This Is What Really Happens on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

Thinking of taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia? This guide covers everything you need to know from what to expect, what it’s like, and tips for first-timers.

After Istanbul and before my 2-week Turkish Coast road trip, I spent 4 nights in Cappadocia to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been on my bucket list.

I love air-related activities. I’ve done skydiving in Florida, paragliding in New Zealand and parasailing in Florida, but I’ve never done hot air balloon ride… until Turkiye!

A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is truly a bucket list item you need to do in your lifetime. I couldn’t have picked a better place to do it for my first time.

Cappadocia’s weather and geographic location is so perfect for it, which is why there are over a hundred balloons flying at the same time. The experience of seeing all the balloons take off and fly over the unique rock formations is amazing.

My First Hot Air Balloon Ride

There are so many things to do in Cappadocia, including the Green Tour, but the hot air balloon ride was on my bucket list.

I went with Royal Balloon and I highly recommend them. They are one of the best if not the best hot air balloon agencies in Cappadocia.

I had an overall great experience with them from the hotel pickup to the organization of where to go and what to do.

My Experience with Royal Balloon in Cappadocia

Here’s a recap of my Cappadocia hot air balloon ride with Royal Balloon.

Pick-up and Breakfast

The day started early, with a pickup around 6:10 a.m. The shuttle arrived at my hotel around 6:05 a.m., right on time. We were then taken to the Royal Balloon headquarters where we had some breakfast.

The breakfast was a bunch of pastries, some cold sandwiches, coffee, and tea. It was nothing special, but at least you get something.

I remember reading reviews of other hot air balloon companies that don’t offer much for breakfast, so this was a nice touch.

Takeoff Site

After breakfast, we got on a shuttle bus to head to the takeoff site. On the way, the crew gave us a warning that we didn’t know yet if we had the clearance from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority to take off due to weather.

We arrived at the site, but it still was uncertain. We were told the decision would be made in about 15 minutes, so we just had to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Luckily, after an hour or so of more waiting, they finally allowed us to get off the bus, and we got to see some views since it was no longer pitch black. This was also a good sign that it’s a higher chance of not getting cancelled.

The crew started to set up and inflate the balloons, and the excitement was real. It was kind of sunrise by then, but that was okay as long as we were flying.

And then, we finally got the GO!

Our pilot Kaan, who had 15 years of experience, was fantastic. He gave us a safety briefing that covered the two most important things: always stay in the basket, and the proper landing position.

He explained that a landing could be soft or bumpy depending on the wind, so it was crucial to listen.

Also Read: Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

The Flight and Celebration

After about an hour of flying over the stunning valleys and landscapes, we had a really soft landing. Once we were back on the ground, the crew helped us out of the basket.

The celebration started immediately with a champagne toast with Kavaklidere “Inci Damlasi” and some fruits, which was a fun way to end the amazing experience and adds a foodie element.

We even got a Commemorative Royal Gold Medal and a souvenir gift bag with a Royal Baseball Cap and sticker. The entire experience was so well organized from start to finish.

What Makes Royal Balloon Stand Out?

Since I flew in November, which is during the winter season, I was upgraded to the Queen Plus flight. This flight has fewer people per basket (16 passengers instead of 20), making it more comfortable and spacious.

The hot air balloon has four sections, and each section is a group of four to five people. This allows everyone to have a good view and take great pictures.

Our pilot Kaan was really good. He was very experienced and explained a lot of things while we were flying.

He pointed out different attractions and knew how to go up and down very close to the valleys and mountains, which made the flight feel more thrilling.

Tips for First-Time Hot Air Balloon Flyers

Choose a Convenient Hotel

Since hot air balloon tours start very early in the morning, a convenient hotel is key. Check with the tour company for a list of hotels with free pick-up, or verify that your hotel is in the list.

I stayed at the Karadut Cave Hotel which was perfect because Royal Balloon provides free hotel pickup and drop-off right from there. This made the experience a lot less stressful.

Ask for an Experienced Pilot

If you have the option, ask to be put in a hot air balloon with the most experienced pilot like Kaan at Royal Balloon. They will be able to get closer to the valleys and mountains, which makes the flight more thrilling and memorable.

Listen to Your Pilot

Be sure to listen to your pilot, especially for the landing position at the end of the flight. The landing can be a little bumpy depending on the weather and wind, but it is super important that you listen carefully and follow their instructions.

What is the cost of a hot air balloon in Cappadocia in 2025?

The cost of a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in 2025 varies greatly depending on the season, company, and type of flight. Prices for a standard flight can range from around €100 during the low season to over €300 in the high season.

A very important factor with the cost that people forget to consider is the location. A lot of the cheaper hot air balloons tend to take-off on sites far away, with less views or won’t get close to formations.

This will greatly affect your experience!

I flew in November, which is their winter season, and my experience was a bit cheaper at €160 for a Queen Plus flight. It’s always best to check with the specific tour company or booking sites like GetYourGuide/TripAdvisor/Klook for the most up-to-date pricing and deals.

Frequently Asked Questions for First-Timers

Have more questions about the Cappadocia hot air balloon experience? We got your covered:

How long is a balloon flight in Cappadocia?

The entire hot air balloon experience lasts about three hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a light breakfast, a safety briefing, the flight itself which is about one hour, and the post-flight celebration with a champagne toast.

Is it safe? Have any balloons crashed in Cappadocia?

Yes, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is a very safe experience. Flights are regulated by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority and pilots are highly experienced and licensed.

Balloons only take off if weather conditions are good and they follow strict safety protocols. While accidents are rare, they can happen. Most incidents are related to bumpy landings due to wind.

What to wear in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

It’s a good idea to wear comfortable, layered clothing. The mornings can be chilly as you wait for takeoff, but it gets warmer in the balloon from the burners.

Wear closed-toe shoes since you will have to climb in and out of the basket. A hat can also be useful to protect your head from the heat of the burners.

What to bring for photos and videos?

The tour company typically has their own photo and video package you can buy, though it’s not required and it is an extra cost.

You can also bring your own gear and gadgets to take photos and videos because you’ll definitely want a remembrance of this epic adventure.

Be sure to confirm what’s allowed, especially when bringing something bulky. For example, a tripod is probably prohibited.

For my photos and videos that you see here, I used a mix of gear: Insta360 X4, Pixel 7 Pro and Sony a6700.

What if my flight gets cancelled?

Hot air balloon flights can be cancelled due to bad weather like strong winds or rain for your safety. If your flight is cancelled, the company will typically try to reschedule you for the next available day or provide a full refund if you cannot fly.

This is why I recommend booking your hot air balloon ride for your first morning in Cappadocia to give you a chance to rebook. I got very lucky because prior to our flight, locals said hot air balloons didn’t get to fly for the past 12 days.

And then following our flying day, the flights were cancelled due to weather after, even until I left Cappadocia. Had I not flew on that day, I would’ve missed flying completely during my entire 4 nights!

How many people fit in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

The number of people who can fit in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia varies depending on the size of the basket. A standard flight can hold anywhere from 16 to 28 people, while smaller, more intimate “deluxe” or “comfort” flights may carry 12 to 16 people.

Private flights are also an option and can be as small as two to four people. The basket I was in had four sections, with about four to five people per section.

Which month is best for a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?

The best time to go is from April to October. This is considered the peak season with the most consistent good weather. However, this is also when flights are more expensive and there are more people.

I went in November which is their off-peak and winter season. It’s generally cheaper this time but with the risk of cancellations due to weather as my experience showed.

Is there a train from Istanbul to Cappadocia?

There is no direct train from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The easiest ways to get there are by flying into one of the two local airports, Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR).

You can also take an overnight bus. The bus trip is much longer but can be a cheaper option.

Or you can also book tour groups that will take you from Istanbul and Cappadocia (and back) on a multi-day tour, including hot air balloon:

• 3-Days, 2-nights in Cappadocia & Hot Air Balloon from Istanbul
• 4-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Flight,Cave Hotel
• 5 Days Istanbul to Cappadocia by Plane + Hot air Balloon

What is the best time of day to ride a hot air balloon?

The best and most popular time to ride a hot air balloon is at sunrise. This is when the wind is calmest and the light is perfect for pictures.

The sight of dozens of balloons taking off against the rising sun is a once-in-a-lifetime view. Most companies only offer sunrise flights for this reason.

Where To Stay in Goreme for Hot Air Balloon

My hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia was truly a beautiful and amazing experience. Have you ever been on a hot air balloon ride?

As always, happy travels and eating! And if you’re looking for other things to do in Cappadocia, check out my experience on the Cappadocia Green Tour.