Kayseri Airport Guide: To Cappadocia, Erciyes and the City

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is the gateway to both the Erciyes ski slopes and, for many visitors, Cappadocia. It's a small, easy airport close to the city. This guide explains where to go once you've landed and how it compares with Cappadocia's other airport at Nevşehir.

The airport at a glance

Location: Just north of Kayseri, about 5 km from the city centre.
Flights: Frequent flights from both Istanbul airports, direct domestic flights from cities such as Antalya and Izmir, and some international routes that vary by season.
Size: A compact terminal, so arrivals are quick. Rush periods such as New Year and the Turkish school holidays are the busiest.

From the airport to Kayseri city

Taxi: The simplest option, about 15 minutes to the centre.
City buses: Municipal bus lines (such as 100 and 102) stop near the airport. The stops are a short walk from the terminal, which is less convenient with ski bags.
Hotel transfer: Many city hotels arrange pickups. On our ski packages the transfer to the Wyndham Grand Kayseri, about 6 km away, is free.

From the airport to Erciyes

The ski slopes are about 25 km beyond the city on a good road that climbs the mountain. In winter, conditions on the upper road can be snowy and icy, so if you drive, you need winter tyres and should carry chains. On our packages you don't need to drive: the airport transfer and daily transfers from the hotel to the slopes are included. More in how to get to Erciyes.

From the airport to Cappadocia

Göreme is about 75 km from Kayseri airport.

Shared shuttles: Several companies run shuttles from the airport to hotels in Göreme, Ürgüp and other towns, usually timed to flight arrivals. With hotel drop-offs, allow about 80–100 minutes. Book ahead, as seats can sell out.
Private transfer or taxi: Faster and door to door, but more expensive. Agree the price in advance.
Car hire: Rental desks are in the terminal. Winter tyres matter in snow.

Kayseri or Nevşehir: which airport?

Cappadocia has its own airport, Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV), about 35 km from Göreme. It's closer, but has far fewer flights. Kayseri usually offers more flight times and is the obvious choice if you're also skiing on Erciyes. A popular plan is to fly into one and out of the other: for example, arrive at Nevşehir for a few days in Cappadocia, then fly home from Kayseri after your ski days.

Our guide to Cappadocia in winter has sample itineraries combining both, and does it snow in Cappadocia? explains the winter weather.

The journey home

Leave time: Airlines set their own check-in deadlines, so check yours. At busy times such as the end of the school holidays, give yourself extra time for check-in and security.
From the slopes: If you ski on your last day, book an evening flight. On our packages we recommend flights at 19:00 or later.
Ski gear: If you bring your own skis or board, check your airline's sports-equipment rules before you fly.

A sample week through Kayseri

Day 1: Land at Kayseri, transfer to the city hotel.
Days 2–5: Ski on Erciyes; evenings in Kayseri. See Kayseri after the slopes.
Days 6–7: Shuttle to Cappadocia for balloons and valleys, then fly home from Kayseri or Nevşehir.

For a week like this, the 4-night First Steps package runs Monday to Friday, with airport transfers included; if you already ski, see the 4-night Experienced package.