Cappadocia, with its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities, is one of Turkey’s most mesmerizing destinations. Whether you’re flying in, taking a scenic road trip, or hopping on a long-distance bus, there are multiple how to get ways to reach Cappadocia. But with various transportation options available, planning your journey can feel overwhelming.
This guide will break down the best ways to get to Cappadocia, covering flights, buses, trains, and self-driving routes from major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir. You’ll find insider tips on the fastest, most budget-friendly, and most scenic routes, helping you choose the ideal way to reach Cappadocia based on your travel style.
No matter how you get there, one thing is certain: Cappadocia is worth the trip. Let’s explore the best ways to arrive at this one-of-a-kind destination.
Some Insider Tips Before You Plan Your Trip
- 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).
Best Way to Reach Cappadocia: Our Verdict
- Fastest option: Flights to Cappadocia via Kayseri or Nevşehir
- Cheapest option: Buses to Cappadocia from major Turkish cities
- Most flexible option: Driving to Cappadocia for self-guided exploration
If you’re short on time, flying is the best choice. For budget travelers, buses offer great value. If you love road trips, renting a car gives you more flexibility.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Flights to Cappadocia: The Fastest and Easiest Option
Which Airports Serve Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is served by two airports:
- Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) – Located 40 km from Göreme.
- Kayseri Airport (ASR) – The main gateway, 75 km from Göreme.
Both airports have domestic flights from Istanbul and other major Turkish cities, with Kayseri offering more frequent flights and better international connections.
Flights to Cappadocia from Istanbul
- Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AnadoluJet
- Flight Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Arrival Airports: Kayseri or Nevşehir
- Transfers to Cappadocia:
- From Kayseri: Shuttle (1 hour) or taxi/private transfer (~€50)
- From Nevşehir: Shuttle (40 min) or taxi (~€40)
Flights to Cappadocia from Other Cities
- Ankara to Cappadocia: No direct flights, but a short drive or bus ride.
- Antalya to Cappadocia: Seasonal direct flights available; otherwise, a stopover in Istanbul is required.
- Izmir to Cappadocia: No direct flights; stopover in Istanbul needed.
Best for: Travelers short on time who want to get to Cappadocia quickly.
Distances from Nearby Airports to Cappadocia
From Kayseri Erkilet Airport
- Goreme: Approx. 75 km (47 miles) southeast
- Urgup: Approx. 70 km (43 miles) southeast
- Uchisar: Approx. 80 km (50 miles) southeast
- Avanos: Approx. 70 km (43 miles) northeast
From Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport
- Goreme: Approx. 40 km (25 miles) southeast
- Urgup: Approx. 25 km (15 miles) southeast
- Uchisar: Approx. 35 km (22 miles) southeast
- Avanos: Approx. 25 km (16 miles) northeast
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:
via Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
You can find direct domestic round flights to Kayseri Airport (ASR);
* from Istanbul (New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)) by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.
* from Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)) by SunExpress and Pegasus Airlines from April through October.
Kayseri Airport is situated about 75 km. from Goreme and 88 km. from central Nevsehir. You can easily access to all regions of Cappadocia within 1 hour from Kayseri Airport.
- 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.
Wanna learn more about Kayseri Airport (ASR)?
via Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
You can find direct domestic round flights to Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV);
* from Istanbul (New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)) by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.
* from Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)) by AnadoluJet during summer season.
Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is situated about 44 km. from Goreme and 30 km. from central Nevsehir. You can easily access to all regions of Cappadocia within 20-30 minutes from Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport.
- 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.
Wanna learn more about Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)?
Cappadocia travel tip: Book your flights early, especially during peak travel seasons, as tickets can get expensive closer to departure.
Buses to Cappadocia: A Budget-Friendly Option
Bus Travel in Turkey: What to Expect
While many travelers choose to fly directly to Cappadocia via Kayseri or Nevsehir airports, there are also convenient bus options available from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir.
You can take bus for Nevsehir city to get to Cappadocia, but note that it will a long trip especially from Istanbul and Izmir. You can prefer taking bus to Cappadocia from Ankara or Konya.
Long-distance buses to Cappadocia are comfortable and affordable, with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and onboard snacks. The journey takes longer than a flight but offers a budget-friendly alternative.
Bus Routes to Cappadocia
Istanbul to Cappadocia by Bus
Buses from Istanbul Otogar (Esenler) and Harem Otogar (Üsküdar) take 10-12 hours. Major operators include Metro Turizm, Nevşehir Seyahat, and Kamil Koç.
Ankara to Cappadocia by Bus
The journey takes 4-5 hours from ASTI Bus Terminal with direct services by Nevşehir Seyahat and Kamil Koç.
Antalya to Cappadocia by Bus
Travel time is 7-8 hours from Antalya Bus Station with services by Metro Turizm and Nevşehir Seyahat.
Izmir to Cappadocia by Bus
Buses from Basmane and Adnan Menderes Airport take 9-10 hours, operated by Kamil Koç and Metro Turizm.
Where Do Buses Arrive in Cappadocia?
Most buses arrive at Nevşehir Bus Terminal or Göreme Bus Station, with connections to surrounding towns.
Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind overnight travel and want to save on accommodation.
Cappadocia travel tip: Bring earplugs and a travel pillow for overnight buses to make your journey more comfortable.
Driving to Cappadocia: Freedom to Explore
Driving Distances & Road Conditions
Istanbul to Cappadocia by Car – 730 km (~8-9 hours)
Ankara to Cappadocia by Car – 290 km (~3-4 hours)
Antalya to Cappadocia by Car – 540 km (~7-8 hours)
Izmir to Cappadocia by Car – 770 km (~9-10 hours)
Why Rent a Car for Cappadocia?
- Flexibility: Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Comfort: No waiting for buses or flights.
- Convenience: Explore remote areas like Ihlara Valley and Soğanlı Valley.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy road trips and want the flexibility to explore at their own pace.
Cappadocia travel tip: Rent a car with GPS or use Google Maps for navigation, as some remote roads lack proper signage.
Wanna learn more about How to Rent a Car in Cappadocia?
Trains to Cappadocia: A Scenic but Limited Option
Is There a Direct Train to Cappadocia?
No, there is no direct train to Cappadocia, but you can take a train to Kayseri and then a bus or taxi to Göreme.
Train Routes to Cappadocia
Ankara to Cappadocia by Train
- Take the Ankara-Kayseri train (~7 hours)
- Transfer by bus or taxi to Cappadocia (~1 hour)
Istanbul to Cappadocia by Train
- Take the Istanbul-Ankara high-speed train (~4.5 hours)
- Connect to the Ankara-Kayseri train (~7 hours)
Izmir to Cappadocia by Train
- Take the Izmir to Konya train (~11 hours)
- Transfer to a bus to Cappadocia (~3-4 hours)
Best for: Train enthusiasts who enjoy slow travel and scenic routes.
Cappadocia Airport Transfers: Best Ways to Reach Your Hotel
Since Cappadocia is a rural region with limited public transport, booking an airport transfer is the easiest and safest way to reach your hotel in Goreme, Uchisar, Urgup, or Avanos.
Transfer Options:
- Shared Shuttle (€8 per person) – Budget-friendly, meet & greet service, direct hotel drop-off.
- Private shuttle (€80 per vehicle) – Fixed-rate, door-to-door service, best for families or groups with luggage.
Both options offer comfortable, hassle-free transfers with free cancellation and no hidden fees from Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport to Cappadocia.
Book your Private/Shared Shuttle from both Airports
These are the other options for those who would like a shared shuttle transfer
Important Questions & Answers
What is the best way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul?
The fastest way to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul is by direct flight to either Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV) Airport, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. If you prefer a budget option, you can take an overnight bus (10-12 hours). Driving is also possible but takes around 8-9 hours.
How far is Cappadocia from Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya?
- Istanbul to Cappadocia: ~730 km (~8-9 hours by car, 1.5-hour flight)
- Ankara to Cappadocia: ~290 km (~3-4 hours by car, 4-5 hours by bus)
- Antalya to Cappadocia: ~540 km (~7-8 hours by car, 8-9 hours by bus, seasonal flights available)
Where do most flights to Cappadocia land?
Most flights land at Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), which is 75 km from Göreme, or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), which is 40 km from Göreme. Kayseri offers more frequent flights and better transportation options to Cappadocia.
Why is flying the best way to get to Cappadocia?
Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, especially for travelers coming from Istanbul, Izmir, or Antalya. It cuts travel time significantly compared to long bus or car journeys. Plus, shuttle transfers from Kayseri and Nevşehir airports make reaching your Cappadocia hotel easy.
How do I get from Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport to Cappadocia?
You can take a shuttle service, private transfer, or taxi. Shuttle services cost €10-€15 per person, while taxis or private transfers range from €40-€50. Most hotels also offer airport transfers that can be pre-booked.
Will I need to rent a car in Cappadocia?
Not necessarily. If you’re staying in Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp, you can explore with local tours, taxis, or walking. However, if you want to visit remote locations like Ihlara Valley or Soğanlı Valley, renting a car is a good option.
What are the best bus companies for traveling to Cappadocia?
Top bus operators include Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Nevşehir Seyahat. These companies offer comfortable overnight buses from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and snacks.
Where do buses to Cappadocia arrive?
Buses typically arrive at Nevşehir Bus Terminal or Göreme Bus Station. From there, you can take a local shuttle, taxi, or hotel pickup to reach your accommodation.
