How Many Underground Cities Should You Visit in One Day?
How many Cappadocia underground cities to do in one day: one vs two, timing, and which to combine. Book tickets online. No cancel.
Cappadocia has several underground cities—Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Özkonak—and many visitors wonder how many to fit into one day. Doing one allows a relaxed pace; doing two is possible but makes for a full, intense day. This guide covers how many underground cities you should visit in one day, realistic timing, and the best combinations. Book your Cappadocia underground city tickets online; tickets are non-refundable (no cancel).
One Underground City in One Day
Best for: A relaxed pace, first-time visitors, or anyone who prefers not to rush. You can spend 1.5–2 hours at Derinkuyu, or 1–1.5 hours at Kaymaklı, or about 1 hour at Özkonak, and still have time for lunch, travel, and perhaps one above-ground site (e.g. a viewpoint or Avanos). No need to rush through narrow passages. Book one site and enjoy it. No cancel.
| Option | Time at site | Rest of day |
|---|---|---|
| One underground city | 1–2 h (depending on site) | Relaxed; add lunch, viewpoint, or short stop |
| Two underground cities | 2.5–3.5 h total + drive | Full day; little else |
Two Underground Cities in One Day
Best combination: Kaymaklı + Derinkuyu. They are about 30 minutes apart by car. Allow 1–1.5 hours at Kaymaklı and 1.5–2 hours at Derinkuyu, plus drive time and a short break. Total: about 4–5 hours for the two sites plus transport. That fills most of a day. Book tickets for both online to skip queues. No cancel.
Order: Many visitors do Kaymaklı first (often quieter, shorter), then Derinkuyu. Alternatively, do Derinkuyu early (08:00) to beat the crowds, then Kaymaklı. Each has its own ticket.
Three Underground Cities in One Day?
Adding Özkonak to Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu is possible but makes a long, tiring day. Özkonak is north of Avanos; driving between all three takes extra time. Most people find two underground cities enough in one day—after that, the experience can feel repetitive and exhausting. If you have limited time, choose two and leave the third for another day. For more Cappadocia planning tips, see our guides.
Ready to plan? Get tickets for one or two underground cities online. No cancel.
Tips for a Two-City Day
- Start early (08:00) at the first site to avoid crowds and leave time for the second.
- Book both tickets online so you do not waste time at ticket offices. No cancel.
- Take a break between the two—lunch or a short rest—so you are not exhausted in the second site.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a light layer—both sites are cool and damp underground.
- Do not rush—narrow passages and low ceilings are unsafe when hurried. Allow enough time for each site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many underground cities can I do in one day?
One is relaxed; two (e.g. Kaymaklı + Derinkuyu) is a full but doable day. Three is possible but tiring and not recommended for most. Book tickets for each site. No cancel.
Which two underground cities to combine?
Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu are the most common pair—about 30 minutes apart. Allow 1–1.5 h at Kaymaklı and 1.5–2 h at Derinkuyu, plus drive and a break. No cancel.
Do I need separate tickets for each underground city?
Yes. Each site has its own ticket. Book both (or all) online to save time. Tickets are non-refundable (no cancel).
Is one underground city enough?
Yes. One site (Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, or Özkonak) gives you a full underground experience. You can use the rest of the day for above-ground sites or rest. No cancel.
What order should I visit Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu?
Either order works. Some do Kaymaklı first (shorter, quieter), then Derinkuyu. Others do Derinkuyu at 08:00 to beat crowds, then Kaymaklı. Book both tickets in advance. No cancel.
Get Your Underground City Tickets
Decide how many to visit in one day and book your entrance tickets in advance for a smooth, queue-free experience.
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