Eight levels carved in tuff, descending into volcanic silence.
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7 hr
Southeast Cappadocia Green Tour visiting Soganli Valley, Kaymakli Underground City & ancient sites
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Full-day Cappadocia Red Tour with underground cities, fairy chimneys & Goreme Open-Air Museum
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7 hr
Full-day Green Tour exploring Ihlara Valley, Kaymakli Underground City with lunch & pickup
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7 hr
Full-day Cappadocia Red Tour combined with Kaymakli Underground City in small groups
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Half-day underground city tour with licensed guide & luxury van hotel pickup in Cappadocia
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
Private guided visits for small groups with a dedicated expert, priced $150-220 per person.
Full-day group tours pairing Kaymakli with Goreme, Uchisar and the valleys at $60-90.
Short half-day group tours from Goreme focused on the underground city at $62-75 per person.
The shafts of kaymakli underground city plunge eight storeys into soft volcanic tuff, though only four levels stay open to visitors. Carved as early as the Phrygian era and widened by Byzantine Christians fleeing raids, the warren sheltered thousands alongside their livestock.
Stables, wine presses, churches and ventilation chimneys interlock around a central airshaft, while rolling stone doors sealed each tier against intruders. Today the kaymaklı yeraltı şehri stands as a UNESCO-listed record of subterranean refuge in the Cappadocia landmarks. Most travellers reach it through skip-the-line passes, an entry ticket online, or a private underground city tour cappadocia pairs with Derinkuyu, and a Cappadocia day tour binds it to the valleys above. The kaymakli underground city remains the region's most complete window into how communities lived below ground.
"Rolling stone doors sealed each tier against intruders, locking thousands safely beneath the earth."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Kaymakli Underground City tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at the Camii Kebir entrance soon after the 08:00 opening, when the kaymakli underground city tour groups have yet to crowd the first ramp. A guide hands you your fast-track voucher and you duck beneath the first low lintel, shoulders brushing tuff worn smooth by centuries.
You descend through the stable level, pause at the soot-darkened kitchen, then crouch along a sloping tunnel toward the wine press. Cool air threads up the central shaft as you reach the fourth tier. You straighten in a vaulted chamber, trace the groove of a rolling stone door, and climb back toward daylight by mid-morning — the ruins behind you, the open Cappadocian plateau ahead.
Purchase tickets at the entrance kiosk (13 EUR; Museum Pass Cappadocia accepted) and collect the free site map. Study the four-floor diagram before descending.
Explore the animal stable carved into the first level and examine the large circular millstone door that sealed the passage from the inside — one of the best-preserved examples in any Cappadocian underground city.
Descend to the church level, which features a nave, two apses, and a baptismal font. Inscriptions beside the apses match names found in the adjacent graveyard on the same floor.
The most functional level: communal kitchens blackened by soot, wine and oil presses, and the remarkable andesite block with 57 drilled holes used to smelt copper — an object found nowhere else in any Cappadocian underground site.
The deepest publicly accessible level, 20 metres below ground, is dominated by earthenware storage jars and a clear view down the 80-metre ventilation shaft. Archaeologists estimate this level alone could support up to 3,500 inhabitants.
Surface back into the Kaymaklı village market and browse the local shops that sit directly above many of the tunnels still used as cellars by residents today.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Kaymakli Underground City tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The entry level of the underground settlement served as a stable for livestock, with stone troughs and tie rings still visible in the rock walls; its unexpectedly small size has led archaeologists to speculate that additional stables remain in the unexcavated lower floors.
A rock-cut church with a nave, two apses, and a baptismal font occupies the entire second level; inscriptions carved beside the apses match names found in an adjacent graveyard on the same floor, providing a rare link between the living and burial communities.
On the third level sits a block of andesite with 57 drilled holes — the only known metallurgical artifact of its type in any Cappadocian underground city — used to smelt copper ore hammered from a nearby quarry between Aksaray and Nevşehir.
The deepest publicly accessible level, 20 metres below ground, holds rows of earthenware storage jars and offers the clearest view down the 80-metre central ventilation shaft — an engineering feat that maintained breathable air and a stable 13–16°C temperature across all levels.
Massive circular stone slabs, weighing up to 500 kilograms each, were positioned at key tunnel junctions and could only be rolled shut from the inside; a small central hole allowed defenders to thrust spears outward while remaining protected behind the rock door.
Every Kaymakli Underground City tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Skip-the-line Most popular
Soganli Valley Kaymakli Underground City and All Highlights of Southeast Cappadocia
|
— | 7 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $60 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Full Day Cappadocia Tour( Red Tour + Underground City )
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $14 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Cappadocia Green Tour with Underground City, Lunch and Pickup
|
— | 7 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $22 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Full Day Cappadocia Tour( Red Tour +Kaymaklı Underground City )
|
— | 7 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $80 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Under Ground City Tour - Half Day
|
— | — | — | ✓ Hotel pickup | — | — | ✓ | $164 | Book → |
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Practical details for Kaymakli Underground City tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Camii Kebir Mah. Eşref Ayhan Cad. No:46, Kaymaklı, Nevşehir
Ticket kiosk and signposted car park directly outside; look for the stone archway entrance
Open in Google MapsFrom Göreme bus station, take a dolmuş to Nevşehir (approx. 30 min), then cross the road and board a second dolmuş marked Kaymaklı (approx. 20–25 min). Ask the driver to indicate your stop.
Drive south from Göreme on the D765 toward Nevşehir, then follow signs for Kaymaklı on the Nevşehir–Niğde road (D300). Paid parking is available directly outside the entrance.
Taxis from Göreme run directly to Kaymaklı; negotiate a return fare or arrange a driver to wait.
There is no religious dress code at kaymakli underground city, but comfortable, close-toed shoes with grip are essential given the uneven, often wet rock floors. The underground temperature holds at 13–16°C year-round, so a light jacket or layer is advisable even during hot Cappadocian summers. Avoid loose or flowing clothing that may catch on the narrow tunnel walls.
Large backpacks and rolling luggage are strongly discouraged inside the tunnels, as many passages are narrow enough to permit only single-file movement. A small daypack or crossbody bag is the practical maximum. There is no formal security screening, but visitors should be prepared to stow bulky items before descending.
Personal photography and video are permitted throughout the open floors of kaymakli underground city at no additional charge. Flash photography does not harm the site but may illuminate very little given the rock walls; a phone torch or small flashlight often yields better results. Tripods are impractical in the narrow corridors and are generally not permitted.
Kaymakli underground city is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. The open floors involve low ceilings (requiring prolonged crouching), steep inclined tunnels, and uneven hand-hewn rock surfaces. Visitors with moderate claustrophobia may find rest spots inside, but those with severe claustrophobia are advised not to enter. No lift or ramp access exists between the four open floors.
Mobile phones are useful as torches inside the darker sections of the tunnels and are freely permitted. Network signal is weak or absent below the first floor, so download any audio guides or maps before entering. Charging points are not available on-site.
Kaymakli underground city is a popular family destination and children generally find the tunnel network engaging. Children must be closely supervised at all times given the low ceilings and drop-offs. Pushchairs and prams cannot be used underground; babies should be carried in a front-facing carrier. The ticket office can advise on minimum recommended ages; most families with children aged 5 and up manage the open four floors comfortably.
No food or drinks are permitted inside the tunnels. Several small cafes and restaurants line the streets near the entrance in the Kaymaklı village, making it easy to eat before or after your visit. There are no on-site vending machines underground, so carrying a water bottle to drink before entering is advisable, particularly in summer.
Pets are not permitted inside kaymakli underground city. Certified assistance animals are the sole exception; handlers should carry official documentation. No animal-minding facilities exist at the site entrance.
The ticket office closes at 16:15, approximately 45 minutes before the site shuts at 17:00, so plan to arrive well before that window. Audio guides in multiple languages are sometimes available from licensed tour operators but are not provided by the site itself. Guided kaymakli underground city tours originating in Göreme typically include transport and offer a richer historical context than self-guided visits.
Camii Kebir Mah. Eşref Ayhan Cad. No:46, Kaymaklı, Nevşehir
Ticket kiosk and signposted car park directly outside; look for the stone archway entrance
Get directions
Nevşehir–Niğde road, Kaymaklı town centre
Dolmuş from Nevşehir drops visitors here; entrance is a 3-min walk through the village market
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild temperatures above ground and lower crowd levels make spring the most comfortable season for kaymakli underground city; wildflowers bloom across the Cappadocian plateau.
The longest daylight hours and peak tourist season; arrive at 08:00–10:00 to avoid heavy congestion inside the narrow tunnels during midday.
Crowd levels drop noticeably after mid-September, and the above-ground landscape turns golden — ideal for combining a Cappadocia underground cities tour with valley hikes.
The site remains open year-round and visitor numbers are at their lowest; the constant 13–16°C underground temperature is actually warmer than the freezing Anatolian plateau outside.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
The ticket office closes at 16:15 even though the site stays open until 17:00 — arriving after that time means no entry, regardless of closing hour.
The fourth floor and several tunnel junctions are poorly lit; a phone torch frees both hands and prevents head bumps in the lowest passages.
Tour groups from Göreme typically arrive between 10:00 and 12:00; entering at 08:00 on a Monday or Tuesday gives you the tunnels almost to yourself.
The underground temperature is a constant 13–16°C year-round — a sharp contrast to the 30°C+ Cappadocian summers above ground. A packable fleece fits easily in a daypack.
Both sites are 15 minutes apart by car and share the same ticket price of 13 EUR each; combining them on one day is the most efficient way to experience the depth and breadth of the Cappadocia underground cities.
Ticket sales end at 16:15, roughly 45 minutes before closing — plan your arrival accordingly if you intend to self-tour rather than join a guided group.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
The deeper rival to Kaymakli — 8 open floors and a tunnel network once connected to Kaymaklı by an 8–9 km passage.
The highest point in Cappadocia, a rock-cut fortress offering panoramic views over the fairy chimneys and valleys.
UNESCO-listed complex of Byzantine rock-cut churches with vivid frescoes, the most visited single site in Cappadocia.
A lesser-known subterranean settlement near Kaymaklı that sees far fewer visitors and preserves a more raw, unrestored character.
A valley of naturally eroded tuff pillars resembling animals and figures — a family favourite on kaymakli underground city tours that include the broader region.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Most guided kaymakli underground city tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Direct entry at the gate (13 EUR per person) is non-refundable once purchased on-site.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Full-service spa hotel with pools and restaurant, 0.35 km from the entrance — the closest large hotel to the site.
Several family-run pensions in the village itself offer simple rooms at low rates and local breakfast.
Göreme is the main base for visitors on kaymakli underground city tours, with dozens of cave hotels carved into volcanic tuff at various price points.
Ürgüp's stone mansions and cave suites combine wine-region ambience with easy day-trip access to the Cappadocia underground cities.
Kaymakli underground city is open every day of the week from 08:00 to 17:00, including weekends and most public holidays. It is advisable to verify on the day of your visit for any unannounced closures during major Turkish national holidays.
Entrance for foreign visitors to kaymakli underground city costs 13 EUR per person. The Museum Pass Cappadocia is accepted in lieu of an individual ticket and covers multiple Cappadocia sites in a single pass.
The ticket office at kaymakli underground city closes at 16:15, approximately 45 minutes before the site itself closes at 17:00. Visitors who arrive after 16:15 will not be able to purchase entry, so plan to arrive well before that cut-off.
Kaymakli underground city is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with severely limited mobility. The tunnels are narrow, low-ceilinged, and steeply inclined, requiring visitors to crouch and move single-file; there are no lifts or ramps between floors.
Personal photography and video recording are permitted throughout the open levels of kaymakli underground city at no extra charge. Tripods are not practical in the confined passages, and drones are prohibited on-site.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are essential given the uneven rock floors. A light jacket is highly recommended because the underground temperature remains at 13–16°C year-round, regardless of the season. Carry a small bag, a water bottle to drink before entry, and your Museum Pass Cappadocia if you hold one.
The best time to visit the Kaymaklı yeraltı şehri is on a weekday between 08:00 and 10:00, when tour groups from Göreme have not yet arrived. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the lowest overall crowd levels; summer sees the highest visitor numbers but early-morning arrival largely avoids the worst congestion.
From Göreme, take a dolmuş (minibus) to Nevşehir (around 30 minutes), then board a second dolmuş on the opposite side of the road marked Kaymaklı (another 20–25 minutes). By car, the drive from Göreme takes approximately 30 minutes south via the D300 Nevşehir–Niğde road; paid parking is available at the entrance.
Kaymakli underground city is popular with families, and most children aged 5 and above can manage the four open floors. Prams and pushchairs cannot be used underground; carry infants in a front or back carrier. Children must stay close to adults at all times given the low ceilings and steep passages.
Most guided kaymakli underground city tours offered through third-party operators allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Tickets purchased directly at the gate are non-refundable.
There are no food or drink facilities inside the tunnels. Small cafes and local restaurants are available in the Kaymaklı village just outside the entrance, making it easy to eat before or after exploring the subterranean settlement.
Derinkuyu underground city is the most natural pairing — just 15 minutes south by car — and can be combined on the same day since both sites charge the same admission. Uçhisar Castle, the Göreme Open Air Museum, and Devrent Valley are popular additions on skip-the-line Cappadocia underground city tours that take in the wider region.
