Egypt Discovery
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Excursion Aswan

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day Tour

About 280 km round trip, depart around 03:15, guided visits to Ramesses II's Great Temple and Nefertari; we arrange entrance and Egyptologist, return same day

At a glance

Length
1 days · 0 nights
Departs
Daily

The short answer

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day Tour is a 1-day excursion covering the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
1 day

Best time to go

The best time to visit is from October to April, when southern Egypt is cooler and daytime temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. Summer months can be extremely hot, often above 40°C in the Abu Simbel region, so an early departure is especially important. Fridays, public holidays, and major Islamic holiday periods can be busier at the site and may affect road traffic or pickup timing, including during Ramadan when schedules can shift.

02 Overview

A first look

By 3:30 am the desert is a cool bowl of starlight, and the road to Abu Simbel stretches wide and empty under the Milky Way. As the engine hums and the first pale light appears, expect long views of Lake Nasser, ochre desert plains, and the weathered cliffs that frame the 280 km drive, a journey of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way.

We arrange an early hotel pickup and an Egyptologist to guide your visit inside the twin temples, so you enter with context and seats are ready for the walk among Ramesses II’s colossi. If you prefer a later departure by air, tell us and we will explain the trade-offs.

Background

The facts

Abu Simbel is a temple complex in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 280 to 290 km south of Aswan by road. The drive usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours each way, depending on checkpoints and road conditions, and is commonly done as a very early departure with same-day return. The route crosses the desert south of Aswan and passes Lake Nasser, the reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam.

The site contains two major rock-cut temples built during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II and the gods Amun-Re, Re-Horakhty, and Ptah, and its facade is marked by four seated colossi of the king, each about 20 meters high. The adjacent Small Temple was dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, and it is one of the rare ancient Egyptian temples honoring a royal consort on the same scale as a pharaoh’s monument.

In the 1960s, the entire complex was moved by an international UNESCO-led rescue operation to protect it from rising waters after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples were cut into large blocks and reassembled on higher ground above the original Nile shoreline, making Abu Simbel an important example of modern archaeological preservation as well as New Kingdom royal architecture. Most day visits involve a guided walk at both temples with time for exterior photography and interior viewing of the decorated halls.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits travelers who want to see one of Egypt’s most important temples without staying overnight in the Abu Simbel area. It is best for adults and older children with a tolerance for an early start, a long road transfer, and moderate walking on uneven stone surfaces.

What lingers

  • 01 Visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II, with its four 20-metre seated colossi at the facade
  • 02 See the Small Temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, carved into the rock face
  • 03 Drive along the western shore of Lake Nasser, observing the desert scenery between Aswan and Abu Simbel
  • 04 Guided walk through the temples explaining the 1960s UNESCO-led relocation and original New Kingdom context

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entrance fees to Abu Simbel Temples

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Egyptian entry visa and passport fees
  • Hotel pickup and return transfers unless stated in your booking confirmation
  • Optional extras and personal expenses

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How long is the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?
    The road transfer is about 280 km and typically takes roughly three hours each way. We arrange private air-conditioned transfers rather than large coach groups. The desert highway is mostly straight with limited services; drivers usually include a short rest stop on the route.
  2. 02 Can I visit Abu Simbel from Aswan in one day?
    Yes – Abu Simbel is commonly visited as a same-day return from Aswan. Expect roughly three hours each way by road and plan 90–120 minutes at the temples including security and transfers. Early departures reduce heat and the largest tour groups; flying is an alternative when available but depends on schedules.
  3. 03 Are entrance fees and guides included?
    Standard site entrance fees and a licensed Egyptologist guide are included unless we state otherwise. Premium extras such as commercial filming permits, private camera licences, and gratuities are not included. We are a licensed Egyptian DMC and issue the required local confirmations and tickets before departure.
  4. 04 What should I bring and wear to Abu Simbel?
    Bring sun protection, sturdy closed shoes, plenty of water, and modest clothing for temple visits. Wide-brim hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential because shade is limited at midday. Temperatures can be cool early morning, so layers help; small cash is useful for toilets and local vendors.
  5. 05 Is photography allowed inside the temples?
    Photography is generally allowed in the Abu Simbel complex, but flash and tripods may be restricted inside some chambers. Guards enforce rules to protect painted reliefs, and commercial filming requires a permit from antiquities authorities. Restrictions can change, so we confirm limits on the day.
  6. 06 Can travelers with limited mobility visit Abu Simbel?
    Partial access is possible, but both temples have steps, uneven ancient stone, and limited ramps. We can position vehicles close to the entrance and assist with short walks, but interior chambers include low thresholds and steps. Please tell us in advance so we can arrange assistance and the most convenient vehicle drop-off.
  7. 07 Will we see both the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari?
    Yes – visits normally include the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the nearby Small Temple to Queen Nefertari. Both temples were dismantled and relocated between 1964 and 1968 during the UNESCO Nubian salvage campaign and form part of the Nubian Monuments World Heritage listing. Solar-alignment events occur on Feb 22 and Oct 22, which draw extra visitors.

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 18 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-ASW-433299

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