How to Get to Cappadocia: Everything You Need to Know
You can reach Cappadocia by plane via the region’s two airports. Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com) offers daily flights from Istanbul to Kayseri and Nevsehir, while Sun Express (www.sunexpress.com.tr) provides flights from Izmir and Pegasus Airlines (www.flypgs.com) operates flights from Antalya during the high season.
Kayseri Airport, the largest in the Cappadocia region, is a modern facility located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Goreme, approximately a one-hour drive from Cappadocia.
Nevsehir Airport, located in Tuzkoy, is 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Nevsehir city and offers several daily flights from Istanbul through Turkish Airlines, as well as charter flights.
Transfer buses operate between Kayseri Airport and major accommodations in Cappadocia, providing transportation to Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, and Nevsehir for about 15 TL (to Urgup) and 17 TL (to other destinations). Book these transfer services in advance, and for returns, you can arrange bookings from your hotel or guesthouse.
By Bus
From Istanbul: A night bus to Cappadocia is often the most economical way to reach the region, though it takes 10 to 12 hours to travel the 730 miles. Metro Turizm and Seyahat Nevsehir are among the companies offering night bus services.
From Antalya: Several night buses connect Antalya to Nevsehir, a 9-10 hour journey. From Nevsehir, minibuses continue to Cappadocia. You can also take a bus to Konya, explore the sights, spend the night, and continue to Cappadocia the following day.
From Ankara: Buses depart from Ankara’s Main Terminal (Asti) to Nevsehir every two hours, taking about 4 Β½ hours including a 25-minute break. Tickets cost 30 TL.
The Nevsehir Bus Terminal (Otogar) is located 25 kilometers west of main Cappadocian towns like Urgup, Goreme, and Uchisar. Shuttle minibuses (typically included in the ticket price) transport passengers to these destinations.
By Car
From Istanbul: The 730 km (454 miles) drive takes around 11 to 12 hours. To save on gas costs, carpooling is recommended. Use the Otoyol motorway between Istanbul and Ankara, then follow the E-90 south from Ankara to Aksaray, and finally head east along the ancient Silk Road to Nevsehir.
From Antalya: The route from Antalya to Nevsehir spans 586 kilometers, passing through Manavgat, Akseki, Seydisehir, Konya, and Aksaray, taking roughly 8 to 9 hours. It offers an interesting drive along the historic Silk Road and past Seljuk caravanserais like SultanhanΔ±.
From Ankara: Travel south on the E-90 from Ankara toward Aksaray (219 miles). In Aksaray, turn left and continue to Nevsehir (73 miles). Near the E-90 and Nevsehir Highway junction in Aksaray, Agaçli Tesisleri offers a rest area with a hotel, restaurants, cafeterias, shops, and fuel stations.
By Train
From Ankara: The main rail line between Ankara and Kayseri divides into two branchesβone heading east toward Sivas, the other south toward Nigde, Karaman, and Adana, bordering Cappadocia.
Express trains take about seven hours from Ankara to Kayseri. High Speed Trains (Hizli YΓΌksek Trenler) also run from Ankara to Konya, making it a convenient choice if you plan to visit Konya. The next day, you can take a bus from Konya to Nevsehir, and then a transfer to your final destination in Cappadocia.
