For a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, two tours are listed on WizardTrip, both departing from Göreme. Each includes about one hour of flight and hotel pickup. The first has 8,544 reviews, the second 4,101, with ratings of 5.0 out of 5 (as of 18 October 2026).
The first listing, from Royal Balloon, offers five packages, from the 24-person basket to the 12-person basket. The second offers tea, coffee and snacks before takeoff. Three points set them apart: how the morning unfolds, group size and the cancellation policy.
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia: what to know
Both listings announce an early start. With Royal Balloon, pickup is between 4:30 and 5:00 am. The listing asks you to confirm the exact time with the local supplier after booking. The other listing gives no time: it asks you to send the details of your accommodation once you have booked.
Both flights cross the valleys of Cappadocia and their fairy chimneys. The Royal Balloon listing also mentions rock formations, churches and dwellings carved into the rock, seen from an altitude of about 300 meters.
The flight depends on the weather. According to Royal Balloon, the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority can cancel flights in unfavorable conditions, and rescheduling is not guaranteed. The second listing says an alternative date or a full refund is then offered.
Royal Balloon: champagne, medal and five packages
The Royal Balloon flight begins with pickup in an air-conditioned minivan. A light breakfast awaits you at the company’s office: fruit, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks. You then head to the takeoff site, where you watch a 30-meter-high balloon being inflated.
In the air, the pilot comments on the history and geology of the region. The listing announces 1 hour of flight, then a champagne ceremony and a flight medal. The full tour lasts 3.5 hours.
The listing distinguishes five packages:
- Royal Queen Flight: 1 hour of flight, 24 passengers at most on board.
- Royal King Flight: 60 minutes of flight, 12 passengers at most.
- Day Royal Queen Flight: 1 hour, 20 passengers at most. This daytime flight takes off 30 to 40 minutes after the first flight.
- Day Queen Plus Flight: 16 passengers at most, with the same 30-to-40-minute offset.
- Queen & Private Tour Flight: sunrise flight, then a private luxury Red Tour, with pickup at 10 am. The van is an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter. The whole thing lasts 12 hours, with lunch included in the tour.
The group has 24 people at most and the guide speaks English. Meals and drinks that are not mentioned, tips and the video or photo of the flight are not included. Sales are final: the listing grants no refund on cancellation.
The shared shuttle flight, with tea and coffee at takeoff
The other flight also lasts about 1 hour in the air, for a tour of 2 to 3 hours. Pickup is by shared minibus, from any hotel in the Cappadocia region. Airport pickups and pickups from locations outside Cappadocia are not included.
At the takeoff site, tea, coffee and snacks are offered just before the flight. The listing also mentions a commemorative flight certificate. The group has 28 people at most, and the guide speaks English or Turkish. To get a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Two packages are described: the standard sunrise flight, with tea and coffee, and the economy flight, which adds snacks. Michael describes his basket in August 2026: “Our basket held about 16 passengers, which was very comfortable and spacious.”
The two hot air balloon flights compared
| Royal Balloon | Shared shuttle flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Announced duration | 3.5 hours, including 1 hour of flight | 2 to 3 hours, including about 1 hour of flight |
| Pickup | At the hotel, between 4:30 and 5:00 am | Shared minibus from Cappadocia hotels, time not specified |
| Before the flight | Light breakfast at the company’s office | Tea, coffee and snacks at the takeoff site |
| After the flight | Champagne ceremony and flight medal | Commemorative flight certificate |
| Packages | Five, from 12 to 24 passengers, one with a private tour | Two: standard and economy |
| Maximum group | 24 people | 28 people |
| Guide language | English | English and Turkish |
| Cancellation by the traveler | Sales final, no refund | Full refund up to 24 hours before |
| Bad weather | Flight canceled, rescheduling not guaranteed | Alternative date or full refund |
| Price from | €110 | €99 |
What happens if the flight is canceled because of the weather?
Both listings provide for cancellation in bad weather, but with different outcomes. Royal Balloon states that rescheduling cannot be guaranteed and that all sales are final. The other listing offers an alternative date or a full refund.
One review shows how this can play out. Shirley could not fly in August 2026, because of flight restrictions. The review reports: “Viator offered a waitlist spot 2 days later or a refund.” Shirley chose the refund, as she would no longer be in Cappadocia two days later. This review does not replace the conditions in the listing: read them before booking.
The Royal Balloon listing adds that the tour can also be canceled if the number of participants is insufficient. The other listing does not provide for this case.
Who can get in the basket?
Royal Balloon advises against the flight for children aged 6 and under and asks for at least a moderate level of fitness. Its listing names families with older children among its audience. The other listing states no minimum age, says the experience suits all fitness levels and also names families.
Both listings advise against the flight for pregnant women, people with spinal injuries and people in poor cardiovascular health. Royal Balloon adds back problems. Neither listing mentions wheelchairs: ask the organizer before booking.
Which hot air balloon flight should you choose?
- You want to choose between a 12-person basket, a daytime flight or a private tour: the Royal Balloon flight.
- You want a light breakfast, a champagne ceremony and a flight medal: the Royal Balloon flight.
- You want to be able to cancel up to 24 hours before with a full refund: the other flight.
- You want the shortest tour, 2 to 3 hours: the other flight.
- You are traveling with a child aged 6 or under: Royal Balloon advises against it. The other listing sets no limit: ask the organizer to confirm.
To plan the rest of your stay, find the region’s tours and activities on the Things to do in Göreme page. Those across the country are on the Turkey page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
The flight lasts about 1 hour in both listings compared. The full tour, pickup included, lasts 3.5 hours with Royal Balloon and 2 to 3 hours for the other listing.
What time does a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia start?
With Royal Balloon, hotel pickup is between 4:30 and 5:00 am. The exact time is confirmed with the supplier after booking. The other listing gives no pickup time.
What happens if the hot air balloon flight is canceled because of the weather?
The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority can cancel flights. According to one listing, an alternative date or a full refund is offered. According to Royal Balloon, rescheduling is not guaranteed and sales are final.
Can you take a hot air balloon ride while pregnant or with a young child?
Not while pregnant: both listings advise against it. Royal Balloon also advises against the flight for children aged 6 and under. The other listing states no minimum age.
What is included in a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
Both listings include hotel pickup. Royal Balloon adds a light breakfast, a champagne ceremony and a flight medal. The other listing offers tea, coffee and snacks at takeoff.
How many people are in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?
With Royal Balloon, the Royal Queen basket holds up to 24 people and the Royal King 12 at most. Some daytime flights are limited to 20 or 16 passengers. The other listing announces 28 people at most per group.
Activities mentioned in this guide
All activities in Goreme, with their prices and reviews: Things to do in Goreme
