How to Plan Your Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Trip

How do I choose the right Cappadocia hot air balloon tour?

Most tour operators offer both “comfort flights” and “standard flights”: The former are 15 to 30 minutes longer than standard flights and limit capacity in the basket to fewer people. Many operators also offer private tours for special occasions. Some companies may be more expensive because they offer a better breakfast, post-flight Champagne, or a more comfortable method of transportation to the takeoff site.

Companies like Cappadocia Voyager Balloons and Royal Balloon, which launched in 2008 and 2010 respectively, also tend to be pricier because their pilots are more experienced. Skilled pilots are adept at safely flying at different heights including low in the valley where you can get better views. It’s recommended to do your own research by reading reviews on Tripadvisor, asking your hotel for recommendations, and contacting the tour operator to ask questions such as “How many flight hours do your pilots have?” or “Can I book a flight with your most experienced pilot?” to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

How much does it cost?

Prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year you fly and how far in advance you book. For example, Cappadocia Voyager Balloons charges approximately $220 per person for a standard flight in July, during the peak of summer, but that same flight costs about $155 in January (you may also be able to score a good deal on a comfort flight in winter). A ride on Butterfly Balloons‘ Butterfly Flight costs even less in the off-season — about $145 — but as much as $250 in the high season, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare pricing and perks. Unsurprisingly, private flights cost a lot more than group flights. Group flights with Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, for example, start at about $240 per person while private flights are more than $6,300.

How long is the flight?

Flights can last anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. It depends on your hot air balloon ride operator and which style of flight you pick. For example, Kapadokya Balloons‘ Standard Program lasts 45 to 65 minutes, while its Deluxe Program lasts approximately 90 minutes. Royal Balloon’s rides are 60 or 75 minutes (Royal Queen vs. Royal King flights).

How many people can fit inside a basket?

The capacity of the basket depends on the company and the flight. Urgup Balloons‘ 60-minute Sunrise Flight carries 28 people, while their second flight, which leaves 20 minutes later, accommodates 32 passengers. Butterfly Balloons’ flights typically carry 16 passengers. There is, however, an eight-person option for those who wish to have a more intimate experience.

When is the best time to fly?

You can take a balloon flight any time of year, and while the landscape is beautiful with a dusting of snow, the best months to go are April to November. Even though the desert can be hot and dry during the summer, most flights take place early in the morning. Between the time of day and the elevation during your flight, warmer temperatures should still be comfortable.

Hot air balloon flights are weather dependent and may be canceled if it’s windy, rainy, or a storm is approaching in the immediate area. In that event, balloon operators will offer you a full refund or will reschedule. Plan to spend a few days in Cappadocia so you can rebook if this happens to you.

How high up do the balloons go?

The real treat during a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is seeing (and photographing) the geological details of the different rock formations, so it’s not necessary to climb too high off the ground. Royal Balloon and Voyager Balloons, for example, fly at a maximum of 3,000 feet above ground level.

When do flights take off?

Because wind conditions are best around sunrise, hot air balloon timings in Cappadocia tend to be early. Balloons typically take off at about 5 to 5:30 a.m., depending on the season. Most tour companies change their departure site according to the day’s wind direction and speed.

Tour operators will pick you up at your hotel so there’s no need to worry about getting to the take-off site while you’re half asleep. They’ll offer coffee and tea at their offices while you fill out any paperwork, but if your hot air balloon ride doesn’t include breakfast, it’s a good idea to bring a snack.

What should I wear?

It’s cooler up in the air than on the ground, so even if you go during the warmer months, wear layers and a light jacket. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be on your feet for a long time. It’s a good idea to bring a hat since you can usually feel the heat from the burner flame. In winter, you’ll need an extra layer, gloves, and a warm hat.

Is it safe?

While hot air ballooning is considered a relatively low-risk activity, accidents still happen. In October 2022, CBS News reported that two tourists were killed and three others were injured when a hot air balloon in Cappadocia made a hard landing. While the incident left many wondering about the safety of balloon rides, it’s important to note that fatalities are rare. According to 2019 data from Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the most recent available, only 12 accidents occurred during the flight hours examined between the summers of 2013 and 2017 in Cappadocia. All of these accidents occurred during the landing phase of the flight, resulting in 33 passengers being injured and three deaths.

Choosing a reputable hot air balloon company with pilots who have more than five years of flying experience can increase your chances of having a safe flight. Since hard landings are the most common cause of accidents, and on rare occasions, deaths, it’s important to listen to the instructions given during the safety briefing.

Is there turbulence?

Hot air balloons don’t experience the type of turbulence that might cause motion sickness on a plane. The only time you might encounter less-than-smooth conditions is in the unlikely event of wind shear, a change in the force and direction of the wind. Pilots are aware of the weather and do their best to avoid wind shear, and if it’s too severe, the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority will cancel the balloon flight.

What happens after landing?

In line with balloon tradition, you can usually expect a champagne toast (and maybe a slice of cake) upon landing. Depending on the flight you book, some options include a light breakfast before you take off, too. At the end of the trip, tour companies generally hand out certificates or medallions to commemorate the event.

Where can I take the best photo from the ground?

If you want to re-experience your time in the air (who wouldn’t?) or are hoping to get a sneak preview, head to Göreme’s Sunrise and Sunset Point early in the morning to watch the balloons rise with the sun.

How do I get to Cappadocia?

The airports that serve Cappadocia are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Ask your Cappadocia hotel if it offers airport transfers. If not, you can reserve a shuttle through Argeus Travel and Events or take a taxi to your accommodations.

You can also take a bus from Istanbul or Ankara to Nevşehir on the outskirts of Cappadocia. From Istanbul, it’s roughly a 10-hour bus ride, but for about $30 one way, it’s a far cheaper option than flying. Book your tickets through Metro Turizm.

Where should I stay?

Cappadocia is a region composed of multiple cities and villages. The most popular destinations for tourists are Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar.

Most tourists go to Göreme because it’s easily accessible and within walking distance of the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Decorated with colorful frescoes in the Byzantine style, this collection of rock-cut churches is worthy of its spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Many travelers also choose to stay in Ürgüp, which has similar architecture to Göreme. Wine lovers in particular may want to consider booking a hotel there since it’s the capital of wine production in the Cappadocia region.

At the highest point in Cappadocia, Uçhisar is another popular town for visitors. Home to Uçhisar Castle, this rock citadel offers a beautiful panoramic view of the region and Mount Erciyes.

Get the full troglodyte experience at one of Cappadocia’s famous cave hotels. Consider these options: Göreme Suites, Erenbey Cave Hotel, and Aydinli Cave in Göreme or Kayakapi Premium Caves and MDC Hotel in Ürgüp.

What else is there to see and do?

While the view from the skies is unforgettable, Cappadocia is just as beautiful on the ground. Take a tour of the underground cities, either Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, to see intact examples of the tunnels and chambers that were hand-carved into volcanic rock by Phrygians thousands of years ago.

Cappadocia is also known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” so consider exploring the landscape from the saddle as well as by hot air balloon. Outfitters offering beginner group tours by horseback include The Dalton Brothers and Cemal Ranch.