Cappadocia is a region located in central Turkey and is known for its unique geological formations, including fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. It’s a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse into Turkey’s rich history and culture. If you’re already in Istanbul and planning to travel to Cappadocia, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip.
Istanbul to Cappadocia Quick Guide
There are several transportation options available for getting to Cappadocia from Istanbul, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Whether you prefer the convenience of flying, the affordability of taking the bus, the freedom of driving, the uniqueness of taking the train, or the ease of joining a daily tour, there’s an option that will suit your travel needs and preferences.
Step 1: Choose your transportation method
The first step in planning your trip to Cappadocia is to choose your transportation method. There are several options available, including:
- Domestic flight: This is the quickest and most convenient option. There are daily direct flights from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir airports. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Overnight bus: This is a budget-friendly option that takes around 11-12 hours. Many bus companies offer overnight buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
- Private car transfer: This is the most comfortable and flexible option, but it can be more expensive. You can book a private car transfer from Istanbul to Cappadocia, which takes around 10-11 hours.
Step 2: Book your transportation
Once you’ve decided on your transportation method, it’s time to book your tickets. If you’re flying, you can book your tickets online through the airlines’ websites or through online travel agencies.
If you’re taking a bus, you can book your tickets online through the bus companies’ websites or through travel agencies. For private car transfers, you can book through a local tour operator or transportation company.
Step 3: Choose your accommodation
There are many accommodation options in Cappadocia, including hotels, guesthouses, and cave hotels. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
You can choose to stay in one of the towns in Cappadocia, such as Goreme or Urgup, or in one of the smaller villages for a more authentic experience.
Step 4: Plan your itinerary
Cappadocia offers many attractions and activities to explore, such as hot air balloon rides, hiking, and visiting the many historical sites. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in the region.
Some must-see attractions include the Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and the underground city of Derinkuyu.
Step 5: Pack for your trip
Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear for your trip to Cappadocia, as the weather can vary.
During the summer months, it can be quite hot during the day, but cooler at night. In the winter, it can be very cold, with possible snowfall. If you plan on hiking, make sure to bring sturdy footwear.
Step 6: Enjoy your trip!
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your trip to Cappadocia. Take in the stunning views, explore the historical sites, and immerse yourself in the region’s unique culture. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and take plenty of photos to remember your trip.
Which Airport to Choose for Cappadocia?
Both Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) serve as gateways to Cappadocia, with direct flights available from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey. Here’s some information about each airport:
Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
- Distance to Cappadocia: Kayseri Erkilet Airport is approximately 75 km (47 miles) from Goreme, 70 km (43 miles) from the town of Urgup, one of the main towns in Cappadocia. It takes around 1 hour to drive from the airport to Urgup.
- Airlines: Several domestic airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet, operate direct flights to Kayseri from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey. Some international airlines also operate seasonal flights to Kayseri from select destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
- Facilities: Kayseri Erkilet Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport, with a range of facilities and services for travelers. These include restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, car rental offices, and taxi and shuttle services to and from Cappadocia.
- Pros: Kayseri Erkilet Airport generally offers more flight options and schedules than Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport, which can be convenient for travelers who need to be flexible with their travel plans. The airport is also closer to the city center of Kayseri, which can make it more convenient for travelers who want to explore the city.
- Cons: The airport is further away from the main towns in Cappadocia, which can add to the overall travel time. However, many hotels and tour companies offer shuttle services to and from the airport, which can make transportation more convenient.
Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
- Distance to Cappadocia: Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is approximately 40 km (25 miles) from Goreme, 30 km (18 miles) from the town of Urgup. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Urgup.
- Airlines: Several domestic airlines, including Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet, operate direct flights to Nevsehir from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey.
- Facilities: Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is a smaller airport than Kayseri Erkilet Airport, but still offers a range of facilities and services for travelers. These include restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, car rental offices, and taxi and shuttle services to and from Cappadocia.
- Pros: Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is closer to the main towns in Cappadocia, which can make it more convenient for travelers who want to get to their hotel or start their sightseeing more quickly. The airport is also smaller and less busy than Kayseri Erkilet Airport, which can make for a more pleasant and hassle-free travel experience.
- Cons: The airport generally has fewer flight options and schedules than Kayseri Erkilet Airport, which can be a disadvantage for travelers who need to be flexible with their travel plans.
Overall, both Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport offer good options for getting to Cappadocia, and the choice between them will depend on your individual preferences and travel plans.
If you value convenience and flexibility, Kayseri Erkilet Airport may be a better option, while if you prioritize ease and comfort, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport may be the better choice.
Distances from Airports to Cappadocia
Here are the approximate distances from Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport to the popular towns of Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, and Avanos in Cappadocia:
From Kayseri Erkilet Airport
- Goreme: Approximately 75 km (47 miles) southeast
- Urgup: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast
- Uchisar: Approximately 80 km (50 miles) southeast
- Avanos: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) northeast
From Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport
- Goreme: Approximately 40 km (25 miles) southeast
- Urgup: Approximately 25 km (15 miles) southeast
- Uchisar: Approximately 35 km (22 miles) southeast
- Avanos: Approximately 25 km (16 miles) northeast
Please keep in mind that these distances are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location of your hotel or destination within each town. However, they should give you a good idea of the general distances between the airports and these popular towns in Cappadocia.
Getting to Cappadocia by Bus from Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most popular starting points for travel to Cappadocia, and there are several bus companies that offer direct service to the region. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, and there are several departures each day from Istanbul’s main bus terminals, such as Istanbul Otogar in Esenler on the European side, and Harem Otogar in Uskudar, on the Asian side.
Bus companies such as Metro Turizm, Nevsehir Seyahat, and Kamil Koc offer comfortable and affordable buses with air conditioning and other amenities.
Getting to Cappadocia by Road from Istanbul
Driving to Cappadocia from Istanbul is a fun and scenic option, especially for those who enjoy the freedom of the open road. The distance between Istanbul and Cappadocia is approximately 750 km, and the journey takes approximately 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
The route is relatively straightforward, with the most direct route taking you through Ankara. However, it’s important to note that driving in Turkey can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with the local traffic laws and road conditions.
Getting to Cappadocia by Train from Istanbul
While there are no direct train connections between Istanbul and Cappadocia, taking the train to Kayseri and then arranging for a transfer can be a unique and enjoyable option for train enthusiasts.
The journey takes approximately 12-13 hours, with several daily departures from Istanbul’s main train stations such as Haydarpasa Train Station and Pendik Train Station. Ticket prices can vary depending on the level of comfort and service, but generally range from 50-100 USD.
Fastest, cheapest and the most convenient way
The fastest way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is by air, with direct flights available from Istanbul’s airports to both Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport. The flight time is approximately 1 hour, and there are several airlines that offer flights between these two cities, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet.
The cheapest way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is by bus, with several bus companies offering direct service to the region. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours.
In terms of the most convenient option, flying is the best choice. Not only is it the fastest way to get to Cappadocia, but it also saves you a lot of time and hassle compared to taking the bus. While it may be more expensive than taking the bus, it’s worth considering the time and energy you’ll save by flying.
Overall, the best option for you will depend on your travel needs and preferences. If you’re short on time and don’t mind spending more money, flying is the most convenient option. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind spending more time on the road, taking the bus is the most affordable option. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience in Cappadocia.
Day Tours
There are also daily tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia that allow you to explore the region’s unique geological formations, historical sites, and local culture in a single day. However, keep in mind that Cappadocia is a vast region with many sights and activities to offer, so a single day may not be enough to fully experience everything that Cappadocia has to offer.
Here are the details about daily tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia:
- Tour companies – There are many tour companies that offer daily tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Some global popular tour companies include Viator, and GetYourGuide.
- Itinerary – The itinerary of a typical daily tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia usually includes a round-trip flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a stop at the Devrent Valley, and a visit to the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys. Some tours may also include a stop at the Kaymakli Underground City or a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (depending on the weather and availability).
- Cost – The cost of a daily tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia can vary depending on the tour company, the itinerary, and the season. Generally, prices range from around $150 to $250 per person.
- Duration – A typical daily tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia lasts around 12-16 hours, including transportation time, sightseeing, and meals.
Overall, daily tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia can be a good option if you have limited time or want a hassle-free way to explore the region.
However, keep in mind that you may not have enough time to fully experience everything that Cappadocia has to offer in a single day. If possible, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Cappadocia to fully appreciate its unique beauty and culture.
Top Selling Tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia
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