Home › Routes › Antalya to Cappadocia
How to get from Antalya to Cappadocia
The fastest way from Antalya to Cappadocia is to fly to Kayseri or Nevşehir and take a shuttle to Göreme, about 4–6 h door to door if you find a direct flight, longer via Istanbul. The cheapest way is an overnight intercity bus, about 9–11 h, or a drive of about 7–8 h via Konya.
Best option: Bus. Overnight buses run every day, cost little and drop you in Cappadocia in the morning without the detour through Istanbul that many flights need.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Intercity bus from Antalya Otogar to Nevşehir or Göreme, usually overnight | about 9–11 h | several departures a day, mostly in the evening | about 800–1,500 TRY | Several Turkish bus companies run it; some services end in Nevşehir and include a free minibus to Göreme. Check where yours stops. |
| flight Fly from Antalya to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV), then airport shuttle to Göreme | about 1 h 15 direct, or 4–6 h via Istanbul, plus about 1 h shuttle | direct flights limited or seasonal; many connections via Istanbul | about 1,500–4,000 TRY one way | Book a shuttle to your hotel in advance; Kayseri is about 1 h from Göreme, Nevşehir airport about 40 minutes. |
| car D650 north and the Konya road via Konya and Aksaray to Nevşehir | about 7–8 h | fuel only, no motorway tolls on most of the route | Allow a stop in Konya. The mountain section north of Antalya is slow; avoid driving it at night. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Book balloon flights for your first morning in Cappadocia; bad weather often cancels them and you want spare days.
- Overnight buses can be cold or warm depending on the driver; bring a layer.
- If flying, compare Kayseri and Nevşehir airports: Kayseri usually has more flights.
- Konya, roughly halfway, is a good place to break a road trip.
Common questions
Is there a direct flight from Antalya to Cappadocia?
Direct flights from Antalya to Kayseri or Nevşehir exist only on some days or seasons; many itineraries connect in Istanbul, which can take 4–6 hours in total. Check current schedules. Once you land, a pre-booked shuttle takes about 40 minutes from Nevşehir airport or about an hour from Kayseri to Göreme.
How long is the bus from Antalya to Cappadocia?
About 9–11 hours, depending on the company and stops. Most services leave in the evening and arrive early the next morning in Nevşehir or Göreme. If your bus ends in Nevşehir, many companies include a free minibus to Göreme, Ürgüp or Uçhisar; ask when you buy the ticket.
What is the cheapest way from Antalya to Cappadocia?
The overnight bus. It is usually far cheaper than flying and also saves you a night's accommodation. Buy tickets at Antalya Otogar or through the bus companies' websites. Driving costs only fuel, but with a rental car one way you may pay a drop-off fee.
Do I need to book the bus ahead?
During Turkish public holidays and summer weekends, yes, a day or two ahead. On other days you can usually get a seat on the day at the bus station. Seats are allocated, and single travellers are often seated next to someone of the same sex, which is normal practice in Turkey.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.