Are you ready to experience one of the most memorable adventures of your life on a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride? If so, you’re in the right place!
Here’s a complete guide to everything you should know if you’re planning this experience: the price for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, how to get to the region, how to book a ticket… Let’s get started!
How much does a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia cost?
The price to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is quite varied and depends on:
- The tour operator or platform where you book
- Whether it’s high or low season
- Time of the day you take the tour
- Duration of the ride
Usually, tours cost about €160 per person (about US$175). However, large discounts are available depending on several factors. In winter, it’s common to see prices as low as €60 (about US$65), while in summer, the price can be above €200 – €250 per person.
Private tours are usually more expensive, between €300 and €400 per person, but they include other sights in Cappadocia and you can have an experience customized for your group!
Everyone who participates in a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia speaks very positively about their hot air balloon experience, particularly when they are rewarded with such breathtaking views!
If you are traveling to Cappadocia from Istanbul, it might be worth booking a multi-day tour with a hot air balloon ride. Compare the prices on our page for Cappadocia tours from Istanbul.
How to get to Cappadocia?
Due to its location and the region’s low population density, getting to Cappadocia by bus or plane is not that easy, as public transportation is limited.
Most bus companies have connections to Nevsehir and Göreme. Conversely, the journey by bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia or from Izmir is quite long (12 hours).
Without a shadow of a doubt, the fastest way to get to Cappadocia is by plane, but this option can be expensive. There are two main airports in the region:
- Kaysei Erkilet Airport (ASR), an hour’s drive from the center of the Cappadocia region (it is easy to arrange a shuttle bus from Kayseri Airport).
- Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), which is located in the city of Gülsehir, in the Nevsehir province. Turkish Airlines operates a direct flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir twice a day.
Ultimately, if you are unsure how to get to Cappadocia, the best way to do so is by booking a guided tour! All you have to do is compare the prices and services offered and choose the tour that’s right for you!
Where do tours to Cappadocia start from?
If you already have your transportation to Cappadocia sorted out and you are just looking for a hot air balloon ride, compare prices here and get the best deal.
If you are in other places in Turkey, check out the tours that include transportation and hot air balloon rides. This is a great way to save time and include a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in your plans! You can depart from several cities in Turkey on an organized multi-day tour.
The most popular locations where you can start your journey are in Istanbul, or cities along the Turkish Riviera, such as Antalya, Alanya and Side!
The availability of excursions may vary depending on the season and tour operators. Therefore, it is always best to book in advance to make sure the excursion that interests you is available.
Tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia
If Istanbul is your home base for your Turkey vacation, enhance your trip with a one-day or multi-day excursion to Cappadocia. The region is about an 8-hour drive from Istanbul. If you choose a tour, you can learn about new places, all under the watchful eye of a guide, who will be at your service to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, discovering natural beauty, or you are simply looking for a unique experience away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, a tour of the Göreme Valley in Cappadocia is the perfect choice for you!
Multi-day Cappadocia tours from Antalya
Multi-day Cappadocia tours from Antalya offer a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating region of Turkey.
Tours include transportation, lodging, and a range of activities to discover the region best. Among the various options available for a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride from Antalya, there are 2-day tours, 3-day tours, and even 6-day tours to discover the entire region by motorcycle. You just have to take a look and find out what’s right for you!
Multi-day Cappadocia tours from Alanya
If you are in Alanya, you can take part in a two-day (or more) tour and fulfill your dream of taking a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride.
You will get to explore the Turkish countryside in a private bus or minivan, and on the way, you will pass by several points of interest, including the Taurus Mountains.
There is a variety of guided tours of the beautiful seaside town of Alanya on offer at affordable prices that will undoubtedly make you appreciate your vacation in Turkey.
Multi-day Cappadocia tours from Side
About a 6-hour drive from Cappadocia, Side is one of the most popular starting points to experience a typical hot air balloon ride.
From there, you can choose 2-day or 3-day tours, so you can discover not only the Göreme Valley but also the underground city of Kaymakli, the village of Cavusin, the pottery town of Avanos, and much more, depending on the excursion. What are you waiting for?
Other cities you can depart from:
What are the best Cappadocia hot air balloon tours?
The region is one of the most fascinating hot air balloon sightseeing destinations in the world, thanks to its unique rock formations and ancient cities carved out of stone.
You will soon find that there are many tours available to take a balloon ride in Cappadocia, ready to satisfy any type of traveler!
1. Sunrise Cappadocia hot air balloon ride with breakfast
This tour is one of the most popular because it allows you to watch the sunrise over Cappadocia, a magical moment when the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding landscape of local villages.
An hour before sunrise, a convenient pick-up service takes you from your hotel to the take-off field, where you can enjoy light snacks while the ground crew makes final preparations and explains safety procedures.
Ascending to an altitude of 600 meters, you’ll be presented with panoramic views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and its breathtaking valleys, with the wind gently guiding your colorful hot air balloon.
Such a tour usually lasts between 1 hour and 3 hours; choose the duration that suits you best and get ready to set off on an unforgettable adventure!
2. Cappadocia hot air balloon ride: 12-hour tour
Join an extraordinary 12-hour adventure through the picturesque Cappadocia!
The tour starts at the crack of dawn in a hot air balloon and takes you to discover the best places in the region, including Göreme National Park and, of course, the Fairy Chimneys.
But not only that, you’ll be able to see the sunset and discover:
- Cappadocia’s rock dwellings
- The Love Valley: with spectacular rock formations
- The Valley of the Monks
- The Castle of Uçhisar
- The Pigeons Valley
- The Valley of Imagination or Devrent Valley
- The Camel Rock
- The Rose Valley
- Ortahisar
This full-day tour gives you a unique and complete view of Cappadocia like no other!
3. Cappadocia hot air balloon observation tour
If you want to see Cappadocia’s hot air balloons but don’t feel comfortable with heights, opt for a guided ground tour.
The excursion guarantees you a round trip to Cappadocia from your hotel and allows you to watch the colorful hot air balloons in the morning sky.
Even if you don’t take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, you will be able to admire the extraordinary scenery and take dreamy photos in one of the most Instagrammable places in the world.
How to book a ticket for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
After taking a look at the different online ticket options for balloon rides in Cappadocia, the next step is booking.
All you have to do is choose the tour that suits you best by selecting one of the many companies that offer Cappadocia balloon tours, for example, Viator.
Use our search engine, compare prices, and you’re done!
Are hot air balloon rides safe?
It’s understandable that some travelers might perceive hot air ballooning as risky.
However, there’s no cause for concern. Guides consistently offer thorough explanations of basic rules and safety precautions. Moreover, the take-off process is gentle and seamless, almost imperceptible, leaving you solely focused on capturing memorable pictures.
It is advisable to avoid balloon rides when the winds are strong. Tour operators prioritize safety by carefully assessing weather conditions, so keep in touch with them to confirm that your adventure proceeds as scheduled.
When is the best time to fly?
Be sure to choose the right time to visit Cappadocia to avoid crowds. Spring and autumn are the best times to go, temperatures are generally moderate, and there are not as many tourists. The weather can be very hot from July to September, and visits can be expensive.
The best time of day to go hot air ballooning is sunrise or sunset, you’ll see how fascinating the view from up there will be!
What are the main attractions to see on a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride?
The Fairy Chimneys
If you set off to Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride, you will be able to see the famous Fairy Chimneys from above. But what are they all about?
The Fairy Chimneys are these fascinating rock formations shaped over millions of years by nature’s erosion process.
Picture a kind of rocky forest with towering pillars resembling chimneys or towers, often sporting a tough cap of rock at their peaks. Some even stretch several meters high, resembling enormous mushrooms or chimneys.
Now, the name isn’t just whimsical; it carries a tale of its own. Legend has it that fairies once called these formations home. And while that might be the stuff of folklore, what’s real is how these formations were repurposed by the ancient inhabitants of Cappadocia. They carved homes, churches, and monasteries into these natural wonders, turning the region into a historical and tourist hotspot.
The Göreme Open-Air Museum
Another highlight of the Cappadocia balloon tour is undoubtedly the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine and Roman periods.
The most famous churches in the Göreme Open Air Museum include St. Barbara’s Church, the Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise), the Snake Church (Yılanlı Kilise) and the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise). Some contain well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries and depicting scenes from the Bible and life of Jesus Christ.
Visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore this unique region’s rich history and culture. However, remember to be careful and preserve the delicacy of these kinds of sites: avoid touching the frescoes or damaging the rock in any way.
Travel tips
Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a hotel carved into the rock! If you are a backpacker, you will find straightforward and affordable accommodations available to you. However, if you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are many alternatives that combine the experience of living in a cave with all the comforts of a modern home and traditional hotel.
If you are looking for other activities, don’t miss our list of fun things to do in Cappadocia.
Happy travels!