Aswan · Egypt
Where is Aswan, Egypt?
Aswan (أسوان) is on the east bank of the Nile in southern Egypt, near the First Cataract and the Aswan High Dam. It is 850 km by road from Cairo (about 11 h by car).
At a glance
Where exactly is Aswan?
Aswan is on the east bank of the Nile in southern Egypt, near the First Cataract and the Aswan High Dam, in the Aswan Governorate (Upper Egypt), at 24.0889°N, 32.8998°E. By road it is 850 km from Cairo (about 11 h); in a straight line the distance is 680 km.
Aswan is known for Philae Temple, the High Dam, felucca sailing around Elephantine Island and colourful Nubian villages, and it is the starting point for Abu Simbel and for Nile cruises.
How far is Aswan from other cities?
Road distances and realistic drive times for a private car, the straight-line distance, and the quickest way to travel from Aswan.
| To | By road | Drive | Straight line | Direct flight | Best way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor | 215 km | 3 h | 180 km | — | Train or road |
| Abu Simbel | 285 km | 4 h | 235 km | 45 min | By road |
| Marsa Alam | 330 km | 6 h | 230 km | — | By road |
| Safaga | 440 km | 6 h | 315 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | By road |
| Soma Bay | 460 km | 6 h 15 min | 325 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | By road |
| Makadi Bay | 465 km | 6 h 30 min | 335 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | By road |
| Sahl Hasheesh | 485 km | 6 h 45 min | 350 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | By road |
| Hurghada | 500 km | 6 h 45 min | 365 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | By road |
| El Gouna | 520 km | 7 h 15 min | 375 km | 1 h 15 min winter only | Fly via Cairo |
| Giza | 845 km | 11 h | 680 km | 1 h 25 min | Direct flight |
| Cairo | 850 km | 11 h | 680 km | 1 h 25 min | Direct flight |
| Alexandria | 1,050 km | 13 h 30 min | 845 km | — | Fly via Cairo |
| Saint Catherine | 1,190 km | 16 h 15 min | 510 km | — | Fly via Cairo |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 1,230 km | 16 h 30 min | 450 km | — | Fly via Cairo |
| Dahab | 1,275 km | 17 h 30 min | 515 km | — | Fly via Cairo |
Drive times are for a private car with one short stop; long-distance buses take roughly a third longer. Straight-line distances are measured between city centres. Road data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
How to get to Aswan
By air
Aswan International Airport (ASW) is 22 km from the centre, about 25 min by taxi or transfer. Direct flights from Cairo take about 1 h 25 min. Direct domestic flights also link it with Abu Simbel. From abroad, most travellers connect in Cairo.
By road
From Cairo: 850 km, about 11 h by car. Long-distance buses run daily from Cairo.
By train
Trains from Cairo take about 13 h 30 min. Overnight sleeper trains run from Cairo and Giza to Luxor and Aswan. Luxor and Aswan are about 3 h 15 min apart by train.
By Nile cruise
Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan take three to four nights and stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Places near Aswan
Frequently asked questions
Where is Aswan located?
Aswan is on the east bank of the Nile in southern Egypt, near the First Cataract and the Aswan High Dam, in the Aswan Governorate of Egypt (Upper Egypt), at 24.0889°N, 32.8998°E.
What is the nearest airport to Aswan?
Aswan International Airport (ASW), 22 km from the centre of Aswan, about 25 min by car.
How far is Aswan from Cairo?
Aswan is 850 km from Cairo by road, about 11 h by car, or 680 km in a straight line. A direct flight takes about 1 h 25 min.
What is Aswan famous for?
Aswan is known for Philae Temple, the High Dam, felucca sailing around Elephantine Island and colourful Nubian villages, and it is the starting point for Abu Simbel and for Nile cruises.