Egypt Discovery
AttractionLuxor

Luxor Temple (East Bank, Luxor)

Admission to Luxor Temple’s forecourt, colonnaded court and visitor-accessible inner sanctuaries; opening hours vary seasonally, so check before visiting.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Luxor Temple Entry Ticket grants admission to the temple precinct in Luxor, including visitor-accessible areas, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Open seasonally varying hours
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Luxor Temple
Includes
Entry to Luxor Temple · Access to the forecourt · Access to the colonnaded central court · Access to visitor-open inner sanctuary areas · Views of monuments attributed to Amenhotep III and Ramesses II
Best for
Independent visitors · Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Architecture enthusiasts · Visitors staying in Luxor

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for daytime visits, with typical daytime temperatures around 22–32°C; May to September can exceed 35°C, so early morning or late afternoon is preferable. Visitor numbers can rise during peak holiday periods, and Ramadan or major Egyptian holidays may affect site routines, so check current opening hours before setting out.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The listed ticket inclusion is entry to the site; transport and professional Egyptologist services are excluded.

02Overview

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 an ancient Egyptian temple complex on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor. Its major construction began under Amenhotep III in the 14th century BCE. An entry ticket provides admission to the temple precinct, including areas open to visitors under site restrictions.

The complex lies within the modern city centre and is within walking distance of Karnak Temple along the Avenue of Sphinxes. The precinct includes a forecourt, a colonnaded court and inner sanctuary areas. The seated colossi of Ramesses II stand near the entrance.

Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramesses II and Ramesses III also contributed to the complex. Luxor Temple forms part of ancient Thebes, a UNESCO World Heritage property that includes Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. The mosque of Abu al-Hajjaj is built within the temple complex.

Access is through the main entrance. Opening hours and last admission vary seasonally, so check the official site before travelling. Photography rules may vary and should be confirmed at the entrance. Tickets are sent by email as a PDF; check whether a printed copy is required and print it if unsure.

Named in this entry

Luxor Temple·Amenhotep III·Tutankhamun·Horemheb·Ramesses II·Ramesses III·The Avenue of Sphinxes·Karnak Temple·Thebes·UNESCO World Heritage·Valley of the Kings·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Abu al-Hajjaj Mosque

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits independent visitors, history enthusiasts and short-stay travellers who want to explore Luxor Temple at their own pace. It is best for adults and older children who are comfortable walking over uneven stone and through busy areas.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another visit if you need step-free access throughout or prefer a structured, guided experience. Midday heat and limited shade can also make an unhurried visit uncomfortable in summer.

What lingers

  • 01Luxor Temple (east bank, central Luxor) mainly built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II; part of Ancient Thebes UNESCO site.
  • 02Illuminated nightly; most visitors prefer visits after 17:00 when temperatures drop and relief carvings are easier to see.
  • 03Connected to Karnak Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes – a 2.7 km processional route between the two temple complexes.
  • 04Unlike cruise timetables, we schedule private guided visits with one of our Egyptologists, allowing 60–90 minutes.
  • 05Limited shade and uneven ancient stone underfoot; wear sturdy shoes and expect an early or evening visit to avoid midday heat.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most site tickets provide admission without a personal Egyptologist; this entry ticket is for self-guided access. Unlike a guided visit, transport and professional Egyptologist services are not included.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket to Luxor Temple

Not included

  • Professional site interpretation, book separately if required
  • Travel to and from Luxor Temple
  • Meals and personal spending
  • Photography permits or special-access fees, if applicable
  • A printed ticket, if the venue does not accept tickets displayed on a screen

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check seasonal opening hours and last admission on the official site shortly before your visit.

  2. 02

    Arrive early to allow time for the entrance check and to explore before the hottest part of the day.

  3. 03

    Ask at the entrance about current photography rules and any permit requirements.

  4. 04

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

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is an admission ticket, not a guided visit; transport, meals and any professional guide service are not included. No ticket upgrades or add-ons are specified, so check separately for any audio guide, photography permit or special-access fees you may need.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Luxor Temple fits naturally into a stay in Luxor, alongside Karnak Temple and the Luxor Museum. Its central east-bank location also makes it a practical visit before or after exploring the Avenue of Sphinxes.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • The Avenue of SphinxesRight here
  • Luxor Museum15 min walk
  • Mummification Museum8 min walk
  • Karnak Temple3 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation

  2. 02

    Admission arranged for Luxor's east-bank temple precinct

  3. 03

    Access includes visitor-open inner sanctuary areas

·In summary

Luxor Temple’s principal construction began under Amenhotep III in the 14th century BCE, with later additions by several rulers. The complex stands in central Luxor and is within walking distance of Karnak Temple along the Avenue of Sphinxes.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01When can visitors enter 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.
  2. 02Do 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.
  3. 03Can 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.
  4. 04Is 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.
  5. 05Can visitors access Luxor Temple in a wheelchair?
    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.
  6. 06What clothing is suitable for a visit to 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.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-LUX-588462

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