Travel Guide From Istanbul to Cappadocia: Experience the Ultimate Journey

Opting for a flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia is an ideal choice for those plotting a swift escape. Both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines facilitate numerous daily flights to the two nearest airports to Cappadocia.

Option One: Consider flights from Istanbul Airport to either Kayseri Airport or Nevsehir Cappadocia Airport.

Option Two: For those seeking a cost-effective route, flights depart from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to both Kayseri Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

Take note: All Pegasus Airlines flights to Kayseri Airport originate from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

For voyagers originating from the European side of Istanbul city center - encompassing Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, and Fatih - each airport is approximately 50 kilometers distant. The journey from the city center to Istanbul Airport typically clocks in at around 40 minutes, while travel to Sabiha Gökçen Airport can extend up to 70 minutes during rush hour.

If your accommodation is situated in the Asian side districts of Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Maltepe, or Beykoz, you might find it advantageous to select flights departing from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Critical Notes:

• Traffic around the Bosphorus bridge may instigate unforeseen delays.
• Due to the immense expanse of Istanbul Airport, allow for an extra 20 minutes to cover check-in and plane arrival processes.

Airport Transfers in Cappadocia

Kayseri Airport is approximately 100 kilometers from the heart of Cappadocia, while Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport is slightly closer, being around 40 kilometers away.

We offer streamlined transfer services from both Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia and Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport to Goreme. To ensure a smooth journey, we strongly recommend pre-booking your airport transfers, both to and from your Istanbul hotel, and to and from Kayseri Airport.

Once you've arranged the Istanbul airport transfer service from your chosen hotel, don't neglect to organize your Cappadocia transfer.

Bear in mind that, in contrast to Istanbul, transport options such as taxis and buses at Cappadocia airports are notably more limited. Therefore, it is highly advisable to pre-book your transfers for a hassle-free travel experience.

 Private Car Travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia: Uncovering the Scenic Route

Most fulfilling ways to venture from Istanbul to Cappadocia is by opting for a private car with an experienced driver. This option provides the advantage of seasoned drivers, who have traversed the Istanbul-Cappadocia route myriad times and can recommend exciting pit stops along the way. By choosing this mode of travel, you unlock the freedom to discover several important landmarks en route – places you may otherwise miss if you travel by public transport, airlines, or your own vehicle.

For those considering a private journey to Cappadocia in a Cab Istanbul chauffeured car, it may be beneficial to consider a few initial stops at Sapanca (Mashukiya), Bolu-Abant (Seven Lakes), and then perhaps Safranbolu, a charming town located 410 kilometers from Istanbul. From Safranbolu, the ancient Phrygian city of Gordion lies 272 kilometers to the south, followed by the Hittite ruins of Hattusa in Bogazkale (Çorum), which are situated 200 kilometers south of Göreme.

Both Safranbolu and Hattusa (Boğazkale) offer on-the-road hotel services for convenient accommodation during your journey. In addition, a wealth of tourist attractions and historical sites lie scattered between these two points. When we recommend renting a car with a driver or availing of a private transfer service from Istanbul to Cappadocia, we fully acknowledge the extent of value it brings to your travel experience.

Take note: We want to reassure you that highways in Turkey are in excellent condition, boasting superb facilities that provide access to numerous tourist and historical spots. Therefore, your journey promises to be as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.

For those with a leisurely timeline, embarking on the high-speed train line that connects Istanbul to Ankara (4 hours), and then further from Ankara to Konya (4 hours) can make for an intriguing journey. Ensure a seamless trip by checking the train schedule well in advance.

Take note: There are no direct train routes that pass through Cappadocia. Alternatively, various companies organize bus services from Istanbul Bus Station (Esenler bus station) to Cappadocia. While these bus journeys may take approximately 10 hours, they present a more budget-friendly travel option.

Keep in mind: While eight high-speed train services run daily from Istanbul to Ankara, an array of bus services from Istanbul to Kayseri and Nevşehir are at your disposal. However, these services do not take you directly to Cappadocia, instead dropping you off at the closest bus stations, necessitating an additional transfer service. Ankara Bus Station offers convenient bus services to Nevşehir Bus Station, the central transportation hub of the Cappadocia region.

Salt Lake Tour before Cappadocia

Prepare for an enchanting sojourn that invigorates your mind and soul with the Salt Lake tour. Step away from the sharp, rugged landscapes of Cappadocia, and immerse yourself in the expansive, snowy-white plains of Salt Lake. This lake, teeming with an array of useful minerals besides salt, is among the world's most bountiful salt lakes. The stunning whiteness, clarity, and warm waters of the lake make it an ideal haven for photography enthusiasts. The tranquil ambiance, refreshing air, and the sheer thrill of being in such an idyllic location may stimulate your artistic side. Embrace the inspiration that nature freely offers and create unforgettable memories.

Cappadocia-Pamukkale Tour

After two days spent exploring Cappadocia, why not extend your journey to the striking Pamukkale? Your private Pamukkale tour could commence with a visit to Karahayıt village, leading onto the exploration of Hierapolis's historical gems such as the Necropolis, Bath and Basilica, Frontinus Gate, and more. For an invigorating experience, consider swimming in the Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool, visit the Theater, and capture the mesmerizing sights of the travertines (calcium pools).

Cappadocia Group Tour

For those who wish to share their Cappadocia journey with fellow travelers, consider joining a Cappadocia group tour. These package tours include pre-organized transportation, activities (like hot air ballooning, museum tours, horseback riding, shopping tours, etc.), and accommodation. Typically spanning two to three days, these tours provide ample time to explore Cappadocia's scattered open-air museums and attractions. Embark on an unforgettable journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a journey steeped in history, adventure, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

We are thrilled to offer an exclusive car rental service with a driver for your seamless journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Please consider that this intercity service includes all supplementary costs, encompassing highway and bridge fees, driver's accommodation, and more. Luxury expedition to Cappadocia from Istanbul with a chauffeur-driven minibus for a minimum of three days, beginning at a competitive rate of 1000 Euro. For extended bookings over three days, avail a minimum discount of 10%. We are at your service, striving to deliver excellence and quality, through our chauffeur-driven van rental service from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Dedicated fleet of Mercedes Benz Vito drivers can accommodate up to 6 passengers along with their luggage. This service is ideal for transportation to your home, business meetings, classrooms, or the seaport terminal.

Rent Mercedes Vito Van Without Driver

Maximum Capacity: (6-8) passengers

Minimum Capacity: (1) passenger

Mercedes Sprinter Minibus

Maximum Capacity: (12-15) passengers

Minimum Capacity: (7-8) passengers

12-Day Tour of Turkey Itinerary

Starting from Istanbul Airport, the tour encompasses multiple destinations including Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and the enchanting Cappadocia.

In accordance with this particular itinerary for 5 adults, equipped with 6 suitcases and 4 hand luggage items, the total cost for a car with an English-speaking driver aboard a Mercedes Vito culminates to 3600 Euro. This price includes gasoline, highway, and bridge tolls. Experience the serene landscapes from above with our Cappadocia Balloon Tours. The balloon tour costs 90 Euros per person, subject to variation depending on the demand and the specific type of balloon chosen. These tours are scheduled to commence every morning at sunrise, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.

Uncover the Gems of Cappadocia

Venture into the unique sites of the Ihlara Valley, situated 100 km from Nevşehir, such as Ağaçaltı Church, Sümbüllü Church, Yılanlı Church, Direkli Church, among others.

Goreme: Explore the captivating Love Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum, and the plethora of mesmerizing churches and chapels.

Underground Cities in Cappadocia: Delve into the past with the captivating history of Ozkonak Underground City, Mazı Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Kaymaklı Underground City. We, the Cab Istanbul Team, are devoted to ensuring your journey across the picturesque landscapes of Turkey is an experience of supreme comfort and memorable delight.

Horse Riding Tour in Cappadocia

Venture into the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia on a horse ride. Even if you've never ridden before, Cappadocia's horse tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region's unique natural beauty. Don't worry if you lack previous horse riding experience; you don't need to be a professional to participate. Before your tour begins, riding instructors will provide a brief training session, imparting crucial basic information for a safe and enjoyable ride. Reservations for the Cappadocia horse tour, horse safari, and hourly horse hire can be made at your hotel's reception or by contacting us directly. Our horse farm is located in Kızılvadi (Rose Valley), ensuring a picturesque backdrop for your equine adventure.

Goreme Hotels: Enjoy your stay in these remarkable accommodations - Goreme Valley Cave House, Safran Cave Hotel, Yusuf Bey House Goreme, Tekkaya Cave Hotel, and Artemis Cave Suites.

Urgup Hotels: Experience world-class hospitality in these top-rated hotels - Kayakapi Premium Caves Hotel (internationally renowned for its cave hotel concept), Cappadocia Hotel, Best Western Premier Cappadocia, Urgup Konak Hotel, Royal Cave Hotel, and Akuzun Hotel.

Uchisar Hotels: For unique and elegant accommodations, consider the Uchisar Cave Pansion, Millstone Cave Suites, Uchisar Kaya Hotel, Les Maisons De Cappadoce, and Eyes of Cappadocia Cave Hotel.

Avanos Hotels: Stay at the heart of Cappadocia with these splendid hotels - Suhan Cappadocia, Sofa Hotel, Mira Cappadocia Hotel, Avanos Suites, and Akman Boutique Hotel.

Ortahisar Hotels: Experience luxury in these accommodations - Castle Inn Cappadocia, Exedra Cappadocia, Elaa Cave Hotel & Elaa Suites, and Minia Cave Cappadocia Hotel.

Best Cave Hotels: For a truly immersive experience, consider these top-rated cave hotels - Kayakapı Premium Caves, Argos In Cappadocia, Museum Hotel, Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa, Taşkonaklar, Wings Cappadocia Hotel, Millstone Cave Suites, Mira Cappadocia Hotel, and Azure Cave Suites.