How To Get To Cappadocia, Turkey? + Where To Stay? My Entire Guide!

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I visited Cappadocia in fall and while discovering the multitude of ways to get there, I wasn’t sure what would be the most cost-effective way.

I contemplated going by bus as while it is a loooong ride — you still avoid the nightmarish situation of going through Istanbul’s busy airport.

In this guide, let me tell you if you should consider visiting Cappdocia: by bus, flight or car.

Also read: Dreamiest Cappadocia Itinerary in 2, 3 or 5 Days: From Caves to Hikes

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.

First, where is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is in central Turkey — and yes, it’s that dreamy fairytale region where chimney-like rock formations jut out of the earth.

You’ll see hot air balloons fill the skies at sunrise, and underground cities filled with stories thousands of years ago.

If you are planning to go on a hot air balloon ride, be sure to pre-book online HERE. (Funfact: the prices can be really expensive there because of Turkey inflation - so if you get a deal online, I would pre-book it!)

It is also a place where you’ll spot a lot of honeymooners, couples and families gathering here to catch their bucketlist dream of flying these hot air balloons.

But here's the most important bit: it’s not a place you stumble upon while casually traveling Turkey.

It actually takes a bit of effort and planning to get there!

How To Get To Cappadocia?

How To Get to Cappadocia - my guide on several ways to get there

Option 1: Flying to Cappadocia (I ended up doing this!)

There are two airports that serve the Cappadocia region:

  • Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) – the closest to the main town

  • Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) – slightly further but often with more flight options (and prices are somewhat cheaper!)

Both airports are about 30-60 minutes away from Göreme, the main tourist hub. You’ll need to pre-book an airport shuttle or take a taxi to get to your accommodation.

💡 I recommend booking a shuttle bus or private pick-up here beforehand — it is only 10 euros!

🗒️ The biggest pro: You avoid the nightmarish 12 hour bus journey & if you’re short on time, this is the best way to get to Cappadocia!

Option 2: Taking a night bus

the buses from istanbul to goreme

If you’ve got time on your hands (and a decent neck pillow), long-distance buses in Turkey are a surprisingly viable option.

They’re comfortable and pretty safe - plus you get to experience the bus journeys for yourself!

💡 You can book your bus tickets via Omio.

For approx 34 euros— the Flixbus/Kamil Koc buses leave multiple times a day. I suggest taking the night buses that means 8pm and it reaches around 8am in Goreme. The ride takes 12 hours!

Option 3: Renting a car and driving

If you want total freedom and have the chance to experience a Turkish road trip, this may be an option (though I would only recommend shorter distances - like from Ankara to here).

You could also rent a car once you’re in Cappadocia - you can rent your car from here!

Also Read: 3 to 5 Days Istanbul Itinerary That’s Different From The Rest

Where To Stay in Cappadocia?

where to stay in cappadocia?

If it’s your first time in Cappadocia, Göreme is the best place to stay. It’s right in the center of everything, but there are still quiet spots where you can enjoy the views of the fairy chimneys and rocky landscapes.

You definitely have to stay in a cave hotel while you’re here — I felt like I was in a Flinstones set sometimes!

For a quieter option, Uçhisar is another great choice. It’s the highest point in Cappadocia, offering amazing views, especially at sunrise, and it’s close to some great hiking trails.

In Göreme:

  • Design Cave Hotel: (recommended 👍) Offers great valley and lavender field views. A bit outside the main strip but still walking distance.

  • Terra Cave Hotel: A 19th-century rock dwelling with a beautiful rooftop.

  • Cappadocia Aishe Hotel: Modern, spacious, and quiet with cave-like design. Close to hiking trails and everything organized for you.

In Uchisar:

Which Tours To Take?

which tours to take in cappadocia? - here’s my recommended ones!

When it comes to tours in Cappadocia, the Red Tour and Green Tour are the most popular for those looking to see a lot in one day.

I wouldn’t recommend the Red Tour, as you’ll likely already have visited places like Uchisar Castle and Love Valley.

Instead, go for the Green Tour (it includes lunch and entry tickets). It’s worth it for the chance to explore Derinkuyu Underground City, visit Anatolian villages with rock-cut churches, and enjoy a scenic 4km trek through Ihlara Valley.

How To Get Around in Cappadocia?

how to get around in cappadocia? Suprisingly, hiking is one of the best ways to see the town

If you want to get around in Cappadocia, transportation is not always reliable but the best part is that there are bunch of treks that you can do instead (essentially walking wherever you can!)

1. You can rent a car

If there are places to drive around, renting a car in Cappadocia is a good way to give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Roads are well-maintained, and you can easily navigate between towns, valleys, and hiking spots. Just be mindful of some narrow roads in the rockier areas.

2. Local Buses

the bus schedule from goreme station

 

You can catch local buses from Göreme Otobüs Terminali to nearby towns like Cavusin, Uchisar and Avanos.

It’s an affordable option and I saw many tourists doing the same to visit underground cities on their own.

3. Taxis

You can also get taxis or get your hotel to sort out transportation fo you. Taxis are available, but they can be more expensive for long distances.

4. Private Tours & Shuttles

One of the best ways to see Cappadocia is exploring the town through their best tours. Here are my recommended tours you should absolutely do if you want a unique experience:

5. Trekking

The best way to explore Cappadocia is to hike Love Valley & Rose or Red Valley.

For Love Valley, the route is not so straightforward sometimes and it would be better to have Alltrails downloaded. Here’s the map for the route.

For hiking Red Valley, the hiking route can be downloaded here.

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