There are 6 Main means of transport in LUXOR:

  • Taxi
  • Calesh (horse and carriage)
  • Private minibus or car
  • Public Ferry between East and West Bank
  • Motor Launch between East and West Bank
  • UBER (updated 2023 – Uber in Luxor does not operate as Uber in the USA etc.  Some drivers are just using it as a means to get customers, they may not adhere to the price that comes up on your phone – and they may not always arrive when booked.

4 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO WHEN HIRING A TAXI in LUXOR

  1. Avoid the tourist trap – always agree the price BEFORE you get in.  If doing a return journey BE CLEAR on the TOTAL price of the journey.
  2. Take the time to ensure you have all your belongings out of the taxi BEFORE you pay.
  3. Try to have the exact amount handy and pass it in the window. Since you have previously been clear about the fare take you belongings and walk away after paying.  DO NOT look back…this signals you are willing to pay more if he has a problem with what you gave him.  Taxi prices in Luxor are much higher than in Cairo, not just for tourists – but for Egyptians
  4. At Mara House we have 3 regular taxi drivers and one regular calesh driver.  This means they get regular dependable work and so give fixed prices to our guests.  There is no need to hassle or bargain with them over money and we take no commission from them for giving them the business.

CALESH (Horse and Carriage)

If hiring a calesh to tour Luxor town be clear BEFORE you get in how long the ride is, where it goes, the total cost for the calesh NOT  the cost per person and in which currency.

4 WAYS TO HELP THE HORSES IN LUXOR

  1. Choose a calesh where the driver does not use a whip
  2. Choose a calesh where the horse looks in good condition (any sore spots….look at the legs…any rope chaffing)
  3. TELL the driver you don’t want the horse beaten or whipped and you are not in a hurry!
  4. TELL the calesh driver you are refusing that it is because his horse is not well, looks sick etc. this takes time and patience

PRIVATE CAR, MINIBUS or MOTOR LAUNCH

You can hire car or minibus from any Travel Agent or through your hotel and prices are fixed but vary from agent to agent etc.

Motor Launch to cross the Nile from East to West Bank can be found anywhere along the Cornishe El Nile St. and has to be bargained for.  Again be clear on the price, total cost, currency and whether or not it includes the return journey.  You will have to bargain the price normally.  However, since the ferry moved up river from it’s old docking station, I believe the motor launches have a set price – that doesn’t mean they will adhere to the fixed price for tourists or not try the usual taxi scam as I found out myself in 2023

LUXOR FERRY BOAT

The bridge between the East & West Bank in Luxor is closed to tourists from 6pm to 6am so all tourists staying on the East Bank who go sightseeing on the West Bank must be back across the bridge by 6pm unless they want to travel on the ferry which operates all night and on which there are no restrictions.  The ferry is now across the road from Luxor Museum.

 

Hi there! I’m Mara, the heart and soul behind Mara House Luxor. I’m a firm believer that life’s too short for ordinary vacations—great holidays are like a reset button for the soul! My love affair with Egypt started over 20 years ago when I took a leap from Ireland for my first trip here. It was a standard tour package, and honestly, I didn’t know much about this incredible country back then. It was fun, but it wasn’t the magical, life-changing adventure I dreamed of. Today, that’s exactly what I’m here to create for you.

Now, after two decades of exploring, dreaming, and building, I’m lucky enough to work alongside an amazing Egyptian team who share my passion for crafting unforgettable experiences. We’re all about keeping things real—no hidden costs, just honest, transparent pricing and a commitment to making your trip truly special.

Whether it’s finding the perfect hotel in Cairo, setting up a dreamy Nile cruise, or designing a custom itinerary that’s just right for you, I’ll be the one rolling up my sleeves to make it happen. Your Egyptian adventure deserves to feel personal, effortless, and totally unforgettable—and I’m here to sprinkle a little magic on every detail.

Nomads? Digital Nomads or Retirees? Have you ever thought about staying at Mara House Luxor for a month or two/three even? I have a great offer for you!

Now, are you curious about how we could turn your holiday dreams into reality? Drop me a line at maraegypt@gmail.com—I’d love to chat and see if we’re a match! No pressure, just a chance to explore the possibilities together.