Luxor is relatively compact, especially the area around the Nile, making exploring on foot possible, however, it may not be very pleasant. Along the Corniche, the aggressive hassling is some of the worst in Egypt. To avoid unwanted attention you will need to constantly repeat the words "no Hassle," or "Laa Shukran,' which means No Thank you in Arabic. Also, be prepared to yell out for the Tourist Police if you feel concerns for your safety. They are usually always nearby and sometimes they'll be wearing civilian clothes. The best area for walking is in the immediate vicinity of the Luxor Temple and the souk, and between the ferry landing and the hotels on the West Bank.

Taxis are plentiful in Luxor, they are blue-and-white. They have no meters, but there are current rates that are accepted if you stay firm and be sure to agree upon a fare before starting your journey. If you don't feel like haggling, order a Careem (equivalent to an Uber).

If you need a taxi for the day, you can hire one to take you around multiple sites. This can be most cost-effective and convenient.

Calèches, or horse-drawn carriages, are common on the east bank and are a delightful way to see the city, especially at night time. Prices vary according to bargaining skill, you'll need to haggle to get the best price. This is a leisurely, traditional way to explore the city, especially around the Corniche (Nile promenade).

However, it is worth noting, that several animal rights groups have advised against calèches due to the poor treatment of the horses. It is not uncommon for drivers to beat their horses, and most Western tourists will notice many skinny and scarred animals. Some drivers are reputable but use common sense when choosing.

An essential way of getting between the East and West banks of Luxor is to use a boat. As you walk by the river, dozens of felucca owners will offer you their services to take you over the river, and normally a taxi driver will be on standby on the other side. It is much easier to take the Blue local ferry, a very basic boat that you can use for a set rate per person. The downside is that the ferry only leaves when it is full, or when another ferry arrives, so taking the ferry is generally a bit slower, though you avoid the haggling. Taxis are available at the ferry terminal on both sides, and the trip takes just a few minutes.

The Minibus is great for budget-conscious travelers looking for local experiences. Minibusses are shared vehicles that run on set routes around Luxor. they are cheap, but routes may not be obvious to visitors, and they can be crowded. All bus routes seem to converge at the railway station. Hail a bus by looking at it while it is approaching, and raise your arm. When the bus is full it will not stop (there are about 14 seats in a bus). Otherwise, you can jump in, take an empty seat, and pass money to the driver, a flat rate per person for a ride (no haggling required). Getting off is possible anytime, and is done by simply asking the driver to stop when you are near your destination.

Biking around the city is great for independent travelers looking to explore at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented from several places in Luxor and are a popular way to explore the West Bank, where there is less traffic. Just be cautious on busy roads and carry water, especially during the heat of the day.

The East Bank is the metropolitan side, so consider the traffic and crowds while deciding whether to bike on that side.

Be aware, that at the sites, guards will try to convince you to avoid locking your bicycle as they will watch it. Which they will do very well - and then demand a large tip for having done so. Lock your bike yourself to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Renting a car is possible but not common due to the chaotic traffic and unfamiliar driving conditions. Some tourists will hire a driver for the day through the hotel, or simply by negotiating a day rate with a taxi from the street.

An organized tour generally includes transportation by air-conditioned coach. This can be convenient if you prefer a guided experience.