Are you embarking on a journey from Ankara to Cappadocia, or Cappadocia to Ankara, in Türkiye? Whether you’re mesmerized by the fairy chimneys of Devrent Valley or eager to explore Central Anatolia’s historic landmarks, this guide lays out all you need to know about how to travel between these two destinations.
Discover the most popular routes, the travel time and the fastest way to travel. We’ll navigate you through the easiest and best ways to traverse this scenic route, even on a tight budget. From cheap bus tickets to comprehensive ticket prices, this transportation guide is your go-to for practical advice on how to get from Ankara to Cappadocia and back, making your travel experience both memorable and hassle-free.
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 do you 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, as there are no direct flights. This would be a pretty long-winded journey and, therefore, not really worth it.
If you do want to go that route, look up flights with Turkish Airlines or the low-cost airline Pegasus Airlines with flights between Kayseri Erkilet Airport, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport, and Ankara Esenboga Airport.
Ankara to Cappadocia By Car
The fastest (and best 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, as well as the possibility of unpredictable road conditions.
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. Two main bus companies serve the Ankara-Cappadocia route:
- Metro
- Kamil Koc
Both run bus routes of around four services per day from Ankara bus station, either directly to Cappadocia bus station or to Nevsehir. From Nevsehir, you can take a taxi or a minibus to Goreme.
The fastest 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 Cappadocia or Ankara’s main bus terminal at 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 an excellent 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.