Egypt Discovery
ExcursionAswan

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan, Day Tour

Fly 40 to 50 minutes each way to visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari with an Egyptologist.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan is a one-day guided excursion to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural
  • Photography
Best for
  • Couples·
  • Solo traveller·
  • Seniors·
  • Groups

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full day
Travel style
Private Tour with a Guide
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Explore 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 from Aswan to Abu Simbel · Private transport transfers in Aswan · Egyptologist guide who speaks English · Standard entrance fees to the Abu Simbel temples · Airport assistance and domestic flight taxes · Bottled water for transfers
Best for
History enthusiasts · Visitors exploring Aswan for the first time · Travellers with limited time · Families with children of school age
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for visiting Abu Simbel, with milder daytime conditions than the May to September heat. Summer visits can be demanding in the sun, so carry water and sun protection. Ramadan and major holidays may affect flight schedules, crowds and service timings; confirm arrangements before travel.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is an Egyptian tour operator with a licence.
  • An Egyptologist who speaks English leads the visit to Abu Simbel.
  • The listed service includes return domestic flights and airport handling.
  • Private transfers are provided between Aswan hotels or Nile cruise berths and Aswan airport.
  • Standard entrance fees for the Abu Simbel temples are included.
  • Meals, gratuities, personal expenses, visas and travel insurance are excluded unless specified at booking.

02Overview

A first look

In the morning light, the sandstone at Abu Simbel shifts from muted ochre to gold, while the temple façades rise sharply from the open desert. Inside the Great Temple of Ramesses II, carved figures and painted details reward a slower look; outside, the sun is strong and shade is scarce. The scale is easier to take in on foot than from a photograph, though the approach and temple floors are not perfectly even.

Our Egyptologist guides you through the Great Temple and the Small Temple of Nefertari, pointing out details that are easy to miss alone. We favour flying over the long road journey from Aswan, leaving more of the day for the site. We arrange the airport handling and transfers, so you can focus on the visit.

Background

The facts

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan is a full-day excursion to the archaeological site of Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. The site stands about 280 km south of Aswan, near Lake Nasser, and contains the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari.

The temples were built in the 13th century BCE during Ramesses II’s reign. At the Great Temple, sunlight reaches the sanctuary in an alignment that occurs twice each year. Both temples were cut into sections and moved in the 1960s to protect them from rising water after construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Abu Simbel forms part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The site is reached from Aswan by road or by domestic flight to Abu Simbel Airport; the flight takes about 40 to 50 minutes, compared with roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way by road.

A flight-based visit includes about two to three hours at the temples, subject to flight and security timings. Site access and visit times can therefore vary with the day’s flight schedule. The temples are visited with an English-speaking Egyptologist; standard entrance fees are included in this excursion.

Named in this entry

Abu Simbel·Ramesses II’s Great Temple·Nefertari’s Smaller Temple·Ramesses II·Nubian Monuments between Abu Simbel and Philae·UNESCO's World Heritage List·Aswan International Airport·Abu Simbel Airport·Lake Nasser·The Aswan High Dam

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This Abu Simbel excursion suits adults, older children and teenagers who want to see the temples without spending most of the day on the road. It is best for history-focused travellers comfortable with an early airport start, a domestic flight and several hours of walking and standing.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a different excursion if you need step-free access or are travelling with a young child who is unlikely to manage an early start. The flight also makes this a poor fit for anyone who prefers to avoid airports or has a very tight schedule in Aswan.

What lingers

  • 01See the Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel
  • 02Visit the Small Temple of Nefertari
  • 03Hear about the temples from an English-speaking Egyptologist
  • 04Spend approximately two to three hours at the temples, depending on flight and security timings
  • 05Visit part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • A 40 to 50-minute flight replaces a 280 km road journey each way.
  • See the Great Temple of Ramesses II and Temple of Nefertari.
  • An Egyptologist explains the temples during the guided visit.
  • Allow around two to three hours at the temples, subject to timings.
  • Visit part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments, inscribed in 1979.

Things to Consider

  • Early readiness, usually 90 to 120 minutes before the flight.
  • Flight and security timings can affect time at the temples.
  • Steps, sand and uneven ground make strollers impractical.
  • Little shade can make walking difficult in the summer heat.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most road-based same-day visits spend roughly 3.5 to 4 hours travelling each way between Aswan and Abu Simbel. We favour the flight option, which takes about 40 to 50 minutes each way and generally allows more time at the temples.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

Bundled in

  • Domestic flights
  • Private transfer
  • Hotel pickup
  • Airport transfer
  • All entry tickets
  • Private Egyptologist

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Return flights from Aswan (ASW) to Abu Simbel (ABS)
  • Private return transfers from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise berth to Aswan airport
  • Abu Simbel guide who speaks English and is an Egyptologist
  • Standard entry to the Abu Simbel temples
  • Airport assistance and domestic flight taxes
  • Bottled water for transfers
  • Services arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator

Not included

  • Lunch and other meals, unless included in your booking
  • Gratuities for the guide, driver and airport staff
  • Personal spending, optional extras and souvenir purchases
  • Passports, visas and travel insurance
  • Premium access fees not listed among the inclusions

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Be ready 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled domestic flight, as airport arrival timing is part of the day’s plan.

  2. 02

    Carry sun protection and water for the open areas around the temples; midday shade is limited.

  3. 03

    Wear comfortable shoes with grip for walking on uneven stone around the temple complex.

  4. 04

    Keep your passport accessible for domestic flight checks and carry a copy of your flight details.

Tailor it

Make it yours

A private arrangement or shared departure may be available, depending on the date. Pickup can usually be adjusted for Aswan hotels or Nile cruise berths in the area. You can ask about meal arrangements or a longer Aswan itinerary including Philae Temple or the High Dam.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This excursion fits between time in Aswan and a Nile cruise or onward travel to Cairo. Flying avoids the roughly 280 km road journey each way, though flight schedules limit how long you can spend at the temples.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children must be at least 5 years old for the flight and site visit. Child fares may apply for ages 5 to 11; travellers aged 12 and over are charged adult fares. Check the booking details for the applicable age bands and prices. Strollers are generally impractical on the steps and compacted gravel at Abu Simbel. For very young children, a baby carrier is more useful. Tell us the children’s ages when booking so we can check seat arrangements and any child discount.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel lobby or Nile cruise gangway (Aswan)Map

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

On the ground

Your route

1Aswan2Abu Simbel

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Nefertari’s Smaller Temple5 min walk
  • Lake NasserRight here
  • Philae Temple8 km
  • The Aswan High Dam17 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Fly 40 to 50 minutes instead of driving for hours

  2. 02

    See both temples accompanied by an English-speaking Egyptologist

  3. 03

    Allow around two to three hours at Abu Simbel

·In summary

The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari are about 280 km south of Aswan, near Lake Nasser. The flight from Aswan takes about 40 to 50 minutes, while the road journey takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long does the Abu Simbel day trip by plane from Aswan take?
    The Abu Simbel excursion takes a full day, usually from early morning until the afternoon. The exact schedule depends on the domestic flight times and airport procedures. You spend around two to three hours at the temples, subject to flight and security timings.
  2. 02What time is pickup for the Abu Simbel flight tour?
    Pickup is usually arranged for 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled flight from Aswan International Airport. We collect guests from Aswan-area hotels or Nile cruise berths, then confirm the precise time against the flight schedule. Please be ready at the agreed meeting point.
  3. 03What is included in the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
    Included in the tour are return domestic flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel, private transfers to and from the airport, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide and standard temple admission. Airport assistance, domestic flight taxes and bottled water during transfers are included too.
  4. 04What is excluded from the Abu Simbel by Plane tour?
    Lunch, other meals unless confirmed at booking, gratuities, personal spending and souvenir purchases are not included. Passports, visas and travel insurance are your responsibility. Premium access fees are also excluded unless specifically listed among your inclusions.
  5. 05Is the Abu Simbel tour by plane accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
    The visit involves walking around the temple site on uneven ancient surfaces, as well as moving through airport terminals. Private transfers do not remove these walking demands. Contact us before booking with details of your mobility needs so we can check what assistance may be possible.
  6. 06Can children join the Abu Simbel by Plane day tour?
    Children can join the excursion, but consider the early start, airport procedures and walking in strong sun when deciding whether it suits your family. Bring any child travel documents required for domestic flights. Ask us to check the flight arrangements for your chosen date.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring to Abu Simbel?
    Wear comfortable shoes with a firm sole, light clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses; bring sunscreen and personal medication. Shade is limited around the temples, so carry water for the visit. Modest clothing is a considerate choice at the temple site.
  8. 08Can I take photographs inside the Abu Simbel temples?
    Photography is generally permitted at Abu Simbel, but flash may be restricted inside the temples. Rules can vary by area and may change, so follow signs and your Egyptologist's guidance. Check locally before using video equipment, as separate restrictions or charges may apply.
  9. 09What time of year is best for visiting Abu Simbel from Aswan?
    The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for visiting Abu Simbel. Summer temperatures can be high, and shade at the site is limited. The flight reduces the long road journey, but it does not remove the heat during the temple visit.
  10. 10Why fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel instead of travelling by road?
    The flight takes about 40 to 50 minutes each way, while Abu Simbel is roughly 280 km south of Aswan by road. Driving takes about three and a half to four hours each way, leaving less time at the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 19 July 2026

Last updated 19 July 2026Product ID: EXC-ASW-397089

You Might Also Like

Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day TourAswan

1 Days

Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day Tour

This private day tour visits the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island and the Unfinished Obelisk quarry. Philae is part of the 'Nubian Monuments' UNESCO World Heritage Site; the temple was relocated to Agilkia during 1972–1980. The Unfinished Obelisk was intended to reach about 42 metres and would have weighed roughly 1,200 tonnes. We don't run group-bus tours; the visit is by private car, with a short motorboat transfer and one of our Egyptologists. Unlike quick cruise-boat calls, our schedule allows more time ashore to inspect inscriptions and quarrying marks. Standard site fees, motorboat crossing and transfers are included; gratuities are not. Expect limited shade on Agilkia Island, strong sun at midday and uneven ancient stone underfoot. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

From £150

Fly from Aswan to Cairo for the Day, Privately Guided: Pyramids and Grand Egyptian MuseumAswan

Fly from Aswan to Cairo for the Day, Privately Guided: Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum

Fly from Aswan to Cairo and back in a single day. You see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, have lunch, then spend the afternoon in the Grand Egyptian Museum, with a private Egyptologist guide and car in Cairo. Return flights are included and are confirmed once we have checked seats for your date.

From £642

Private Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples Day Trip from AswanAswan

Private Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples Day Trip from Aswan

A private day's drive north from Aswan, returning the same evening. You visit the double temple of Sobek and Horus at Kom Ombo and its crocodile museum, then the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. You have an Egyptologist guide, your own car and lunch, and you are back in Aswan by about 16:00.

From £79