Dendera Temple at a glance
Dendera was a cult center of the goddess Hathor. The site lies in Qena governorate, outside Luxor, and the temple that survives dates from the Ptolemaic period. Astronomical scenes decorate its ceilings.
Dendera is an outing from the city, so decide on transport first. A tour provider gives the distance from Luxor as about 75 km, or roughly 1.5 hours by road. The real time depends on the route, any checkpoints on the way and where your hotel is. Many visitors combine Dendera with Abydos in one long day, which is covered below.
Dendera tickets and hours in 2026
Prices for foreign visitors in Egyptian pounds (EGP), without a guide or transport.
| Ticket | Adult | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Standard entry | 300 EGP | 150 EGP |
| Panorama add-on | 100 EGP | 100 EGP |
| Serdab and catacombs add-on | 100 EGP | 100 EGP |
If you buy the standard ticket and both add-ons, an adult pays 500 EGP and a student pays 350 EGP. Children under 6 enter free. Students need a valid student ID and must be 24 or younger. Visa and Mastercard are accepted on the ticket portal and at the ticket offices.
The ministry lists Dendera as open daily from 07:00 to 17:00. The ticket portal gives 07:00 as the start and 16:00 as the last entry in both summer and winter. Plan to arrive well before 16:00. Online tickets cannot be refunded or replaced if lost, so check the date before you pay.
Our picks: Dendera
A trip with a felucca ride or a long day with Abydos.
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.
Day trip to Dendera and Abydos
A private Egyptologist, an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, water and entry to the listed sites are included. Tips are not.
Check availability →
Dendera Temple with lunch and a felucca ride
Dendera entry, a private car, an English-speaking guide, lunch in Luxor and a felucca ride are included. West Bank pickup costs $5 per person extra.
Check availability →Dendera and Luxor day trips
Guided day trips from Luxor to Dendera, often combined with Abydos, and other temple visits with live prices and availability.
Parking at Dendera
Parking is a fee per vehicle, charged on top of the entrance tickets. It is not a price per visitor. If you hire a taxi or a car for the day, ask the driver whether the fee is already in the price.
| Vehicle | Parking fee |
|---|---|
| Car or taxi | 25 EGP |
| Microbus | 50 EGP |
| Coaster | 75 EGP |
| Bus | 100 EGP |
Personal, non-commercial photos are allowed at archaeological sites, and inside you should switch the flash off. Professional lighting or setup equipment needs a permit.
Day trip to Dendera and Abydos
One Luxor operator sells a private day trip that combines both temples. These are its prices per person as listed on 11 October 2026.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | 295 USD |
| 2 travelers | 175 USD |
| 3 travelers | 170 USD |
| 4 or more travelers | 160 USD |
What is included
The operator says standard entrance fees are included, while optional special access costs extra. Holiday surcharges are listed separately. Transport is private and an Egyptologist travels with you.
Driving time
The operator estimates 5 to 6 hours of driving in total. Dendera is about 75 km (1.5 hours) from Luxor and Abydos about 170 km (3 hours). Both are planning figures.
Children
On this trip, children under 6 travel free and children aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50 percent. From age 12 the adult price applies. This is the operator's rule, not the ticket rule of the temples.
Abydos
The tour includes the temple of Seti I at Abydos. The ticket portal lists Abydos at 260 EGP for adults and 130 EGP for students, opening at 07:00 with the last entry at 16:00 in summer and winter.
Tips for visiting Dendera
Small decisions that make the day easier.
Start early
The gates open at 07:00. Summer highs in Luxor average about 106°F (41°C), so the first hours are the most comfortable. Our Luxor weather guide has the monthly figures.
Check the timing of the road
Journey times depend on checkpoints and traffic. Ask your driver or operator for the pickup time, and check the current rules for your route before you set off.
Pair it with a rest day
A day on the road is tiring. Put it between sightseeing days in the city, such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, instead of straight after an early balloon flight.
Carry cash and a card
Cards work for tickets. Small expenses on the road, such as drinks or tips, are usually paid in Egyptian pounds.
Plan the rest of your trip
Dendera fits around the main Luxor sights.
Dendera Temple: frequently asked questions
How much is a Dendera ticket in 2026?
The standard ticket costs 300 EGP for adult foreign visitors and 150 EGP for students. The Panorama add-on and the Serdab and catacombs add-on each cost an extra 100 EGP, for adults and students alike.
What are the opening hours?
The ministry lists daily opening from 07:00 to 17:00. The ticket portal gives 16:00 as the last entry in summer and winter, so arrive before then.
How far is Dendera from Luxor?
A tour provider gives about 75 km and 1.5 hours by road. The time varies with the route, checkpoints and your starting point.
Can I see Dendera and Abydos in one day?
Yes, a private day trip combines the two. Total driving is estimated at 5 to 6 hours, and prices start at 160 USD per person for groups of four or more, based on the operator's list of 11 October 2026.
Is parking included in the ticket?
No. Parking is a separate fee per vehicle: 25 EGP for a car or taxi, 50 EGP for a microbus, 75 EGP for a coaster and 100 EGP for a bus.
Do children get a discount?
Children under 6 enter free. Students with a valid ID, aged 24 or younger, pay the student price. Day-trip operators set their own child rates.