Nevsehir

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is the aerial gateway to one of the most magical regions of Turkey. Opened in 1998, it has become the starting point for thousands of travellers eager to witness the unique landscapes, cave cities, and famous hot air balloon flights of Cappadocia. Located near the city of the same name, the airport provides convenient access to major tourist centres such as Goreme, Uchisar, and Avanos, making it the ideal choice for beginning your adventure in this fairytale land.

Despite its modest size compared to the giants of Istanbul, Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport offers all the necessary services for a comfortable journey. There are separate terminals for domestic and international flights, tourist information desks, car rental points, and cafes. Its main advantage is its strategic location. It is the closest airport to the heart of Cappadocia, which significantly reduces travel time to your hotel after arrival. For passenger convenience, transfers to popular villages are organised via shuttle buses, and taxi services are also always available.

• Official Website: https://www.dhmi.gov.tr/nevsehir
• Information Desk Phone: +90 384 421 44 55
• Address: Tuzköyü, 50900 Gülşehir/Nevşehir, Türkiye
• Email: infonevsehir@dhmi.gov.tr
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active separate social media pages. Official news is published on the resources of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI).
• Lost & Found Information: For inquiries regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or its ground handling representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information and inquiries, it is recommended to use the main airport information desk phone number.

There are several ways to get to Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), which serves as the main aerial gateway to the amazing region of Cappadocia in Turkey. The airport is located approximately 30 km from the city centre of Nevsehir and 40-50 km from key tourist hubs such as Goreme and Urgup. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport: Shuttle Buses

The most popular and economical way to get from the airport to the tourist towns of Cappadocia is by shuttle bus. Private companies (including those partnering with airlines, such as Turkish Airlines) organise transfers with schedules strictly linked to the arrival and departure of domestic flights. These buses travel to the main settlements of the region: Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, Urgup, and Nevsehir. The journey takes from 40 to 60 minutes depending on your hotel, as the shuttle drops passengers off at various addresses. It is recommended to book your seat in advance through your hotel or online to guarantee a spot.

Taxi and Private Transfer

Taxis are always available at the terminal exit. This is the fastest, but also the most expensive option. The cost of the trip to major tourist spots will be fixed, but it is better to confirm the price with the driver before departure. A more convenient and often better value alternative, especially for groups or families, is a pre-booked private transfer. This can be arranged through your hotel or online services. The driver will meet you with a name sign in the arrivals hall, assist with luggage, and take you directly to your hotel door for a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking

For those planning to actively explore Cappadocia on their own, renting a car is the ideal solution. Nevsehir Airport hosts representatives of several international and local rental companies. It is better to book a car in advance, especially during the high season, to get the best choice and price. There is a car park on the airport grounds where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods. The roads in the region are of good quality, and navigation is straightforward.

The Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving the region of the same name and the popular tourist destination of Cappadocia. Its structure is simple and clear, making the experience comfortable even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The building is divided into two main sectors: for Domestic and International lines. Thanks to its small size and logical layout, navigating the terminal is effortless. All key zones—check-in counters, passport control, security screening, and boarding gates—are within walking distance of each other.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly demarcated. Upon arrival, passengers enter the hall with baggage claim belts and the customs control area. The departure hall includes check-in counters, after which passengers proceed to security screening and passport control (for international flights), and then to the general waiting area with boarding gates. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between sectors are not required—everything is located under one roof.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Nevsehir Airport usually takes significantly less time than at major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-2.5 hours before an international flight, especially during the high tourist season. Signs in the terminal are duplicated in English, which facilitates orientation for international tourists.

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is a relatively modern air harbour, the history of which is inextricably linked to the transformation of Cappadocia into a world-class tourist centre. Its opening took place on 15 November 1998. The main goal of construction was to create a convenient transport hub for travellers eager to see the unique landscapes and historical monuments of this region of Turkey. Before its appearance, tourists had to travel from more distant airports, which took significantly more time.

As the popularity of Cappadocia grew, especially the famous hot air balloon flights, the airport's initial infrastructure became insufficient. A key stage of development was the construction and opening of a new modern terminal in 2007. This large-scale modernisation significantly increased capacity, allowed for the simultaneous handling of domestic and international flights, and provided passengers with a higher level of comfort. The new terminal was designed taking into account the growing tourist flow and modern aviation security standards.

Although the history of the airport in Nevsehir is not marked by loud records or dramatic events, its main achievement is its immense contribution to the economy and accessibility of the region. It has become a true "gateway to a fairytale" for millions of tourists. Interestingly, its full name—Nevsehir Kapadokya—was chosen intentionally to immediately associate the airport with the world-famous brand. Today, it continues to play a strategic role, welcoming travellers from all over the world who wish to witness the wonders of Cappadocia in person.

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight in one of the most popular tourist regions of Turkey. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or snack bars, which serve light bites, pastries, and beverages. Small souvenir shops also operate in the terminal, where you can purchase memorable gifts, magnets, and items by local artisans—a great opportunity to buy something to remember Cappadocia by at the last minute.

Comfortable lounges are provided for waiting at the airport. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of the VIP Lounge, where beverages, snacks, and a more private atmosphere are offered. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are equipped for charging electronic devices. Within the airport building, you will find ATMs and currency exchange points, which is convenient for those who need to withdraw cash or exchange money before departure.

The airport caters to all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with small children. In case of necessity, one can visit the medical point for first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options are located a few minutes' drive away—in the cities of Nevsehir, Goreme, and Urgup. You can easily reach them by taxi or transfer. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist flows. For business meetings, it is better to use the facilities of hotels in nearby cities.

Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), serving one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, offers passengers basic but convenient options for a snack before departure or after arrival. Given its relatively small size, the choice of establishments here is not as wide as in major international hubs, however, you will not go hungry.

The main food outlets are presented in the form of cafes and buffets, located both in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone. Here you will always find a standard set for the traveller: fresh pastries, sandwiches, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold beverages. For a quick snack, a traditional Turkish bagel (simit) or gozleme (flatbread with filling) are perfect if they are on the menu—this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the local flavour one last time before leaving.

If you are looking for a full meal, keep in mind that the choice will be limited. Cafes may offer salads or simple hot dishes, but there are no restaurants with extensive menus at the airport. Therefore, the best strategy would be to have a substantial meal at one of the restaurants in Nevsehir or Goreme before travelling to the airport.

Regarding special dietary requirements, vegetarians will be able to find options for themselves, for example, pastries with cheese or vegetable sandwiches. Most products in Turkey are Halal by default. However, travellers adhering to a vegan or gluten-free diet will find it more difficult—specialised offers will likely not be available. In this case, it is recommended to bring food with you. Prices in airport establishments are traditionally higher than in the city, and their opening hours are usually linked to the flight schedule.

Travelling through Nevsehir Airport (NAV), the gateway to fairytale Cappadocia, can be easy and pleasant if you know a few nuances. Here are some useful tips that will help you save time, money, and stress during your trip to Turkey.

Arrival time at the airport. Nevsehir Airport is relatively small, but during the peak tourist season (spring and autumn) it can be quite busy. It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 2.5-3 hours for international flights. This will give you enough time to calmly go through all procedures without rushing.

Check-in and security. To avoid queues, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Security control here is standard; be ready to present your boarding pass and passport.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If you are flying out of Nevsehir on a clear day, try to get a window seat. During takeoff or landing, a stunning view of the unique landscapes of Cappadocia with its famous "fairy chimneys" and, possibly, even hot air balloons soaring in the sky may open up to you.

Hand luggage rules. Standard international rules apply here as well: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (total volume up to 1 litre), packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and other dangerous substances are prohibited. Always check the baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Connecting passengers. Nevsehir Airport mainly serves direct flights to Istanbul and other major Turkish cities, from where you can fly onwards to the rest of the world. If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 2-3 hours), especially if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control. When departing on an international flight, you will have to go through passport control. If you are taking out valuable goods, antiques, or large sums of cash, familiarise yourself with Turkey's customs regulations in advance to declare them if necessary. For most tourists, this procedure is quick and formal.

Saving time and money. Besides online check-in, booking a transfer to the airport in advance can help save money, as taxis on the spot may cost more. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are higher than in the city, so you can bring a light snack with you. An empty water bottle can be refilled after passing security.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with beverages, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Stay calm and use this time to rest or read.