If you’re wondering how to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, getting to Cappadocia is an adventure worth planning.
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Why Choose Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is one of those magical places that everyone needs to visit at least once. From the fairy chimneys to the underground cities, there’s so much to see and do.
The landscape is surreal, and the history is rich. Around 150 hot air balloons fly every single day (weather permitting), even during the winter when the town is covered in snow. This might be the place with the largest number of hot balloon flights each day.
But first, you need to know how to get there from Istanbul.
Getting to Cappadocia by Plane
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is by plane. This is a widely known fact. There is no reason to deny it, but someone should consider the time to reach the airport as well as leave the airport since they are very far away from the city center or tourist attractions. Plus, it is always wise to reach the airport at least 2 hours before the departure. Not to mention that waiting for luggage can be a pain as well. If we actually start to consider these factors as well, traveling by flight might not seem to be the best option within a country. But, there is always the factor of flight distance and comfort. The longer the distance is, the more a flight makes sense.
You have two main options: flying into Nevşehir or Kayseri. Flights from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
From Nevşehir Airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the main areas of Cappadocia, which is in fact located in the city of Nevşehir. Kayseri Airport is slightly further away, about an hour’s drive. This might be a good opportunity to visit a historical site of the Seljuk empire and buy some of the delicious Pastirma or Sucuk Kayseri is known for.
Both airports have shuttle services and car rental options. The shuttle services take you directly to the bus terminal, where you can find many services providing direct trips to Cappadocia. Most of the time, you do not even need to secure a seat from these buses way before due to the high number of trips per day. One tip: Most of the time, the prices that are bought there within the bus are less than the price you would normally pay when purchasing the bus tickets online since “middlemen” like the website or application want to have their piece of the cake.
Flying to Nevşehir
Turkish Airlines, including AnadoluJet (a brand of Turkish Airlines), and other carriers offer daily flights from Istanbul to Nevşehir. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Once you land at Nevşehir Airport, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to your hotel or destination in Cappadocia. There are no direct public bus services, but many hotels offer shuttle services.
Flying to Kayseri
Kayseri is another good option with more flight choices. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and other airlines operate multiple flights daily from Istanbul to Kayseri. The flight takes about 52 minutes.
Kayseri Airport has more international connections, so if you’re coming from outside Turkey, this might be your best bet. From Kayseri, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or rent a car to get to Cappadocia.
Driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia
If you prefer the scenic route, you can drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The drive is about 730 kilometers and takes roughly 8 to 9 hours.
You’ll enjoy the freedom to stop and explore along the way. The drive from Istanbul takes you through Ankara and then on to Cappadocia.
This route gives you the chance to visit the Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) and other attractions along the way. Make sure to map out your route and plan for rest stops. Even though Turkey has many beautiful places to offer, consider that traveling by car or bus might take the longest, preventing you from exploring the main destination as much as calculated. Here, the destination is the main attraction and not the route itself.
Taking a Bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus is a viable option. This might be the cheapest option since there is no need to rent a car. Personally, I am a bus and train person. Even though it might take the longest, it is the most efficient regarding price and from an environmental perspective.
Buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia take about 10 hours.
Several companies, like Turizm and Seyahat, offer overnight buses, so you can sleep during the journey and arrive refreshed. Visit obilet.com to find out the times and costs.
Once you reach the bus terminal in Cappadocia, check if your hotel provides a shuttle service. I would recommend calling or texting them due to the fact that some websites are not up to date. What has been offered last year might be out of service this year or is not included in the price someone has paid.
Traveling by Train
If you’re a fan of train travel, you can take a train from Istanbul to Kayseri.
The train ride is about 12 hours long, and from Kayseri, you’ll need to take a bus or arrange a transfer to Cappadocia. There is no direct train from Istanbul to Kayseri; instead, you need to take a train to Yerköy, Yozgat, and then take another train to Kayseri, which is easy since the second train is directly going from the station you are at. Traveling by train is by far the most comfortable, from cozy seats to the broad wagons, where you can stand up and stretch, go to the toilet, or go to the adjacent wagon providing food and drinks. Price-wise, it is as cheap as traveling by bus and can sometimes be less pricey. Also, for those that like it extra, there is always business class.
While this option is more time-consuming, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel.
Final Tips
If you have a car, driving around Cappadocia is the best way to explore its many sights.
Alternatively, renting a car upon arrival will give you the flexibility to visit the more remote areas at your own pace.
Remember, Cappadocia’s charm lies in its hidden valleys and off-the-beaten-path locations, so having your own vehicle is a huge advantage.
No matter which method you choose, getting to Cappadocia from Istanbul is a journey that sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Hey there,
As the admin of studyingmedicineinturkey.com, I bring firsthand experience as a foreign medical student studying in Ankara, Turkey. My journey has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that international students encounter while pursuing their medical education in Turkey.
Best of Luck:)