Cappadocia is a beautiful region in central Turkey that is known for its unique landscape and rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you might want to consider adding Cappadocia to your itinerary. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back.

Getting to Cappadocia from Istanbul

By Plane

The fastest way to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia is by plane. There are several airlines that operate flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia’s main airport, Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Atlasglobal are some of the airlines that operate flights to Cappadocia from Istanbul Airports. You can check their websites for flight schedules and prices.

You can find and compare flights prices on special websites: Cheapoair and Trip.com

By Bus

If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The journey takes around 11 hours, so it’s not the fastest way to get there, but it’s more affordable than flying.
There are several bus companies that operate services between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Some of the popular ones include Metro Turizm, Nevşehir Seyahat, and Kamil Koç. You can book your bus tickets online or at the bus terminal.

By Car

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a car and drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The journey takes around 9 hours, but you’ll have the freedom to explore the countryside along the way.
There are several car rental companies in Istanbul, including Rentalcars, Avis, Budget, and Europcar. You can also book your car rental online.

Getting around Cappadocia

By Car

The best way to explore Cappadocia is by car. You can rent a car from the airport or from one of the car rental companies in the region.

Driving in Cappadocia is relatively easy, and the roads are in good condition. However, if you’re not comfortable driving, you can hire a driver or take a tour

By Tour

Taking a tour is a great way to explore Cappadocia if you don’t want to drive. There are several tour operators in the region that offer a variety of tours, including hot air balloon rides, hiking tours, and cultural tours.

Some of the popular tour operators in Cappadocia include Göreme Travel, Heritage Travel, and Cappadocia Guide.

Things to do in Cappadocia

All listed tours can be booked online at GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is a hot air balloon ride. The unique landscape of the region makes for a breathtaking view from above.

There are several hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia that offer sunrise and sunset rides. Some of the popular ones include Royal Balloon, Butterfly Balloons, and Kapadokya Balloons.

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to several rock-cut churches and monasteries. It’s a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and culture.
The museum is open from 8 am to 7 pm, and admission costs 75 TL (around $9).

Hike in the Rose Valley

The Rose Valley is a beautiful hiking spot that is known for its stunning views and rock formations. It’s a great place to explore.

Explore the Underground Cities

Cappadocia is also known for its underground cities, which were built by the ancient inhabitants of the region to protect themselves from invaders. Some of the popular underground cities to visit include Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, and Özkonak.

Visit the Fairy Chimneys

The fairy chimneys are cone-shaped rock formations that are unique to Cappadocia. They are formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion, and they make for a stunning sight.

Some of the best places to see the fairy chimneys include Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), Love Valley, and Devrent Valley.

Getting back to Istanbul

By Plane

If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to get back to Istanbul, you can take a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. There are several airlines that operate flights from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport to Istanbul, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Atlasglobal. You can find and compare flights prices on special websites: Cheapoair and Trip.com

By Bus

You can also take a bus from Cappadocia to Istanbul. There are several bus companies that operate services between Cappadocia and Istanbul, including Metro Turizm, Nevşehir Seyahat, and Kamil Koç.

By Car

If you rented a car in Cappadocia, you can drive back to Istanbul. The journey takes around 9 hours, and you can drop off your rental car at the Istanbul airport or one of the rental car locations in the city.

Conclusion

Travelling from Istanbul to Cappadocia is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Turkey. Whether you choose to fly, take a bus, or rent a car, there are plenty of options to get to Cappadocia. Once you’re there, make sure to take a hot air balloon ride, visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, and explore the underground cities. And when it’s time to head back to Istanbul, you can choose to fly, take a bus, or drive back. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Cappadocia.