Izmir to Cappadocia: How to Travel
Soar over Cappadocia’s incredible tufa formations in a hot air balloon or go deep into its ancient subterranean cities during your trip to Turkey. Marvel at the extraordinary landscape of the Göreme National Park and admire the 9th-century Byzantine frescoes of the Buckle Church. Cappadocia is a tourist destination like no other. You can plan an itinerary that covers both Cappadocia and Izmir. In Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, you can wander in the atmospheric Kemeralti Market, visit the impressive Museum of History and Art, and stroll in the iconic promenade. The travel options from Izmir to Cappadocia include car, plane, and bus.
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WAYS TO GET THERE
It is easy to travel from Izmir to Cappadocia, a distance of 810 kilometers. You can travel by road or take a flight. There is no direct train between the two places.
By Bus
Many reputable bus companies offer services from Izmir to Cappadocia. You can find their schedules and buy tickets online or directly at the terminal. Kamil Koc is a popular bus company on this route. The ticket costs around USD 22. A journey by bus from Cappadocia to Izmir takes 14-16 hours and includes several stops on the way. Hire a taxi or local bus to your hotel from the Cappadocia bus station.
Pro Tip:
- By taking an overnight bus, you can maximize your time in both Cappadocia and Izmir and save on hotel costs.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, the route from Izmir to Cappadocia passes through some scenic landscapes and takes about 9-10 hours. Of course, you have the option of stopping at various points along the way, like Konya and Aksaray and seeing the local attractions there, such as Selime Monastery and Ihlara Valley. Make sure to choose a dependable rental company like LocalRent or Discover Cars.
Pro Tips:
- If you’re renting a car, remember that you have to return it to the point where you picked it up, which is Izmir in this case.
- The most expensive way to travel from Cappadocia to Izmir is by private cab, which can cost up to USD 275. Kiwitaxi and 12go are some of the good cab service providers.
By Flight
An Izmir to Cappadocia flight is the quickest way to travel between the two places. Depending on the schedule and your final destination, you can take a plane to either Kayseri or Nevşehir airports. The flight time is about 1.5 hours. Several airlines offer flights between these cities, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress. Ticket prices are generally in the USD 100-200 range, depending on the time of year and how early you book.
Pro Tips:
- When choosing a flight, factor in the time to get to and from the airport.
- Book flights a few weeks in advance to ensure you get the flight of your choice.
- Once you arrive in Kayseri or Nevsehir, you can book a private transfer, hire a taxi, rent a car, or take a shuttle or minibus to your final destination.
| Time | Cost | Why choose this? | |
| Bus | 14 to 16 hours | USD 22 | A very scenic route |
| Car | 9 to 10 hours | USD 85 to USD 130 | Gives flexibility |
| Flight | 1.5 hours | USD 100 to USD 200 | The fastest method |
*Note: The prices mentioned are of February 2024 and are subject to change.
Cappadocia Tours
Planning a trip from Izmir to Cappadocia by yourself can be a hassle. Instead, you can focus on enjoying the enchanting destinations and wonderful experiences — and let local experts do the hotel bookings and planning for you.
- See Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and the Roman ruins of Pamukkale during a 13-day trip. It also includes a trip to Izmir’s Historical Elevator Building, Arkas Art Center, and Hisar Mosque.
- Checking out the highlights of Cappadocia, including its unique rock formations from a hot air balloon, is very popular. But there are other alternatives as well, such as horseback riding and hiking. But Cappadocia is not just about nature. There is a unique blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian culture in Cappadocia, which can be found in the local cuisine, such as kebabs, mezes, and gözleme.
You can reach Cappadocia by flight, car and bus. Even better, our local travel experts will help you plan a customized trip to Turkey according to your interests. For a seasonal overview, see our guide on the best time to visit Turkey.
