Located on Luxor’s West Bank, the Valley of the Queens (Biban el-Harim) served as the ancient burial site for royal wives, princesses, and princes of the 19th and 20th Dynasties. While often overshadowed by the neighboring Valley of the Kings, securing Valley of the Queens tickets offers access to some of the most extraordinarily preserved ancient tomb art ever created—most notably the world-famous tomb of Queen Nefertari.
Here is a complete guide to ticket types, entry fees, special tomb add-ons, opening hours, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Standard Entry Tickets vs. Special Access Tickets
When purchasing tickets at the official West Bank entrance complex, it is essential to understand the difference between a general admission pass and special tomb access:
1. The Standard Valley of the Queens Entry Ticket
The general admission ticket grants entry to the main archaeological site and allows you to explore three standard tombs currently open to the public on rotation.
-
Featured Tombs: Commonly open standard tombs include Tomb of Queen Titi (QV52), Tomb of Prince Khaemwaset (QV44), and Tomb of Prince Amenherkhepshef (QV55). Prince Amenherkhepshef’s tomb is particularly famous for its striking wall paintings depicting Pharaoh Ramses III guiding his young son through the afterlife.
-
Standard Ticket Cost: Approximately 180 EGP to 240 EGP (around $4 – $5 USD) for international adult visitors, with a 50% discount for international students holding a valid ISIC card.
2. The Special Tomb of Nefertari Ticket (QV66)
The tomb of Queen Nefertari—the favorite Royal Wife of Ramses II—is widely regarded as the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt." Her subterranean burial chambers feature astonishingly bright, fully restored wall paintings depicting the queen surrounded by deities.
-
Separate Special Ticket Required: Entry to Nefertari’s tomb is not included in the standard site ticket. You must purchase a separate special access ticket.
-
Nefertari Ticket Cost: Approximately 2,000 EGP (around $40 – $42 USD) per person.
-
Time and Capacity Limits: To preserve the delicate pigments from humidity caused by human breath, entry inside Nefertari’s tomb is strictly capped at 10 to 15 minutes per visitor. Security guards monitor timers closely inside the chambers.
Where and How to Buy Tickets
-
Official Ticket Office: Tickets must be purchased directly at the main Valley of the Queens ticket office near the site entrance.
-
Payment Method: Egyptian archaeological sites operate under a card-only payment system for international tourists. Ensure you have a valid Visa, Mastercard, or debit card to pay at the official ticket counters. Cash is generally not accepted for official government entry tickets.
-
The Luxor Pass Option: If you plan on doing extensive sightseeing across Luxor, consider purchasing the comprehensive Luxor Pass (Premium Edition). The Premium Luxor Pass includes entry to all archaeological sites on both the East and West Banks, including unlimited access to the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Queen Nefertari over a 5-day period.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
-
Operating Hours: The site is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter season) and 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer season).
-
Beat the Crowds and Heat: Visit early in the morning between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Arriving early allows you to explore the underground chambers in cool temperatures before large tour groups arrive from Nile cruise ships.
Crucial Tips for Your Visit
-
Photography Permits: Standard non-flash photography using personal smartphones is generally permitted inside standard tombs. However, flash photography is strictly forbidden inside all tombs to prevent light damage to ancient wall pigments. Professional camera gear may require an additional photo permit at the main ticket counter.
-
Keep Physical Tickets Handy: Hold onto your physical paper tickets throughout your visit. Ticket inspectors check your ticket at the entrance of every individual tomb.
-
Combine with Nearby West Bank Sites: Positioned just a few minutes away from the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Medinet Habu, you can easily combine your Valley of the Queens visit into a single morning West Bank itinerary.
Securing your Valley of the Queens tickets and opting for the special access pass to Queen Nefertari's tomb delivers one of the most breathtaking visual experiences in Egypt, allowing you to step directly inside ancient history.
