How To Get From Ankara To Cappadocia (& Cappadocia to Ankara)
If you’re under the impression that the capital of Turkey is Istanbul, you need to take a geography lesson! However, many people actually believe this to be true.
Sure, Istanbul USED to be the capital city back in the days of the Ottoman Empire, but it’s Ankara these days, and it’s a city that’s full of historical sights to see and modern-day fun to be had.
Ankara is a pretty cosmopolitan city, and you’ll find plenty to do during your days and nights. The city sits in the center of the country, and it sometimes snows, so if you’re visiting during the winter, remember to pack warm clothing!
One place that you must visit during your time in Ankara is Anıtkabir. This is the huge mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic and the country’s first president. It was Atatürk who declared Ataturk the country’s capital back in 1923. Visiting Anıtkabir is an emotional experience, and you’ll also be in awe at the architecture and size.
However, once you’ve spent time in Ankara, you might be itching to head to a famous destination not that far away – Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is located southeast of Ankara and sits in a semi-arid part of the country. This is where you will see those famous’ fairy chimney’ rock formations, endless hot air balloons in bright colors, and that famous Turkish breakfast overlooking it all. Cappadocia is located in Goreme, which is close to the city of Nevsehir. Some of the houses in Cappadocia date back to the Bronze Age, and you’ll have the chance to stay in a cave hotel, literally carved into the walls of the caves centuries ago.
So, how to get to Cappadocia from Anakara or from Ankara to Cappadocia?
There are three ways to get from Ankara to Cappadocia: by car, by bus, and by train. You can fly to Cappadocia if you want to, but you would have to fly to Istanbul first and then down to Nevsehir, which is quite a long-winded journey and, therefore, not really worth it.
Ankara to Cappadocia By Car
The fastest option is to drive. The journey between the two locations is 302km and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Remember that Ankara is a bustling city, and Cappadocia is an extremely famous tourist destination; there’s likely to be traffic at some point.
You will first travel from Ankara to Nevsehir via the Ankara – Tarsus Otoyolu and O-21 road. It’s worth a quick stop-off in Nevsehir before you carry on to Goreme and into Cappadocia.
To head back to Ankara, reverse the same information.
Ankara to Cappadocia By Bus
A comfortable option is to travel by bus between Cappadocia and Ankara. There are two main bus companies serve the Ankara-Cappadoica route:
- Metro
- Kamil Koc
Both run around four services per day from Ankara, either directly to Cappadocia or Nevsehir. From Nevsehir, you can take a taxi or a minibus to Goreme.
The bus between Ankara and Cappadocia will take around 5 hours, depending on traffic and whether you must wait for a bus in Nevsehir. However, there are regular services throughout the day.
It’s a good idea to book your ticket ahead of your journey. You can do this on the company’s website or visit a high street store for either Kamil Koc or Metro. Alternatively, book your ticket at the central bus station and the company’s kiosk. When heading back to Ankara, booking your ticket beforehand is undoubtedly worthwhile, as this is always a busy route.
Ankara To Cappadocia Train
The other option is to travel by train to Cappadocia and Ankara. Although the train journey is a little longer, it will show you some beautiful landscapes as you travel, especially as you move into Goreme.
First, you must take the Ankara to Himmetdede train, which takes 6 hours and 35 minutes and runs once daily. Then, you’ll need to connect to Goreme. From there, which is best done by taxi. The journey will take about 50 minutes, depending on traffic, so bear that in mind when deciding whether traveling by train is a good idea for you.
When traveling back to Ankara from Cappadocia, be sure to book your ticket ahead of time via the station or the TCDD online booking service, as there is only one train per day in this direction.
Ankara To Cappadocia Tours
Ankara to Cappadocia tours by agencies are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a great way to see the sights and enjoy the unique experience of this area. The agencies typically include transportation to and from Cappadocia, as well as guided tours of the area’s many highlights. This can be a great option for those who want to explore Cappadocia without having to worry about logistics or planning.
Now that you know how to get from Ankara to Cappadocia and how to travel from Cappadocia to Ankara, we hope you have a fabulous time in Türkiye.