Konya is in the southwest of Cappadocia and is famous for Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.
Planning to travel from Konya to Cappadocia and confused about which transport option to select?
Whether you want the freedom of a road trip, the ease of a private transfer, or the fun of a guided day tour, here are the different ways to make the journey.
Traveling from Konya to Cappadocia by Bus
Intercity buses run regularly between Konya and Nevşehir/Göreme.
The journey is relatively short, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours, covering a distance of 230 km (143 miles).
Some buses might stop in Aksaray or Nevşehir along the way.
Ticket Cost and Booking
- A one-way ticket typically costs around ₺600–900 (~$20–25), depending on the bus company and how early you book.
- You can catch a bus from Konya’s main bus terminal (Konya Otogarı), which is easily accessible from the city center by tram.
Bus Schedule
- Both daytime and evening departures are available.
- If you leave in the morning, you’ll be in Cappadocia by early afternoon. This is a comfortable and cost-effective way.
- Major bus operators include Kamil Koç, Metro, and Özkaymak.
Why Choose the Bus
- The buses are usually large comfortable long-distance coaches with reclining seats similar to other intercity routes.
- Budget-friendly and easy to book.
- Direct connections from Konya to Cappadocia.
Traveling from Konya to Cappadocia by Car
Driving from Konya to Cappadocia is straightforward and takes about three hours.
Renting a car in Konya can be a good idea if you plan to explore the different sites of the region.
Driving Route
- The route via Aksaray to Nevşehir/Göreme is mostly highway.
- You’ll pass by the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a 13th-century roadside inn worth visiting.
- The roads are well-maintained with little traffic.
- A bonus of self-driving is you can detour to lesser-known spots like Soğanlı Valley or Derinkuyu on the way if you want.
Private Car Transfer
- If you prefer not to self-drive, you can hire a private transfer from Konya to Cappadocia.
- A private car/driver will take you door-to-door in about three hours, and you can depart at your chosen time.
- This costs more (expect something in the range of ₺4,000+ (~$105) depending on the vehicle size.
- This private car transfer is worth it for convenience and is suitable for families with kids or small groups.
Train and Bus Combination: An Alternative Option
Though Konya is on Turkey’s high-speed rail line, there’s no direct train to Cappadocia. However, train enthusiasts can still create a route:
Option 1: Konya to Ankara by Train + Bus to Cappadocia
- First take the High-speed train from Konya to Ankara (1hour 45 minutes).
- Then a bus from Ankara to Cappadocia (4 hours).
- Total travel time: 6–7 hours.
Option 2: Regional Train to Kayseri + Bus to Cappadocia
- Another way is taking a regional train from Konya Train Station to Kayseri.
- It’s a slow overnight train that takes approximately 7–8 hours.
- Then switch to a bus to travel from Kayseri. It takes about 1–1.5 hours to reach Cappadocia from Kayseri.
- These are generally not time-efficient routes. The bus or car is much simpler.
However, we don’t suggest these train+bus options because it increases the overall travel time. A bus or car remains a simpler and faster choice to travel from Konya to any city in Cappadocia.
Guided Day Tour from Konya to Cappadocia
If you are based in Konya and short on time, there are guided day tours that take you to Cappadocia and back in one long day.
What to Expect
- The Konya to Cappadocia tour starts with a pick up from your hotel in the city
- A guide will explain things on the way, show you key sights like Göreme Open-Air Museum and an underground city, and return you to Konya by late evening.
- It’s a whirlwind (expect ~12+ hours total), but it’s an option if you only have a day to spare and want to return to Konya by late evening.
This tour is ideal if you only have one day, and prefer not to worry about transport or navigation.
Tip: If possible, consider staying overnight in Cappadocia for a more relaxed experience.
Dont worry, you can plan your day trips to Cappadocia from different cities:
Antalya to Cappadocia
İzmir to Cappadocia
Pamukkale to Cappadocia
Returning from Cappadocia to Konya
Returning to Konya follows a similar process:
- Buses from Göreme or Nevşehir to Konya usually depart in the first half of the day.
- Since it’s a shorter route, there’s less need for overnight buses
- Plan your schedule so you don’t miss the last bus – check the timetables (your hotel or a local travel agency in Cappadocia can help with current schedules).
Konya to Cappadocia: Which Travel Mode to Choose
Your choice of travel method from Konya to Cappadocia depends on your budget, time, and preference for convenience:
- Bus travel from Konya and Cappadocia is budget friendly and comfortable.
- Driving your own car or hiring a private transfer is a quick and flexible option.
- Guided Day tours offer convenience with organized experiences.
- A train and bus combo is great for sightseeing though less efficient.
