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Planning a trip to Turkey? Then explore the wonders of Cappadocia, near Istanbul, with its breathtaking geological wonders, cave dwellings and diverse attractions. One of Anatolia's premier tourist destinations, Cappadocia promises an enchanting experience for nature lovers. But, how to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul?
For those considering a venture to Cappadocia – and it's highly recommended that you do – bear in mind that it's a considerable distance - 735 kilometres from Istanbul.
Key Insights: Navigating from Istanbul to Cappadocia
- A direct flight from Istanbul is the quickest route to Cappadocia.
- An alternative, though more tiring, option is to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia using a coach.
Travel Options from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Flight: There are daily direct flights from Istanbul to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airports. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Bus: Another option is an 11–12-hour Istanbul to Cappadocia bus journey. Overnight buses are often available.
Private Car Transfer: For the ultimate in convenience and flexibility, booking a private car transfer through AirportTransfer.com is an affordable option. Upon landing, booking a pre-booked airport transfer service proves to be the easiest way to reach your accommodation.
Image by Timur Garifov via Unsplash
How can I fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
Istanbul has two airports, Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Flights to Cappadocia mainly depart from Sabiha Gökçen, which is closer to the city. The flight takes approximately 80 minutes and Istanbul to Cappadocia flight prices range from €30-50.
There are direct flights from Istanbul International Airport to Kayseri Erkilet Airport (flight time around 1 hour 20 minutes, tickets around €50) and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (flight time around 1 hour 15 minutes, tickets from just under €30).
Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
The Istanbul-Cappadocia route is served by three airlines:
- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines
- Anadolu Jet
How to get from Nevsehir Airport to Cappadocia (Goreme)
The shuttle bus option costs €16 for a shared 40-minute journey with passengers arriving at the same time, while the taxi alternative costs €40-50 for a 40-minute journey, with possible additional surcharges.
How to get from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia (Goreme)
The taxi option costs between €55-75 for a 65-minute journey, with possible additional charges depending on factors such as traffic, luggage or time, while the bus alternative costs €20 for a 70-minute journey, with possible waiting times as operators prefer full vehicles.
Image by Kaan Kosemen via Unsplash
Private Transfers Cappadocia with AirportTransfer.com
Our private airport car transfer services at AirportTransfer.com are the ultimate in convenience. With professional drivers, flexible cancellation policies, 24/7 customer support and a range of special vehicles to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
You can also enjoy door-to-door chauffeur services, secure payment options and Cappadocia coach transfers for larger groups.
In this way, you can plan your itinerary, visit at your own pace, eat where and what you want, make the most of your time, and spend as much time as you like in your favourite places while enjoying the advice and comments of the guide and the comfort of having a private chauffeur-driven vehicle.
How to Get from Istanbul to Cappadocia by Train
For travellers, the train is an option. High-speed train lines connect Istanbul with two major cities near Cappadocia: Ankara and Konya.Istanbul to Ankara: The journey from Istanbul to Ankara unfolds over approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Standard tickets are priced at around €25.Istanbul to Konya: Taking the train to Konya extends the journey to around 5 hours, with tickets costing around €25, similar to the Istanbul-Ankara route.Note: Upon reaching Ankara or Konya, the next leg of the journey involves a bus ride to the Cappadocian tourist area. This drive takes approximately 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging between €10 and €15.
How to Get from Istanbul to Cappadocia by Bus
Choosing the bus as your mode of transport is an economical but time-consuming alternative. Choosing Nevsehir bus station as your departure point is convenient as it is close to popular Cappadocian destinations such as Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar and Avanos.Cost and Duration: Bus journeys between Istanbul and Göreme, within the Cappadocian region, are priced between €25 and €30. However, the trade-off is time, with travel durations extending to at least 10 hours. Multiple stops along the way may pose inconveniences for those seeking a faster journey.Limited Flexibility: Buses typically adhere to designated drop-off and pick-up points, which may not align precisely with your chosen destination in Cappadocia. This lack of flexibility could necessitate additional transport or a more extended walk to reach your final stop.
Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
Between April and October, you can explore Cappadocia's magical wonders. These months are ideal for outdoor activities such as mountain trekking. Beware of the high season in July and August. Winter (November to mid-April) offers a different charm with regular snowfall. Activities such as hot air ballooning are also available in the colder months.