Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day Tour
Return flight ASW to ABS, guided visit to Ramesses II and Nefertari; we favour flying over the 280 km road
At a glance
- 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.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
- Photography
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Seniors·
- Groups
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
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
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
02Overview
A first look
By 7 am the sandstone faces at Abu Simbel glow a flat, warm color and the low hum of aircraft engines replaces the roadside din; you sense the scale of Ramesses II before you climb the paved approach. The sun is strong, shade is limited, and the carved reliefs sit just above eye level, close enough to study chiselled hieroglyphs and cartouches.
Our Egyptologists meet you on arrival at Abu Simbel, and your vehicle picks you up from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise gangway. We favour flying because the road journey is about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, which leaves more time at the temples; we arrange airport handling and return transfers.
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
- 01Return domestic flight Aswan (ASW) to Abu Simbel (ABS), flight time 40 to 50 minutes
- 02Guided visit with an English-speaking Egyptologist to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari
- 03Approximately two to three hours at the temples, subject to flight and security timings
- 04Private hotel or Nile cruise gangway pickup in Aswan, with return transfer to Aswan airport or your Aswan hotel
- 05Visit the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae UNESCO site, inscribed in 1979
- 06We 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.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Your day begins with a private pickup from the lobby of your Aswan hotel or the deck of your Nile cruise. You are greeted by our dedicated tour representative, escorted into a climate-controlled premium vehicle, and driven to Aswan International Airport (ASW) while we handle all check-in details and documentation.
Unlike shared shuttles, this service is door-to-door and timed to your flight, giving you a relaxed morning and a direct drop-off at departures.
- 2
On arrival at Aswan International Airport your representative meets you at the meeting point and guides you through security and the boarding-pass process. Our representative prints or collects boarding passes, escorts you through fast-track security, and accompanies you to the departure gate so you avoid queues and uncertainty.
Unlike some meet-and-greets, we complete documentation and boarding formalities before you reach security, leaving you free to relax at the gate.
- 3
Meet at your Aswan hotel for a morning pickup, then board a short EgyptAir scenic flight to Abu Simbel. As you take off, enjoy bird’s-eye vistas of the Nubian Desert and Lake Nasser while the Egyptologist briefs you. On arrival you tour the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari, including interior chambers where accessible, before returning to Aswan in the afternoon.
We arrange the flight; we do not run the long road transfers, which many travelers avoid.
- 4
Land at the dedicated Abu Simbel Airport; stepping off the plane you are met by your private, expert Egyptologist who accompanies you throughout the day. A dedicated shuttle or private vehicle then drives you for approximately 5 minutes to the archaeological park entrance, allowing immediate access to the site.
We do not combine these transfers with group buses, transfers are private and timed to your flight arrival.
- 5
You approach the cliffside to face the 20-meter-high colossal statues of Ramses II that guard the Great Temple. Your Egyptologist explains the temple’s 3,000-year-old reliefs and the 1960s UNESCO relocation that moved the entire rock to higher ground. You will step inside the hypostyle hall, explore the hidden sanctuaries, and have time for pristine photos before the midday heat peaks.
Unlike quick drive-by visits, we allow extended on-site exploration with an expert guide.
- 6
A short walk along the cliff brings you to the Temple of Hathor, a rare monument dedicated to Ramses II’s wife, Queen Nefertari. Your Egyptologist explains the scenes of music, ritual and royal portraiture carved on the inner walls, then leaves time for quiet, independent moments by the lakeside.
The carved reliefs are unusually well preserved, offering clear iconography of Nefertari and the gods for close study.
- 7
You arrive at the visitor area overlooking Lake Nasser, the reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam. Your Egyptologist explains the lake's creation, the visible shoreline features and how the landscape changed after 1970. Relax lakeside with a chilled bottle of mineral water and a light premium snack box prepared for your comfort.
We time this stop for late-afternoon quiet, unlike busier daytime viewpoints.
- 8
After visiting Abu Simbel, you re-board private transport for the short ride to Abu Simbel Airport. Your Egyptologist meets you at the temple forecourt and manages the timing so you reach the terminal calmly. Our guide assists with expedited check-in and luggage formalities to minimise waiting at the counter.
Unlike scheduled shuttle services, this is a private, direct transfer arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- 9
You board the scheduled return flight from Abu Simbel to Aswan after the morning visit. Your Egyptologist accompanies the transfer to the airport and answers any remaining questions about the Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. The flight provides time to review photographs and notes, and returns you to Aswan in the afternoon.
We arrange flights for this sector because most guests prefer to avoid the long, seven-hour road transfer.
- 10
On arrival at Aswan International Airport, your private driver meets you at the arrivals terminal and assists with luggage. You are chauffeured in an air-conditioned vehicle directly to your hotel or cruise berth, typically arriving early afternoon.
Your Egyptologist or local contact will be reachable if you need assistance; the afternoon is left free to relax by the pool or enjoy a classic high tea.
Bundled in
- Domestic flights
- 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 between your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise berth and Aswan airport, 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 guide, driver and airport staff
- Personal expenses, optional extras and souvenir purchases
- Passport, visa and travel insurance
- Any premium access fees not listed in 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 traveling 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, AswanMap
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
01How 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, typically lasting from early morning until late afternoon.02What is the typical pickup time for this tour?
Pickup from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise gangway is approximately 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled domestic flight. We will confirm the exact time based on your flight details.03What is included in the Abu Simbel by Plane tour price?
The tour includes return domestic flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel, private airport transfers, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide at Abu Simbel, standard site entrance fees for the temples, airport handling, flight taxes, and bottled water during transfers.04What is not included in the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
The tour price excludes lunch and other meals, gratuities for your guide, driver, and airport staff, personal expenses, optional extras, souvenir purchases, passport, visa, travel insurance, and any premium access fees not explicitly listed as included.05Is the Abu Simbel by Plane tour accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
The tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone at the temple sites and navigating airports. While transfers are private, guests should be able to walk unassisted through airport terminals and around the temple complexes. Please advise us if you have specific mobility concerns.06Can children participate in the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
Children are welcome on this tour. The flight is short, and the guided temple visit is engaging. We recommend considering the early start and the amount of walking involved for very young children.07What should I wear and bring for the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and any personal medications. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits.08What is the photography policy at Abu Simbel?
Photography is generally permitted at Abu Simbel, but flash photography is often prohibited inside the temples. There may be specific restrictions or fees for video cameras; your guide will advise on site.09When 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. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, making the early morning flight option particularly advantageous.10Why is flying preferred over driving to Abu Simbel?
Flying to Abu Simbel significantly reduces travel time, with a flight duration of 40 to 50 minutes each way compared to a 3.5 to 4-hour road transfer. This allows for more time exploring the temples.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Last updated Product ID: EXC-ASW-397089
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