Cappadocia Balloon Ride Reviews: What Thousands of Passengers Say

Overall Rating Summary

“The most magical morning of our honeymoon”

We booked the Private flight for our honeymoon and it was worth every cent. Having the balloon to ourselves meant we could hold hands, take photos together, and just be present without worrying about other passengers. Our pilot was incredible — he took us low through Love Valley and then soared high above Goreme for the panoramic views. The champagne toast at the end was the cherry on top. We have travelled to 40+ countries and this is our number one experience ever.

“Romantic beyond words”

We chose the Comfort flight as a middle ground between Standard and Private. The smaller basket (14 people in ours) meant we had plenty of room and could move around easily. The sunrise over the fairy chimneys was the most beautiful thing we have ever witnessed together. Elena cried — happy tears. Our pilot pointed out all the landmarks and made the experience educational as well as emotional. This was the highlight of our Turkey trip.

“Beautiful but crowded”

The views were absolutely stunning and the sunrise was magical. However, our Standard flight had 24 passengers in the basket, which made it difficult to move around for photos. We spent most of the flight pressed against one side. If we did it again, we would definitely upgrade to Comfort. The experience itself — floating silently above Cappadocia — is everything people say it is. Just be prepared for the crowd factor on Standard.

“Our kids are still talking about it months later”

We flew with our two children (ages 8 and 11) on the Comfort flight. Both kids were able to see over the basket edge comfortably, and the pilot was fantastic with them — explaining how the balloon works and letting them help spot landmarks. The smaller basket meant we could stay together as a family unit. Our 8-year-old said it was better than Disneyland. Coming from him, that is the highest possible compliment.

“An unforgettable family adventure”

Our daughter (age 7) was nervous at first, but within two minutes of takeoff she was grinning ear to ear. The Standard flight was perfectly fine for our family of three. Yes, the basket was full, but our daughter is small so it worked well. The views are indescribable — fairy chimneys, valleys, other balloons everywhere. The entire morning, from the 4:30 AM pickup to the champagne toast, felt like a well-organised adventure.

“Solo travel at its absolute finest”

I was travelling Turkey alone and almost did not book the balloon ride because it seemed like a couples activity. I am so glad I did. Being solo actually meant I could move freely around the basket, chat with other passengers from around the world, and focus entirely on taking photos. I met a couple from Brazil and a family from Canada — we are still in touch. The experience transcended what I expected. It was deeply moving in a way I cannot fully articulate.

“Worth every single euro”

As a solo traveller, I debated between Standard and Comfort. I chose Comfort and it was the right call. The extra space meant I could position myself in a corner of the basket and shoot photos in every direction without being in anyone's way. The 75-minute flight gave me time to actually put the camera down and just breathe in the experience. Floating above those fairy chimneys in complete silence (between burner fires) is a feeling I will carry forever.

“A photographer's dream — literally”

I am a professional travel photographer and I booked the Private flight specifically for work. It was the best photography decision I have ever made. Having the balloon to myself meant I could ask the pilot to hold altitude, rotate, or descend for specific compositions. The golden hour light over Cappadocia is otherworldly — I shot over 2,000 images in 90 minutes. Several of these shots have since been published in travel magazines. If you are serious about photography, Private is the only way to go.

“Great photos but wish I had more space”

I brought my DSLR with a 24-70mm lens on the Standard flight. The views are genuinely spectacular and I got some beautiful shots, but changing lenses in a crowded basket was impossible. I ended up shooting everything at 24mm. The sunrise light was magical and the landscape is unbelievably photogenic. Next time I will upgrade to Comfort for the extra elbow room. For smartphone photographers, Standard is perfectly fine.

“Best money we spent on our entire 3-week Turkey trip”

We are budget travellers on a 3-week backpacking trip through Turkey. The Standard balloon flight was our biggest single expense, and we agonised over it for weeks. It was absolutely, unequivocally the best decision of our trip. Nothing else came close. The moment we lifted off and saw the sun rising over hundreds of fairy chimneys with dozens of colourful balloons around us — we both burst into tears of joy. Do not skip this to save money. You will regret it.

“Winter flight was stunning but risky”

I visited Cappadocia in February specifically to see the snow-covered landscape from the air. My first morning was cancelled due to wind. My second morning was also cancelled. I had planned three mornings and finally flew on day three. The flight was absolutely magical — snow on the fairy chimneys, crisp winter light, far fewer balloons in the sky for a more peaceful experience. But be warned: winter cancellation rates are high. Plan at least 3-4 mornings.

“She said yes at 500 metres!”

I coordinated with the Above Cappadocia team to propose during a Private flight. They were incredible — they helped me plan the timing, brought a small banner that the ground crew held up that said 'Will You Marry Me?', and the pilot descended low at exactly the right moment. My now-fiancee was completely surprised. She said yes before I even finished the question. The team even had a bottle of champagne ready mid-flight. If you are planning a proposal, these are the people to do it with.

“Our 25th anniversary — better than the first time”

We first flew a balloon in Cappadocia on our honeymoon 25 years ago. For our silver anniversary, we booked the Private flight. The technology has improved, the organisation is flawless, but the magic is exactly the same. Floating above those fairy chimneys with the person you love most is something that never gets old. The pilot was wonderfully respectful of our private moments and the whole team made us feel special. We will be back for our 50th.

“Beautiful but overrated and overcrowded”

I will be honest — the views were stunning but the Standard flight felt like a cattle truck in the sky. 26 people crammed into a basket, elbows in my side the entire time, and people constantly pushing to get photos. The flight was only 50 minutes which felt short for the price. The champagne toast was nice but it was cheap sparkling wine, not actual champagne. Would I do it again? Probably yes, but I would upgrade to Comfort or Private.

“Cancelled twice — frustrating experience”

We had three mornings planned. The first two were cancelled for weather, which I understand is normal for winter, but the communication was poor. We were picked up at 4:30 AM both times, driven to the launch site, waited in the cold for 45 minutes, and then told flights were cancelled. The third morning we finally flew and yes, it was beautiful. But the frustration of two wasted mornings took the shine off. Better communication about likely cancellations would help.