Cappadocia has two airports, and people agonise over which to choose. Here's the short version: pick the one with the better flight times. The longer version, with distances and the best way to get to your hotel, is below.
Kayseri (ASR): more flights, a little further
Kayseri Erkilet is the busier of the two, with plenty of flights from both Istanbul airports and a few international routes. It's around 70 km from Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp, so about an hour by road. More flights means more choice of times, and often cheaper fares.
Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV): closer, quieter
Nevşehir is smaller and calmer, roughly 40 km from Göreme, so about 40 minutes away. There are fewer flights, mostly from Istanbul. If one of them lands at a time that suits you, it's the quickest way in.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
Public transport from either airport is patchy, especially for early or late flights. You've got two sensible options. A shared shuttle waits for the plane, then drops everyone at their hotels in turn. A private transfer leaves the moment you've got your bags. Taxis exist, but for the distance they're pricey.
If you're landing the evening before a sunrise balloon flight, book the transfer in advance. A delayed plane is annoying. A delayed plane plus no ride, the night before a 5am pick-up, is a story you'll tell for years for the wrong reasons.
Our advice
Don't let 30 minutes of driving decide it. Landing at a civilised hour matters far more. Couples and solo travellers do well with the shuttle. Families and groups usually find a private transfer easier, and per person it often costs about the same.
Frequently asked questions
About 70 km, roughly an hour by road.