Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia: A Complete Guide

Two ways to see the balloons

Hot air balloons fly at sunrise over the valleys of Göreme National Park. You can either fly in a balloon or watch the take-off from a hilltop. Both start with a pickup from your hotel before dawn.

Flight options

• Göreme balloon flight – take-off from the open fields north of Göreme, over the Göreme valleys, Love Valley and Pigeon Valley (depending on the wind).
• Cat Valley balloon flight – a quieter launch area east of Göreme with fewer crews at take-off.
• Classic Cappadocia flight – the launch site is chosen each morning according to the wind.

How the morning goes

1. Hotel pickup around 05:00–05:30, depending on the season. Your exact pickup time is confirmed the evening before.
2. Light breakfast at the take-off field while the balloons are inflated.
3. About 60 minutes of flight at sunrise. The pilot changes altitude, from close to the rock formations up to panoramic heights.
4. Landing celebration with a champagne toast, a flight certificate and a medal.
5. Drop-off at your hotel.

What if the weather is bad?

Flights depend on wind and weather. The final decision is made by the Civil Aviation Authority early in the morning. If your flight is cancelled, you can move to the next available morning or receive a full refund. When flights are cancelled, the balloon watching tour is cancelled too and you are offered another morning.

Why you must book one day in advance

Passenger lists are sent to the flight operator and the aviation authority the day before. That is why the booking calendar opens from the next day and same-day bookings are not possible.

In the basket

Standard baskets carry 12–16 passengers in separate compartments. Flights are operated by licensed pilots with certified balloons.

Who cannot fly?

Pregnant women, people who have had recent surgery and passengers with serious back, knee or heart problems cannot fly for safety reasons. The balloon watching tour needs no physical effort and suits almost everyone.

What to wear

• Layers – it is cool before sunrise, even in summer.
• Comfortable closed shoes.
• A hat if you have long hair; the burner is above your head.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the balloon flight?

The flight itself is about 60 minutes. With pickup, breakfast, inflation, the champagne toast and the drive back, plan for about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Is the watching tour a flight?

No. You stay on the ground at a viewing hill and watch hundreds of balloons rise at sunrise. The price is the same for adults and children.

See the balloon tours above to check availability and book online, or message us on WhatsApp.