Hot Air Balloon Rides in Turkey
Types of flight
Cappadocia hot air balloon rides come in all shapes and sizes. Standard flights last around an hour, and each basket takes around 16 to 24 people. You can also enjoy a deluxe flight of 1.5 hours, with fewer people per balloon.
Pamukkale group hot air balloon flights last for an hour and come with a champagne breakfast. A private flight can last up to two hours and offers the ultimate luxury experience in an intimate setting.
Where to ride a Hot Air Balloon in Turkey
- Cappadocia: The fastest way to get to Cappadocia is to fly. There are regular flights from Istanbul, which roughly take 1.5 hours. A cheaper option is to take a 12-hour bus or travel by train. You can also rent a car or get a private driver to take you on a scenic road trip of around eight hours. For more information, check out our guide on how to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul.
- Pamukkale: Pamukkale is in the south of Istanbul and the closest airport is Denizli Airport. There are several flights a day and you will reach Pamukkale in an hour. You can also hire a car or a driver to take you on a 7-8 hour journey, join a group tour or buy a bus ticket. While Pamukkale is not nearly as popular as Cappadocia, hot air balloon rides here are budget-friendly.
When to go for Hot Air Balloon rides in Turkey
The best time for a hot air balloon ride in Turkey is in spring (April-June), and in autumn (September-October). The weather is mild over most parts of the country in the shoulder seasons. If you can stand the heat, you should consider booking your trip in July when Cappadocia hosts the annual Turkey Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Tour highlights of Hot Air Balloon rides in Turkey
- Enjoy a champagne breakfast with your hot air balloon ride looking at the sun rising over the horizon.
- Soak in the view from the top as the gigantic rock formations of Cappadocia take on a new life.
- Have the best view of the magical blue travertines and see their full spectrum as they spill over the hill.
Travel tips for Hot Air Balloon rides in Turkey
- Bring a jacket for the hot air balloon ride, as it gets cold in the air, even in mid-summer.
- Never book your flight for the last day of your visit. There is always a chance of cancellation owing to inclement weather. So, having a buffer day or two will do you well.
- Do not book your flight the day after flights have been canceled. Prices usually go up after a canceled flight day.
- Try to book an early morning flight to get the best view of the sunrise.