Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is another popular jumping-off point for Cappadocia.
The distance is significant (about 540 km/336 miles), but there are several ways to travel from Antalya to Cappadocia:
Traveling from Antalya to Cappadocia by Bus
Many travelers opt for the overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia. Buses are comfortable long-distance coaches.
Buses depart Antalya’s main bus station in the evening and arrive in Nevşehir or Göreme early the next morning.
The journey takes roughly 9 hours on average, although some faster services claim around 8 hours, while others may take up to 10 hours depending on stops.
Expect to pay about ₺500–700 (~$18–25) for a one-way ticket.
If you take a night bus, you save a night of hotel cost and arrive with a full day ahead (though you might be a bit groggy).
Tips for Bus Travel
- Carry a light jacket or blanket as bus AC can be chilly at night.
- Major companies like Kamil Koç, Metro, or Özkaymak have routes to Cappadocia (often listed as Nevşehir or Göreme on schedules).
- If you travel by day, you’ll pass by the Taurus Mountains and through some high plateau landscapes, offering scenic views.
Traveling from Antalya to Cappadocia by Air
Flying can drastically cut travel time. In high season, there are direct flights from Antalya (AYT) to Kayseri (ASR) (and sometimes Nevşehir) operated by airlines like SunExpress or Pegasus.
A direct flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. If the timing works with your itinerary, this is the fastest option.
When to Fly
- Direct flights are more common during high season.
- In off-season or on days without a direct flight, you can still fly via Istanbul, but that will turn it into a half-day affair with layovers (often not worth it unless you really dislike long bus rides).
- Flight prices can range widely, from promotional fares around ₺1000 (~$35) one-way up to 3000+₺ (35+$) in peak times or last-minute.
After flying to Kayseri or Nevşehir, remember you’ll need a airport transfer like a private shuttle or taxi to your final destination in Cappadocia.
If you choose to fly one-way, a common strategy is to bus one way and fly the other, to balance time and cost.
Traveling from Antalya to Cappadocia by Car
Driving from Antalya to Cappadocia is a long haul but doable for road trip enthusiasts.
The fastest route is Antalya → Konya → Aksaray → Cappadocia, taking about 7–8 hours.
This route takes you over the Taurus Mountains on a good highway and across central Anatolia. You could also take a slightly longer route via Nevşehir.
If you have time, you might break the journey with a stop in Konya, which is about 4 hours from Antalya, to see the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs, then continue ~3.5 more hours to Cappadocia.
Tips for Car Travel
- Having a car in Cappadocia is useful for exploring. You can hit the outlying sites like Ihlara Valley or Derinkuyu underground city on your own schedule.
- Just be prepared for some mountain driving leaving Antalya (twisty roads until you get past the mountains).
- Fuel costs for this trip might be significant – expect to use ~60 liters of fuel (one-way), which is about ≈₺1800 (~$65) at current prices, plus any rental drop fees if you’re not returning to Antalya.
Joining a Guided Tour from Antalya to Cappadocia
If independent travel sounds overwhelming, you can join an organized one day or multi-day tour from Antalya to Cappadocia.
One Day Guided Tour
There are even daily excursion tours from Antalya to Cappadocia and back in one day usually involving a very early flight out and late flight back the same night.
This tour may sound exhausting (imagine leaving at 4am and returning at midnight), but they are perfect for time-crunched travelers.
If you’re short on time, look for a Cappadocia day trip from the Antalya package – but ideally, give Cappadocia at least an overnight. It’s a far better experience when not rushed.
Multi-day Guided Tour
A popular option is a 2-Day Tour of Cappadocia from Antalya, including transport, guided sightseeing, an overnight stay in a cave hotel, and a return to Antalya.
This multi-day guided tour can be a great option if you only have a couple of extra days and want to make the most of them.
How Does the Guided Tour Work
- This tour often starts very early in the morning. On Day 1 you will be picked up from your Antalya hotel, and transported to Cappadocia either by coach or a combination of short flight + bus.
- This tour includes guided sightseeing for two days, an overnight stay in a cave hotel, and then returns to Antalya by Day 2 evening.
- It’s a packed schedule, but you’ll see highlights like Göreme Open-Air Museum, underground cities, and maybe a sunrise hot air balloon ride (if you opt for it).
Returning from Cappadocia to Antalya
Getting back is essentially the reverse. There are overnight buses departing Göreme/Nevşehir heading to Antalya in the evenings (so you could tour all day, then hop on a 8–9 PM bus and be in Antalya next morning).
Flights are also an option, following the same route as before (direct if available, or via Istanbul).
Important Tip: If you have an onward flight from Antalya, plan to arrive back a day in advance to avoid any unexpected delays, especially during winter when snow might affect bus schedules.
