How to Get From Cappadocia to Pamukkale (& Vice Versa) (2024)

Wondering how to get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale or Pamukkale to Cappadocia? This is the guide for you!

SUMMARY: If you’re hoping to visit both Cappadocia and Pamukkale on your next trip to Turkey, there are three ways to get between the two. Navigating the 530 km distance with either a car rental, a flight, and/or a bus transfer will get you to where you want to go. Plan for a visit outside peak summer months to avoid extreme heat and crowds, ensuring you have a mesmerizing experience at these two Turkish UNESCO World Heritage wonders.

It can be confusing figuring out how to get around Turkey sometimes. Even though this country is not as big as the United States, it is big enough that you have to plan your transit ahead of time in order to get around efficiently.

I’ve lived in Turkey for many years now, and have had the pleasure of visiting both Pamukkale and Cappadocia. I have flown and taken road trips. I have, however, avoided riding the bus (not worth it to me).

So in this guide, I want to help you make the best choice for you when it comes to travel between Cappadocia and Pammukale. Your choice may be different from mine, and that’s okay.

So let’s jump in and take a look at both destinations, the wonders you can see in each, and how to actually get between them.

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How to Get From Cappadocia to Pamukkale (or Pamukkale to Cappadocia)

The distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale is 610 km (380 miles), and the journey between the two can be as epic as the destinations themselves. For the adventurous traveler, how you get there can become a memorable part of your Turkey travels.

Unfortunately, there are no direct public transport links between Pamukkale and Cappadocia. While this is inconvenient for anyone looking for an easy way to travel between these destinations, you still have a few options to explore.

To get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale (or Pamukalle to Cappadocia), you can rent a car and drive yourself, take the bus, or fly.

Let’s dive into each of these options in more detail.

car driving along road in cappadocia, turkey

Renting a Car

Renting a car is the easiest and most efficient option for traveling between Pamukkale and Cappadocia. It also provides the most flexibility and comfort.

The drive from Cappadocia to Pamukkale takes approximately 8 hours.

While you can do the whole drive in one very long and exhausting day, I recommend allocating two days and stopping along the way for an overnight in Konya.

In Konya, you absolutely must visit the Mevlana Cultural Center to watch the whirling dervishes perform their religious “Sama” ceremony. The center is just a 15-minute walk from the Mevlana Museum, where you can learn about the famous Persian poet, Rumi, whose followers founded the Sufi movement.

Konya also has delicious food from the Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye, as well as delicious Turkish beverages to try.

The drive from Cappadocia to Konya takes just over 3 hours, so it’s perfect if you want to spend a night in Konya. You can get there in the morning, spend the day sightseeing and enjoying food, and end the day at the cultural center watching the performance. The next day, drive the remaining 5 hours from Konya to Pamukkale.

Pro tip: The whirling dervishes only perform on Saturday nights. If you’d like to catch a performance, plan your stopover accordingly.

If you’re going on a road trip, I also recommend getting a Turkish SIM card instead of relying on an international plan. There is nothing worse than being stranded in a foreign country lost and unable to connect to the internet.

Renting a car and driving is my recommendation for making the trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale. Plus, this means that you won’t have to rent a car in Cappadocia when you get there.

>>> Check car rental prices and availability here!

While I would totally prefer a road trip, driving in Turkey is not for everyone, and I get that.

So let’s go over your next option…

A smiling man and two children, whose faces are obscured for privacy, stand in front of a Kamil Koç bus at night. The destination board on the bus lists Turkish cities like Aydin, Nazilli, Denizli, Antalya, and Alanya.

Take a Bus

If you prefer not to drive, the bus is an economical alternative. It requires more time and planning (which, to me, is just not worth it), but if you want to save money, are a public transit enthusiast, or are looking for a real local experience, then it’s something to consider.

Taking a bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale takes 10-13 hours. Thankfully, it’s an overnight bus ride, so you will be able to get some sleep while transiting.

Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Turkey, but there are no direct buses that travel from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.

In Cappadocia, head to the Göreme bus station to catch the long-distance bus to Denizli (the nearest bus station to Pamukkale). In Denizli, you can take a 15-20 minute taxi or dolmush (Turkish mini-buses) to the town of Pamukkale.

Alternatively, some Denizli-bound buses leave from Cappadocia’s Nevşehir bus station. Depending on where you’re staying in Cappadocia, this will mean an additional 25-30 minute minibus ride to Nevşehir.

If you’re taking the bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia, reverse those instructions: Take a minibus from Pamukkale to Denizli Otogar (Denizli Bus Station), then take the night bus from Denizli to Göreme or Nevşehir.

There are a few different bus companies to choose from:

At the time this post was published, the cost for a bus ticket between Cappadocia (Göreme or Nevşehir) and Denizli is around 500 TL (and don’t worry, the bus driver doesn’t expect a tip in Turkey).

Buses run more frequently during peak season (summer), and routes are reduced in the winter.

I recommend purchasing your bus tickets in advance online from any of the above providers, especially if you plan to visit during peak season. Booking 2-3 months out should be enough to ensure availability.

Pro tip: When booking bus tickets online, you may have to plug some words into Google Translate since not everything on the website auto-translates.

Cappadocia to Pamukkale Flight

Air travel is the least convenient method to get from Pamukkale to Cappadocia (and vice versa). This is because there are no direct flights between the two.

There are two airports in Cappadocia: Kayseri and Nevşehir. The closest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli Çardak Airport. To fly between these airports, you will need to connect in Istanbul.

Although flying may seem like the fastest option, it turns into the longest and most inconvenient option when you factor in transfers and wait times. I don’t recommend traveling from Cappadocia to Pamukkale by plane.

Exploring Cappadocia

Now that we’ve discussed the best way to get here, what’s there to do in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a truly epic place to visit. I thought for sure it wasn’t going to be worth all the hype but it was so worth it!

Cappadocia is Turkey’s living museum of nature and history, a wonderland sculpted by volcanic activity that continues to be shaped by erosion. Its surreal landscape is stippled with ‘fairy chimneys’, towering stone spires, and snaking valleys.

Beneath the area lie networks of subterranean cities, once refuges for early Christians fleeing persecution, two of the most famous being Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

When to Visit Cappadocia

Timing your visit is crucial. Summers are hot and dry, while winters can be brutally cold.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather, making it ideal for hot air balloon rides and outdoor explorations without the brunt of the summer heat or the chill of winter.

But, of course, every season brings out a different facet of the region’s splendor. Winter in Cappadocia is stunning as the white snow rests atop the fairy chimneys and ancient structures.

Things to Do in Cappadocia

There are so many great things to do in Cappadocia to suit every style of traveler. Whether you’re visiting Cappadocia with kids, solo, or on a romantic getaway, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this exciting destination.

You can ride hot air balloons at sunrise, explore the ancient frescoes in the Göreme Open-Air Museum, or take a hike through Ihlara Valley.

Whether you’re hiking through Red Valley, marveling at Derinkuyu or Kaymakli underground cities, or simply sipping Turkish tea while gazing over Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia will captivate your imagination.

A hot air balloon featuring red, white, and blue stripes floats above the white terraces of Pamukkale, with a hazy backdrop of trees and a rural landscape.

Visit Pamukkale

Pamukkale, which translates to ‘cotton castle,’ also offers a stunning display of nature’s artistry. This famous natural landmark in Turkey is best known for its white calcite travertine terraces filled with warm, mineral-rich waters.

This breathtaking attraction is not only a geographical phenomenon but also rich in history due to its proximity to the ancient city of Hierapolis. An ancient spa city, Hierapolis offers a tour back in time with its well-preserved theater and the Temple of Apollo.

You can swim in the ancient pools allegedly favored by Queen Cleopatra herself, then explore the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum for a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage.

These thermal springs have been a wellness destination for thousands of years, drawing visitors looking for relaxation and healing in its waters.

A woman, the author, smiling at the camera, carries a child on her back with a panoramic view of the Pamukkale travertine pools and terraces stretching behind them.

When to Visit Pamukkale

While Pamukkale is a year-round destination, the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months.

These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, which allows for a more serene experience of the hot springs and the ancient ruins.

"Terraced mineral baths of Pamukkale in Turkey, with visitors walking along the white calcite-laden cliffs under a bright blue sky.

Things to Do in Pamukkale

Pamukkale presents a unique encounter with history and natural beauty.

Whether you’re looking to appreciate the surreal scenic views, bask in the warm waters, or explore the depths of history, Pamukkale provides an array of experiences to enrich your journey through Turkey.

Explore the ancient Roman theater and city of Hieropolis, visit the Archaeology Museum, and swim in the thermal waters. Walk down the travertine pools, and grab dinner in the town.

One thing I will note about Pamukkale is that 1 day is plenty, in my humble opinion. It is not as extensive or grand as Cappadocia and there is not nearly as much to see.

Planning Your Trip

When setting out to explore the wonders of Pamukkale, Cappadocia, and the surrounding areas, thoughtful planning is essential.

Due to variable climates and peak tourist seasons, timing is crucial. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and thinner crowds. The sweltering heat of the summer months is best avoided, and while winter has its own charm, some activities may be limited due to snow.

When I asked some friends who lived in Cappadocia for a few years they said the same. They would rather not be there in the summer or the winter.

I recommend you spend at least 2-3 days in Cappadocia, at least one day in Konya, and only one day to enjoy Pamukkale.

Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially if your travel coincides with Turkish national holidays or the peak tourist seasons. As for transportation, book your bus tickets or car rentals early to make sure you get the best rates and availability.

While both locations offer an array of activities, don’t forget to leave some unscheduled time for exploration. There have been many times while road-tripping in Turkey that we stopped somewhere unexpected along the way and it ended up being our favorite thing.

Often, the most memorable experiences come from the spontaneous moments of travel—stumbling upon a local market, having a chat with residents, or simply soaking in the landscape at your own pace.

A stunning view of the pristine white terraces and thermal water pools of Pamukkale, Turkey, under a clear blue sky with historical ruins visible in the background atop the hillside.

FAQ: Getting to Pamukkale From Cappadocia (and Vice Versa)

How do I get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale?

The best way to get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is by renting a car and driving. Driving is the fastest and only direct option between the two destinations.

Is there a flight from Cappadocia to Pamukkale?

There are no direct flights from Pamukkale to Cappadocia (and vice versa). To travel by air from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, you must connect via Istanbul.

Which is better Cappadocia or Pamukkale?

Both Cappadocia and Pamukkale are great destinations, but there is more to see and do in Cappadocia.

Does Pamukkale have an airport?

No, Pamukkale does not have an airport. The nearest airport is the Denizli Airport. The drive from Pamukkale to Denizli airport is about 45 minutes long.

Is there a bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia?

There is no direct bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia, but you can take a bus from Goreme or Nevsihir in Cappadocia to the town of Denizli, only twenty minutes drive from Pamukkale.

How far is Cappadocia to Pamukkale?

The distance from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is 611 km (380 miles).

How long from Cappadocia to Pamukkale?

It takes around 8 hours to drive from Cappadocia to Pamukkale. The travel time for the overnight bus to Pamukkale from Cappadocia is 10-12 hours.

cappadocia in january landscape. fairy chimneys with a dusting of snow.

Final Thoughts on Getting Between Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Cappadocia and Pamukkale are two of the most popular destinations in Turkey and top highlights for any Turkey itinerary. Traveling from Cappadocia to Pamukkale not only connects two of Turkey’s most extraordinary landscapes but also offers an exploration through some of its natural wonders and rich history.

While you can travel from Pamukkale to Cappadocia by bus or plane, the best way to get between them is by driving.

I am totally a road trip junkie so that is 9 out of 10 times going to be my preference.

Whatever means of transportation you decide to take, enjoy it! Enjoy the beauty and the food and the people. Enjoy the journey and the adventure and all that is Turkey.

When you finish wandering these areas and find yourself in Istanbul, I recommend you stay for a few extra days. If the big city is not your thing, here are some day trips I recommend to get you out of the busyness of Istanbul.

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About the Author:
Kimberly McCauley is the founder of The Art of Living in Turkey. She moved to Turkey in 2019 and has been exploring this beautiful country ever since. She loves to help people like yourself discover new places to see, learn all the things about Turkey, and find the courage to go on an adventure.