Is Cappadocia Expensive? A Cappadocia Budget Travel Guide
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Use these tips to still experience the best of Cappadocia while travelling on a budget.
Cappadocia, a region nestled in central Turkey, is currently one of the most treasured travel destinations in the world. It is known for many of its wonders, including ancient caves, enchanting rock formations, underground civilizations, and an unearthly-like landscape.
With such high praise and increased tourism traffic unfortunately comes the rise of prices. After we road tripped throughout the country, it was apparent that Cappadocia was arguably the most expensive destination in Turkey.
The good news is, there are still a few ways to experience Cappadocia without emptying your wallet. While Cappadocia can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be.
In this guide, we’ve included the average expenses in Cappadocia and tips on how to keep them reasonable based on our own budget travel experience in Cappadocia.
Typical Cappadocia Prices: What to Expect
A Heads Up:
Compiled below are some of the biggest factors that may go into your budget for a Cappadocia trip. As any economy experiences, there will be highs and lows, which will cause prices to rise and drop. The estimates we’ve provided in this guide are a general idea of what to expect to avoid complete sticker shock. Although we’ve done our best to keep up with recent pricing, please drop us a comment below if you come across any huge discrepancies during your own research.
1. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Cost
There’s no denying that taking a hot air balloon ride while in Cappadocia is both iconic and magical by all means. However, it does not come cheap. From the best rated hot air balloon companies, the standard ride in Cappadocia is around €250 per person.
A base fare will typically mean you could be sharing the balloon with up to 25 – 30 other people. There is usually a second-tier level option that costs between €350 – €450 per person and will have around 20 people in the balloon instead.
If you’re thinking of taking a hot air balloon ride with just your group of up to 6-8 people, an exclusive private ride will start at €4,000 – €5,000.
2. Transportation in Cappadocia
There are a few ways to get around Cappadocia without your own car. First, relying on taxis is great if you’re in a bind since they’re abundant and available quickly. To get an idea of taxi prices, a ride may cost up to 1,000 lira per 25 km.
Transportation from and to airports will also cost more than just getting around Cappadocia. A private shuttle that holds 6 – 8 passengers from Nevsehir Airport can cost between €70 – €100 for a one-way journey.
Lastly, if you opt for a tour, the prices vary depending on how many people are in your group. The larger your group, the bigger discount you receive.
The cost for a tour, which includes transportation for the day, ranges from €90 – €150 per person.
3. Accommodation in Cappadocia
Finding a hotel in Cappadocia is really easy because the majority of its real estate is just accommodation for tourists. For visitors, this is excellent news because it means there’s a lot of competition and a great chance to find affordable options.
However, if you are looking for that idyllic cave suite with your very own balcony to watch the balloons from, prepare to pay a bit more than the average tourist.
Suites that highlight exclusive terraces with views of the hot air balloons cost anywhere from €200 – €300 a night during the warmer months.
4. Cappadocia Restaurants and Food
Compared to less touristy destinations in Turkey, the cost of eating out in Cappadocia is roughly 50% higher. Naturally, this heavily depends on where you choose to eat.
The reason why dining in Cappadocia is typically more expensive is because of the types of restaurants you’ll find. Yes, there are still local kitchens serving home-style meals, but then there are also many modern and upscale restaurants.
These places tend to overcharge for the food because of their ambiance and decor. On average, a main dish costs around 150 liras at a mid-level restaurant.
5. Istanbul to Cappadocia Flight Cost
When comparing the short 1.5-hour domestic flight to comparable ones you would find in Europe, flying from Istanbul to Cappadocia isn’t exactly inexpensive. During the summer or warmer months, expect a ticket above €100 for a round trip.
In the winter, you can find prices near €50 instead. One of the main reasons for the short flight’s high cost is because it’s served by the reputable Turkish Airlines and not a budget airline.
Is Cappadocia Still Worth Visiting on a Budget?
Although visiting Cappadocia doesn’t have to be expensive, many people are more than happy to pay the high prices in order to experience it.
Cappadocia’s main advantage is that it’s truly a one-of-a-kind place and attracts visitors from all across the world, not just domestically. As long as there are international tourists willing to fork up the extra cash, Cappadocia will continue to be an (generally) expensive destination.
After all, there must be a few reasons why all these people come to Cappadocia from every corner of the planet. It is breathtaking, unique and worth the journey to get there.
There are many aspects of a standard Cappadocia trip cost that we don’t agree are worth it. But that’s just us, and it doesn’t apply to everyone! We’re pretty consistent with a simpler travel style and tend to prioritize free activities (more on this below).
However, we believe that if something is of the utmost importance to you, you won’t find yourself regretting any costs. No, the hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are not cheap, but if it’s a bucket list activity you’ve long dreamed of, then who cares how expensive it is.
To decide whether anything is worth the money in Cappadocia, just ask yourself if you’d be content leaving without experiencing everything you really want to.
How to See Cappadocia on a Budget
1. Choose Alternative Budget Cappadocia Tours
The hot air balloon rides are unquestionably Cappadocia’s signature tours. It’s hard to compete with the novelty of hot air ballooning over the valleys, but it’s certainly not the only beautiful experience available for tourists. For those who don’t want to spend that much money on one activity, there are a few alternatives to the balloons that cost much less.
Cappadocia Horse Tour
The stunning trails throughout Cappadocia’s wild terrain aren’t only for hikers. Horseback riding is one of the most scenic ways to see Cappadocia beyond the tour bus rides and without miles of walking.
Truthfully, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque landscape to trot through, especially at sunset. Most of the horseback riding tours will last 2-3 hours and, of course, come with a guide.
What’s especially great is that the tours go along paths throughout popular attractions like Fairy Chimney Valley. Horseback riding tours typically start at less than €40 per person.
ATV or Off-Roading Excursions in Cappadocia
If you haven’t caught on, the best of Cappadocia occurs at sunrise and sunset. This includes ATV tours, which are perfect for the adventurer type looking to take off-roading into their own hands.
Zipping through Cappadocia’s remarkable rock towers while kicking up the dust in the desert countryside will make you feel like you’re on the set of a Mad Max movie.
Quad tours like this one cost around €50 per person and last up to 3 hours.
All Day Hiking Tour / Green Tour
You may have heard of something called a Green Tour while searching for Cappadocia activities. The Green Tour is essentially catered to those without their own transportation and is meant to be all-inclusive.
For anyone doing a short Cappadocia itinerary, this type of package makes the most sense. These tours will usually include 5-8 different itinerary items, museum or entry tickets, transportation, and maybe even lunch.
Some tours emphasize historical landmarks while others may highlight a full day of trekking through some mighty canyons. To pack as much as possible into one day without any effort, the Green Tours are a phenomenal value.
2. Stay at Budget Cave Hotels or Tiny Homes
When people first start looking into where to stay in Cappadocia, the term “cave hotel” will consistently come up.
The historic towns in Cappadocia are filled with old cave dwellings which have since been beautifully reconstructed as hotel rooms and entire complexes. These cave hotels will usually have a drastic variety in types of rooms, from a standard budget stay to a full blown luxury suite with its own panoramic view of the valley.
Clearly, if you’re trying to not make your Cappadocia trip expensive, opt for the standard rooms at the cave hotels.
Many people might think that since they’re booking the cheapest hotel room, they won’t get to enjoy a view. Fortunately, 99% of these cave hotels (especially located in Göreme) will have a terrace or rooftop for any hotel guest to enjoy.
It’s possible to book an economy room with a million-dollar view of the hot air balloons.
Alternatively, consider ditching the cave hotels altogether. Cappadocia tourism is booming, and vacation rental operators are taking advantage of it by building accommodation options.
Various types of tiny homes and modern trailers are becoming increasingly available throughout the countryside of Cappadocia. These are particularly great for travellers who don’t necessarily want to stay in the center of towns.
3. Eat ”Fast Food”
Coming from the U.S., the term “fast food” isn’t particularly positive. Luckily, fast food in Turkey isn’t limited to soggy hot dogs and greasy burgers. In our opinion, the casual food you find in Turkey is actually some of the cuisine’s best.
In Cappadocia, the sit-down restaurants will undoubtedly be more expensive than enjoying a meal at the nearest place selling kebabs.
Personally, a döner kebab is something we could eat every single day without getting tired of it. If you know, you know! And if you don’t, here’s your chance to try Turkey’s best creation for less than €3.
4. Rent a Bicycle or Scooter
Without a vehicle or taking the public bus, transportation around Cappadocia can quickly add up. For the budget traveler who isn’t afraid to get some exercise in, renting a bike (regular or e-bike) to get from one Cappadocia site to another is both affordable and environmentally responsible.
It’s possible to rent bikes for street use or even a mountain bike for the outdoor enthusiasts.
Conveniently enough, car rental agencies will rent both bicycles and motorized scooters. Scooters require a bit more confidence, but overall, getting through traffic in Cappadocia is safe.
Bicycles can cost as little as 50 lira (~€2) per day, while scooters can be rented for under €40 per day.
5. Embrace Cheap & Free Things to Do in Cappadocia
Hike Through Pigeon Valley
Pige offers the most accessible hiking trail, manageable for all levels. You can enter the Pigeon Valley trailhead on either end, and it will take you through 1.5 km of incredible scenery.
The valley consists of marvelous rock formations, old dwellings, and, as the name suggests, sculpted homes for pigeons.
Location: The Pigeon Valley trailhead more frequently begins here, near the town of Uchisar.
Cost: Free
Watch the Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise
It’s up for debate, but watching the hot air balloons at sunrise is nearly as good as floating around in one. The golden filter of the morning casts a beautiful layer over the already remarkable landscape. Add the hundreds of balloons gracefully hovering over and ahead of you, and it’ll be one of the most memorable settings of your entire trip.
Location: You can drive or walk to the best viewpoint of the hot air balloons here.
Cost: Less than €1 to enter the road leading along Red Valley’s ridgeline
Fairy Chimneys in Love Valley
When planning a trip to Cappadocia, it may seem like its famous “fairy chimneys” are only located at one specific site. Upon actually visiting, you’ll quickly notice that they’re sprinkled throughout the entire region.
Instead of paying an admission fee to Pasabag Valley (also known as Paşabağları Müze ve Örenyeri) that’s supposedly known for the fairy chimneys, head to Love Valley instead.
You can enter the trailhead and wander directly among the chimney-shaped rocks without an admission fee.
Location: Panoramic viewpoint from above is found here. The trailhead entrance is here.
Cost: Free
Window Shop in Göreme
Göreme is filled with shops that sell extraordinary textiles, particularly carpets and rugs that are repurposed from recycled materials.
However, they are really expensive. It’s one thing to come to Turkey with the intention of bringing a genuine Turkish rug back home, but if you’re traveling on a budget, skip this activity.
Instead, enjoy the town center of Göreme and its gorgeous crafts by just window shopping. Or, head to a flea market and try your luck at bartering the price of an antique.
Location: A whimsical antique store in Göreme is located here.
Cost: Free
Visit Imagination Valley and Nearby Observation Decks
Imagination Valley is one of the best roadside attractions in Cappadocia. Without having to trek far at all, the celebrated eroded rock in the shape of a camel can be seen for free.
If you have additional time, continue through the valley and see what other odd formations you can spot. Within the vicinity, there are a few observation decks that are easy to pull into and catch panoramic views of the lunar-like terrain.
Location: Camel shaped rock is found here. A nearby observation deck is located here.
Cost: Free
Self Tour the Zelve Open Air Museum
There are two main open-air museums in central Cappadocia: the one in Göreme and then Zelve. Both parks are comparable in size and the types of historical sites you’ll see, which are all vert impressive.
However, the Zelve Open Air Museum is a much better value and more affordable compared to the Göreme location. Zelve now remains as a vacant cave village with rock churches, paintings, and astounding dwellings where you can imagine a civilization from lifetimes ago.
Location: The Zelve Open Air Museum entrance is here.
Cost: 280 lira (slightly under €10)
Walk To the Top of Ortahisar Castle
Cappadocia has many things going for itself and furthermore, innumerable different offers to entertain tourists with. However, many of its less flashy attractions go completely overlooked.
A visit to Ortahisar and the panoramic view of the ancient town is simply mind-blowing, making it one of the best viewpoints in the entire region. Particularly if you’re somewhat of a green traveler, the Ortahisar vista is sure to wow you.
To take it a notch further, consider climbing to the top of Ortahisar’s rock castle. But beware, it hasn’t undergone any modern-day changes, so you’ll need to watch your balance.
Location: Ortahisar best panoramic viewpoint is here. Ortahisar Castle is here.
Cost: The panoramic view is free and the Ortahisar Castle costs 20 lira (less than €1)
Find the Hidden Rock Churches
At most of the prominent tourist attractions, you’ll see some variation of a rock church or cave dwellings. An alternative to paying €20 – €30 for entrance to Göreme Open Air Museum, consider hunting for the historical landmarks yourself out in the countryside of Cappadocia.
If you are hiking, have your own car, or even a mountain bike, you’ll come across a handful of gems like Ala Kilisesi and Pancarlık Church, just to name two.
Finding lesser known ancient sites can be much more rewarding than overpaying to see them.
Location: Ala Kilisesi and Pancarlık Church
Cost: Pancarlık Church costs around €.50 and Ala Kilisesi is free
Stop By a Ceramics Museum
The majority of people visiting Cappadocia are there to enjoy the spectacular landscape, hot air balloons and an unforgettable scenery. Still, there is more to Cappadocia that may not make the front page of the brochure.
One of the lesser known features of Cappadocia is the craft of ceramics, heavily practiced in the town of Avanos. The famed pottery is unquestionably one of the best things to bring back home but it also makes for a low cost tourist activity.
Some of the larger ceramic operations include a workshop with presentations and even a museum.
Location: Chez Galip and Güray Müze are both workshops located in Avanos.
Cost: Güray Müze’s museum costs just over €1 and Chez Galip offers a free demonstration and museum
Getting to Cappadocia
The most direct way to reach Cappadocia is by flying in from Istanbul. There are two airports within close proximity to central Cappadocia (near Göreme). The first one is called Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and the second is in the neighboring city of Kayseri.
Both airports are regular departure points from Istanbul Airport and have a 1.5-hour flight time.
Driving to Cappadocia from Istanbul is also a viable option if you are renting a car and want to have a car during your Cappadocia trip.
The journey is about 8 hours, which means you will need to realistically plan on switching drivers or stopping for one night. Major motorways throughout Turkey are well maintained and easy for even beginner drivers to conquer.
Utilizing public transportation to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul is the most affordable method but will take the longest. For the cheapest route, consider the night bus from Istanbul, which costs a low ~€30 for the 12-hour expedition.
As far as buses go, this option isn’t as uncomfortable as it sounds since Turkish long-haul buses include a fair amount of amenities.
More Turkey Travel Posts:
- Istanbul Itinerary for One Day
- Cappadocia 3-Day Itinerary
- A First Timer’s Guide to Istanbul
- The Best Turkey Road Trip Routes
- Where to Go in Turkey in September
- Places to Visit in Turkey With Kids
Cappadocia Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
