Are you embarking on a journey between the vibrant Antalya and the mystical Cappadocia in Türkiye?
Whether you’re looking for the most luxurious flight or the most budget-friendly bus journey, this guide is your go-to resource.
I’ll walk you through every step, presenting options from the swiftest flight times to the cheapest bus journeys, ensuring comfort without breaking the bank. This isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about making your travel seamless and enjoyable. So, for those pondering how to traverse these Turkish gems, read on. This article promises practical, straightforward advice, making your travel choices clear and easy.
Antalya and Cappadocia are two of Turkey’s most famous tourist spots. If you do a little research into either, you’ll see exactly why!
Antalya is a huge city on the south coast, and it’s linked to some fantastic beach resorts, such as Belek, Alanya, Lara, and Side, to name just a few. However, Antalya in itself is a fantastic summer spot while being incredible in the winter, too! There are countless historic ruins, places of natural beauty, and some top-notch, all-inclusive hotels to check out.
Of course, everyone knows about Cappadocia! This is where those famous rock formations rise out of the land, known as ‘fairy chimneys.’ Cappadocia is one of the best and most scenic spots in the world for hot air ballooning, and you can also stay in a cave hotel. Of course, don’t forget that famous Turkish breakfast overlooking it all.
So, if you’re in Antalya, you might want to know how to get to Cappadocia and then back again. Well, it’s a fair distance, but it’s one that’s worthwhile.
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Cappadocia To Antalya Map
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1. Self-Drive Cappadocia To Antalya
You can hire a car and drive to Cappadocia, which will take just under 7 hours, depending on traffic. Be aware that you’re likely to hit traffic just outside Cappadocia at any time of year – it’s a very popular spot!
The journey covers just over 508km, and you’ll follow the D300 road. To get back to Antalya from Cappadocia, reverse the instructions.
While on your road trip, consider exploring some of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities or making a stop at Cavusin Village and Uchisar Castle for a glimpse into the area’s rich history. The Ihlara Valley, known for its stunning scenery and historic cave churches, is also a worthwhile detour en route.
The journey between Antalya and Cappadocia offers opportunities to explore some fascinating sights along the way. Here are a few notable stops you can consider:
- Konya: located approximately halfway between Antalya and Cappadocia, Konya is a city known for its rich history and cultural significance. It’s home to the Mevlana Museum, which honors the 13th-century poet and philosopher Rumi. The museum showcases Rumi’s mausoleum and exhibits related to his life and teachings
- Aspendos: located near Antalya, Aspendos is an ancient Roman city renowned for its well-preserved theater. The Aspendos Theater is considered one of the best-preserved theaters from antiquity and is still used for performances today. Its remarkable acoustics and architectural beauty make it a must-visit site for history and theater enthusiasts
These are just a few highlights along the route between Antalya and Cappadocia. Depending on your interests and the time available, you can plan additional stops or explore other attractions that catch your attention.
During your journey, take a lunch break at a local restaurant to savor the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine, reflecting the culinary traditions of both the Mediterranean coast and Central Anatolia. These stops offer a delightful culinary experience, blending the tastes of the sea and the land.
2. Package Tours Between Cappadocia & Antalya
You’ll find countless companies offering package tours from Antalya to Cappadocia, and the beauty is that you don’t need to organize anything; it’s all included!
It’s really up to you and what you want to get out of the experience. Shop around and find the right choice for you. Some tours cover just one night; some cover four. Most tours don’t include the hot air balloon ride, so you’ll need to pay extra to do this, which costs between 120 and 160 euros (at the time of writing).
A hot air balloon flight over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, including the enchanting Devrent Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Red Valley, is an experience not to be missed, albeit at an extra cost. These valleys are renowned for their unique rock formations and provide breathtaking views, especially from the vantage point of a balloon.
Most tours will include return transportation, hotel accommodation (may or may not be a cave hotel, so make sure you check), a tour guide in North and South Cappadocia, and breakfasts and lunches (some may or may not include dinner, and if not, you’ll need to pay extra).
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3. Take A Private Transfer From Cappadocia To Antalya
Taking a private transfer from Cappadocia to Antalya is a convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two popular destinations in Turkey. The distance between Cappadocia and Antalya is approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles). While the travel time is around 5 to 6 hours, you can stop at any place you like and maybe take two days to get to Cappadocia or Antalya.
It’s recommended to book your private transfer in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
4. Flights From Antalya To Cappadocia
Considering the direct flights from Antalya Airport to Kayseri Erkilet Airport near Cappadocia, this is undoubtedly the fastest way to travel between these two destinations – and, for me, the best way.
The flight time is typically just over an hour, making it a far quicker option than a road trip. Upon arrival at Kayseri Erkilet Airport, you’re just a step away from the heart of the Cappadocia region.
During the summer months, you can take an Antalya to Cappadocia flight. You will fly from Antalya to Kayseri Airport and then continue your journey from there. Both Pegasus and Sun Express operate these services (as well as flights from Cappadocia to Antalya).
Another option for flying between Cappadocia and Antalya is to take a flight with Pegasus or Turkish Airlines to Istanbul and connect to Kayseri; however, this will add considerable time to your journey.
A direct flight from Antalya to Kayseri takes just over an hour, and you’ll then take a bus from Kayseri to Cappadocia, which will take one hour.
To travel from Cappadocia to Antalya, reverse the above information.
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5. Cappadocia To Antalya By Bus
The other option is to go by bus. You can take a long-distance bus with Kamil Koc, Metro, or Pamukkale from Antalya to Nevsehir; however, this will take anything up to 10 hours. The good news is that you will stop several times along the way!
A bus ticket for this journey can be easily purchased at the bus station, and it’s advisable to compare ticket prices across different bus companies to find the best deal. While this might not be the fastest bus option compared to a flight, it offers a more scenic route and the opportunity to experience local life.
You can then take the shuttle minibus from Nevsehir to Cappadocia, which is around half an hour, depending on traffic.
You can then take a bus back to Antalya from Nevsehir.
Now that you know how to get from Antalya to Cappadocia as well as travel options from Cappadocia to Antalya, tell us which option you choose.