Aswan to Abu Simbel Day Trip by Car with Local Driver

Summary

Private Transfer & Nubian Culture Experience

You’ll travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel by private car with a local driver who knows every shortcut and story along the way. See ancient temples up close and meet real people in a Nubian Village—this isn’t just another day trip; it feels personal.

What’s the experience like?

It’s still dark when we meet our driver outside the hotel—4:00 AM sharp. The city’s quiet, just a few street cats and the soft hum of our van’s engine. If you’re staying on Elephantine Island or the West Bank, you’ll need a quick motorboat ride first; it’s kind of fun crossing the river before sunrise. Our driver handles all the paperwork with the tourism police, so there’s no stress about permits or checkpoints.

The road south is long but peaceful. I remember watching the desert shift colors as dawn crept in—first cool blue, then gold. Every so often, you catch a glimpse of the Nile snaking alongside us. After about three and a half hours, we pull up at Abu Simbel. You get two hours here; honestly, it flies by. Standing in front of those massive temples, carved right into the rock—it’s hard not to feel tiny. Our driver gave us tips on where to snap good photos without crowds.

On the way back to Aswan, we stopped at a Nubian Village on the west side. There’s this smell of fresh bread in the air and kids waving as we walked through narrow lanes painted bright blue and yellow. It’s not just sightseeing—you actually get a sense of daily life here. By late afternoon, we’re back on Aswan’s East Bank, tired but glad we didn’t miss any of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan to Abu Simbel and Nubian Village

• Pickup at 04:00 AM
• Drive to Abu Simbel
• Visit Abu Simbel temples
• Drive back to Aswan East Bank
• Visit Nubian Village
• End of service

Top questions

How early is pickup for this trip?

Pickup is at 4:00 AM so you can reach Abu Simbel before it gets crowded or too hot.

Do I need to arrange my own boat if I’m staying on Elephantine Island?

Yes, if your hotel is on Elephantine or West Aswan, you’ll need to take a motorboat across to meet your driver on the East Bank.

How much time do we spend at Abu Simbel?

You’ll have about two hours to explore both temples and take photos.

Is visiting the Nubian Village included?

Yes, after returning from Abu Simbel you’ll visit a famous Nubian Village on Aswan’s west side.

What’s included

Your private air-conditioned van with local driver covers all transfers between Aswan and Abu Simbel—including pickup and drop-off at your hotel (East Bank). Tourism police paperwork is sorted for you. If you’re staying on an island or West Bank, just arrange your own short boat ride over—the rest is handled!