Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor: 45 Minutes in the Sky

Float above ancient temples and the Nile at sunrise, watching the west bank unfold beneath you.

A hot air balloon ride over Luxor's west bank lasts 45 minutes and departs at sunrise, with hotel pickup, a motorboat transfer across the Nile, and refreshment breakfast beforehand. You'll see the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu from the air, weather permitting. Children from age 6 are welcome. The experience is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon ride and sightseeing

• Pick up from hotel in Luxor
• Transfer to West Bank
• Enjoy refreshment breakfast
• Take motor boat to West Bank
• Transfer to balloon take-off area
• Experience 45-minute hot air balloon ride
• Land and catch pick-up
• Return to hotel
• Pass by Medinet Habu
• Pass by Temple of Hatshepsut

The experience

Your day starts before sunrise with pickup from your Luxor hotel. A representative collects you and drives to the marina on the east bank, where you'll have coffee and tea before boarding a motorboat to cross the Nile to the west bank. Once there, you're transferred to the launch site: the open-air museum where Luxor's temples and tombs sprawl across the desert floor.

The balloon ride itself runs 45 minutes, though weather can shorten or lengthen it. From the basket, you watch the Temple of Hatshepsut rise from the cliffs (its three massive terraces catching the first light), and the sprawl of Medinet Habu below. The Nile curves through the valley. There's no narration or rushing. The scale of what you're seeing does the work. Once you land, a vehicle takes you back to your hotel.

The whole outing takes two to three hours from pickup to return. Confirmation in advance is recommended, though the ride departs daily. Bring a camera. The angle from the basket is one you won't get any other way in Luxor.

What’s included

• 45-minute hot air balloon ride over Luxor's west bank.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle transfer.
• motorboat crossing to the west bank.
• coffee and tea before flight.

Before you book

Lasts 3h–4h, runs every day at 04:30, 05:00 and 05:30, from US$ 91 per person, with a live guide in English and Arabic and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

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 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Sindbad Balloons

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Arabic, so choose this one if you're comfortable following commentary in either language. It suits early risers who want the light and the quiet of sunrise over the crowds that arrive later in the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 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 hot air balloon over Luxor?

The Temple of Hatshepsut dominates the view: its three terraces rise directly from the desert floor into the cliffs. You'll also see Medinet Habu and the broader west bank landscape, with the Nile winding through the valley below.

How early do I need to wake up for the sunrise balloon ride?

Hotel pickup happens before dawn so you reach the launch site in time for the sunrise flight. The exact time depends on the season, but expect to be collected in the dark.

Is the motorboat ride across the Nile included, or do I pay separately?

The motorboat transfer to the west bank is included in the price, along with hotel pickup and breakfast refreshments before you fly.

Can my 7-year-old come on the balloon ride?

Children are welcome from age 6, so your child can join. The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my balloon ride?

The balloon ride duration can vary depending on weather conditions. Confirmation in advance is recommended so you and the operator can plan around the forecast.