How to Get Cappadocia from the USA: the Best, Fastest, Cheapest

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Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is a popular travel destination for tourists from all around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia from the USA, you may be wondering about the best transport options. Here we’ll explore the various ways to get to Cappadocia from the US, from the major US airports such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, including the best, fastest and cheapest ways with local advice.

Some Practical Information

  • Cappadocia is situated in the middle of Turkey, in central Anatolia.
  • Cappadocia is not a city! So you can’t search for travel options such as airport, railway station, etc. with the name Cappadocia.
  • Cappadocia is the name of the very big region spread through the cities of Nevsehir, Kirsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri.
  • Tourists stay at the towns of Avanos, Goreme, Urgup and Uchisar in Cappadocia and they are all situated within the borders of the Nevsehir city.
  • There are NO direct international flights for Cappadocia region. Nearest airports are situated in the cities of Nevsehir and Kayseri. You can find direct domestic flights to these cities from Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir.
  • Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is the closest one (44 km.) to the Cappadocia, while you can find more flights to Kayseri Airport (74,5 km.).
  • Plane or Bus are the best ways to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.
  • From Ankara, you can take bus or car rental to get to Cappadocia, as you can find direct international flights to Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB).

How to Get to Cappadocia from the USA

The fastest, cheapest, and the best way to get to Cappadocia from the USA will depend on various factors such as your budget, the departure city, the available airlines, and your preference for travel time.

Fastest Way

The fastest way to get to Cappadocia from the USA is by taking a direct flight from one of the major US airports such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago to Istanbul, and then taking a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, the two closest airports to Cappadocia.

Direct flights from the USA to Istanbul take around 10-12 hours, depending on your departure city. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Delta, United, and American Airlines offer direct flights from major US cities to Istanbul.

From Istanbul, you can take a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AtlasGlobal are among the airlines that operate daily flights from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir, and the flight time is about 1.5 hours.


Once you arrive at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, you can take a shuttle bus or private transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia, which takes around 1 hour.

Overall, the total travel time from the USA to Cappadocia can be around 13-15 hours, depending on your departure city and the duration of any layovers or connecting flights. However, taking a direct flight from the USA to Istanbul and then a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir is the fastest way to get to Cappadocia.

Cheapest Way

The cheapest way to get to Cappadocia from the USA is by searching for budget airlines and taking a flight to Istanbul or another European hub, such as Frankfurt or Paris, and then taking a bus or train to Kayseri or Nevsehir, the two closest airports to Cappadocia.

When searching for budget airlines, look for airlines such as Pegasus Airlines, AirAsia, and Ryanair, which often offer lower-priced flights. Keep in mind that budget airlines may have additional fees for checked baggage, food, and seat selection, so be sure to compare the total cost, including any fees and transportation from the airport to the city center.

Once you arrive in Istanbul, you can take a bus or train to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Several bus and train companies operate regular services from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir. The journey takes around 10-12 hours by bus, or 12-14 hours by train.

If you decide to take a bus or train, head to the appropriate station in Istanbul, such as Esenler Bus Station or Harem Bus Station, or Haydarpasa Train Station. Check the schedules and prices for the dates you’re planning to travel, and book your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Overall, the total travel time from the USA to Cappadocia can be around 20-30 hours or more, depending on your departure city, the duration of any layovers or connecting flights, and the mode of transportation you choose. However, taking a budget airline to Istanbul and then a bus or train to Kayseri or Nevsehir is the cheapest way to get to Cappadocia.


Best Way

The best way to get to Cappadocia from the USA will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and travel time. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Direct flight from a major US city to Istanbul, and then a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir: This is the fastest and most convenient option, but it can also be the most expensive. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Delta, United, and American Airlines offer direct flights from major US cities to Istanbul, and the flight time is around 10-12 hours. From Istanbul, you can take a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, which takes around 1.5 hours.
  2. Connecting flight from a major US city to Istanbul, and then a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir: This option can be more affordable than a direct flight, but it may take longer due to layovers. Many airlines offer connecting flights from major US cities to Istanbul, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa.
  3. Flight to a nearby European hub, such as Frankfurt or Paris, and then a flight or bus/train to Kayseri or Nevsehir: This option can be more affordable than a direct flight to Istanbul, and it can also be more convenient if you have a layover in a European city. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines offer flights to nearby European cities. From there, you can take a connecting flight or a bus/train to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
  4. Overland travel from a nearby country: If you’re planning to travel around Europe or another nearby region, you may consider overland travel to Cappadocia. You can take a bus or train from nearby countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, or Romania to Istanbul, and then take a domestic flight or a bus/train to Kayseri or Nevsehir.

Overall, the best way to get to Cappadocia from the USA will depend on your individual preferences, budget, and travel time. Be sure to compare the different options, book in advance, and consider any layovers or connecting flights.

Which Airport to Choose for Domestic Flight to 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 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 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.


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