Many travelers visit Pamukkale (famous for its white thermal pools) and Cappadocia on their Turkey trip.
The two tourist destinations are about 530 km (330 miles) apart, but it is possible to add them both to your itinerary.
Here are the best ways to travel between Pamukkale and Cappadocia:
By direct bus (overnight recommended)
There are direct buses from Denizli (Pamukkale) to Cappadocia. Denizli is the city next to Pamukkale (about 20 km away), with a main bus station connecting to many cities.
Bus companies like Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç, and Isparta Petrol run overnight buses from Denizli to Nevşehir or Göreme.
- Journey Time: Around 9–10 hours
- Departure: Late evening (8 PM, 10 PM, or midnight)
- Arrival: Early morning (6–8 AM)
It’s a convenient option – explore Pamukkale during the day, take the night bus, and wake up in Cappadocia ready to explore.
Buying Bus tickets and comfort
You can buy bus tickets at the Denizli Otogar or book online through platforms like Obilet. Prices usually range from ₺600–₺800 TRY ($20–30 USD).
Some services like FlixBus (partnered with Kamil Koç) also offer booking options with similar prices. These buses come with comfortable seats, AC, rest stops, etc.
It’s a long ride, but if you take an overnight bus, it’s not too bad.
If you’re staying in Pamukkale village, you’ll need to take a 20-minute local minibus or taxi to Denizli Otogar (bus station).
Some bus companies might offer a shuttle from Pamukkale, so it’s a good idea to ask when booking.
Upon arrival in Cappadocia, the bus will likely drop you off in Nevşehir or Göreme, where shuttles are typically available.
By split bus via Konya (optional stopover)
Another option is breaking the journey. For example, you could take a bus from Pamukkale/Denizli to Konya (about 7 hours), stay overnight or just catch another bus from Konya to Cappadocia (3-4 hours).
Konya is roughly en route and has attractions (like Mevlana Museum). However, given direct buses exist, a split usually isn’t necessary unless you want to visit Konya.
By car (Self-drive option)
If you have a car or rent one, driving from Pamukkale to Cappadocia is a scenic ~8-hour drive.
With a car, you have the flexibility to make pit stops at places like Lake Eğirdir, Konya, or even historical sites along the way, such as the Sultanhani Caravanserai on the Konya-Aksaray road.
If comfortable with self-drive, it’s a great way to see interior Turkey, but do break it up because 8 hours straight is tiring. Also, note gas costs and one-way drop fees if you’re not returning to the same city.
By flight (via Istanbul or Izmir)
There’s no direct flight between Pamukkale/Denizli and Cappadocia. But you could fly via Istanbul.
Denizli has an airport (Denizli Çardak – DNZ) with daily flights to Istanbul. You could theoretically fly Denizli->Istanbul, then Istanbul->Kayseri/Nevşehir the same or next day.
It’s a long way around and usually not time-efficient unless you want to avoid buses and don’t mind going back through Istanbul.
Another slight possibility: sometimes there are flights from Izmir to Kayseri in summer (Izmir is 3 hours from Pamukkale by car or train).
If the timing aligns, one could travel from Pamukkale -> Izmir (by train or bus, 3-4h) then fly from Izmir to Kayseri. But these flights might not be daily. Check Pegasus or Turkish Airlines for Izmir-Kayseri routes. Honestly, most people just take the direct overnight bus to save hassle.
Guided tour options
If you’d rather not plan the logistics yourself, consider joining a multi-day guided tour that includes both Pamukkale and Cappadocia, along with other top destinations like Istanbul and Ephesus.
These all-in-one packages typically include domestic flights, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, and guided visits to key sites such as the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, Hierapolis ruins, and Cappadocia’s Göreme Open-Air Museum, underground cities, and fairy chimneys.
Three such options worth checking out:
- 7-Day Magnificent Turkey Tour
- 8-Day Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia Tour
- 8-Day Turkey Tour with Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus
These tours are ideal if you want a stress-free, expertly guided experience without the hassle of organizing transport and accommodations between cities.
Tips for traveling between Pamukkale and Cappadocia
- Flights are the fastest option; look for routes from Denizli to Kayseri or Nevşehir and book early for better prices.
- Overnight buses are budget-friendly and take around 10–11 hours with fairly comfortable seats.
- Renting a car gives you freedom and lets you explore the countryside—drive time is about 7–8 hours.
- Kayseri and Nevşehir airports are both close to Cappadocia, so check flights to both.
- Use flight comparison websites and plan for airport transfers like shuttles or taxis.
- Bus companies like Metro Turizm and Pamukkale Turizm offer reliable service; book online through Obilet or Busbud.
- Bring snacks, water, and entertainment if you’re taking the bus—it’s a long ride.
- When driving, check rental terms, especially for insurance and mileage limits.
- Download offline maps in case of weak mobile signals, and plan breaks at towns like Konya.
- Dress in layers for varying temperatures in both regions.
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant times to travel.
- Carry Turkish Lira for small expenses and tips.
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases—it’s always appreciated by locals.
Our recommendations
In conclusion, Pamukkale and Cappadocia are commonly connected by overnight bus as the most efficient option.
Many travelers actually enjoy chatting with fellow backpackers on these buses – you might find others on the same Turkey circuit.
If you prefer more comfort and can afford the time, breaking the journey via Konya or opting for a combined tour can ease the burden.
Either way, seeing both Pamukkale’s thermal pools and Cappadocia’s valleys on one trip is incredibly rewarding – two very different but iconic landscapes in Turkey.
