We had a wonderful holiday in Turkey that lasted for 5 days and one of the places we wanted to visit was the region of Cappadocia. In case you are wondering how we travelled from Dubai to Cappadocia, we basically took an Emirates flight from Dubai to Istanbul, and then another plane (Turkish Airlines) from Istanbul to Goreme Town in Cappadocia.

Also Read: Turkey Tourist Visa Application Process in Dubai

It’s been a while since I last shared a travel experience given the pandemic situation during the last 2 years. But we’re glad that when travel restrictions in Dubai were starting to open, we were able to visit Turkey, one of the few countries that were open to tourists.

I immediately applied for a Turkey Tourist Visa in VFS Global office in WAFI Mall while my wife applied for a Turkey E-Visa (as she still has a valid Schengen visa) online.

Cappadocia is a beautiful region of central Turkey (in Asia) and is famous for its unique landscape which can be best described as “fairy chimneys”. It was one of the most beautiful places we had ever visited, with tiny homes carved into caves and hills and a view that would leave you breathless.

Direct Flights from Dubai to Istanbul

I did a quick Google Seach on flights and if you wish to visit Cappadocia from Dubai, you may check the following travel options below.

• Direct Flights from Dubai to Istanbul via Emirates airlines – There are regular flights daily from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) if you travel via Emirates Airlines.
• Direct Flights from Dubai to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines – There are regular flights daily from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) if you travel via Turkish Airlines.
• Direct Flights from Dubai to Istanbul via FlyDubai – There is one regular flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) if you travel via FlyDubai.
• Direct Flights from Dubai to Istanbul via Pegasus- There is one regular flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) if you travel via Pegasus.
• Direct Flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul via Etihad Airways – There are regular flights daily from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Istanbul Airport (IST) if you travel via Etihad Airways

From Istanbul, you have two airports you wish to fly to in Cappadocia – Nevsehir Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Airport (ASR). These two airports are located in the Cappadocia region.

Direct Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Nevsehir Airport (NAV), Cappadocia

• There are direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Nevsehir Airport (NAV) in the Cappadocia region via Turkish Airlines.

Direct Flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Nevsehir Airport (NAV), Cappadocia

• There are direct flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Nevsehir Airport (NAV) via Turkish Airlines and Aztec.

Direct Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kayseri Airport (ASR), Cappadocia

• There are direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kayseri Airport (Airport) in the Cappadocia region via Turkish Airlines.

Direct Flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Kayseri Airport (ASR), Cappadocia

• There are direct flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Kayseri Airport (ASR) via Turkish Airlines, Aztec, and Pegasus.

Please take note that there is more than one airport in Istanbul. If you plan to travel to the Cappadocia region, your plane may be located either in IST airport or SAW airport! So please be advised of this and do not interchange the locations to avoid flight disruptions!

How did we travel from Dubai to Cappadocia?

We basically travelled by plane. We travelled from Dubai to Istanbul and also booked another flight from Istanbul to Goreme. This was our route options:

1. We flew from Dubai to Istanbul Turkey via Emirates. So this is from Dubai International Airport (DXB)to Istanbul Airport (IST).
2. Then in Istanbul, we headed to the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) and took a flight via Turkish Airlines to Nevsehir Airport (NAV).
3. At the Nevsehir Airport, we hired a local shuttle service that took us to the town of Goreme and dropped us to our hotel accommodation..

Flight Travel Time

It took us about 5 hours flight time from Dubai to Istanbul and about 1.5 hours flight time from Istanbul to Cappadocia via Nevsehir Airport.

Note: If you have more time on your hands, you can opt for Land Travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia via bus transportation. However, the travel will eat your time as it will take roughly 8 hours of the trip by bus.

 

Summary

So the above are the details on how you can fly by plane to the region of Cappadocia by plane. We hope that the steps have given you a better idea of the travel time and what you can expect as flight options.

Not only is the Cappadocia region beautiful, but it also had a very rich history and culture. There are many places to visit and learn about the past in this region, with some of the best options being the Goreme Open Air Museum and Derenkiyu Underground City.

We hope you found this guide helpful in knowing your flight choices from the United Arab Emirates if ever you plan to visit Cappadocia anytime soon!

Disclaimer: Please be advised that these flight schedules may change at any time. Please check the airline carrier for up-to-date information before you book your flight. If there is more than one airport in Istanbul, please be advised to take note of which airport and avoid switching the location when booking tickets!