I bought my ticket at the Antalya bus station a day in advance. There are many companies at the station, with METRO and KANILKOC being the recommended ones. I chose KANILKOC, as the seats recline to 45 degrees, making them suitable for sleeping. You can also check schedules and seats on Obilet or ENUYGUN. If you don't have a local phone number, you might not be able to buy tickets on Obilet, as Chinese domestic phone numbers are one digit shorter.
Basic Information
📍 Departure Station: Antalya Coach Station (Otogar Tram Station)
💰 Cost: 519 lira (about 123 RMB)
💺 Seats: 2+1 seating (for solo travelers, single seats are recommended)
⌚ Duration: About 10 hours
🚉 Arrival Station: Göreme Otobüs Terminali (located in the town center, safe at night)
🪪 Documents: For on-site ticket purchase, you can use a card and will need your passport. The staff will mark the boarding point and time for you (make sure to ask clearly)
🎙️ Recommendation: Buy your ticket a day in advance to avoid fully booked buses.
⌚️ Suggested Ticket Purchase Time: 7 PM, so you arrive in Göreme at 5 AM, just in time for the hot air balloons on the same day (they start picking up passengers at 6 AM in winter and earlier in summer). Hot air balloon schedules in winter are uncertain, so having an extra day gives you more opportunities.
Ticket Purchase Process
If you have a Turkish phone number, you can buy tickets directly on obilet. If not, you can go to the station a day in advance to buy tickets. You can reach the station directly by tram.
You need to use your passport for the purchase, and you can pay by card on-site. The staff will explain the details, such as how to board the bus and what time to arrive at the station. Generally, arriving at the station half an hour in advance is sufficient.
Boarding Process
At the station, go through security and enter the station. Take the ticket slip you received when purchasing the ticket (or, if you bought the ticket on your phone, simply check the order information on your phone) and find the boarding point.
If you can't find it, ask the staff for assistance. The bus may not have arrived yet, and there may be buses heading to different destinations at the same time. Make sure to check the bus number before boarding.
Board the bus, show your ticket slip, and the staff will help you with your luggage and give you a baggage claim tag.
The bus will stop at 3-4 points along the way, where you can use the restroom, buy snacks, and get hot food.
Precautions
- Keep valuable items with you and take them when you get off the bus to use the restroom.
- Remember the bus number to avoid boarding the wrong bus during stops.
- If traveling alone and getting off for a longer time, inform the driver so you are not left behind.
- Bring a lumbar cushion, neck pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask to sleep comfortably on the bus (advice from experienced travelers)
I hope this information is helpful for your journey. Have a pleasant trip!