For the T-sites between Aswan and Luxor you may consider hiring a driver because apparently you need permits? Go to a local travel agency the day before to ask. Pretty much anywhere in Egypt they look at you funny for taking public transportation as a foreigner and want to arrange you a police escort.

Argh. It's 22nd February :(


Police escort... My usual mode of travel. :) You know what a driver costs? Was thinking about it anyhow for time management reasons. I like trains, but I like visiting sites better.

Yes great day trip!! Took me the full day by car. I see no other option to go there.


what permits? I actually plan to drive Luxor-Aswan-Abu all myself and visit all WHS but also (most or all) TWHS on the way.
I haven't read anything on permits?

Car + driver costs pretty much the same as fully insured renting, maybe $40 for a day? (if you keep the distances sane.) I am not sure what the permit is for but I think it's actually for the driver to drive you around, else s/he is in trouble at checkpoints. There is some chatter on tripadvisor and the travel agent mentioned it too because I asked quite late in the day and he had to make phone calls to check if it was still possible. Travel agencies are a dime a dozen in those cities and you can bargain. I did take a taxi from Cairo to Alexandria though, no permit on that route unless you want to visit the monasteries as they only accept non-Muslim drivers.

Insurance is on my AMEX card. I don't worry about that.
if it's just permit about the driver driver then I won't worry.
I don't know about these areas having any checkpoints.