- DurationApprox. 3–4 hours (about 45 minutes in the air)
- Tour typeShared tour
- StartsPickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, around 04:00–05:00
- PriceFrom $75 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
A Luxor hot air balloon ride is the calmest way to see the West Bank: you lift off just before sunrise and drift over sugar-cane fields, mud-brick villages and the desert edge, with Hatshepsut Temple, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon below and the Nile shining to the east. On a clear morning dozens of balloons rise together, which makes for remarkable photographs.
We book you with a licensed Luxor balloon operator. The flight itself lasts about 45 minutes, although the wind decides the exact route and landing spot. The whole outing takes three to four hours, starting with a very early pickup, so most guests are back at their hotel by about 08:30 with the rest of the day free. Baskets are shared with other passengers; private baskets can be quoted on request.
Highlights
- Sunrise flight over Luxor’s West Bank, about 45 minutes in the air
- Views of Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the Theban hills
- Licensed balloon operator and experienced pilot
- Hotel pickup, Nile crossing and tea or coffee before take-off
- Flight certificate after landing
- Back at your hotel in time for breakfast
Itinerary
04:00 – Pickup in Luxor
A driver collects you from your hotel or Nile cruise boat; exact times change with the season and sunrise. Guests on the East Bank cross the Nile by motorboat or drive over the bridge to the launch site on the West Bank. Dress in layers, because winter mornings can be cold.
05:00 – Tea and safety briefing
At the launch field you have tea or coffee while the crew fills the balloons with hot air, a spectacular sight in the dark. The pilot gives a safety briefing, including how to stand during landing, before you climb into the basket, which is divided into compartments.
05:30 – Sunrise flight
The balloon rises gently as the sun comes up over the eastern hills. For around 45 minutes you float above the West Bank, with views of Hatshepsut Temple in its cliff bay, the Colossi of Memnon, green fields and the river. The pilot controls height, while the wind sets direction and speed.
06:30 – Landing and certificate
The balloon lands in a field or on the desert edge, sometimes with a few bumps. Ground crew help you out, the local children often come to watch, and you receive a flight certificate. The support vehicle then takes you back to the meeting point.
07:30 – Return to your hotel
Transfer back to your hotel or cruise boat, usually arriving between 07:30 and 08:30. It is an easy way to combine with a West Bank tour the same morning, as you are already on that side of the river.
Good to know: Balloon flights depend on the weather. The civil aviation authority can cancel or delay flights on the morning because of wind or poor visibility; in that case we offer another morning or a full refund. Flight route and duration cannot be guaranteed.
What’s Included
Included
- Shared balloon flight with a licensed operator, about 45 minutes
- Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise (shared transfer)
- Nile motorboat crossing where needed
- Tea or coffee before the flight
- Flight certificate
- Insurance as required by the operator, all taxes
Not included
- Private basket (on request)
- Breakfast
- Tips for the pilot and crew
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $85 |
| 2 travellers | $82 |
| 3–5 travellers | $79 |
| 6+ travellers | $75 |
Per person in USD, shared basket. The balloon operator sets a minimum age – ask us before booking for children.
More detail on the morning, safety and the best season in our Luxor hot air balloon guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Luxor balloon ride safe?
Balloons in Luxor are run by licensed companies under the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, which inspects equipment and checks the weather every morning before allowing flights. Listen carefully to the pilot’s briefing, especially the landing position, and follow the crew’s instructions.
What happens if the flight is cancelled?
If the authorities cancel flights because of wind or fog, we try to move you to the next morning. If that does not fit your plans, you get a full refund. Cancellations happen most often in winter, so we suggest booking early in your stay.
Can children fly?
Most operators accept children from about six years old if they are tall enough to see over the basket edge and travel with an adult. Ask us for the child price before you book. The flight is not recommended in pregnancy or with serious back or heart conditions.
What should I wear?
Wear layers, comfortable trousers and closed flat shoes. From November to February the early morning can be around 8–10°C, but it warms quickly once the sun is up. Bring a hat and your camera; there is no luggage space in the basket.
How many people are in each basket?
Basket size varies by operator, typically from 8 up to 20 or more passengers in separate compartments. Everyone has a view over the edge. If you prefer more space or a private basket for two, ask us for a quote.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
