Aswan hotels: three areas to choose from
Aswan hotels cluster in three kinds of places: the city side on the east bank, the island of Elephantine and the West Bank across the river. They differ less in comfort than in how you get out in the morning. Philae opens at 07:00, and the boat leaves from a landing south of town, so the first transfer of the day matters.
Rates depend on dates and on the property, so check current offers for your dates. If you plan around a tour, look at the Aswan tours and check where the pickup is before you book a room.
The areas compared
What each one is good for.
| Area | Good for | Getting around | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| East bank and Corniche | Short stays, the bazaar, boat landings, an early start for Philae | A connected stretch of town along the Nile | Rooms vary by property, so check the exact street |
| Elephantine island | Island accommodation and Nubian guesthouses | A boat to the mainland comes first, then the car | A driver cannot always pick you up at the door |
| West Bank and Nubian guesthouses | A base away from the east bank | Depends on the property, so ask the host | West Bank, Elephantine and Gharb Soheil are not the same place |
For most first visits to Philae, the east bank is the simplest base: you are close to the boat landings, the bazaar and the car pickups. Elephantine and the West Bank suit travelers who want a base away from the east bank and accept an extra transfer.
Our pick: two days with a hotel night
If you want a package with a hotel night, this private two-day trip from Luxor includes one, plus Abu Simbel, Philae and Aswan.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours from Aswan
Philae, the High Dam and day trips from Aswan, with live prices and availability.
East bank and Corniche
The town side of Aswan.
Along the river
The east bank forms one stretch of town on the Nile, with hotels near the bazaar and the boat landings. This is where most visitors stay.
Early starts
The Philae boat leaves from Marina Philae, also called Shellal, roughly 8 to 12 km south of the center. By car it takes about 15 to 20 minutes, then the boat takes 10 to 15 minutes. Add time for tickets and the boat, and plan to leave the hotel early.
Evenings
If you want the sound and light show, ask your hotel or driver in advance how you get back. A boat late in the evening is not guaranteed. The show page has the schedule.
Elephantine, the West Bank and Gharb Soheil
On Elephantine island you find island accommodation and Nubian guesthouses. You need a boat to the mainland, so a car cannot always collect you at the door. Agree the pickup point with your host before you arrive.
The West Bank lies across the river and is a different base from the east bank. How much transfer you need depends on the property. Do not treat West Bank, Elephantine and Gharb Soheil as the same address. Read about the Elephantine island and the village of Gharb Soheil before you choose.
Arriving by air or rail
Aswan airport has the code ASW, and trains from Cairo and Luxor arrive at the Aswan station. The getting-there page separates the airport transfer, the road to the landing and the boat, since each is paid and timed on its own. Wherever you stay, ask the host for the exact meeting point at the airport or station.
Keep planning
The pages that go with your hotel choice.
Where to stay in Aswan: frequently asked questions
Which area is simplest for a first visit?
For most first visits, the east bank is the simplest: you are close to the boat landings, the bazaar and the car pickups. Elephantine and the West Bank suit travelers who want a base away from the east bank.
Is it better to stay near Philae?
Not necessarily. Philae is on an island and the boat leaves from a landing south of town, so most visitors stay in Aswan and take a car in the morning.
How much do hotels in Aswan cost?
Rates depend on dates and the property, so check current offers for your dates.
Can a driver pick me up on Elephantine island?
Not directly at every property. You often cross to the mainland by boat first. Ask your host where the pickup point is.
How far is the boat landing from the east bank?
About 8 to 12 km south of the center, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car.