Istanbul to Cappadocia? Best way to travel
 

We are taking the overnight night from IST to Cappadocia, we had planned to get off in Ankara, and take the bus from there. Any other suggestions? We want to get to Goreme quickly (hence getting off at Ankara and bus rest of the route), as we only have two days there.

The quickest way to get to Cappadocia is by flying there, but you'd have to go from Istanbul to Nevsehir which takes just over 1 hour- theres no direct flight from Ankara. If you would like an idea of the price, which of course changes depending on the time/date the Turkish airlines website is www.thy.com

Another gateway point into Cappadocia is via Kayseri. From there you'll have to take a bus (or a taxi) directly into Goreme. The ride is about 40 minutes by taxi and cost me 90YTL including tip. I also heard that Turkish Airlines sometimes operates a minivan shuttle from Kayseri airport into Goreme.
Last year I flew from Izmir to Kayseri, and then back to Istanbul from Kayseri. There are local Turkish charters such as Sun Express. Do a search and see what you can find.

Murat, can you help ?

I probably didn't explain it right, what our plans were...
we are taking the overnight train from IST to Ankara (we thought this would be a fun experience). and the reason we thought to get off at Ankara is...if we STAY on the train, its more or less a milk run to Goerme and it would probably take longer (than say, getting off in Ankara, taking the bus from there...Need someones thoughts on this. We only have two days in Goerme..I know taking the plane from IST would be quicker, but we are there for the "experience", ha! Four ladies in their 50s....

I'm not sure what "experience" the train offers--frankly we never looked into it. Flew from Istanbul to Kayseri and from there rented a car although many hotels and travel agents offer pick up service. I do know from various conversations that a drive from Kayseri to Ankara is about 4 hours. Assume Goreme may be slightly less but still not sure why you want to do the train/bus option. Turkey has much to offer ---just not sure where an overnight train ride fits in!!!

Hi SportyMom,

Train to Ankara is definatelly an experience and could be fun too. Sleeping compartments are cheap and comfy, there is a restaurant in the train as well. But after you reach Ankara if you are not visiting Anatolian Civilisation museum and/or Ataturk's mouseleum you will be travelling to Goreme, to hours by bus.

Believe me every second in Turkey will be an experinece for you.

Flying from Istanbul to Kayseri or to Nevsehir airport is easy and if you book ahead ticket prices are starting from Usd. per person. A real time saver if you only have two days here.
Choice is yours and both ways you will be amazed of Cappadocia, guaranteed !

Have fun and enjoy Turkey.

Murat

Mathieu good to see that you are keeping touch here in Fodors sharing experineces.....Take care :-))

Hi SportyMom,

I can recommend you to take aflight from istanbul to kayseri because if you come by overnight bus from istanbul around 12 hours. and costs nearly 50 YTL.
by flight cots for you around 80 YTL bus 1 hour. by airlines shuttle service per person around 10$ you can go to urgup or uchisar or goreme 60 km far from airport.
have fun