Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day Tour
Return domestic flight from Aswan, 40 to 50 minutes; guided visit to Ramesses II's Great Temple and Nefertari's Small Temple, hotel or gangway pickup
At a glance
- Length
- 1 days · 0 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan Day Tour is a 1-day guided excursion covering the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Travel style
- Private Guided Tour
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Aswan International Airport (ASW) · Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) · Abu Simbel · Great Temple of Ramesses II · Small Temple of Nefertari
- Includes
- Return domestic flights Aswan to Abu Simbel · Private Aswan transfers · English-speaking Egyptologist guide · Standard Abu Simbel entrance fees · Airport handling and domestic flight taxes · Bottled water
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Aswan · Travelers short on time · Families with school-age children
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in southern Egypt are generally milder than in summer and site visits are easier to manage. From May to September, heat can be intense, so early departures are preferable. Ramadan and major holidays can affect flight schedules, crowd levels, and service timing, so advance confirmation is recommended.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide at Abu Simbel
- Return domestic flights and airport handling arranged in advance
- Private transfers with pickup from Aswan hotels or Nile cruise berths
- 24/7 on-the-ground travel support
- Standard site entrance fees included as listed
- Clear exclusions for gratuities, meals, visa, and insurance
02 Overview
A first look
Before sunrise the granite-coloured sand outside Aswan softens, and the flight path over the Nile broadens into ochre and blue, a quiet prelude to the colossal façade of Ramesses II. Expect two contrasting hours: the hushed stone of the temples up close, and the bright, open air of the airport precinct between transfers, with time to photograph details such as the seated colossi and the intimate reliefs inside the Small Temple of Nefertari.
We favour flying because the 280 km road takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, which reduces time at the temples. One of our Egyptologists meets you at Aswan airport, and we arrange airport handling and domestic flight logistics; please be ready 90 to 120 minutes before departure.
Background
The facts
Abu Simbel is a temple complex in southern Egypt, about 280 km south of Aswan near Lake Nasser. The site contains the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari, both built in the 13th century BCE during the reign of Ramesses II, with the famous solar alignment phenomenon occurring at the Great Temple twice each year.
The temples were relocated in the 1960s during the UNESCO-led Nubian rescue campaign to protect them from rising waters after construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel is part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, inscribed in 1979. Visitor access is typically by road or by domestic flight via Abu Simbel Airport, with flight travel from Aswan taking about 40 to 50 minutes.
A road journey between Aswan and Abu Simbel is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way, which leaves less time on site for a same-day excursion. A flight-based itinerary is therefore used when the goal is to maximize time at the temples, with airport transfers arranged on both ends and a guided visit on arrival. Standard visits usually focus on the exterior façades, interior halls, and the preserved rock-cut reliefs within the temple complex.
Because Abu Simbel is in Egypt's far south, logistics are affected by early flight schedules, airport security checks, and seasonal weather. The excursion is commonly combined with a short stay in Aswan, with pickup from hotels or Nile cruise berths in the Aswan area and return to the same base after the visit.
Named in this entry
Abu Simbel · Great Temple of Ramesses II · Small Temple of Nefertari · Ramesses II · Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae · UNESCO · Aswan International Airport (ASW) · Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) · Lake Nasser
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion suits travelers who want to see Abu Simbel in a single day without spending most of the day on the road. It is a good fit for adults, older children, and history-focused visitors who are comfortable with an early start, airport transfers, and moderate walking at a desert temple site.
What lingers
- 01 Return domestic flight Aswan (ASW) to Abu Simbel (ABS), flight time 40 to 50 minutes
- 02 Guided visit with an English-speaking Egyptologist to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari
- 03 Approximately two to three hours at the temples, subject to flight and security timings
- 04 Private hotel or Nile cruise gangway pickup in Aswan, with return transfer to Aswan airport or your Aswan hotel
- 05 Visit the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae UNESCO site, inscribed in 1979
- 06 We favour flying because the 280 km road journey each way takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, leaving far less time on site by road
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike the road option, this flight-based excursion reduces travel time from roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way to about 40 to 50 minutes by air. That usually leaves more time at the temples and avoids a long overland transfer through southern Egypt. Compared with independent planning, the tour bundles domestic flights, transfers, entrance fees, and an Egyptologist guide into one itinerary.
Bundled in
- Domestic flight
- Private transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- All entry tickets
- Private Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Return domestic flights Aswan (ASW) to Abu Simbel (ABS)
- Private transfers from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise berth to Aswan International Airport (ASW), and return
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide at Abu Simbel
- Standard site entrance fees for the Abu Simbel temples
- Airport handling and domestic flight taxes
- Bottled water during transfers
- Services provided by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Not included
- Lunch and other meals unless specified at booking
- Gratuities for the Egyptologist guide, driver and airport staff
- Personal expenses, optional extras and souvenir purchases
- Passport, visa and travel insurance
- Any premium access fees not listed in the inclusions
Tailor it
Make it yours
The excursion can be arranged as a private tour or with a shared departure depending on availability. It can also be customized with extra time in Aswan, upgraded meal arrangements, or a longer itinerary that adds other Aswan sites such as Philae Temple or the High Dam. Pickup can usually be adjusted for hotels or Nile cruise berths within the Aswan area.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Minimum age is 5 years old for the flight sector due to aviation and site safety. Child pricing may apply for ages 5 to 11, with adult fares for 12 and over; exact age bands and rates appear on the booking page. Strollers are generally impractical at Abu Simbel because of steps and compacted gravel, so parents should bring a baby carrier for very young children. Please advise us of children travelling when you book so we can confirm seat allocation and any applicable child discounts.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Hotel or Nile cruise gangway pickup, Aswan Map
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Your route
· In summary
This day tour includes return domestic flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel, private transfers in Aswan, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide, and standard entrance fees for the Abu Simbel temples. Travelers visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari, with about two to three hours at the site depending on flight timing. Bottled water, airport handling, and domestic flight taxes are included.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 How long is the Abu Simbel by Plane day tour from Aswan?
The Abu Simbel by Plane day tour from Aswan is a full-day excursion. It includes return domestic flights, private transfers, and a guided visit to the temples. The flight time itself is approximately 40 to 50 minutes each way. -
02 What are the pickup and drop-off arrangements for this tour?
We arrange private transfers from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise gangway to Aswan International Airport. After your return flight from Abu Simbel, you will be transferred back to your original pickup location. Expect to be ready 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled domestic flight. -
03 What is included in the Abu Simbel by Plane day tour price?
The tour includes return domestic flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel, private airport transfers in Aswan, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide at Abu Simbel, standard entrance fees for the temples, airport handling, flight taxes, and bottled water during transfers. -
04 What is not included in the Abu Simbel by Plane day tour?
The tour price excludes lunch and other meals unless specified, gratuities for your guide, driver, and airport staff, personal expenses, optional extras, souvenir purchases, passport, visa, travel insurance, and any premium access fees not listed as inclusions. -
05 Is the Abu Simbel by Plane tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone at the Abu Simbel temples, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. While the flight and transfers are comfortable, the site itself has limited accessibility features. Please advise us of any specific needs. -
06 Can children participate in the Abu Simbel by Plane day tour?
Yes, children can participate in this day tour. The flight is short, and the guided visit is engaging. We recommend bringing snacks and ensuring children are comfortable with walking at the temple complex. Please note any age restrictions for flight bookings. -
07 What should I wear and bring for the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress is advisable for visiting religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications. Bottled water is provided during transfers. -
08 What is the photography policy at Abu Simbel?
Photography is generally permitted at the Abu Simbel temples, but restrictions may apply inside certain areas or tombs. Flash photography is typically prohibited. Your Egyptologist guide will advise you on specific rules during your visit. Video cameras may require an extra fee. -
09 What is the best time of year to visit Abu Simbel?
The cooler months from October to April are generally the most comfortable for visiting Abu Simbel, avoiding the intense summer heat. Early morning visits are recommended to experience the temples with fewer crowds, especially after the first flights arrive. -
10 Why is flying preferred over driving for the Abu Simbel tour?
We favour the flight option because road transfers to Abu Simbel take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way from Aswan. Flying significantly reduces travel time, allowing you more time to explore the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 30 April 2026 Product ID: EXC-ASW-397089
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