Staying overnight at Abu Simbel
Most visitors see Abu Simbel on a day trip. The alternative is a night in the small town beside the temples. The usual plan is simple: arrive in the afternoon, go to the evening sound and light show and visit the temples the next morning. That avoids the 04:00 pickup of the day trip, which otherwise runs 12 to 14 hours by private car from Aswan. If you prefer the day trip, see the Abu Simbel tours from Aswan.
Lodging is available on the road that leads to the temples, and a walk to the site is possible from there. Not every place in town is within walking distance, so check the location when you book. Room prices change by season and by property, so compare current prices for your dates.
Our pick: a night in Abu Simbel
Two days with an overnight stay in Abu Simbel, dinner and a felucca ride.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Abu Simbel tours and overnight options
Compare day trips, flights and longer programs, with live prices and availability.
The sound and light show
An evening show at the temples, with conditions.
Times
Shows run at 20:00 and 21:00 each day, in all languages. Times can change, so confirm the time locally on the day.
Prices
A regular ticket is $20 and a ticket for children aged 6 to 12 is $11.
Minimum numbers
The first show runs with at least 50 Egyptian guests or 10 foreign guests. A second show takes place only when the first is overbooked and at least 10 tourists are present. Do not count on two shows every night.
How a night at Abu Simbel works
One possible plan.
This is a typical order, not a guarantee that it fits every transfer.
- Arrive in the afternoon, by road from Aswan (about 3.5 hours each way) or by flight (40 to 45 minutes scheduled).
- Check in.
- Attend the evening show if enough guests have booked.
- Visit the temples the next morning from 06:00. Entry for foreign adults is EGP 750 on a normal day.
Whether a day trip leaves enough time for the evening show depends on its return time. Check this with the organizer before you book.
Overnight stay or day trip?
The main differences.
| Overnight at Abu Simbel | Day trip from Aswan | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Arrival in the afternoon | Pickup around 04:00 |
| Time on the road | About 3.5 hours each way by road, or a short flight | 12 to 14 hours in total by private car |
| Sound and light show | Possible in the evening | – |
| Temple visit | From 06:00 the next morning | The same morning, after the drive |
| Cost | Room price plus show at $20 | Tour price; group bus from $130 per person (2026 offer) |
For most visitors, the day trip is the simplest. An overnight stay suits those who want the show, a slower morning and time at the temples without the long drive on the same day. Around the Sun Festival dates, 22 February and 22 October, plan your room early.
What to check when you book a room
Four points before you pay.
Location
Ask whether the property is on the road to the temples and how far the walk is.
Arrival time
Plan to arrive in the afternoon if you want the show. Check the show time on the day.
Show tickets
The show needs minimum numbers of guests. Ask the property or your organizer whether it is running on your night.
Transport onward
Decide the next morning how you leave, by road or by flight. See flights to Abu Simbel for the air option.
Other places to stay nearby
Aswan and the lake.
Aswan has a far larger choice of rooms and works as a base for the day trip. The accommodation options are covered by Nubian Village. You can also sleep on board: a Lake Nasser cruise includes the nights in the price. For what to do in the city, see Aswan.
Abu Simbel hotels: frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight at Abu Simbel?
Yes. A common plan is to arrive in the afternoon, see the show in the evening and visit the temples the next morning.
Can I walk from my hotel to the temples?
There is lodging on the road to the temples, and a walk is possible from there. Not every place in town is walkable, so check the location.
What time is the sound and light show?
Shows run at 20:00 and 21:00 daily. Times can change, so confirm locally.
How much does the show cost?
$20 for a regular ticket and $11 for children aged 6 to 12, in 2026.
Does the show always take place?
The first show needs at least 50 Egyptian or 10 foreign guests. A second show runs only if the first is overbooked and at least 10 tourists attend.
Is this the official Abu Simbel site or a hotel?
No. This is an independent guide, not run by the ministry, an antiquities authority, a tour operator or a hotel.