Abu Simbel Airport serves the omonimous archaeological site, one of Egypt's most famous, featuring the two large temples carved into rock built by Ramses II, approximately 280 km south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan.
It is a small but frequently visited airport, as most visitors reach the site by direct flight from Aswan or Cairo rather than by road.
How to get to Abu Simbel Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ABS
Parking near Abu Simbel Airport
Not far from the terminal is a parking lot of modest dimensions.
It is not staffed; rates are generally symbolic, consistent with the airport's limited traffic.
How to get to Abu Simbel from ABS
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Abu Simbel Airport
Car rental is not generally available at the airport: nearly all visitors arrive by flight for a day visit, without need for private transportation.
Hotels near Abu Simbel Airport
The village of Abu Simbel
5-10 minutes from the airport, a direct road to the village and the temples; there is no public transport alternative.
Best for: Travelers who want to see the temples at dawn or under the evening illumination, without the schedule of the organized coach tour from Aswan.
- Temples, village and airport all just minutes from one another
- No traffic: you get around on foot or with short car rides
- The village has few services beyond the hotels themselves
- Most visitors arrive and leave the same day: in the evening there is little activity outside the hotels
Recommended hotels
- Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort On the shores of Lake Nasser, about 1.2 km from the temples; 142 rooms on two floors with two outdoor pools. View availability
- Eskaleh Eco-Lodge A Nubian-style lodge built from Nile mud bricks by musician Fikry El Kashef; on Lake Nasser, about 2 km from the temples and less than 10 minutes on foot from the airport. View availability
- Retac Abu Simbel Nefertari Hotel A recently opened property 5 minutes on foot from the temples, with an internal golf-cart shuttle and an infinity pool overlooking the lake. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is very small, consistent with its role as a hub dedicated almost exclusively to tourism to the temples.
It's best not to take chances: 1-1.5 hours before your flight is the safest choice.
Map of Abu Simbel Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you get to Abu Simbel?
Most visitors arrive with a direct flight from Aswan (about 30 minutes) or from Cairo, often as part of a day excursion; a road transfer from Aswan is also possible, about 3-4 hours.
Q. Why are the Abu Simbel temples famous?
For the two enormous rock-cut facades built by Ramesses II, relocated in the 1960s in an international UNESCO campaign to save them from the waters of the Aswan Dam.
Q. Is it worth staying overnight in Abu Simbel?
Only for those who want to see the temples at sunrise before the day-trip groups arrive; most visitors stay overnight in Aswan and visit Abu Simbel as a day excursion.
Q. Does Abu Simbel airport have many facilities?
No, it's a very small airport dedicated almost exclusively to tourism towards the temples, with only essential services.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights