Tickets and tours to the Temples of Abu Simbel

Gaze upon the four colossal statues of Ramesses II, a masterpiece of ancient engineering on the shores of Lake Nasser.

Book a Tour
3,200+
Years Old
65m
Moved Uphill
20m
High Statues

Carved out of a mountainside in the 13th century BC, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II as a lasting monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. Today, they stand as one of Egypt's most recognizable ancient sites, famous for the four seated giants guarding the entrance. For planning your trip, see our visitors guide and check the latest opening hours.

Available Tickets

4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor&Abu Simbel+Balloon
Guided tour
4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor&Abu Simbel+Balloon
Enjoy beautiful Nile Valley scenery as you cruise down the River Nile on a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the temples of Karnak, Edfu, Abu Simbel with Small group and more. Explore the Valley of the Kings, and …
★★★★½ 4.8 (2.8k+ reviews) · Viator
from€293.46
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4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel Hot Air Balloon
Guided tour
4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel Hot Air Balloon
The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the ancient wonders of Egypt passing by pharaonic sites en route between Luxor and…
★★★★½ 4.9 (227+ reviews) · Viator
from€907.98
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Abu Simbel Private Full-Day Tour from Aswan
Guided tour
Abu Simbel Private Full-Day Tour from Aswan
it is a private TOUR with a professional EGYPTOLOGEST TOUR guide with a lot of knowledge about EGYPT nowadays local life and at the past in a very comfortable modern A.C car with a professional driver
★★★★½ 4.9 (266+ reviews) · Viator
from€72.76
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3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village&Air Balloon
Guided tour
3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village&Air Balloon
The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the ancient wonders. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan,…
★★★★½ 5.0 (68+ reviews) · Viator
from€993.79
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Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
Guided tour
Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
Discover a part of Egypt that most first-time visitors miss on a private day trip to the Abu Simbel temples from Aswan. You’ll stay cool and skip the hassle of car hire with private, air-conditioned transport, and enjoy…
★★★★★ 5.0 (41+ reviews) · Viator
from€86.42
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4 Day Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor Abu simbel Hot Air Balloon
Guided tour
4 Day Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor Abu simbel Hot Air Balloon
The passion and expertise we bring, backed by over 30 years of tour guiding experience. From the moment you arrive in Aswan, you’re not just visiting temples and sailing the Nile you’re immersing yourself in the heart o…
★★★★★ 5.0 (40+ reviews) · Viator
from€606.30
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Ticket prices breakdown

    • Foreign Adult: 615 EGP
    • Foreign Student: 320 EGP (with valid student ID)
    • Photography Permit (inside temples): 300 EGP
    • Children (under 6): Free

Note: Most visitors arrive on a pre-booked tour from Aswan, which includes the ticket price, an Egyptologist guide, and air-conditioned transport.

Why book your tour here

The easiest way to experience Abu Simbel from Aswan

A/C Transport Included

Relax on the 3-hour journey from Aswan in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. We handle all the logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expert Egyptologist Guide

Our tours are led by licensed Egyptologists who bring the history of Ramesses II and the temple's incredible relocation to life.

Free Cancellation

Change of plans? Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund, no questions asked.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Your tour price includes entrance fees, the guide, and transport. No hidden costs or on-site payments to worry about.

An Ancient Wonder, Moved

The Abu Simbel temples are not in their original location. In one of the most ambitious archaeological engineering feats in history, the entire complex was dismantled and relocated between 1964 and 1968. The construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the temples forever beneath the waters of the newly created Lake Nasser.

A multinational team of archaeologists and engineers, funded by UNESCO and 50 countries, meticulously cut the temples into massive blocks, some weighing up to 30 tons. They were then reassembled 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the river, inside a specially constructed artificial mountain. The orientation was precisely preserved, so the sun still illuminates the inner sanctuary twice a year, just as Ramesses II intended over 3,000 years ago.

How It Works

Your Abu Simbel tour in 3 simple steps

1

Choose Your Tour

Select a shared group tour or a private tour from Aswan. Most tours depart very early (around 4 AM) to arrive for the cooler morning hours.

2

Book Securely Online

Enter your details and confirm your booking in minutes. You'll receive an instant confirmation with your hotel pickup time and details.

3

Enjoy the Day

Your driver and guide will pick you up from your Aswan hotel or cruise ship. Sit back and enjoy the journey and the expert commentary at one of the world's greatest ancient sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you go

How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) by road from Aswan. The drive takes about 3 hours each way, which is why most tours start very early in the morning.
How long do I need at the temples?
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the site, which is enough time to explore both the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari with a guide. Our visitors guide has a suggested itinerary.
What is the Sun Festival?
Twice a year, on approximately February 22nd and October 22nd, the rising sun's rays penetrate the Great Temple to illuminate the statues in the inner sanctuary. These dates are extremely popular; check our best time to visit guide for more details.
Can I take photos inside the temples?
Yes, but you must purchase a separate photography permit for an additional fee (around 300 EGP). Photography with a mobile phone is sometimes permitted without a ticket, but the rules can change. Flash is strictly forbidden. See our rules page for more.
Is Abu Simbel worth the long trip?
Absolutely. It is one of the most stunning and well-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. The scale of the statues and the story of the temple's relocation make it a highlight of any trip to Egypt.
What should I wear?
Wear light, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential due to the strong desert sun. There is no strict dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated.
Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Accessibility is limited. The exterior grounds are mostly flat, but entering the temples involves steps and narrow passages that are challenging for wheelchairs. See our accessibility page for details.
Are there toilets and food available?
Yes, there are toilet facilities and a small cafeteria near the entrance. However, it's recommended to bring your own water and snacks. More details on our food and drinks page.