Hot Air Balloon Ride Luxor: See Ancient Temples from the Sky

Rise above Luxor's temples and tombs as the sun breaks over the desert.

A hot air balloon flight over Luxor launches at sunrise, giving you an hour aloft to see Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile River from above. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus, a motorboat transfer to the West Bank, a light breakfast after landing, and a flight certificate. A live English-speaking guide accompanies the experience. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunrise hot air balloon flight in Luxor

• Pickup from Luxor hotel
• Enjoy light breakfast
• Soar above Luxor at sunrise
• View Karnak and Luxor temples
• See Nile River from air
• Fly over Valley of the Kings and Queens
• Descend and have breakfast in countryside
• Return to hotel

The experience

The balloon lifts off at dawn, when the desert light is clearest and the ancient monuments cast long shadows across the sand. From the basket, you watch Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple emerge in the morning glow, the Nile shimmering below, and the Valley of the Kings unfold in detail as the sun rises higher. The flight lasts about an hour, drifting on the breeze without engine noise. The only sound is wind and the occasional call of the burner. Most departures include a motorboat ride to the West Bank as part of the transfer, though some options skip this leg.

After you descend, breakfast waits in the Egyptian countryside: a moment to sit with what you've just seen and collect yourself before the drive back. The operator has run this flight for over 30 years with no accidents and holds a 5-star rating as Luxor's top-ranked balloon ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. The air-conditioned bus handles the ride to the launch site and back to your hotel or port.

Four options let you choose the experience that fits your schedule. The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Trip is the standard departure; the Private Balloon Basket offers a VIP experience with exclusive basket access; the Sunrise Trip with VIP Services bundles both; and the Balloon Trip After Sunrise launches later in the morning if an early start doesn't suit you. A flight certificate commemorates the journey.

What’s included

• Hot air balloon flight for about an hour.
• hotel or port pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus.
• motorboat transfer to the West Bank (on most departures).
• light breakfast after landing.
• live tour commentary in English.
• flight certificate.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

4 options

Balloon trip following sunriseGuide in English · 05:30Trip after Sunrise: Sleep in, there's no need to wake early, as your flight takes off after sunrise. Duration: 50 minutes of flying in the sky, plus around 90 minutes for pickup and drop-off. Breakfast: tea and coffee served with cake. Pickup is included.

Hot air balloon trip at sunriseGuide in English · 04:30Sunrise Balloon Trip: Enjoy watching the sunrise from the sky. Duration: 45 minutes of flying in the sky, plus around 90 minutes for pickup and drop-off. Breakfast: tea and coffee served with cake; includes pickup and drop-off. Pickup is included.

Sunrise trip featuring VIP servicesGuide in English · 04:30VIP Balloon Trip: • Enjoy a sunrise balloon trip with premium service. • Private guide during the trip. • Private car. • Private boat. Duration: 45 minutes of flying in the sky. Special breakfast: • Espresso, cappuccino or English tea. • Served with a French croissant. • Snacks and fruit after the trip. Why choose VIP services: Save your valuable time on a premium balloon ride, so you don't waste time with a private car service and a private guide. Pickup is included.

VIP Private Balloon BasketGuide in English · 05:00For a completely private flight, book your own balloon basket so you won't share the ride with strangers. Private Balloon Basket - VIP: • Enjoy a private balloon basket trip with VIP service. • Private guide during the trip • Private car • Private boat. Duration: 45 minutes of flying in the sky AFTER SUNRISE; pickup and drop-off take around 90 minutes in addition to the 45-minute flight. Special breakfast: • Espresso, cappuccino or English tea. • Served with a French croissant. • Snacks and fruit after the trip. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30, 05:00 and 05:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Egypt Tours Travel

Is this one for you?Book the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Trip if you want the clearest light and the most dramatic view of the temples; choose the Private Balloon Basket for exclusive basket access and a smaller group; pick the later-morning Balloon Trip After Sunrise if an early start doesn't work for your schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 9 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually see from the balloon over Luxor?

Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple appear in the early light, the Nile River winds below, and the Valley of the Kings reveals its layout and detail as the sun rises. The flight lasts about an hour, giving you time to photograph and absorb the scale of these monuments from a perspective most visitors never get.

How does the West Bank motorboat transfer work?

Most departures include a motorboat ride to the West Bank as part of the journey to and from the balloon launch site. Some options do not include this leg, so confirm which one you're booking if the boat transfer matters to you.

What time does the balloon launch?

Sunrise launches are the standard, timed to catch the temples in early light. A later-morning option is also available if you prefer to skip the pre-dawn start.

Is breakfast included after the flight?

Yes, a light breakfast is served in the Egyptian countryside after you land, giving you time to rest and reflect before the return transfer to your hotel or port.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the balloon site?

No. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus are included, so you don't need to organize a separate ride.