Standing sentry over the Theban necropolis are two towering statues, the Colossi of Memnon. The seated 17-meter sculptures have been looking out toward the Nile for nearly 4,000 years.

Although not technically a gateway to the necropolis, their sturdy presence seems to watch over the scores of tombs found here.

Nestled into a sandy basin between the Nile and the Theban Mountains is the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, the Tomb of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

A quick and scenic day trip from Luxor is a great way to experience these destinations in a small amount of time. Colossi of Memnon tickets and tours are a convenient and affordable way to take in these archeological gems.

Here's all you need to know about Colossi of Memnon, one of the most exciting attractions in Luxor.

How much do Colossi of Memnon tickets cost

There is no cost to see the Colossi of Memnon, but the tombs nearby have fees. As most day tours from Luxor also offer time in the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings, entering the tombs there costs around US$20 per person.

Entry tickets to the Valley of Kings and the Valley of the Queens are included in many guided trips to the area. There are additional fees to enter the tombs of Tutankhaman and Seti I.

Note that entry fees tend to fluctuate, so come prepared with small change in Egyptian pounds.

Should you book in advance?

Although it’s not necessary to book your tour to Colossi of Memnon far in advance, it is wise to schedule it ahead of time. With the intense desert heat, securing an early morning time frame is a smart way to make sure you’ll have a comfortable outing.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Colossi of Memnon and other attractions?

Small-group West Bank tours

Affordable small-group tours to the West Bank from Luxor are the perfect way to see the Colossi of Memnon and more. Enjoy the expertise of a guide who will drive you from site to site, filling you in with the unseen story behind the attractions.

Spend 4 to 5 hours at the Colossi, tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut for around US$35 per person.

Private West Bank tours

Choosing the right private tour to the West Bank is a way to combine all you will need for a day of historical exploration into one price.

There are packages consisting of just a driver for US$15 per person to all-inclusive tours with lunch for US$95 per person for around a 5-hour tour.

Highest-cost tours include entry tickets for three tombs at the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. The Colossi of Memnon do not have a fee, but your guide will be there to deepen your understanding of the statues.

Private tours also provide round-trip transportation from Luxor, bottled water and a wealth of information. Also enjoy a more flexible time frame and special attention from your guide.

Private East and West Bank tours

Ideal for short stays in Luxor, book a private tour that takes you to all the unmissable sights around Luxor with a guide just for you and your group.

Spend a half-day with an Egyptologist guide who will usher you to both the West and East Banks in air conditioned comfort while giving you the inside story of the sites.

What will you see there?

The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens

Enter the resting places of Egypt’s most renowned pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings and their wives in the Valley of the Queens. Along with the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the west bank’s Theban Necropolis is a collection of beautifully-preserved tombs.

Also in the valley is the Colossi of Memnon. Most tours offer entrance to three tombs here with extra fees to visit the tombs of Tutankhaman and Seti I.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Pay respects to one of history’s most influential women. Queen Hatshepsut led Egypt for 20 peaceful years, reestablished vital trade routes and was courageous in battle.

The sturdy terraced temple is hewn into the mountainside and boasts statues, columns and interior paintings that tell of her successes.

The Colossi of Memnon

Although you don’t need much time to take in the Colossi of Memnon, they pack a lot of fascinating features into your short visit. The two 17-meter-tall stone statues are likenesses of Amenhotep III and are the only remnants of a temple dedicated to this ruler.

An earthquake in 27 BCE damaged one of the statues, and the statue is said to “sing” when desert winds whistle through its cracks.

How to get there?

Luxor does not have a public transit system, and though taxis are available, tourists are often advised against taking them. Renting a car to get from Luxor to the West Bank is a possibility, but the simplest option is booking a tour with round-trip transportation.

The drive from Luxor to the Colossi of Memnon in the West Bank is just shy of 25 kilometers and takes around 35 minutes. From central Luxor, head south on Television until you reach Luxor Aswan and Giza/Aswan Agricultural Road.

Head north until you arrive at Al Tmsalyn in Al Bairat. Continue for 1.7 kilometers until you reach your destination on the right.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Colossi of Memnon and other stops on the tours are wheelchair friendly. Notify your tour provider of special needs at the time of booking to make sure there is a wheelchair-adapted vehicle available.

When is the best time to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

The Colossi of Memnon is best to visit during the cooler seasons, in Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). During these months, temperatures are generally more pleasant to visit the site.

If you prefer to avoid large crowds, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the temparatures are generally cooler.

Which other attractions can be visited in Egypt?

Travel tips

Plan your visit for the early morning to avoid the heat and larger crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate the site's beauty.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your exploration of the site.
Consider hiring a local guide who can provide historical and cultural insights, enriching your experience and understanding of the Colossi of Memnon.

Colossi of Memnon: Tickets and Tours