2–3 hours. Enough for security, the tram, 3 standard tombs, and 1 premium tomb if lines stay short.
Opening hours at Valley of the Kings
How long should I spend at Valley of the Kings?
Valley of the Kings is compact on a map, but the visit takes longer than many travelers expect. Security screening, the tram ride, steep tomb ramps, and time inside 3 included tombs all add up. Your timing changes again if you add nearby West Bank sites.
Valley of the Kings only
Valley of the Kings + Temple of Hatshepsut
4–5 hours. Best if you want the West Bank essentials without rushing between tomb interiors and Deir el-Bahari’s terraces.
Valley of the Kings + Temple of Hatshepsut + Colossi of Memnon
5–6 hours. This covers Luxor’s classic half-day West Bank route at a comfortable pace, especially with hotel transfers and a guide.
Frequently asked questions about Valley of the Kings opening hours
Don’t plan to arrive shortly before closing. You still need security screening, the tram ride, and time to descend into each tomb, so late arrivals usually feel rushed and rarely allow a full 3-tomb visit.
No. Headout’s Valley of The Kings Skip-the-Line Tickets help you bypass the main ticket-purchase queue, but everyone still goes through security, and popular tombs can have brief controlled waits at the entrance during busy winter mornings.
No. Premium add-ons for Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, or Seti I need to be arranged at the main visitor center before you head to the tomb zone. They’re not sold at the individual tomb entrances.
Yes, and it’s one of the smartest West Bank pairings. The Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride With Valley of the Kings & West Bank Guided Tour and Round-Trip Hotel Transfers usually has you back from the tombs by noon.
No. The standard tomb lineup rotates for conservation, so the 3 chambers available on your visit may differ from the day before. If seeing a specific tomb matters to you, check the roster immediately after arrival.
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your selected slot, especially if you’re using Headout’s Valley of The Kings Skip-the-Line Tickets. That buffer helps with ID checks, bag screening, and the short walk from the visitor center gates.
Usually, yes. The Temple of Hatshepsut is close enough to combine with the valley in 1 efficient morning, which is why many West Bank tours pair both sites before lunch and leave your afternoon free for Karnak or Luxor Temple.
