How to get from Alanya to Cappadocia
Alanya to Cappadocia (Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar) is doable in one long day. Your main choices are a direct overnight bus to Göreme, flying via Antalya or Istanbul to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV) with a final 1–1.5h transfer, or a scenic self-drive across the Anatolian plateau. Private charters work well for families or if you’re luggage-heavy. Below are the best routes with step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Alanya to Cappadocia)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Overnight Intercity Bus (Alanya → Göreme/Nevşehir) | ~9–12h (direct/1 change) | Budget, no airport transfers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 800–1,600 one-way (seat class/date) » curated bus listings | ||
| ✈️ Fly via Antalya (AYT→ASR/NAV) + Airport Transfer | ~1h Alanya→AYT + 1h10 flight + 1–1.5h transfer | More flight choices, daytime travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: Flights ~TRY 1,400–3,800 + transfer » search flights | AYT→ASR fares | ASR/NAV transfers | ||
| 🛫 Fly via Istanbul (GZP/AYT→IST/SAW→ASR/NAV) + Transfer | ~2 flights (4–7h incl. layover) + 1–1.5h transfer | Off-season or when direct AYT→ASR/NAV times don’t fit |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 2,200–5,500 total (seasonal) » compare multi-leg | GZP→ASR via IST | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (D400/E90 via Konya & Aksaray) | ~7.5–9h (stops dependent) | Scenery, freedom to stop en route |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~TRY 1,000–2,000/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals (Antalya region) | alt. options | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van | ~8–10h door-to-door | Families, lots of luggage, zero changes |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 12,000–22,000 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Cheapest, no airports: Overnight intercity bus to Göreme/Nevşehir, then short local transfer.
- Best daytime combo: Alanya→Antalya by road, fly AYT→ASR/NAV, then hotel shuttle.
- When schedules don’t align: Connect via Istanbul to Cappadocia airports.
- Scenic & flexible: Self-drive across the plateau (Konya, Sultanhani, Aksaray).
- Door-to-door ease: Private transfer—no bus stations or luggage hauling.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Summer/holiday demand: Flights & buses sell out; compare early on Booking.com Flights / Trip.com.
- Airport transfers in Cappadocia: Prebook shared/private rides from ASR/NAV via GetYourGuide (no extra &lc parameter).
- Ride-hailing: In Alanya/Antalya, arrange taxis via hotel/taxi ranks; for fixed long-distance quotes use GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you need to roam bag-free before departure/after arrival, try Radical Storage Antalya or check with your hotel.
🚌 Option #1 — Overnight Intercity Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Budget Direct to Göreme/Nevşehir Long ride
- Overview: Night coaches from Alanya Otogar run to Göreme or Nevşehir Otogarı (some with a change in Konya). Reclining seats, A/C, rest stops; arrive early morning.
- How to book (with price): ~TRY 800–1,600 one-way. Browse curated options on Trip.com or buy at terminals/agency kiosks the day prior.
- Pros: No airports; saves a hotel night. Cons: Sleep quality varies; arrival time traffic-dependent.
Step-by-step: Overnight Bus
- Reach Alanya Otogar by local taxi (hotel can call one). Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Show e-ticket/ID, tag larger bags for the hold; keep valuables onboard.
- If changing in Konya, follow staff to the connecting bay; keep your ticket handy.
- Arrive at Göreme Bus Station or Nevşehir Otogarı; take a short hotel transfer or local minibus (dolmuş) to your cave-hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Alanya Otogar → Göreme/Nevşehir)
- Alanya Otogar: On the D400; easy taxi access from most hotels.
- Göreme/Nevşehir arrivals: Stations are central; hotels often provide pickup on request.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Alanya → Antalya (AYT) by Road + Flight to Kayseri/Nevşehir
Daytime travel Many flight times One airport transfer
- Overview: Drive or shuttle ~1h to Antalya Airport (AYT), fly to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV), then a 1–1.5h airport transfer to Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar.
- How to book (with price): Flights typically TRY 1,400–3,800. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Reserve your Cappadocia transfer on GetYourGuide or get a fixed car via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Fast daylight route; widest schedule. Cons: Two ground legs (Alanya→AYT and ASR/NAV→hotel).
Step-by-step: AYT Flight Route
- From your Alanya hotel, take a taxi/hotel shuttle ~1h to Antalya Airport (AYT).
- Fly AYT→ASR or AYT→NAV (search on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; pick times that match arrivals).
- On landing, meet your prebooked transfer to Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar (1–1.5h).
- Check in at your cave-hotel and confirm balloon pickup time if booked.
Getting to the main embarking points (Alanya → AYT → Cappadocia)
- Alanya→AYT: Hotel taxi or arranged shuttle; allow 2+ hours buffer for traffic/check-in.
- ASR/NAV arrivals: Shared shuttles run to major towns; private cars meet in arrivals hall.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫 Option #3 — Fly via Istanbul (GZP/AYT → IST/SAW → ASR/NAV)
Wide network Fits tricky dates More moving parts
- Overview: From Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) or Antalya (AYT), connect in Istanbul (IST or SAW) to Kayseri/Nevşehir, then transfer to your hotel.
- How to book (with price): Multi-leg fares commonly TRY 2,200–5,500 total. Compare on Booking.com Flights or sample routes on Trip.com. Prebook Cappadocia transfers via GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Best availability year-round. Cons: Layovers; more chances for delays—build buffers.
Step-by-step: GZP/AYT → IST/SAW → ASR/NAV
- Taxi or shuttle to GZP (closer) or AYT (more flights).
- Fly to IST or SAW, then connect to ASR/NAV (book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; avoid tight layovers).
- At ASR/NAV, meet your transfer to Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar.
- Confirm your next-morning tour/balloon pickup time with your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (GZP/AYT & IST/SAW)
- GZP/AYT: Hotel taxis/shuttles are easy to arrange; ask your reception the night before.
- IST/SAW connections: Leave ample time to change terminals/gates; check luggage is through-checked.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Scenic & Flexible)
Freedom to stop Great scenery Long day
- Overview: Drive D400/E90 via Manavgat → Konya → Aksaray, then into Cappadocia. Good highways; tolls use HGS. Consider breaks at Sille, Sultanhani Caravanserai, or a Konya lunch stop.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~TRY 1,000–2,000/day. Compare airport/downtown pickups on Booking.com Car Rental (Antalya region) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Door-to-door, sunrise/sunset timing in valleys. Cons: Driver fatigue; winter can bring ice at altitude—check conditions.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car (Alanya/Antalya). Ensure HGS toll tag & insurance are included; take photos of the vehicle.
- Set navigation: Alanya → Konya → Aksaray → Göreme. Plan fuel/rest stops every 2–3 hours.
- Follow E90 across the plateau; arrive in Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar before dark if possible.
- Park at your hotel (many cave-hotels have limited spaces—confirm in advance).
Getting to the main embarking points (Alanya pickups & Cappadocia towns)
- Pickup: Airport counters (AYT/GZP) have long hours; downtown offices may close Sundays.
- Arrival: Central parking is limited in Göreme; Ürgüp often easier for street parking.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)
No transfers Great with kids/luggage Higher cost
- Overview: A driver collects you at your Alanya hotel and takes you straight to your Cappadocia hotel with rest stops as needed.
- How to book (with price): From ~TRY 12,000–22,000 per vehicle (size/season). Get instant quotes on GetTransfer; for shorter segments (e.g., ASR/NAV→hotel) see GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Zero changes, flexible timing. Cons: Price vs. bus/flight; still traffic/road-condition dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and desired departure time on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, extra driver) and luggage capacity/child seats.
- Meet your driver at hotel reception; plan 2–3 rest stops en route to Cappadocia.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any Alanya hotel on the D400 corridor; share your live location for smooth rendezvous.
- Drop: Göreme/Ürgüp/Uçhisar hotels; narrow streets may require short walks from drop-off.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Alanya to Cappadocia)
ASR or NAV—which airport is better?
Kayseri (ASR) has more flights; Nevşehir (NAV) is closer to Göreme/Ürgüp. Transfers from either take ~1–1.5 hours.
Is the bus comfortable enough to sleep?
Most long-distance Turkish coaches have recliners, A/C, and rest stops. Bring earplugs/eye mask; “2+1” seat layouts are roomier.
Is winter driving safe?
Highways are maintained, but expect possible ice/snow on the plateau. Check forecasts, carry warm layers, and avoid night driving in storms.
How many days should I spend in Cappadocia?
At least 2 nights (1 full day) to see valleys and an early balloon. Three nights lets you explore Ihlara, underground cities, and sunset viewpoints.
Can I bring big luggage on the bus?
Yes—large bags go in the underfloor hold; keep valuables, jacket, and water with you onboard.
Where should I stay?
Göreme for classic cave-hotels and central tours; Ürgüp for calmer streets and parking; Uçhisar for views. Compare options on Booking.com (Cappadocia).
What tours should I book in advance?
Hot-air balloon rides and popular day tours (Red/Green) can sell out—compare dates on GetYourGuide or Klook.