least a few days ahead, especially in peak season (October to April). Fares depend on the class and route, so check them when you book.
For the rest, follow the guide that owns the topic:
- Sleeper cabins, meals, prices and booking: sleeper train guide.
- Deciding between the train, a flight and the bus from Cairo: Cairo to Luxor: how to decide.
- Every route into Luxor, including Aswan to Luxor by train (about three hours): how to get to Luxor.
Leaving from Luxor Station
Catching a train from Luxor? Arrive early, because boarding can be hectic, especially for the sleeper. Our sleeper train guide explains what to expect on board.
Heading Straight to the Temples?
Luxor Temple is walkable from the station and is especially atmospheric in the evening, when it’s lit. Check current opening hours and prices in our Luxor entrance fees guide before you go.