Best Airport To Cappadocia:  Nearest Airports To Cappadocia Explained

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Post author Nicky

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Are you planning a trip to Cappadocia, Turkey? If so, you may wonder which Cappadocia airport is the best travel option to get up close to the unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground cities and get up up and away on a hot air balloon ride.

Here is a guide to the two airports in Cappadocia from which you can choose.

Turkey Travel Blog_Nearest Airports To Cappadocia

Important Airports For Cappadocia

Are you planning a trip to Cappadocia, Turkey, and wondering which airport would be best for your travel needs?

With two main airports serving the region, Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR) and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), making the right choice can be crucial for your convenience and overall travel experience.

In this guide, we will explore the pros and cons of each airport in Cappadocia, offering insights to help you decide based on accessibility to tourist destinations, flight availability, and budget considerations.

Whether you’re seeking the closest airport to the region’s famous attractions or looking for the most cost-effective flights, we’ve got the information you need to make an informed decision.

Introduction To Cappadocia Airports

Cappadocia is home to two airports:

  • Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR) and
  • Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)

Both of these airports are located within close proximity to the main tourist areas of Cappadocia. So, which airport should you choose when flying into Cappadocia?

Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR)

Kayseri Erkilet International Airport is the largest and busiest of the two Cappadocia airports.

It is located approximately 70 kilometers from Göreme. The airport has regular flights to and from Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and other major Turkish cities.

You can take a bus (a cheaper option) or a taxi from the airport to Cappadocia. The journey by bus takes approximately 1-1.5 hours traffic depending. Cabs are more expensive but will get you to your destination faster.

Airlines

There are a number of airlines that fly into ASR, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet, and SunExpress. All of these airlines offer direct flights from major cities in Turkey, as well as from some international destinations like Istanbul, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Please note that while both airports offer some international flight connections, the range and frequency of these flights are generally less than at major Turkish airports like Istanbul Airport.

Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) – Nearest Airport To Nevşehir

Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is located just 40 kilometers from the Goreme in Cappadocia.

The airport has regular flights to and from Istanbul and other major Turkish cities. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to Cappadocia. The journey by bus takes approximately 30-45 minutes (these times can vary due to traffic and other factors such as where you have your hotel reservations).

Airlines

Several airlines fly into Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Some of the most popular include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet. 

Please note that while both airports offer some international flight connections, the range and frequency of these flights are generally less than at major Turkish airports like Istanbul.

Private Airport Transfers

It is much like a taxi, except you can book ahead and have a driver waiting for you at the airport terminal. Someone to carry your bags and lead the way, and, best of all, you’ll know the fixed cost ahead of time, no matter the crazy traffic.

BOOK CAPPADOCIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS

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Closest Airport Near Cappadocia

This section discusses the pros and cons of both airports near Cappadocia, as well as advice on how to choose the best airport in Cappadocia for you:

The Cappadocia region in Turkey is home to two airports. So, it depends on a few factors about which one you choose.

Pros And Cons Of Each Airport In Cappadocia

Kayseri Erkilet International Airport

Aerial view from an airplane window showing a wing with a red logo, overlooking a coastal city in Turkey and blue sea.

While Kayseri Erkilet International Airport is further away, approximately 70 kilometers from central Cappadocia areas like Göreme, Nevsehir Cappadocia Airport is geographically closer, about 40 kilometers away, making it a popular choice for travelers. 

If you’re looking for more flight options, Kayseri Erkilet International Airport might be a preferable choice.

+ Pro: Has regularly scheduled flights from Istanbul (IST) and Izmir (ADB), making it the best option if you’re coming from one of those cities

– Con: If you’re coming from a different city or country, you’ll likely have to fly into Istanbul first and then take a connecting flight to Kayseri. This can add several hours (and sometimes even a day) to your travel time

Nevşehir Kapadokya International Airport

Crowded Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport baggage claim area in Turkey with people waiting for luggage, surrounded by car rental and transport advertisements.

Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Nevşehir Kapadokya International Airport is the closest airport to many of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. Although it is smaller than some of the other airports serving Cappadocia, it offers a wide range of flights and services to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers.

+ Pro: Only about 30-40 minutes from Cappadocia (these times can vary due to traffic and other factors such as your hotel location).

– Con: Because it is smaller than the other airport, Nevşehir Kapadokya International Airport may not have as many flight options as some travelers would like

– Con: The airport is located in a relatively remote area, so visitors should be prepared for a longer journey to reach their destination if they are flying into Nevşehir Kapadokya International Airport

Comparison Of  The Two Airports In Cappadocia

SJ posing with outstretched arms in front of unique, large rock formations under a clear blue sky during a Cappadocia Itinerary.

When choosing which airport to fly to for your Cappadocia vacation, it is important to compare both options in order to select the best one for your needs.

Flight Options

Kayseri Airport has the most flight options.

Airport Size

Kayseri Airport is the largest.

Crowds

Kayseri Airport is usually more crowded than Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport.

Location and Proximity to Cappadocia

  • Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR) is located about 70 kilometers from Goreme. The travel time to Cappadocia’s central area, such as Göreme, is approximately 1 hour up to 1.5 hours.
  • Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is closer to Cappadocia, about 40 kilometers from Goreme. The journey time to Goreme is about 30-45 minutes. 
WHICH IS THE BEST AIRPORT TO GO TO CAPPADOCIA?

If you prioritize proximity to Cappadocia and shorter travel times, Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport might be the better choice.

For more flight options and potentially cheaper flights, especially from international locations, Kayseri Erkilet International Airport could be more suitable.

Both airports provide various transportation options to reach Cappadocia, including buses, taxis, and private transfers. However, it’s important to plan these in advance, especially considering the different distances from each airport to Cappadocia’s main tourist areas.

Feature Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
Location Closest to Cappadocia’s main tourist sites Further from Cappadocia but larger
Proximity to Göreme Approximately 40 km (25 miles), about 35-45 min drive Around 70 km (43 miles), approx 1 to 1.5 hour drive
Proximity to Avanos Around 35 km (22 miles), about 35 min drive Approximately 65 km (40 miles), about 1-hour drive
Proximity to Uçhisar Approximately 35 km (22 miles), about 30-40 min drive Around 80 km (50 miles), about 1 hour 20 min drive
Flight Options Fewer flights, primarily domestic More flights, including international
Transportation Options Fewer options: taxis and shuttle services More options, including buses and private transfers
Best For Quick access to key tourist attractions Flexibility and a wider range of flight choices
Airport Size Smaller, less crowded Larger, more crowded, with more amenities

How To Choose The Best Airport In Cappadocia

Hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia's rocky landscape at sunrise, with a lantern in the foreground, illustrating how to spend 3 days in Cappadocia.

When choosing which airport to fly into for your Cappadocia vacation, there are a few things to consider. Both airports serving the Cappadocia region are Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is the closest airport to Cappadocia’s main tourist areas. It’s a 30-45-minute drive from the airport to Goreme and slightly longer to other popular destinations like Uchisar and Urgup.

There are a few car rental companies at the airport and a few tour operators offering shuttle services. The downside of NAV is that it’s a small airport with limited flight options.

Only a handful of international and domestic flights arrive each day, so you may have trouble finding a flight that fits your schedule.

Kayseri Erkilet Airport is about an hour from Cappadocia’s main tourist areas. It’s a larger airport than NAV, with more domestic and international flight options. You’ll also find more car rental companies and tour operators at ASR, making arranging transportation to your cave hotel or accommodations easy.

Private Transfers

It is much like a taxi, except you can book ahead and have a driver waiting for you at the airport terminal. Someone to carry your bags and lead the way, and, best of all, you’ll know the fixed cost ahead of time, no matter the crazy traffic.

Conclusion On All The Airports Near Cappadocia

The numerous airport options in Cappadocia offer a variety of benefits and drawbacks, making it essential to consider which airport best suits your needs carefully.

By understanding the pros and cons of each airport, you can make an informed decision for your travel plans. With this knowledge, you will indeed find the perfect option for your travels to meet all your requirements and ensure a safe and comfortable journey through Cappadocia.

With so many flights to the Cappadocia region, we hope that our guide has helped you find the airport closest to Cappadocia that suits you best. 


Important To Note

While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information in our guide to Cappadocia’s airports, we recommend you verify specific details and double-check, such as flight schedules, airport services, and transportation options, before their journey.

Airline routes and schedules, as well as transportation services, can change due to a variety of factors. Checking the latest information with airlines and local transportation providers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience to the stunning region of Cappadocia.

For the most current flight information and connections, please visit the official websites of Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR) and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or consult with your preferred airline.

Additionally, considering the distances and travel times from the airports to various points in Cappadocia, it’s wise to plan your airport transfer in advance, whether it’s by bus, taxi, or private transfer.

Remember, every journey is unique, and the best choice of airport may vary depending on your specific needs, preferences, and itinerary. We wish you a wonderful and memorable trip to this popular destination!

Comments (3)

  1. Hi,

    There is no airport in Goreme called “Goreme International Airport”. And also there is no airport in Aksaray too.

    I do not know where you got this information, but these airports do not exist.

    Additionally, there are no direct flights from Ankara to any of the airports near Cappadocia.

    Hope it helps.

  2. Hello,
    We will be in Istanbul for 10 days. We are considering visiting Ankara and Cappadocia. We are thinking of taking a bus from Istanbul to Ankara, stay there for 1 night, then another bus from Ankara to Cappadocia and stay for 1 night, then fly back to Istanbul.
    What would you recommend?
    Thank you.

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