What is the Best Way to Get Around Cappadocia? A Complete Transportation Guide

Figuring out how to get around Cappadocia is key to planning the perfect trip, and we're here to help you! With its unique landscapes and spread-out attractions, having a solid game plan will make your trip so much smoother, allowing you to enjoy all this dreamy destination has to offer.

Whether you're chasing sunrise views of hot air balloons or heading off to explore ancient cave dwellings, getting from place to place can be an adventure in itself. The right transportation will help you make the most of your time and see all the magic Cappadocia has to offer.

From budget-friendly options to more comfortable ways to explore, there are plenty of choices for getting around Cappadocia depending on your travel style. Let's dive right in!

How to Get Around Cappadocia: A Brief Intro & Transportation Options

Before diving into all of the ways to get around the region, let's start with the basics. We're going to first help you get to Cappadocia, and share a bit about what traveling around Cappadocia is like.

 How to Get to Cappadocia

When it comes to getting around Cappadocia, it first depends on the option you choose for getting there! 

Here are the options for getting to Cappadocia:

• Fly to one of the airports nearby
• Take a bus from another Turkish city
• Rent a car and drive there
• Go on an organized tour from another Turkish city

Want to learn the details for each option? Don't miss out on our full guide about how to get to Cappadocia!

Can You Do Cappadocia Without a Tour?

You can absolutely do Cappadocia without a tour! While getting a tour package bundles the highlights for you and may be ideal for a weekend, you can easily do Cappadocia on your own if you are staying more time or want more freedom in your schedule.

We have been to Cappadocia a few times, and have always done it on our own! If you need help though, we're also happy to assist you in setting up a customized trip that won't feel like you're part of a tourist trap.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Cappadocia?

There are quite a few ways to get around Cappadocia, and each traveler's preferences and amount of time in the region will certainly depend on which method of transportation is right for them.

 Options for Getting Around Cappadocia

There are so many options for exploring this beautiful area of Turkey, and there truly is something for everyone! Here are the different options you can choose from to get around the region of Cappadocia:

• Rent a car (from the city, airport, or from another Turkish city)
• Do a daily mountain bike rental
• Hop on the public buses
• Take local taxis
• Use ride share apps
• Hire a guide
• Sign up for daily tours
• Join an organized group tour
• Enjoy short tours that explore the valleys/tourist highlights

How to Get Around Cappadocia: Comparing Options

Now that you know a bit about getting around Cappadocia, and the options for how to get around, let's look a bit deeper into each of the ways!

 Getting Around Cappadocia by Car

Whenever we visit Cappadocia we always rent a car. This is because it saves us some money for getting there (we typically rent a car from Istanbul) and we love going on sunrise missions and exploring off the beaten path. It may not be the best option for every traveler out there, but we certainly think it's worth it.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Cappadocia?

You don't need a rental car in Cappadocia, but it certainly helps! We found it actually saved us a bit of money, and allowed us to find some hidden gems we wouldn't have otherwise found without hiring a local guide.

If you don't rent a car, we would recommend at least doing some tours so you get to see some of the best local spots in the area.

Where to Rent a Car in Turkey

You can easily rent a car in either of the airports in Cappadocia (Nevsehir and Keyseri) or from the city center of Nevsehir. Car rentals in Cappadocia typically run around $70-80/day, while renting from cities like Istanbul and Ankara usually run closer to $40/day.

If you're planning on visiting Cappadocia for just a few days, then it'll definitely make sense to just rent a car from wherever you're flying into. However, if you're visiting for a longer period of time, or are planning on visiting other areas of Turkey, then renting a car in another big city will be well worth the cost difference.

Is it Easy to Drive Around Cappadocia?

Driving in Cappadocia is pretty easy! The roads are well paved between towns, and because the towns are very small you'll never have to park too far away. Just be careful within the towns, as roads can be steep or narrow, and during sunrise there is typically a lot of traffic.

You won't have to worry about any tolls, only on the way to Cappadocia from other areas of Turkey, and they aren't too pricey.

Is it Worth Renting a Car in Turkey?

Renting a car is worth it for those that are looking to pack in a lot of places in their schedule, or those that are planning to visit Cappadocia for several days. If you are planning on doing a bigger trip to Turkey and explore more places, then a road trip is a super fun and practical way to explore the country!

Can I Rent a Scooter in Cappadocia?

We did find some agencies that offer scooter rentals in Goreme. You can rent by the hour, for a few hours, or daily. Truthfully, we'd recommend having a daily rental rather than paying an hourly rate, since it's makes more sense financially.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Getting Around Cappadocia by Mountain Bike Rental

Want to ride around and explore the highlights of Cappadocia on your own but don't want to rent a car? You can rent a mountain bike and use the map given to you to drive through valleys and diverse terrain for a truly action-packed adventure.

It's one of the most fun and unique ways to get around Cappadocia, and you can have daily rentals.

 Other Adventurous Ways to Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia has so many fun ways to explore it. While some people opt for mountain bikes to explore on their own, there are also a handful of unique experiences in Cappadocia that allow you to get around certain areas in fun and quirky transport options.

ATV rides are a great way to explore Rose Valley, Nostalgic trike tours are a cute option for visiting Pasabag and Cavusin, and jeep tours are a comfortable way to make it to some hidden gems. Each way is a bit different, but all of them are super fun ways to explore the beautiful areas of Cappadocia!

Here are some cool tours you can do to see Cappadocia:

 How to Get Around Cappadocia by Public Transportation

If you are looking to simply get from the airport or one town to the next (for example from Kayseri to Goreme or Goreme to Avanos) then you can hop on one of the public buses! While there aren't a ton of them going around all the time, it certainly is a nice option for budget-concerned travelers.

Both Kayseri and Nevsehir airports have buses that connect to Cappadocia's most popular towns, and each town has buses departing from their city centers to connect to one another. Make sure to bring cash, and check the schedules if possible to optimize your time.

 Taxis & Ride Share Apps in Cappadocia

In the city centers of Goreme, Uchisar, and Nevsehir you can easily find taxi stands. They run on fixed rates, and there is no need to negotiate with your driver. This is definitely one of the pricier ways to get around Cappadocia, but can be convenient, especially if you're with a group of 3-4 people.

Cappadocia also has ride-share apps you can use like Uber or BiTaksi. This is helpful because it can get you to nearby places fast, without having to walk over to the taxi stands. This is also good if you want to pay with credit card, or simply if you want to compare rates with the local taxis.

 How to Experience Cappadocia with a Local Guide

Looking to explore Cappadocia but want a professional to bring you around? There are actually plenty of local guides that can bring you around on custom day trips or organize to be your guide for a multi-day experience.

This is something you'll really have to organize in advance, as taxis are only there for shorter distances. (Although it can be possible, we didn't find this to be common).

If you would like to get a personal guide, please email us, as we have a ton of contacts in the area!

 Local Tours to Make the Most of Cappadocia

Have a hotel but don't have the details of your activities figured out? Well, there are a ton of great tours in Cappadocia to choose from, and the agencies have even organized them into three different routes that are day trips exploring specific areas - blue, red, and green tours.

♥️ The Red Tour in Cappadocia

The Red Tour in Cappadocia is the most popular choice for first-time visitors, providing a comprehensive introduction to the region’s iconic landmarks. You’ll visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the charming town of Uçhisar, and Devrent Valley, known for its surreal rock formations. 

The tour also includes stops at panoramic viewpoints to admire the fairy chimneys and landscapes that make Cappadocia world-famous. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery without extensive hiking.

 The Green Tour in Cappadocia

The Green Tour in Cappadocia focuses on exploring the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the northern and southern parts of the region. Highlights include Derinkuyu Underground City, the Ihlara Valley, and the Selime Monastery, combined with breathtaking viewpoints and quiet hiking opportunities. 

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a deeper experience of Cappadocia’s landscapes, geological formations, and ancient sites while enjoying less crowded areas compared to the standard Red Tour.

The Blue Tour in Cappadocia

The Blue Tour in Cappadocia is perfect for travelers who want to explore the region’s natural beauty and lesser-known valleys. This tour typically covers the highlights of southern Cappadocia, including the picturesque Ihlara Valley, the dramatic Selime Monastery, and several scenic viewpoints.

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden rock formations, ancient cave churches, and small local villages, offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the other tours. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hiking, photography, and immersing themselves in nature.

 Other Popular Tours in Cappadocia

Other than the red, green, and blue tours, you can easily take part in plenty of other half or full day tours. Pick ups and drop offs are always included, making it super easy to experience the top things to do in Cappadocia without having to worry about getting around on your own.

 Organized Trips to Cappadocia

If you simply want to experience the highlights of Cappadocia like doing a hot air balloon ride and seeing the underground cities, and don't have a lot of time, then joining an organized trip may be the option for you! 

We personally like having a tons of flexibility, but if you're traveling solo, like being in groups, or simply want to show up without the hassle of planning, then an organized tour can be an excellent way to experience Cappadocia.

There are many affordable 2-day trips to Cappadocia from other cities in Turkey such as Istanbul, Antalya, and so many more.

Here are a few organized group trips we have found in Cappadocia:

How to Get Around Cappadocia: Final Thoughts, Tips, & What's Next

Now you know everything you need to get around the region of Cappadocia! Before you go though, here is a bit of a recap, and some extra tips to make the most of your travels.

What's Next?

Now you know all of the different ways to get around in Cappadocia, and probably want to know all of the fun things to see and do around the area! Here are some other guides we've written which will help you plan an absolutely amazing trip to Cappadocia:

🤩 13 Reasons to Visit Cappadocia

✈️ How to Get to Cappadocia

💃🏻 20 of the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

🪂 29 Unique Activities & Tours in Cappadocia

🏨 The Top Hotels in Cappadocia

🛌 22 Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

🏞 The Best Valleys in Cappadocia

☔️ What to Do in Cappadocia When it Rains

🎈 What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

😍 The Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia

🌯 Cappadocia Food Guide

📆 The Best Time to Visit Cappadocia

🌅 The Best Sunset Spots in Cappadocia

🐎 How to Do a Cappadocia Horse Photoshoot

 Avanos Travel Guide

 The Best Photo Spots in Cappadocia

...and more coming each week!

So are you ready to start exploring the magical land of Cappadocia? We hope our guide has helped you plan how to get around Cappadocia. If you have any more questions though, please feel free to comment them below!

Want to learn about the amazing things to do and see in Cappadocia? Don't miss out on our other Cappadocia articles - we also have more coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, and for exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Cappadocia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, offering you carefully curated itineraries. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email to start your free consultation!

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