Istanbul to Pamukkale: How to Travel
There are certain places in the world that give you the feeling of having stepped into another realm. Pamukkale, meaning ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, is one of them. This UNESCO heritage site is famed for its travertine terrace formations created by the buildup of calcium carbonate deposits. If you’re heading to Turkey, you will likely land in Istanbul. Pamukkale is located around 570 kilometers south of Istanbul. Here’s how you can get from Istanbul to Pamukkale during your trip to Turkey.
- Ryan S
- From England
Ways to get to Pamukkale from Istanbul
There are three main ways to travel from Istanbul to Pamukkale: by car, bus, and plane. So let’s see each one of these in detail.
By Bus
As there is no direct bus route from Istanbul to Pamukkale, you will have to take a bus journey to Denizli first. From Denizli, you can catch a local bus to reach Pamukkale, which is only 15 minutes away. You will find minibusses departing from Denizli to Pamukkale every half an hour. The entire journey from Istanbul to Pamukkale can take anywhere between nine and twelve hours, depending on your chosen bus company. Bus operators such as Kamil Koc and Kale ply the Istanbul-Denizli route. A ticket will cost you from USD 21 to USD 30.
Pro Tips:
- Tourists can book their tickets directly at the bus station. But to secure a good seat, we recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.
- Men and women are usually not allowed to sit next to each other unless they are traveling together. This means that you may find buses with empty seats on which you won’t be allowed to sit.
- Opt for a night bus service so you can have enough time the next day to tour Pamukkale.
By Car
Traveling from Istanbul to Pamukkale by car is the best option if you’re traveling with a group of friends. There are many car rental agencies in Istanbul offering this service. Traveling by car is also ideal for those wanting to stop along the way to see other popular attractions. The journey to Pamukkale from Istanbul will ideally take about six and a half hours. Renting a car in Turkey costs approximately USD 30 per day, but prices may vary depending on the type of car you rent.
Pro Tips:
- Take the E80 highway towards Eskisehir and then connect to the D650 highway towards Pamukkale.
- Make sure to carry some change as you will be encountering many toll booths along the highway.
- Start your journey early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic.
- Once you reach Pamukkale, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the famous travertine terraces.
By Plane
The fastest way to go from Istanbul to Pamukkale is surely by plane. Denizli Cardak Airport is the closest airport to Pamukkale. The flight duration between Istanbul and Denizli is just a little more than an hour. This is also a very cheap option to travel, as a one-way Istanbul to Pamukkale flight will cost you from USD 20 to USD 30, depending on your chosen departure time. The only airline currently offering this service is Turkish Airlines. Once you land, you’ll be able to either rent a car or opt for a bus to reach Pammukale.
Pro Tips:
- Avoid buying your ticket at the last minute when prices tend to be high.
- Taking a flight is recommended if you are planning to take a day trip from Istanbul to Pamukkale.
- Take account of the duration it takes for you to reach the airport from your hotel and your flight boarding time when taking a flight from Istanbul to Pamukkale. This should be roughly four hours.
- Use platforms such as Google Flight to compare and contrast airfares.
- Flights tend to cost less on certain days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
| Time | Cost | Why choose this? | |
| Bus | 9 to 12 hours | USD 21 to USD 30 | A very scenic route |
| Car | 6.5 hours | USD 30 per day | Gives flexibility |
| Plane | Over one hour | USD 20 to USD 30 | The fastest method |
*Note: The prices mentioned are of February 2024 and are subject to change.
Pamukkale tours
If neither of these options convinced you, relax. We got a solution for you! Opting for a Pamukkale organized tour will allow you to explore this breathtaking site without having to worry about tickets, timings, and all other plan-related concerns.
- You can get on a day trip from Istanbul to Pamukkale. This tour is perfect if your intention is just to relax in the thermal pools. You will also have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- If you want a longer trip, you can opt for a 3-day trip to Pamukkale. You can begin the tour in Istanbul and explore its sights. Then, you can visit Pamukkale and see cotton castles, Hierapolis, and the Basilica of St. Philippe. You can get on a boat tour in Kusadasi, where your trip concludes.
You can also contact our travel experts to design a customized tour to Turkey. Or read our guide on the places to visit in Turkey for more information.
