Is a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Worth It? My Review

Frequently Asked Questions About Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Rides

Is a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride scary?

I didn’t find it scary at all. The balloon rose gently, and once we were in the air, we simply floated above the landscape. There was no bumpiness or sudden movements.

That said, everyone is different and I spoke to a woman at my hotel who said she was scared and preferred to watch from the ground (which is also magical).

If you’re frightened of heights, you may find the experience more challenging. You’re standing in a basket with sides around you, rather than sitting in an open seat, but you are still high above the ground. It might be worth thinking about how you generally feel in elevated places before booking.

How long does a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride last?

My flight lasted around an hour, although the entire experience took longer because of the early pickup, preparation, landing and return transfer.

I was collected from my hotel at 5.15 am and was back in Göreme in time for breakfast at around 8.15 am. So, although the flight itself was about an hour, I’d allow roughly three hours for the whole experience, depending on your pickup time and the arrangements on the day.

Is a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride worth the money?

For me, absolutely.

Hot air balloon rides aren’t cheap, and prices vary considerably depending on the season, the operator and the type of flight. As a general guide, you may see shared flights advertised at around £100–£200 per person. I paid £170. Prices also vary depending on how close you are to booking. Generally, prices go up neared the time so it’s best to book earlier.

For me, it was worth the money for an experience I’ll remember for a very long time.

What happens if your Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is cancelled?

Hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia are highly dependent on the weather, particularly wind conditions. Flights only go ahead when conditions are considered suitable and the relevant aviation clearance is given. You can check this yourself here.

I experienced this first-hand. On my first day in Cappadocia, not a single balloon went up because of the wind. So I was relieved to get the WhatsApp the day before confirming the flight conditions were fine for my flight day.

My advice? Book your balloon ride for one of your first mornings in Cappadocia, rather than leaving it until the end of your stay. If your flight is cancelled, you may then have another day available to try again, although a replacement flight isn’t guaranteed.

Before booking, check the cancellation and refund policy for your particular tour. Depending on the operator and booking terms, you should be offered a refund or the opportunity to reschedule if the flight is cancelled. Don’t assume that every company handles cancellations in the same way.

My operator clearly stated a full refund would be available. Check here.

What should you wear for a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride?

What you wear will depend on the time of year, as you’ll be setting off before sunrise when the temperature can be quite different from later in the day.

I went in October, and although it was cool early in the morning, it wasn’t particularly cold. I wore jeans, trainers, a long-sleeved top, cardigan, jacket and scarf, so I could adjust my layers as the temperature changed.

I’d recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes. You’ll be out in the countryside, where the ground may be uneven, and you’ll need to climb into the balloon basket, which may involve using steps or a ladder, depending on the setup.

One thing I hadn’t anticipated was how warm I would feel once we were in the air. The burners above us give off quite a bit of heat, so despite the early start, I actually became hot inside the basket.

Layers are your friend. You can wrap up while waiting for the balloon to inflate and remove a layer once you’re airborne.

Will I share the balloon basket with other people?

Yes, unless you book a private flight. Most standard balloon rides involve sharing the basket with other passengers, while a private flight is available at a considerably higher price.

My flight had around 20 people, and I wondered how we’d all fit into the basket when I first saw it!

I actually enjoyed sharing the experience with other visitors. There was a natural sense of camaraderie as we watched the balloons inflate and waited for take-off. We were all there for the same extraordinary experience, and I think that shared anticipation helped take away any nerves.

But at the same time, I found myself very much in my own world. Once we were up in the air, I was absorbed in the landscape, the sunrise and the sheer wonder of what was happening around me.

I didn’t feel the need to talk to anyone or share every moment. I could simply enjoy the experience in my own way, surrounded by other people but entirely content in my own company.

Is a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride accessible?

Accessibility is worth considering before booking, particularly if you have reduced mobility.

The experience I took involved travelling by minibus into the countryside, standing while the balloon was inflated, and climbing into the basket. Depending on the operator and the equipment used, boarding may involve steps or a ladder. You’ll also need to be able to remain standing in the basket during the flight, which lasted around an hour for me.

The countryside launch site may have uneven ground, and the landing arrangements can vary.

If you have concerns, contact the operator before booking and explain what you can comfortably manage. Ask specifically about boarding assistance, the height and design of the basket, the launch-site terrain, standing requirements and landing arrangements.

It’s also worth asking whether the operator can accommodate your particular needs rather than relying on a general statement that the activity is accessible.

What is it like taking a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride as a midlife woman travelling solo?

For me, it was a wonderful experience and certainly one you can do solo.

There were people of different ages and nationalities on my flight, and I never felt awkward about being there on my own. I noticed one other person who was also on his own and I think this is an experience many solo travellers do.

Who can you book hot air balloon flights through?

There are a number of booking platforms including Get Your Guide and Viator. These are my preferred because I have used them a lot and I’ve always been happy with the quality and reliability.

There are also many local tour operators within Cappadocia, you will see these when you walk around the towns. Many hotels also offer booking services.