How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia
Figuring out how to get from Antalya to Cappadocia can feel intimidating, and rightly so with so many different options to get there. There are several factors to consider, and it depends on how you and your family like to travel. Do you prefer a quick plane ride, or do you like to road trip and enjoy a few stops along the way?
Next, in our Antalya to Cappadocia route guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of different types of travel and fun things you can do along the way.
Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running.
Antalya to Cappadocia Map
About the Route from Antalya to Cappadocia
The route from Antalya to Cappadocia is 539 km, making it about a 7-hour 30-minute trip. With several stops along the way, it can take between 8 to 9 hours before arriving in magical Cappadocia. First, you’ll head east on coastal road D400 before heading north on D687 up into the Taurus mountains. Furthermore, you’ll have beautiful views as you take the winding roads toward Konya. Then, as you get closer to Konya, you’ll exit and take D330 to Konya.
Once you reach Konya, you’ll take you’ll get on toll road D300. The landscape flattens out and you’ll have wide-open views the rest of the way to Cappadocia.
Antalya to Cappadocia Travel Essentials
Gas Stations
Our favorite gas stations in Turkey are Petrol Ofisi, Opet Gaz, and Total Gaz. They are typically bigger, newer, and touchless. One gas station we always stop driving from Antalya to Cappadocia is Zirve Tinaztepe. You can get a bite to eat at the restaurant and at the same time, get gas and take a bathroom break. It’s located about two and a half hours from Antalya, so it makes a great stopping point.
Turkey Museum Pass
You can get a Turkey Museum Pass that covers the entrance to museums in Turkey for 15 consecutive days. The museum pass will come in handy the first hour from Antalya and once you arrive in Cappadocia. During the drive there, there aren’t many places you can use it along the way from Antalya to Cappadocia. If you decide to stop in Konya, check the Museum Pass app for the museums that you can use the pass.
How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia
Antalya to Cappadocia by Plane
If you’re already in Antalya and want to visit Cappadocia, the fastest way to get there is by plane. You can use a smaller national airline like Pegasus or Atlas Jet to fly into Nevsehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR) airports. If you fly during the high season, you’ll find direct flights that will get you to Cappadocia in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If you’re flying in the off-season, it is harder to find a direct flight and you will have to fly to Istanbul with a layover before flying to Cappadocia. With a layover in Istanbul, your flight time will range from 5 hours to 11 hours depending on the airline and layover time.
The Nevsehir airport is larger and easier to access. We would recommend flying into the Nevsehir airport for a smoother trip for your trip itinerary.
Looking for an Antalya Hotel?
If you’re spending a few days in Antalya before going to Cappadocia, we recommend making your way to Konyaalti Beach on the West side of Antalya. Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying cafes on the beach or heading to the old town Antalya to explore. There are plenty of ancient cities, beaches, and family-friendly activities to enjoy. See more in Antalya Destination Guide.
Hotels We Suggest in Antalya
Porto Bello Hotel & Spa
Porto Bello Hotel & Spa is a fantastic family-friendly hotel in Antalya right across the street from Konyaalti Beach. You can take a 10-minute tram ride down to the old town to explore or stay close and sit and relax at the pebble beach.
Pacco Sea & City Hotel Spa
Pacco Sea & City Hotel Spa small beach hotel with a family-friendly atmosphere and personal service. A great budget-friendly choice for a stopover in Antalya on your way to Kas.
See our guide to the top Antalya resorts for your stay.
Antalya to Cappadocia by Car
The drive from Antalya to Cappadocia gives you the freedom to stop and explore the variety of landscapes and areas you’ll see along the way.
You can reserve a rental car online at RentalCars.com and you can pick the car up at the Antalya airport. If you are already staying in Antalya, most companies will bring the car to your hotel. RentalCars.com has a variety of companies, so you can choose the best car and price for your budget.
Be aware that driving in Turkey, can be stressful when driving in the city. The road from Antalya to Cappadocia is mostly a 4-lane smooth paved road. There are radars along the road that will track your speed and will send a ticket via the rental company if you are speeding. Part of the trip includes a toll road, and there is generally not much traffic.
Antalya to Cappadocia by Private Transfer
Subsequently, if you don’t want to drive, but want to go direct to Cappadocia, a private transfer is a great option. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll have the flexibility you need to stop for breaks along the way and have the maximum amount of comfort on the route there. Also, we recommend using a local tour operator to schedule your transfer.
Antalya to Cappadocia by Private Tour
If you are wanting to make a few stops along the way to Cappadocia, you can hire a driver and guide. There are several fun things to stop and see outside of Antalya on your way to Cappadocia. You will have the flexibility you need to stop on a whim if you see an area you want to explore. You book private family tours through our favorite local tour operator.
Next, we’ll take a look at things to do on the way from Antalya to Cappadocia.
Fun Things to Do on the Way to Cappadocia
Ancient City of Aspendos
If you haven’t already seen the ancient city of Aspendos, we highly recommend making a quick stop on your way out to see the Roman amphitheater. You can use your Turkey Museum Pass to enter the site and take 30 minutes to walk through the theater before going to Cappadocia.
Panoramic Mediterranean Hill Top Views
As you wind up the road from the coast of Antalya, you’ll see many places where you can pull over to stop and enjoy the panoramic views of the Turkish coast. This area is famous for its honey, and you can buy a jar from a local. Enjoy!
Mevlana Museum in Konya
The Mevlana Museum highlights Konya as a religious and cultural center in Turkey. The main thing to see at the museum is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi mystic, Rumi. Inside the mausoleum, you’ll see Rumi’s sarcophagus, a mosque, and a museum. The site is small, so you won’t need a lot of time to see the museum and learn more about Rumi. Allow about 1 hour to explore.
You can use your Museum Pass to visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya.
Lake Tuz (Tuz Golu)
The salt lake is also known as the “Pink Lake” and is the 2nd largest lake in Turkey. It is a hypersaline salt lake that is a vibrant pink color, and it is quite beautiful. While it is not technically “on the way”, you’ll have to veer about an hour off from Aksaray to go see it. You’ll be about an hour away from Cappadocia once you arrive at the lake.
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do when you get to Cappadocia.
Arrival in Cappadocia
As you drive into Nevsehir you’ll start to see glimpses of the rocky formations known as the fairy chimneys that are famous in the region of Cappadocia. We recommend staying at a cave hotel in Uchisar, Goreme or Urgup – go check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
What to Do in Cappadocia
Once you’ve arrived from Antalya to Cappadocia, it’s time to have some fun exploring. With Cappadocia’s unique landscape and endless outdoor activities, it’s like a family playground for everyone. Don’t miss the highlights of top things to do in Cappadocia.
See our recommended Cappadocia Tours
Hot Air Balloon Trip
A sunrise hot air balloon trip soaring over the Cappadocia landscape was a highlight for our family. There are not many things the entire family would get up at 3:30 am to do – but this is one of them!
Underground Cities
Another highlight, especially for the kids, was exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu. We knew they would have fun but they’re still talking about getting to go underground in the caves. Derinkuyu is the largest city in the area, and another option is Kayamakli. Both will not disappoint.
Exploring the Valleys
There are valleys to explore all over the region of Cappadocia. Red Valley, Rose Valley, Monks Valley, Ihlara Valley. Similarly, all the valleys boast fairy chimneys, cave houses, and churches and are ready to be explored. If you’re looking for hands-on physical activities that you can explore as a family, we recommend Zelve Open Air Museum located in Zelve Valley or stop at Goreme Open Air Museum to see the painted cave churches.
Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in our Cappadocia Destination Guide.
Conclusion
Traveling from Antalya to Cappadocia, can be a great family adventure on your trip to Turkey. With mountain views and wide open spaces, historical sites, and great Turkish food, you’ll learn more about all that Turkey has to offer.
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