Egypt Discovery
AttractionAswan

Philae Temple – Agilkia Island, Aswan

Admission to the Philae temple complex on Agilkia Island includes the Temple of Isis, Ptolemaic reliefs and Roman-era additions.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Philae Temple Entry Ticket is an entry ticket granting admission to the Philae temple complex on Agilkia Island near Aswan, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Philae Temple
Includes
Entry to the Philae temple complex · Access to the Temple of Isis · Access to the Kiosk of Trajan · Access to Agilkia Island and its approach causeway
Best for
Independent travellers · Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Architecture and archaeology visitors

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable, with daytime temperatures in Aswan often around 22 to 35°C; early morning is preferable. From May to September, daytime temperatures can reach roughly 35 to 42°C, and midday heat can be intense. Site hours and visitor numbers may change during Ramadan and major public holidays, so check the latest official notice before setting out.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket grants admission to the Philae temple complex.
  • The Temple of Isis, Kiosk of Trajan and approach causeway are named inclusions.
  • The ticket is sent as a PDF attachment by email after booking confirmation.
  • Transport, boat passage and any photography permit are listed as exclusions.

02Overview

A first look

Philae’s main complex includes the Temple of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan and several Ptolemaic and Roman structures. The site was relocated to Agilkia during the 1970s UNESCO salvage campaign and forms part of the Nubian Monuments World Heritage Site.

Background

The facts

Philae is an ancient temple complex on Agilkia Island in the Nile near Aswan. The site is chiefly associated with the worship of Isis. This entry ticket grants admission to the temple complex, including the Temple of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan and the approach causeway.

The island lies in the Aswan area and visitors generally reach it by boat. The source information does not specify a distance or journey time from Aswan, so check local arrangements before setting out. Transport and the boat journey are not included in this ticket.

Most surviving buildings and reliefs date from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. After the Aswan Low Dam caused seasonal submersion at the original site, an internationally coordinated UNESCO salvage campaign dismantled and moved the monuments to Agilkia in the 1960s and 1970s. Their inscriptions reflect the continued practice of Egyptian religion during Roman rule.

Opening hours and access conditions can vary by season and site authority; check current official information or ask at the entrance. Photography rules may also vary, so confirm them on arrival. The ticket is delivered as a PDF by email after booking confirmation. Print it if you are unsure whether screen display is accepted at the entrance.

Named in this entry

Philae·Agilkia Island·Aswan·The Temple of Isis·Trajan’s Kiosk·Nile·Aswan Low Dam·UNESCO·Ptolemaic Kingdom·Roman Empire·Upper Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits independent visitors, history enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Aswan who want to explore Philae Temple at their own pace. Adults and older children should be comfortable walking over uneven stone and boarding a boat to Agilkia Island.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another visit if you need step-free access or cannot board a boat. This ticket also does not include transport to the site or the boat crossing.

What lingers

  • 01Located on Agilkia Island, Philae Temple is part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • 02Short 10–15-minute motorboat from Aswan corniche; boat transfer and standard entrance ticket included in our day visit.
  • 03Temple complex dedicated to Isis; notable reliefs and the Kiosk of Trajan are reachable along level stone causeways.
  • 04We schedule early-morning crossings to avoid cruise-boat crowds; later visits often coincide with ferry traffic.
  • 05Limited shade and uneven ancient stone underfoot; wear sun protection and sensible shoes for the 45–60 minute visit.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most visitors arrange island access separately from admission. We arrange the entry ticket, while the boat journey to Agilkia Island remains a separate cost.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry to Philae Temple, as stated

Not included

  • Travel to and from Philae Temple
  • Boat crossing to Agilkia Island
  • Professional live commentary, available to book separately
  • Photography permit, if required by the site authority
  • Food and personal costs

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check the site authority’s current hours before travelling, as opening times can change by season.

  2. 02

    Ask at the entrance about photography rules before taking pictures of the reliefs.

  3. 03

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  4. 04

    Allow time to arrange boat passage separately; it is not covered by the entry ticket.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is a standalone entry ticket, with transport to Philae Temple and the boat crossing excluded. Guided commentary is bookable separately; check availability when arranging your visit. Tickets are sent by email as a PDF, so print yours if you are unsure whether a screen copy will be accepted.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Philae Temple fits well into an Aswan stay alongside the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. The ticket covers entry only; reaching Agilkia Island by boat is arranged separately.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • The High Dam at AswanRight here
  • Unfinished ObeliskRight here
  • Nubian MuseumRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation

  2. 02

    Entry arranged for Philae's island temple complex

  3. 03

    Optional guided commentary can be booked separately

·In summary

Philae’s monuments were moved to Agilkia Island during a UNESCO salvage campaign in the 1960s and 1970s. Admission covers the Temple of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan and the approach causeway; the boat journey is not included.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How do I get to Philae Temple from Aswan town?
    You reach Philae Temple by a short motorboat crossing from the Aswan Corniche to Agilkia Island. The boat ride typically takes around 10–15 minutes and departs from the small harbour by the Corniche. Expect a short walk from the island quay to the temple forecourt; paths are compacted and include some steps. We arrange private motorboat crossings rather than large barges to reduce waiting and crowding.
  2. 02What is the best time of day to visit Philae Temple?
    Early morning and late afternoon are the least crowded and have softer light for photography. Midday brings stronger glare and higher temperatures; shade on the island is limited in places. If you travel in high summer we advise the earliest opening slot and a hat, water and sun protection. Unlike cruise-ship shore calls, we can schedule a quieter time of day for this visit.
  3. 03Can you get around Philae Temple in a wheelchair?
    Philae Temple is not fully wheelchair accessible due to boat boarding and ancient thresholds. Boarding the small motorboat requires a step; the island has uneven stone surfaces and temple doorways have steps and narrow thresholds. Visitors with limited mobility can usually be assisted ashore and around the main forecourt, but some inner chambers are inaccessible. Tell us in advance so we can arrange help and the calmest crossing possible.
  4. 04Can I take photographs at Philae Temple and use a drone?
    Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Philae Temple without flash. Tripods, professional equipment or commercial filming usually require prior permission from the authorities. Drone flights over archaeological sites are prohibited without an Egyptian Civil Aviation permit; we do not fly drones on private visits unless full authorisation is obtained. We can advise on permits and local photography rules when you book.
  5. 05How much time should I set aside for a visit to Philae Temple?
    Plan for about 1.5–2 hours including the boat crossing and a relaxed walk around Agilkia Island. A straightforward visit inside the temple complex often takes 60–90 minutes, longer if you read inscriptions or wait for quieter moments. Many guests combine Philae with the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in a half-day itinerary. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, add an hour for coffee at the Corniche afterwards.
  6. 06Are site entrance fees and the boat crossing included in the ticket?
    Standard Egyptian site entrance fees for Philae are included with a Philae Temple attraction ticket unless we state otherwise. The boat crossing is normally covered by the same ticket when sold as a Philae entry; special extras such as sound-and-light shows, private-guided night visits or photography permits cost extra. Tell us which option you want and we will confirm inclusions before booking.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 9 May 2026

Last updated 9 May 2026Product ID: TKT-ASW-832697

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