East Bank or West Bank
Luxor is the site of ancient Thebes. The river divides it into two halves. Karnak and Luxor Temple stand on the East Bank. The Theban necropolises and mortuary temples are on the West Bank.
Neither bank is simply better. Which one suits you depends on what you plan to see and when you start. Statements such as "quieter" or "always cheaper" do not hold for every hotel on a bank, so compare the individual hotel and its location instead. This guide has no hotel names and no rates. It explains how the choice of bank affects your days.
What each bank puts within reach
Adult ticket prices for foreign visitors in 2026, in Egyptian pounds (EGP), and opening hours.
| Site | Bank | Adult ticket | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnak | East | 600 EGP | 06:00–17:00, last entry 16:00 |
| Luxor Temple | East | 500 EGP | 06:00–20:00, last entry 19:00 |
| Valley of the Kings | West | 750 EGP | 06:00–17:00 |
| Hatshepsut Temple | West | 440 EGP | 06:00–17:00 |
| Medinet Habu | West | 220–230 EGP | 06:00–17:00 |
| Ramesseum | West | 220 EGP | 06:00–17:00 |
| Colossi of Memnon | West | Free to view from the road | – |
Student tickets cost half. Tombs in the Valley of the Kings, such as Tutankhamun's, have extra tickets. See the Valley of the Kings guide for those prices.
Luxor tours from either bank
East Bank temples, West Bank tombs and day trips with live prices, durations and availability.
Staying on the East Bank
The East Bank holds Karnak and Luxor Temple. A hotel here suits you if your days center on these two temples, or if you like to visit in the evening. Luxor Temple stays open until 20:00, and the Karnak sound and light show runs at 20:00 and 21:00, though the schedule can change.
The public ferry to the West Bank leaves from the pier in front of Luxor Temple, according to a tourism brochure. Guides disagree about the exact pier, so ask your hotel which one is in use.
Staying on the West Bank
The West Bank holds the Valley of the Kings, the Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. A hotel here suits you if you want to start at the tombs when they open at 06:00. Balloons rise over the West Bank at dawn, so you can see them from this side. Ask your balloon operator whether the pickup covers your hotel.
You will cross the river for Karnak and Luxor Temple. Plan the crossing time into your day. The bridge lies about 12 km south of the city, and the ferry runs from 06:00 to 23:00 according to the brochure. Check the current times locally.
The Winter Palace and other options
One famous hotel is not available, and a cruise ship can be your hotel.
Winter Palace
The operator announced on 11 February 2026 that the Winter Palace would close in early 2026 for a full restoration. Reopening is planned for July 2027 as the Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor. That is a planned date, not an opening. Do not count on a room there for a trip before then.
Staying on a Nile cruise ship
If you sail from Luxor to Aswan, the ship is your hotel for several nights. One operator sells Luxor to Aswan in 4 nights and 5 days and lists East and West Bank sightseeing in Luxor. Entrance fees to sights may not be part of the cabin price, so ask. See our Nile cruise guide.
Room rates
Rates change with the season and the date, so compare directly with the hotel for your nights.
Staying put or splitting the stay
If you stay more than a few nights, one base is usually enough because the ferry and bridge connect the two banks. Pick the bank that holds the sights you want to see first.
Questions to ask any Luxor hotel
These matter more than the bank for many travelers.
How do I get to the ferry or bridge?
Ask for the walking or driving route to the pier and how long it takes at 06:00.
Can you arrange an early start?
Many sites open at 06:00 and balloon pickups are earlier still. Ask about early breakfast or a packed one.
What is included in the price?
Check breakfast, airport or station transfers and taxes in the total before you pay.
Is it quiet at night?
Ask about the room's position and the street it faces.
Plan the rest of your trip
Once you know where you will sleep, plan how you will get there and when.
Where to stay in Luxor: frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay on the East Bank or the West Bank?
It depends on your plans. The East Bank holds Karnak and Luxor Temple, the West Bank the tombs and mortuary temples. Pick the bank with the sights you will visit most, and remember that a ferry and a bridge connect the two.
How do I cross the Nile to the West Bank?
A tourism brochure lists a public ferry between the pier in front of Luxor Temple and the West Bank, running from 06:00 to 23:00. There is also a bridge about 12 km south of the city. Check the current ferry times locally.
Can I stay at the Winter Palace?
Not at the moment. The operator announced a closure in early 2026 for a full restoration, with reopening planned for July 2027 as the Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor. A planned date can change.
Should I stay on a Nile cruise instead?
A cruise from Luxor to Aswan replaces several hotel nights and includes the ship's route. Sightseeing may cost extra, so check what the fare covers.
Which bank is better for the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings is on the West Bank and opens at 06:00. A West Bank hotel shortens the trip in the morning, but you can also reach it from the East Bank by crossing the river.