Luxor Temple (east bank, Luxor)
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Luxor Temple entry ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the temple precinct, forecourt, colonnaded court, and selected inner sanctuary areas in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are usually milder and suitable for daytime sightseeing. From May to September, heat can be intense, so early morning or late afternoon visits are generally preferable. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, site routines and visitor flows may change, so it is wise to verify current hours before going.
02 Overview
A first look
Luxor Temple stands on Luxor’s east bank and was built mainly under Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.
Background
The facts
Luxor Temple is a New Kingdom temple complex on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, close to the modern city center and within walking distance of Karnak Temple via the Avenue of Sphinxes. The earliest major construction is associated with Amenhotep III in the 14th century BCE, and later rulers including Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramesses II, and Ramesses III added courts, pylons, statues, and decorative reliefs.
An entry ticket grants access to the temple precinct, typically including the forecourt, the colonnaded court, and the inner sanctuary areas that are open to visitors under site restrictions. The standing remains are notable for the seated colossi of Ramesses II, monumental pylon architecture, and evidence of later reuse, including the mosque of Abu al-Hajjaj built within the complex.
Luxor Temple is one of the principal monuments of ancient Thebes, a UNESCO World Heritage area that also includes Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut on the west bank. Visitor access is controlled at the main entrance, and practical conditions such as opening hours, last admission, and photography rules can change seasonally or by site policy.
Because this is a standalone admission ticket, it is intended for self-guided entry rather than a packaged excursion. Tickets are arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt and delivered by email as a PDF; some venues may require a printed copy at the entrance gate.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is suitable for independent travelers, history-focused visitors, and short-stay guests who want to see one of Luxor’s key east-bank monuments without a structured program. It also suits adults and older children who are comfortable walking on uneven stone surfaces and moving through an open archaeological site.
What lingers
- 01 Luxor Temple (east bank, central Luxor) mainly built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II; part of Ancient Thebes UNESCO site.
- 02 Illuminated nightly; most visitors prefer visits after 17:00 when temperatures drop and relief carvings are easier to see.
- 03 Connected to Karnak Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes – a 2.7 km processional route between the two temple complexes.
- 04 Unlike cruise timetables, we schedule private guided visits with one of our Egyptologists, allowing 60–90 minutes.
- 05 Limited shade and uneven ancient stone underfoot; wear sturdy shoes and expect an early or evening visit to avoid midday heat.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry Ticket
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
- Transport to and from the site
- Meals and personal expenses
- Photography permit or special-access fees, if applicable
- Printed ticket requirement, if the venue does not accept mobile screens
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What are the opening hours for Luxor Temple?
Opening hours for Luxor Temple vary seasonally and are set by Egypt's antiquities authorities. Hours commonly include an evening session when the temple is illuminated; these night hours are popular. Schedules can change during Ramadan and national holidays, so we confirm the exact opening times when we book your visit. -
02 Do I need to buy a ticket for Luxor Temple?
Yes – admission to Luxor Temple requires a paid ticket issued by the Egyptian authorities. Tickets for Luxor Temple are sold separately from Karnak Temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we can include the attraction ticket in your arrangements and advise if any temporary closures or restricted-access areas apply. -
03 Can I visit Luxor Temple at night?
Yes – Luxor Temple is open for night visits and is regularly illuminated after sunset. Evening visits are often quieter than daytime and offer better photographic lighting, though uneven ancient stone can make footing trickier. Unlike many cruise shore-excursions, a separate ticket lets you choose an evening entry; we can arrange night-time transfers on request. -
04 Is photography allowed inside Luxor Temple?
Non-commercial still photography for personal use is generally allowed at Luxor Temple. Flash, tripods or professional equipment may be restricted and drone use requires prior permit from the antiquities authority. If you need a commercial or film permit, we can help apply for it as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. -
05 Is Luxor Temple wheelchair accessible?
Luxor Temple has limited wheelchair access because of uneven ancient stone, steps and narrow thresholds. Some entrance ramps exist but ground surfaces include cobbles and loose sand; independent wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. We can arrange a private car, porter assistance and a nearby drop-off to reduce walking, but please contact us with mobility details before booking. -
06 What should I wear to visit Luxor Temple?
Dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting Luxor Temple and nearby religious sites. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen and sturdy closed shoes for walking on uneven stone; evenings can be cooler so a light layer helps. During Ramadan, modest dress is especially important and opening times may change, so plan accordingly.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-588462
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