Cappadocia has two airports, and when you search for flights you will see both: Kayseri (ASR) and Nevsehir Cappadocia (NAV). Both are served from Istanbul, both are about an hour's flight, and either one works. The difference is in the drive at the other end, the number of flights and, often, the fare. Here is how to choose.

The short answer

Book whichever has the better flight time and fare for your dates. Nevsehir is closer to the villages, but Kayseri usually has more flights to choose from. The difference on the ground is about half an hour, which rarely matters as much as a flight at a better time of day.

Nevsehir Cappadocia Airport (NAV)

Nevsehir is the closer of the two, about 30 to 40 minutes from most hotels. It is around half an hour to Goreme, Uchisar and Avanos, and a little longer to Urgup, Ortahisar and Mustafapasa. It is a small airport, so getting off the plane and out of the terminal is quick.

The downside is choice. There are fewer flights a day than to Kayseri, so the times may not suit you, and on busy dates the fares can be higher.

Kayseri Airport (ASR)

Kayseri is a larger city airport, around 70 km from the Cappadocian villages, which is about an hour on the road. It is around 60 minutes to Urgup and Ortahisar, and a little longer to Goreme, Uchisar and Avanos.

What Kayseri offers is choice. There are more flights a day, from both of Istanbul's airports, which makes it easier to find a time that fits your plans and often a lower fare.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

Whichever airport you choose, there is no straightforward public transport to the villages, and arranging a taxi at the terminal, especially late at night or before dawn, is not something you want to be doing after a flight. A transfer booked in advance is the easiest way.

We run private transfers from both airports, 24 hours a day. Our team meets you just outside the terminal exit with a sign bearing your name and takes you straight to your hotel in a Mercedes Vito, Sprinter or similar. We track your flight, so if it lands late your driver is still there, at no extra charge. The price is per vehicle, not per person, and is the same for 1 to 10 people.

Flying out: how early to leave

Both airports handle mainly domestic flights, so arriving about two hours before departure is enough. For Nevsehir, that means leaving your hotel around two and a half hours before your flight. For Kayseri, allow about three hours. When you book a departure transfer, give us your flight number and we work out the pick-up time for you and confirm it the day before.

A tip if you are booking a balloon

If you are flying in on the morning of your first day, you will miss that day's balloons, which go up at sunrise. Plan the balloon for your next morning. If you can, arrive the evening before, so that your first full day starts in Cappadocia rather than at an airport.

If you are not sure which airport suits your plans, send us your dates and hotel on WhatsApp at +90 532 050 79 33, and we will tell you which one we would choose.

Mustafa Mutlu
Co-founder & Professional Tour Guide