Looking for the best hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia? You are in the right place because today we will reveal the best companies and tours that offer you such a unique experience.
Cappadocia is known as one of the best places to take a hot air balloon ride in the world. With its moon-like landscape featuring astonishing rock formations, beautiful valleys and unique geological structures known as fairy chimneys, a hot air balloon ride offers some of the most stunning views imaginable.
These hot air balloon rides take off during sunrise, and the experience of floating in the sky with the beautiful colors of sunrise is something that should be on your bucket list. That’s why we’ve decided to share our favorite Cappadocia hot air balloon tours and companies so you can have the best trip possible! These have been carefully vetted to ensure you are booking with a reputable and ethical company.
Our Top Pick
Royal Balloon is one of the highest-rated hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia – with a priority on customer satisfaction, comfort and safety. Leveraging top-tier equipment, industry-leading pilots, and the best insurance, they are simply the best in the industry.
Royal Balloon is the company we fly with every time.
What Are The Best Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia?
1. Turquaz Balloons Cappadocia – The Cheapest Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Company in Cappadocia
Turquaz Balloons is one of the cheapest sunrise hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia. Established in 2013, it quickly became one of the most popular balloon tours in Cappadocia due to its affordability.
They offer three types of hot air balloon flights:
- Turquaz Standard
- Turquaz Comfort
- Turquaz Classic
Turquaz Standard is their most popular tour thanks to its exceptional value for money. The Turquaz Standard hot air balloon ride has a maximum of 28 people and a minimum flight time of 60 minutes.
Comparatively speaking, 28 passengers is one of the highest numbers of passengers in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, and 60 minutes is one of the shortest flight times. But its price is an excellent value for those who would like to experience this unique activity in Cappadocia but don’t want to splurge.
We were on a flight with captain Abdullah. It was a truly exceptional experience. Flight and the views were incredible and when we were finished one of the guests had his birthday and they even brought out a cake and champagne for everyone. Abdullah spent time at the end answering all my questions about the ballon and it was very interesting. It was an extremely well run operation and would recommend to anyone.
– Jack (Read More Reviews Here)
Turquaz Comfort has a maximum number of 20 people and a minimum flight duration of 60 minutes, while the Turquaz Classic has a maximum number of 16 people and a minimum flight duration of 75 minutes.
Perhaps what makes the Turquaz Balloons one of the best hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia is its reliability. It is consistently one of the highest-rated operators in the region, and nearly all of its customers have a safe and satisfying experience with them.
2. Royal Balloon Cappadocia – The Best Hot Air Balloon Company in Cappadocia
Established in 2010, Royal Balloon is one of the oldest hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia. They have a long-standing reputation for excellent service and safety standards, which makes them our go-to sunrise hot air balloon company in Cappadocia.
They are an ISO 9001 Certified Ballooning Company and focuses only on quality and luxury hot air balloon rides. Every passenger is a special guest to them and they ensure that they’ll have a pleasant and comfortable experience.
Their fleet is made of Hyperlast Silver Coated Balloons and is operated by some of the most experienced pilots in Cappadocia. Let’s not forget their insurance policy is one of the best in Cappadocia.
They offer three types of hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia:
- Royal Queen Flight
- Royal Queen “Plus” Flight
- Royal King Flight
Royal Queen Flight is their standard hot air balloon ride and has a maximum of 20 passengers, which is divided into four quadrants. The duration of the Royal Queen Flight is a minimum of 60 minutes.
Royal Queen “Plus” Flight is similar to the standard Royal Queen flight, the only difference is that you get a maximum of 16 passengers.
Their most prized hot air balloon ride is the Royal King Flight, and it is one that we highly recommend if you can affordable it. It has a maximum passenger of 8 people, meaning every quadrant only has two people. This is perfect for couples or those looking for something more romantic or intimate.
You cannot book a balloon tour better than this. Great pilots, amazing ride and timing, and great service. We booked 2 days. Our second day ride canceled due to weather but the refunded the cost without any effort. First day ride, kids and wife loved so much and could not stop talking about.
– Abubakar (Read More Reviews Here)
It also has a minimum flight time of 75 minutes, but the pilot is usually more than happy to go well above that to satisfy the customer.
And with all Royal Balloon tours, customers get luxury minibus transfers from and to their hotels, buffet-style breakfast, luxury champagne celebration, and a flight souvenir.
If you want a guaranteed good balloon experience in Cappadocia, you need to go with Royal Balloon.
3. Cappadocia Discovery Balloons – The Cheapest Daytime Hot Air Balloon Company In Cappadocia
Cappadocia Discovery Balloons is the sister company of Turquaz Balloons, which makes them very affordable and highly reliable.
Established in 2011, it is one of the most reviewed hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia and one that comes highly recommended.
Cappadocia Discovery Balloons offer 3 types of hot air balloon rides:
- Daylight Flight
- Standard Flight
- Deluxe Flight
The cheapest of the three is the Daylight Flight. It takes off right after sunrise, which means you won’t be able to witness the beautiful colors of the sunrise. But you will still be able to enjoy the incredible views of Cappadocia from up above at a discounted rate. This is one of the cheapest hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia.
The Daylight Flight has a maximum capacity of 28 passengers, and a minimum flight duration of 60 minutes.
The Standard Flight has similar features as the daylight flight but it takes off during sunrise so you get to see the beautiful colors of a Cappadocian sunrise.
The Deluxe Flight has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers with a maximum of 5 passengers divided into the 4 compartments. Again the minimum flight duration is 60 minutes, just like all the other rides offered by Discovery Balloons.
The view, team and experience was exceptional. All in all it was well worth it and I will definitely recommend the company and experience to my friends.
– Mohammad (Read More Reviews Here)
All customers will get a minibus transfer, a breakfast box, passenger insurance, a champagne celebration and a flight certificate to take home.
Cappadocia Discovery Balloons is a no-frills company, but it is definitely reliable and safe with pilots with 100% safety records. If you don’t want to spend too much money on a hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia, make sure you out Discovery Balloons.
Read More: Best Hotels In Cappadocia With Views of Hot Air Balloons
4. Turkiye Balloons
Turkiye Balloons is one of the newest hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia. Established in 2013 by four of the best pilots in the region, Turkiye Balloons slowly regained its reputation as one of the most reputable and safest companies in Cappadocia.
Turkiye Balloons offer two different types of flights:
- Standard Flight
- Comfort Flight
Standard Flight is perhaps their most popular ride. It has a maximum capacity of 28 people with a minimum duration of 45 minutes, but it often lasts around 60 minutes. Because it is 15 minutes shorter than the typical hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, it is often much more affordable than the other rides.
The Comfort Flight on the other hand offers more luxury and smaller group sizes compared to the Standard Flight. This type of hot air balloon ride has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, and the minimum flight time is also 45 minutes, but frequently goes up to 60 minutes.
Nice experience. Well organized and managed flight. Friendly and efficient pilot and crew. All worked smooth and as planned.
-Alfredo (Read More Reviews Here)
The same amenities are offered in both the Standard and Comfort Flight rides. Customers get a minibus transfer from and to their hotels, a breakfast snack box, Passenger third-party liability insurance, a champagne celebration and a flight certificate.
If you don’t mind a budget Cappadocia hot air balloon ride that is shorter in duration and cramped with passengers, Turkiye Balloons is definitely the right choice for you.
5. Butterfly Balloons
Butterfly Balloons is one of the oldest hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia. Established in 2010 by a local man whose vision is to share the beauty of Cappadocia with everyone, Butterfly Balloons quickly became one of the most popular tour companies in Cappadocia. It was recommended by major travel sites such as Lonely Planet and Rick Steves.
With a dedication to customer satisfaction, Butterfly Balloon does everything it can to make all guests are having an unforgettable experience in Cappadocia. They do so by offering two types of flights:
- Butterfly Flight
- Butterfly Beyond Flight
Butterfly Flight is Butterfly Balloon’s standard hot air balloon flight. Unlike other companies, this standard flight only has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, which in our opinion is the perfect amount of space you need to feel comfortable and not splurge.
This was the highlight of our holiday. From start to finish, the team at Butterfly Balloons was professional, welcoming and kind. The breakfast and champagne were a bonus. I will be recommending to family and friends.
– Kayla (Read More Reviews Here)
The minimum flight time for the Butterfly Flight is 60 minutes, but the pilots always try to stay longer as long as weather-permitted.
The Butterfly Beyond Flight is similar in all aspects, except that there is only a maximum of 8 passengers for extra legroom and space.
All of the hot air balloon tours by Butterfly Balloons include pickup and drop-off at your hotel, a light breakfast, a celebration champagne toast, and a flight certificate and medal.
6. Turca Balloon
Turca Balloon is one of the hot air balloon companies that often have good deals, especially for those that don’t mind flying in the standard basket size of 28 passengers.
Little is known about the history of Turca Balloon, but it is consistently being rated as one of the best hot air balloon tour companies in Cappadocia.
It offers two types of flights:
- Standard Flight
- VIP Flight
As we briefly touched on, the Standard Flight has a maximum capacity of 28 passengers with a minimum flight duration of 45 minutes. Though most of the time, it is extended to around 60 minutes.
The VIP Flight, on the other hand, is for those that don’t mind spending extra money to get more legroom and space. Little is known about what is the number of passengers of the VIP balloons, but it does have a minimum duration of 75 minutes, which is a substantial amount longer than the usual flights.
Turca Balloon also has a 360-degree camera on board that takes photos for the passengers every 10 minutes or so. Then for an extra fee, you can purchase those photos.
It was a great experience but it was on the expensive side compared to other places I researched when I got there. The driver did a great job in picking us up and going around the town (which was an adventure in and of itself). The pilot was outstanding and we had a great time. The pictures/videos were not too expensive.
– Ricardo (Read More Reviews Here)
All flights with Turca Balloons include insurance, transfer from and to your hotel, a light breakfast, a flight certificate, and a non-alcoholic champagne toast.
All in all, Turca Balloons is a reputable hot air balloon company in Cappadocia that offers good and safe rides for those looking to experience the beauty of Cappadocia. That being said, it might be a better choice for budget travelers than luxury ones.
7. Noss Balloons
Noss Balloons might not be one of the most popular hot air balloon agencies in Cappadocia, but it is great for those looking for last-minute bookings.
Unlike the other companies that have flights over Goreme National Park, the ones offered by Noss Balloons take off at Songanli Valley, which is approximately 21 mi (34 km) south.
In our opinion, the views at Songanli Valley just aren’t as spectacular as the ones you would get near Goreme National Park. Plus, since it is much further from the center of Cappadocia, you’ll most likely have to wake up extra early to get picked up.
There are pros to doing it near Songanli Valley. Perhaps you’ve seen Goreme from above already and want to see a different part of Cappadocia. Or perhaps you don’t want to have your views ruined by nearly 100 other balloons in the air.
This was an incredible experience. Although I was staying in Goreme, I am so happy I did this tour instead of the ones in the town. This experience allows you to see a different part of the region, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Thank you to our pilot Batu for giving us a ride of a lifetime.
– Beatrice (Read More Reviews Here)
In Songanli Valley, you can expect a maximum of 10, maybe even 5 balloons in the air. There is only a maximum number of 18 passengers in the basket, and given how unpopular this tour is compared to the Goreme ones, you might only have a few passengers in your hot air balloon.
And the best part? Hot air balloon rides over Songanli Valleys are some of the cheapest hot air balloon tours you can get in Cappadocia. So if you are on a budget, definitely consider a flight with Noss Balloons.
The tour includes a transfer from and to your hotel and a light breakfast with snacks and drinks.
Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia Summary Table
| Tour Company | Take Off Location | Rating | Price | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquaz Balloons Cappadocia | Goreme National Park | 5/5 | $$ | Check Price Here |
| Royal Balloon Cappadocia | Goreme National Park | 5/5 | $$$ | Check Price Here |
| Cappadocia Discovery Balloons | Goreme National Park | 5/5 | $$ | Check Price Here |
| Turkiye Balloons | Goreme National Park | 4.7/5 | $$ | Check Price Here |
| Butterfly Balloons | Goreme National Park | 5/5 | $$ | Check Price Here |
| Turca Balloon | Goreme National Park | 4.9/5 | $$ | Check Price Here |
| Noss Balloons | Songanli Valley | 4.3/5 | $ | Check Price Here |
How To Pick The Best Hot Air Balloons In Cappadocia?
Picking the best hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia can be overwhelming. There are so many companies and they seem to all offer something similar, so how do you separate the good from the bad, or the best from the good? Here’s what you should look for when picking a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.
1. Duration
Generally speaking, the duration of the hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia is a minimum of 60 minutes. There are some companies that offer flights with a minimum of 45 minutes, and we personally think that is too little. Premium hot air balloon rides will have a minimum flight time of 75 minutes, but you’ll be paying a bit more for a ride like that.
Some hot air balloon companies, usually the less reputable ones, land their balloons as soon as they reach the minimum duration. The pilots might claim that bad weather conditions are forcing the balloons to land or they could simply be in a rush with the next flight.
2. Maximum Number of Passengers
The number of passengers on the hot air balloon largely dictates the price of the tours. The more passengers the balloons take on, the cheaper the price. The maximum number of passengers you’ll find on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia is 28.
The layout of the basket gives four compartments where passengers can stand. This means that if you have 28 passengers on your flight, each compartment gets 7 people, and that is really a lot of people. You’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with the other people in your basket.
We recommend picking a balloon tour with no more than 20 passengers. Anything above that number will make moving and viewing the scenery around you hard. You are also very unlikely to get good photos of yourselves if there are so many people around you.
3. Breakfast Options
Breakfast is not hugely important when picking your hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia, since they take off so early which means you are unlikely to be hungry. Most companies offer a light snack that you take with you as you are making your way to the take-off site.
Some companies, such as Royal Balloons, offer a breakfast buffet to get you really energized for the day. It includes pastries, tea, coffee and fruit juices that you can enjoy before take-off. If a good breakfast is important to you, make sure to check if the company you are considering offers one.
4. Online Reviews
Unfortunately, there are many hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia that are unreputable. They might not have the proper insurance, use balloons that are cheaply made (like some of the ones made in China), or just do not put the customer’s interests ahead of their profit.
Before deciding to book a hot air balloon flight, make sure to read reviews about the company you are considering.
We’ve carefully vetted the companies above, so you can book with any of these options with confidence.
Note: Here are some of the other services you might want to consider on a hot air balloon tour, though we don’t consider them as important as the ones listed above.
- Private transfer or shared transfer to and from your hotel to the launch site
- Flight certificate (usually the same for every company)
- Champagne celebration (quality of champagne can differ)
- Photos (do the companies take photos for you and do they let you buy them afterward?)
- Insurance (All companies should have insurance for their passengers)
What To Wear For Hot Air Balloons In Cappadocia?
For the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, you’ll want to wear something warm. Since the hot air balloons take off so early in the morning, the temperatures can be as low as 10 to 15 C, even in the summer months.
Of course, you’ll also want to wear something nice so you can take photos with it, but it is essential that you remember to pack something warm. Depending on when you are visiting Cappadocia, we recommend anywhere from a heavy parka to a light fleece jacket.
You’ll want to wear layers so you can take them off when you want to take photos.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons Schedule: How Often Do They Take Off?
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia aim to take off every day, which is why you might see that you can book a tour all year round. But whether they actually take off or not, is highly dependent on the weather.
Since there are no brakes on the balloons, it needs optimal weather conditions to fly. If the wind is too strong or there is rain or snow, chances are, your balloon tour will get canceled.
In the summer, when the weather is dry and the wind is minimal, hot air balloons take off almost every day. But in the winter when there is more rain and snow, you might find that they only take off once or twice a week.
What Are The Hot Air Balloons In Cappadocia Prices?
The hot air balloon in Cappadocia prices can vary anywhere from 150 to 450 USD per person. This hugely depends on the type of hot air balloon rides you have booked, the number of passengers on the flight, the duration of the flight, and seasonality.
If you are looking for a hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia, be prepared to pay on average at least 200 to 250 USD per person.
How To Get Cheaper Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia?
To get cheaper hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia, we recommend planning your trip around the balloon take-off date. Because of supply and demand, the prices for some dates are much cheaper than others, sometimes, up to 50% cheaper than usual.
We don’t recommend booking your hot air balloon tour last minute. You might run the risk of not being able to select the tour company you want because they are full. Plus, the prices can be a lot higher when there is a high demand for it, usually during the peak tourist season in Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Tours In Cappadocia FAQs
What Is The Best Time to Visit Cappadocia?
The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the months of September and October. This is the autumn season in Cappadocia, and travelers will find milder temperatures perfect for daytime activities such as hiking. Precipitation is also quite low, meaning the hot air balloons take off frequently.
What Time Do Hot Air Balloons Take Off in Cappadocia?
The hot air balloons take off about 30 minutes before sunrise. The exact time depends on which month of the year you are visiting because the sun rises at different times throughout the year. In the summer, the balloons take off at around 5 to 5:30 AM, but in the winter, they take off at around 7 to 7:30 AM.
Do Hot Air Balloons Fly Every Day in Cappadocia?
The hot air balloons do not fly every day in Cappadocia and that is because they only take off during optimal weather conditions. They tend to take off more often during the summer when the wind is minimal and the weather is good. In the winter, however, they might take off only once or twice a week due to snow and rain.
Are Hot Air Balloon Rides For All Ages?
No, hot air balloon rides are not for all ages. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia.
Are Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons Safe?
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is generally considered safe due to strict regulations and safety measures. However, it is not without risks, and passengers should research and choose reputable companies, and always follow the safety instructions provided.
Do Hot Air Balloons Fly In Winter In Cappadocia?
Hot air balloons do fly in winter in Cappadocia. The ballooning season in Cappadocia actually lasts the whole year, from January to December. However, the flights are always subject to weather conditions on the day, with wind being a major factor that may prevent the hot air balloons from taking off.
Is There A Weight Limit For Hot Air Balloons Cappadocia?
Yes, there is a weight limit for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. While the exact limit can vary depending on the balloon company and the specific balloon being used, passengers who are 120 kg (approximately 265 lbs) and above are typically required to inform the company in advance.
Can You Take A Camera On A Hot Air Balloon?
Yes, you can take a camera on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. In fact, it’s highly encouraged as the views from the balloon are spectacular and provide excellent photo opportunities.
Is Cappadocia A Good Place For Hot Air Balloons?
Yes, Cappadocia is considered one of the best places in the world for hot air balloon rides. The unique and stunning landscape of Cappadocia makes it a magical experience to see from above. Passengers can see some of the iconic attractions of Cappadocia, such as Rose Valley, Red Valley, Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Love Valley, numerous cave houses, and more!
Final Thoughts
Picking the perfect hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia can be daunting. With so many seemingly reputable companies and tours to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you.
Hopefully, our guide on picking the best hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia has helped you select the best one. If you haven’t picked one yet, make sure you consider the duration of the flight, the maximum number of passengers, and the online reviews of the company on sites like TripAdvisor!
Happy ballooning!
There are ride from Konya, do they also go to this area, and if so, are the cost less or more.
Hi Chris, we haven’t done a hot air balloon ride in Konya so we cannot recommend a company or comment on the cost. Since Konya is around a 3 hour drive from Cappadocia, you would be looking at different tour operators for hot air balloon rides there.