If you are thinking of traveling to Turkey, an essential place that you should add to your trip is Cappadocia. And from Istanbul you have several transport options to get there, although some are more recommendable than others.
The Cappadocia region is characterized by its rock formations, cave dwellings and Fairy chimneys, although there are many more interesting things to see and do in the region, here are the 15 essential things to see and do in Cappadocia + Where to stay and I have also added to the blog the best viewpoints to enjoy sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia.
In this quick guide I explain the best options to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia and I add tips so you can organize your trip.
HOW TO GO FROM ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA
By bus, an economical option to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Without a doubt, this is a good option if you travel with a tighter budget. Although the journey takes a long time, about 12 or 13 hours, the price is around 25 or 30 euros per person and journey. There are night and day buses. If you decide on this option, always try to find the night option, you will spend hours sleeping and save a hotel night. You have two options to book the journey:
Nevsehir Seyahat
This company makes night journeys every day. Buses leave the central bus station in Istanbul around 7:00 p.m. and arrive in Cappadocia around 7:30 a.m. During the journey they stop about 3 or 4 times. The cost is usually around 25 and 30 euros per person and journey.
Turizm Metro
This company has two daily routes. A daytime journey that leaves around 12 noon and arrives in Cappadocia and the night option. Both options have a duration of 12 or 13 hours of travel. This company arrives at the Nevsehir station in case there are passengers who get off here and then continues on its way to Cappadocia (the distance between the two is about 20 minutes).
The cost is usually around 25 and 30 euros per person and journey.
Important
The Cappadocia region is divided into three distinct zones: Göreme, Aavanos, and Uçhisar. The most popular is Göreme, although I recommend that you spend time getting to know the other two.
Once you arrive at the central bus station you have several options to get to your accommodation; Hire a rental car (I'll talk to you later about the advantages of getting around Cappadocia by rental car), ask your hotel for a transfer and have them arrange your transfer, or take a taxi. In case you take the first taxi you find at the bus station, ask for the price first before getting in and haggle.
By plane, the most comfortable option to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia
The fastest and most comfortable option to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia is by plane. And the prices are not bad at all. It is true that it is more expensive than by bus, but if you plan ahead you can find flights for 75-85 euros per person (round trip).
You will need to take a flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir. Once there you have a journey of about 20 minutes by car until you enter the region of Cappadocia. I recommend renting a car at the airport with GPS to get to your final destination. Although if you do not have a driver's license, your hotel in Cappadocia will surely offer the option of airport pick-up at an additional cost. The taxi option from the airport is much more expensive.
With an organized excursion, a good alternative to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Another option to go to Cappadocia from Istanbul are organized tours. The advantage of these tours is that they usually include a guide, transfers, even hotels...
You have many options and several days. It is a good option if you do not have much experience traveling on your own or if you do not want to complicate your life very much in organizing the trip.
Here I leave you some of the best tours that visit Cappadocia from Istanbul:
How to get around Cappadocia
The best way to get to know Cappadocia is with a rental car. It will allow you to go at your own pace, to be able to enjoy the sunrises, the sunsets... However, if you do not have a driving license or do not dare to rent a car in Cappadocia, you have many options for tours and day trips to get to know the region:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Turkey very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!