Antalya to Cappadocia: How to Travel

You can travel from Antalya to Cappadocia or vice versa, either by air or road, but each mode of transport you choose has its pros and cons.

By Bus

The cheapest way to reach Cappadocia from Antalya is by bus. Many overnight buses run between Antalya and Nevsehir (in Cappadocia), covering the 586-kilometer journey in eight to 10 hours. From the Nevsehir bus station, you can reach your final destination on a shuttle minibus. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Konya (300 km from Antalya), see the sights there, stop for the night, and continue to Cappadocia the next day. Buses are reasonably comfortable and stop at various points on the way. Major bus companies on this route include Kamil Koc, Metro and Pamukkale. And remember, strangers of the opposite gender are not allowed to sit next to each other.

Pro Tips:

• Take the Flixbus to begin your trip in Goreme National Park. This place is famous for its natural rock formations. Take the Flixbus to begin your trip in Goreme National Park. This place is famous for its natural rock formations. 
• Ask your hotel concierge or travel guide in Antalya to call a good bus company and reserve your seat a few days before you travel. 
• Many bus companies offer online booking services. Check their websites. Or go to a bus ticket search engine.

By Car

Driving from Antalya to Cappadocia gives you the chance to explore a variety of landscapes along the way, although it is the most expensive way to travel. Renting a car may be a better option if you are traveling in a group. Car rental fees vary greatly, from as low as USD 6 during the off-season to USD 25 in the high season for a budget car. On the other hand, a private taxi from Antalya to Cappadocia will cost over USD 300. Discover Cars and LocalRent are some of the big players in the business. The road is a smooth, paved, four-lane road with manageable traffic for the most part. Without halting, it’s possible to complete the journey in seven hours. You’ll ride along the ancient Silk Road past caravanserais like the Sultanhani to Konya, where you can see top sights and stop for a meal or overnight. From Konya, it will take another three hours to reach Cappadocia.

Pro Tips:

• If you fancy driving yourself, rent a car, but you’ll need to return it to where it was rented.
• Rental cars have a device that records highway and bridge tolls, so the cost will be added to your final bill.
• Look out for a gas station called Zirve Tinaztepe, which is about 150 minutes from Antalya. It’s great for a bite.
• Rumi’s tomb, with its distinctive turquoise tiles, is one of Turkey’s most beloved tourist and religious sites. It is located in Konya, on the way to Cappadocia.

By Flight

Going from Antalya to Cappadocia by plane is the fastest way to cover the distance. You can catch a flight from Antalya Airport to either Kayseri International Airport or Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport before taking a road transfer to start your tour in Cappadocia. In summer, Pegasus Air and Sun Express run direct flights between Antalya and Kayseri. The flight duration is a little over an hour. From Kayseri, a bus will take you to Cappadocia in an hour. Ticket prices can vary depending on the season and how early you book, but generally range from USD 40 to USD 150. Alternatively, you can take Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Jet, or Pegasus Airlines via Istanbul, but the flight time is at least 3.5 hours. You’ll land at Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport, and from there, you can take a shuttle service or private transfer to Cappadocia.

Pro Tips:

• In the off-season, getting a direct flight to Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is tough, and you may have to opt for the longer Istanbul route. Including the layover, the flight time can range from five to 11 hours.
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is about 40 kilometers from Goreme, and 30 kilometers from Urgup. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Urgup.
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is closer to the main town in Cappadocia, so it’s a better option if you want to get to your hotel fast.
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is less busy than Kayseri, which can make it a more pleasant experience. But the airport has fewer flight schedules than Kayseri.

	Time	Cost	Why choose this?
Bus	8 to 10 hours	USD 17 to USD 23	Budget-friendly
Car	7 hours	USD 6 to USD 300	Gives flexibility
Flight	Over an hour	USD 40 to USD 150	The fastest method

*Note: The prices mentioned are of February 2024 and are subject to change.

If you are planning to take a trip from Antalya to Cappadocia without all the hassles of picking the right transportation and accommodation options, why not book an all-inclusive tour that takes care of all the details for you? Here are a couple of suggestions:

• You can go on a 13-day trip that covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. You get to see everything from Istanbul’s old quarter and the rock formations of Cappadocia to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
• Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum and the Valley of Three Beauties in Cappadocia and enjoy a fantastic hot air balloon ride over its otherworldly landscape on a 7-day tour. Find out why visitors have been coming to Hierapolis for centuries to find a cures for various ailments.

There are many ways to reach Cappadocia from Antalya — by car, by flight, and by bus. Or better still, join an organized tour to Cappadocia, where all the logistics are taken care of. Our local travel experts will help you plan a customized trip to Turkey according to your interests.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Turkey.