Abu Simbel

Africa > Egypt > Abu Simbel (ABS)

The Car or no Car advice for  Abu Simbel can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Abu Simbel ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Abu Simbel ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇪🇬 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 2

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Abu Simbel?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇪🇬 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 4
🚗Do we need a car in Abu Simbel? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Abu Simbel sits on the shore of Lake Nasser, far south of Aswan. The temples of Ramses II and Nefertari are extraordinary, but the settlement itself is tiny and very remote. Most travellers visit on a day trip from Aswan by tour bus or plane. Independent driving is possible, but long desert roads, checkpoints, and convoy timings make it less common. So, should you rent a car in Abu Simbel? The answer depends on whether you’re staying overnight in the village or making the classic round trip from Aswan. Because Abu Simbel is isolated, transport options are limited.

🚶 Why Most Visitors Don’t Need a Car

First of all, the town is very small. You can walk between:

  • Guesthouses

  • The lakeside

  • The temples

Everything sits close together.

➡ In short: no car is needed inside Abu Simbel itself.

🚌 Most Travellers Arrive by Tour Bus or Plane

The standard ways to reach Abu Simbel are:

  • Coach tours from Aswan

  • Minibus group tours

  • Flights from Aswan or Cairo

Tours are simple because they handle checkpoints, timing, and all entrance logistics.

➡ For most visitors, this is the easiest choice.

🚗 Driving to Abu Simbel: Possible but Not Common

You can rent a car in Aswan and drive yourself. The road is long, straight, and safe during daylight. However:

  • You pass several checkpoints

  • You must carry your passport

  • There’s little shade or fuel between towns

  • Most travellers still follow tour schedules

The distance is around 280 km, so you need a very early start.

➡ Driving is possible, but not the typical approach.

🏨 If You Stay Overnight, You Still Don’t Need a Car

The village is quiet and walkable. You can visit:

  • The Great Temple

  • The Small Temple

  • The sound-and-light show

All on foot.

➡ Most overnight stays involve zero driving.

🧭 Quick Decision Table

Your Plan in Abu Simbel Car Needed?
Staying in the village ❌ No
Walking to the temples ❌ No
Flying in from Aswan or Cairo ❌ No
Joining a tour from Aswan ❌ No
Driving the long desert road independently ❔ Optional
Multi-stop trips across deep Nubia ❔ Optional
Full independent desert exploration ✅ Yes

🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Abu Simbel?

  • ❌ Skip the car if you are visiting by tour bus, minibus, or plane, because the village and temple complex are fully walkable.

  • ❔ Consider a car only if you want to drive from Aswan on your own schedule, because independent travel is possible but not necessary.

In the end…

Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s great highlights — and you can enjoy every part of it without ever touching a steering wheel.

🚗Do we need a car in Abu Simbel? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇪🇬 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Abu Simbel?
 overall should you rent a car score 3
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