Awe-Inspiring Adventures: Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, Turkey (2023)

Everything one needs to know!

Apeksha Shah
April 4, 2023
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The hot air balloon ride of Cappadocia is one of the most thrilling balloon flights. It is a tourist attraction that takes visitors to the finest areas of Cappadocia. It gives the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes not visible at ground level, but only at a high altitude. With over 100 – 120 balloons taking off daily at a time, in the morning is a sight to behold. It is a mesmerizing feel and a chance to capture amazing postcard photographs.
That’s why we’re going to tell you everything about the Cappadocia hot air balloon trip .. so that you can make the most of your visit here and enjoy every moment like none other!

One Pro Tip: If you are staying for 2/3 days in Cappadocia, then kindly book the air balloon ride on the 1st day itself. Due to unpredictable weather and wind conditions flights might get canceled. Hence many companies offer flight options in exchange for canceled flights in the upcoming 2 days according to the availability or a refund. After anticipating the ride soo long, you don’t want to be disappointed. Hence, by booking the ride on the 1st day you still stand a chance to enjoy and get thrilled by this experience.

What types of rides are available?

There are 3 types of rides available-
Standard Flights– The most common and popular one is the ride with 16-30 passengers in one hot air balloon
Comfort Flights– The rides which are more comfortable with fewer people from 8-12 passengers
Private Flights: The most expensive option is a private ride. It will be only the pilot and your group. It can be also booked for a couple for any special occasion. These are the highest-priced option.

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How do I choose the right tour Company for my Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Choosing the right company is the most important thing. There are many popular and trusted companies like Butterfly Balloons, Cappadocia Voyager Balloons, and Royal Balloons. These companies are the most trusted ones and have highly experienced pilots. Their prices tend to be on the higher side due to skilled pilots and the experience they offer over the years. In general, pricing will differ depending on the company you choose. You will need to do some research and check out reviews if you are choosing any company.

What is the price of Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia?

If you have heard that the hot air balloon Cappadocia is an expensive affair, then you are right. It will be heavy on your pocket but every minute of it will be worth your penny.
A hot air balloon ride can start from around 180 Euros to 300 Euros per person depending on which type of ride you choose & which season you are flying. Usually, the hot air balloon price will be higher for less no of passengers in one balloon. For Example: If you choose to fly in a ride with 8 passengers, it will be more costly than flying in a ride with 16 passengers.

What all will be included in the price we pay?

The price you pay usually includes the following-
Pick Up and Drop Off from your Hotel
Breakfast
Champagne/ Fruit juice party after landing
Flight Certificate and a Medal
Insurance to cover your entire ride

What is the usual itinerary of the tour?

A night prior to your tour you will receive the exact pickup time from the company you chose to fly.
The tour will start with an early morning pick-up from your hotel.
You will pick up your fellow passengers on the way and head to the main office of your company. There you can have a buffet breakfast, tea/coffee, and the availability of washrooms.
You will be given a waiver to sign named “Release of Liability waiver”. Until and unless you sign you wont be able to take the flight
Once you are done with your breakfast, your pilot will then be allocated to you.
Once clearance is obtained from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority then you can head to your car with your pilot’s name and with the people who will be in your basket.
Clearance is required for the safety of passengers & if the weather is suitable for the flight.
When you reach the takeoff point, you will see your hot air balloon being prepared and filled with gas for takeoff. When you hop on the basket, the captain and his colleagues will provide safety briefing & landing instructions for the flight. You are now ready to fly.
The flight will last for one hour roughly.
When you land, you will have a small party with fruits, a champagne party, and non-alcoholic drinks like fruit juices.
They will then hand over your certificates and medal individually.
You will then be transported to your hotel back.

What are the timings of the Hot Air Balloon Ride? How long does it last?

The flight timings are just before sunrise because wind conditions are best & suitable for flying during this time. In summer your pickup time would be around 4.30 – 5 am in the early morning and in winter the pick-up time will be around 5.30 am. Generally, the actual ride lasts for an hour long. So if you leave for a tour around 5.30 am you will return to the hotel around 8.15 -8.30 am depending on the transfer times and the number of people in your basket.
The timings of takeoff and pickup vary according to the sunrise timings and daily clearance from Turkish Aviation Authority.

How high do the flights fly?

The hot air balloon Cappadocia flies up to three thousand feet high from the ground. A spectacular view of rock and mountain formations will be visible from above with a fresh & brisk wave of air.

How many people can be seated in one Hot Air Balloon Basket?

The most common and popular hot air balloon rides include a seating capacity of 8 to 16 passengers in one basket. The basket is usually divided into 4 compartments and people are equally divided in each. How many people will be in your basket depends on which flight you choose and which company you plan to take. For Example, Butterfly Balloon Company has 2 ride options one with 8 passengers and the other with 16 passengers. Some companies also offer hot air balloons with passenger numbers ranging from 20-32 people in one basket/hot air balloon.

Is it safe?

Yes. Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia is safe with highly skilled and experienced pilots. Rarely few incidents have been reported in many years mainly due to hard landing so following the pilot’s instructions are crucial. Hence, choosing a good hot air balloon company is also critical.

Who should avoid taking this ride ?

Pregnant ladies
People with a fear/phobia of heights
People with back and leg injuries
Children under the age of 6 years
People who can’t climb the high basket as there are no doors to enter the basket
People who cannot stand for an hour continuously

Will I be airsick on a hot air balloon Cappdocia? Is there turbulence?

Hot Air Balloon flights are comparatively smooth as compared to airplanes. So the chance of getting sick stands relatively low to nill with hardly to no turbulence.

What should I wear?

Please keep in mind the baskets don’t have doors and you have to climb in and out of the basket so dress accordingly. Casual attire is most suitable for the hot air balloon ride Cappadocia. Open-toed, high-heeled shoes or shorts should be avoided for your safety. Wear light layers, long pants with sneakers which will be comfortable. In winter, even with heat generated from balloons, it gets very chilly at the top so warm clothing is advised.

Can I carry my backpack with me on the flight?

No. Backpacks or purses are not allowed on hot air balloons because of the limited space availability and safety concerns.

How was my experience, is it worth?

I’m not sure if there is an appropriate way to conclude a trip like this. This had been one heck of a trip, one that I will remember for the rest of my life, and one that I am eternally grateful for taking.

For me, this was my first balloon ride. The hot air balloon ride Cappadocia is definitely worth all the hassle of getting up early and spending so much money. It is worth the anticipation. Honestly, pictures don’t justify the experience. The feel of taking off from the ground in an open-air basket and reaching such a height without any barrier in itself is mesmerizing and surreal. Overall it was so unique that I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see Cappadocia from above and avoid the crowds below. Just remember to do your research first!
Hope this blog is helpful to you guys, and has answered all your questions.