How to go from Istanbul to Pamukkale

While on vacation in Istanbul, it doesn’t matter if you have little or no time, you can take a trip from Istanbul to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most famous tourist destinations.

Pamukkale is a famous destination for Turkish vacations with its natural spring water and rich calcium minerals. Over centuries, thermal waters of tectonic region have formed a white hill at the foot of Pamukkale. Ancient people founded the city of Hierapolis and used the mineral water as a remedy for health problems and gave it a sacred meaning as drink of Greek gods.

In addition, some of the surrounding ancient cities also sent people and established the first hospitals in the region.

How to go from Istanbul to Pamukkale?

Pamukkale is small tourist center in the city of Denizli, so to get there you usually need to go to Denizli first. There are several options, depending on your time, budget and interests.

The train from Istanbul to Pamukkale is a bit complicated route and takes more time than others. You can send us an email if you’re interested in old train trips.

Domestic flights are available from Istanbul IGA (Istanbul Airport) and SAW (Sabiha Gokcen Airport) to Denizli Cardak Airport (DNZ). Istanbul to Pamukkale flights take about 1 hour flight time and approximately 45 minutes drive to Pamukkale from Denizli airport. Using taxis or private vehicles are the easiest ways to arrive in an ancient town. Since flight tickets from Istanbul to Pamukkale are sold out early in peak season, it is recommended to book in advance.

Another option is to take a bus from Istanbul to Pamukkale. Istanbul’s main bus station, Esenler Otogar, is on the “Otogar” stop on M1 Metro line. You can easily find Pamukkale bus tickets there. This journey will take approximately 10-11 hours.When you arrive at Denizli bus station, there are minibus services to Pamukkale every 20 minutes during daytime.

Most Recommended Pamukkale Tours

Private Tour from Istanbul to Pamukkale

If you want to take a back seat in planning components of your trip to Turkey or have little time for planning, Guided Istanbul Tours can organize a day trip to Pamukkale from Istanbul for you.

Day trip tours to Pamukkale from Istanbul are not usually promoted as much as other airplane day trips, due to the small number of flights, but can be arranged if you wish.

Pamukkale day trips from Istanbul can be organized as a completely private tour, completely exclusive to you. It is a much better idea to opt for the fully customized tour option, otherwise a large part of the day will be spent waiting.

For a fully private Pamukkale trip we can organize your flight tickets, private transfers and allocate a private vehicle with driver and a professional tour guide who will be at your service throughout tour day.

During your visit you can swim in thermal waters of Cleopatra’s Pool and walk among the ruins of Pamukkale, the ancient city of Hierapolis.

In addition, this magnificent view can be watched from balloons every day. Unlike Cappadocia, balloon flights take place several times a day, please feel free to contact our team for more information about Pamukkale hot air balloon flights.

*An important reminder, it is not recommended to drink calcium-rich tap water if you have a sensitive stomach.

How far is Cappadocia from Pamukkale?

Most visitors prefer visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale at once, so it’s better to check the locations of these destinations on a map first. If you don’t feel competent enough to plan a trip to Turkey, our travel consultants will be happy to help you with that.

Hierapolis Ancient Theatre in Pamukkale

From Cappadocia to Pamukkale, unfortunately, direct flights are not available, so overnight bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale will be the easiest way, but it takes about 7 hours because it’s approximately 640 km from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.

Another popular tourist destination near Pamukkale is Ephesus Ancient City. It’s about 190 km between Selcuk and Pamukkale, so it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes by private vehicle. It is available from Pamukkale to Ephesus day tour as these cities are strictly associated with each other.

In order to have a private airport transfer in Denizli or Istanbul airports, you can contact Guided Istanbul Tours. We wish you a healthy tour.

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