Luxor is one of the most manageable cities in Egypt for independent travel. The terrain is flat, the main sites are close together, and local transport options are simple. There is no need for a tour bus or organised transfers to reach the core attractions.
Walking and cycling the East Bank
The East Bank runs in a clear linear strip: Luxor train station at the southern end, Luxor Temple a short walk north, and Karnak Temple Complex 3km further along the Corniche or the recently excavated Avenue of Sphinxes. The entire East Bank can be walked, but cycling is faster and far more practical in the heat.
Bicycle hire is available from most guesthouses and several shops near the Corniche, typically at EGP 50–80 per day. The bikes are basic but the roads are flat and traffic is manageable outside of the central market area. Early morning is the best time to ride - before the heat builds and before the main tour groups are in motion.
The Avenue of Sphinxes (the ancient processional road connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak) was fully excavated and opened in 2021. It is walkable end-to-end and provides an atmospheric alternative to the Corniche for the 3km between the two temples.
Crossing to the West Bank
The local ferry is the standard crossing for independent travellers. It departs from a dock near the Mummification Museum on the East Bank Corniche and costs EGP 5–10 per person. Crossings are frequent during daylight hours. The journey takes around 10 minutes.
A tourist motorboat is available at the same area - faster and more comfortable, but costs several times more. Unless you’re in a group splitting the cost, the local ferry is the practical choice.
Cycling the West Bank
Once across, cycling is again the best option. The West Bank road from the ferry dock to the Valley of the Kings is approximately 6km, flat, and well-surfaced. Bicycle hire is available at the West Bank dock. Many independent travellers bring their hired East Bank bicycle on the ferry.
Some travellers hire motor scooters at the West Bank dock for a faster circuit of the sites. This works well if you’re covering multiple West Bank locations in a single day - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu are all within a few kilometres of each other.
Taxis and calèches
Taxis operate throughout Luxor. Negotiate the fare before departure - short trips within town typically run EGP 30–80. No meters, so agreeing on the price first avoids problems.
Calèches (horse-drawn carriages) are a traditional mode of transport in Luxor and still used by visitors for atmosphere. Negotiate the fare before boarding - EGP 50–150 for short trips is typical. They are slower than taxis and the horses are not always in good condition; use your judgement.
Getting to Karnak from Luxor Temple
The 3km between Luxor Temple and Karnak can be covered on foot along the Corniche (riverside road), by bicycle, by taxi, or by walking the Avenue of Sphinxes. The avenue route is the most interesting. Allow 30–40 minutes walking, or 10 minutes by bicycle.
Tuk-tuks and Microbuses
Tuk-tuks (motorised three-wheelers) are increasingly used for short hops around Luxor, particularly on the East Bank. Fares run approximately EGP 15–40 per trip with no meters — agree the price before boarding. They are useful for the gap between walking distance and taxi distance, such as moving between the souk and your guesthouse.
Shared microbuses (Toyota minivans) run fixed routes across the East Bank for EGP 5–10 per seat. They are extremely cheap but require knowing which route covers your destination — routes are not signed in English. Ask at your guesthouse if a specific microbus line serves your area. For most visitors, tuk-tuks or taxis are the practical default; microbuses reward those staying longer and willing to learn the local system.
For a full overview of the city’s sites and how to organise your time, see our Luxor city guide. For arrivals by air or inter-city transfer, a pre-booked airport transfer in Egypt covers the journey from Luxor Airport to your hotel with a fixed price. Guided tours of Luxor are the most efficient way to cover the West Bank sites - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi - with commentary and transport included. For accommodation on the East Bank Corniche or near the train station, search hotels in Luxor on Booking.com.