Cappadocia to Pamukkale: How to Travel
Pamukkale and Cappadocia are must-visit destinations in Turkey. On your trip to Turkey, discover the fairytale ‘cotton castle’ of Pamukkale, a striking white cluster of calcite travertines overflowing with hot spring waters in southwestern Turkey. The rich citizens of ancient Rome would come here to bathe and heal in the mineral-rich pools. Above the travertines are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. In Cappadocia, explore its stunning ‘fairy chimneys’ and take in the otherworldly landscapes from a hot air balloon. You can do the Cappadocia to Pamukkale circuit by bus or car.
- Ryan S
- From England
WAYS TO GET THERE
The distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale is 615 kilometers (382 miles), a drive of 7-9 hours. Road is your best bet because there are no direct flights or trains between the two places.
By Bus
Daily buses operate from Nevşehir (Cappadocia) to Denizli. You also have the option of changing the bus at Konya. This will also allow you to tour Konya and its tourist attractions. Pamukkale and Kamil Koc are the popular bus operators on this route. The one-way bus journey from Nevşehir (Cappadocia) to Denizli takes about nine hours and costs USD 12. The buses are usually spacious and comfortable. From Denizli, a dolmus (minibus) or taxi will drop you at Pamukkale, 18 kilometers away.
Pro Tips:
- Mini Buses to start your trip in Pamukkale depart from Denizli every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Ask your hotel or travel agent in Cappadocia to contact a reputable bus company and book your seat a few days before your journey.
- If you’re planning a return journey, you can book a Pamukkale to Cappadocia bus ticket beforehand.
By Car
A rental car offers you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can stop for a longer duration at tourist spots like Konya and try restaurants of your choice on the way. Pamukkale to Cappadocia is a pretty good road to drive but choose a dependable rental company like LocalRent or Discover Cars. Rates vary significantly depending on the type of car and time of year. For budget cars, rates start from USD 6 per day and go up to USD 25 in high season. You can easily find rental car companies at the Nevşehir and Kayseri airports in Cappadocia. But it’s best to research and book a few weeks before the trip.
Pro Tips:
- Renting a car works if you’re heading back to Pamukkale because you’ll need to return the vehicle at the starting point.
- A device in the car will record highway and bridge tolls, and the cost is added to your final bill.
- A private taxi is the most expensive way to travel between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and will set you back by at least USD 300.
By Flight
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Cappadocia (Nevşehir or Kayseri) and Pamukkale (Denizli). It will require a long layover in Istanbul before getting a connecting flight to Denizli. In short, attempting a Cappadocia to Pamukkale flight is not a great idea. You can also get a direct flight to Denizli from Izmir Airport, which is about 200 km from Pamukkale. This option makes sense if you want to tour Ephesus and explore its ruins. But this also involves substantial road travel and does not really save time. Denizli airport is nearly 70 kilometers from Pamukkale and 62 kilometers from Denizli Bus Station.
Pro Tips:
- The fastest way to reach Izmir airport is through the airport shuttle bus. A bus departs every 20, 35, and 60 minutes from the office of Turkish Airlines.
- Izmir airport has two terminals, one for international flights and the other for local flights. The terminals are linked by walkways.
| Time | Cost | Why choose this? | |
| Bus | 9 hours | USD 12 | A very scenic route |
| Car | 7 hours | USD 6 to USD 12 | Gives flexibility |
| Flight | No direct flight | No direct flight | A longer trip |
*Note: The prices mentioned are of February 2024 and are subject to change.
Pamukkale Tours
If you have been thinking of taking a trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, it’s best to leave all the practical issues to local experts who are familiar with the best transport options. Your stays, museum tickets, flight bookings, and other logistics will also be taken care of so that you can spend all your time enjoying the experiences in places like Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
- Take an exciting nine-day trip to discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the myths surrounding them. Marvel at the white travertine thermal pools in Pamukkale and admire the nearby Roman ruins. Stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia. Finally, visit a well-preserved Roman theater in Antalya.
- Tour Çanakkale and discover the historical significance of Gallipoli on a 15-day blockbuster tour of Turkey. Take a dip in a soothing thermal pool in Pamukkale and check out the haunting ruins of Roman temples and tombs in the ancient city of Hierapolis. Cappadocia has an incredible landscape, best seen from a hot air balloon. During this wonderful trip, you’ll also explore the seaside town of Kaş, which has whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and a laid-back charm.
If you need more ideas, check out our guide on the things to do in Turkey. Read our article on the best time to visit Turkey to plan your holiday. But if you need any help, contact our travel experts, who can devise a customized trip to Turkey according to your preferences.
