Descend 85 metres into the earth at Cappadocia’s deepest subterranean settlement. This 2026 Derinkuyu Underground City visitor guide covers ticket prices, Museum Pass options, and why you shouldn’t visit if you don’t like tight spaces.
When I stood at the entrance of Derinkuyu, it looked deceptively small — just a modest hole in the dusty Cappadocian ground. Once I descended past the first level, however, the scale of it hit me. This isn’t just a cave; it is an inverted skyscraper carved into soft volcanic rock. The air gets cooler and thinner the deeper you go, and the narrow “duck-walk” tunnels forced me to hunch over for long stretches. It is a marvel of engineering, but I will be honest: if you suffer even mild claustrophobia, this might be a nightmare rather than a dream.
Quick overview
Derinkuyu is open daily from 8:00 AM. Entry costs €13 for international visitors. It is located about 30km south of Göreme. You can explore eight accessible levels, which takes about 90 minutes.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| €13.00 | Daily: 08:00 – 19:00 (Summer) | Derinkuyu District, Nevşehir | Kids under 8 | 18:15 approx. |
How much does Derinkuyu Underground City cost?
Ticket prices for foreigners are now pegged to the Euro by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism to combat inflation. You can pay in Turkish Lira (TL) at the daily exchange rate or by credit card.
| Ticket type | Price (EUR) | Who qualifies |
| Standard Admission | €13.00 | Adults & Children (8+) |
| MuseumPass Cappadocia | €65.00 | Valid for 3 days at 10+ sites |
| MuseumPass Türkiye | €165.00 | Valid for 15 days nationwide |
Note: If you plan to visit the Göreme Open Air Museum (€20), Ihlara Valley (€15), and Kaymakli (€13) as well, the MuseumPass Cappadocia saves you money and lets you skip the ticket queue.
Is Derinkuyu Underground City free to enter?
No, it is a paid attraction. However, there are exemptions for young children.
- Children: Kids aged 0–8 are generally free (please bring a passport to prove age).
- Museum Pass Holders: Free entry if you have a valid MuseumPass Cappadocia or MuseumPass Türkiye.
What time does Derinkuyu Underground City open?
The site is open every day of the year, but closing times change significantly between summer and winter.
- Summer (1 April – 31 October): 08:00 – 19:00
- Winter (1 November – 31 March): 08:00 – 17:00
- Last Admission: Ticket counters close 30–45 minutes before the site shuts.
Warning: This is a popular stop for tour buses. They usually arrive between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, clogging the narrow tunnels. I strongly recommend arriving at 8:00 AM sharp or after 4:00 PM to avoid being stuck in a human traffic jam underground.
Do I need to book Derinkuyu tickets in advance?
You do not strictly need to book. You can turn up and buy a ticket at the kiosk. However, in peak summer (July–August), the ticket line can be long. Buying a Museum Pass or an e-ticket online in advance allows you to walk straight to the turnstiles.
History of the city
Derinkuyu is the deepest of the 200+ underground cities in Cappadocia, reaching a depth of 85 metres. It was likely started by the Phrygians in the 8th century BC and vastly expanded by Christians during the Byzantine era (780–1180 AD) to hide from Arab raiders. At its peak, it could shelter 20,000 people along with their livestock and food supplies for months at a time. It wasn’t rediscovered until 1963, when a local man knocked down a wall in his basement and found a tunnel behind it.
Inside: What to see
- The Stone Doors: Massive millstone-shaped doors weighing up to 500kg. These could only be rolled shut from the inside to seal off the tunnels from invaders.
- The Missionary School: Located on the second floor, this large barrel-vaulted room was used as a religious school and chapel.
- Ventilation Shafts: The genius of the city. Look down the massive 55-metre deep shafts that brought fresh air to the lowest levels and doubled as wells.
- The Church: On the lowest accessible level (Level 8), there is a cruciform church carved directly into the rock.
- Living Quarters: You will pass through communal kitchens (look for the blackened ceilings from soot), stables, and wine presses.
What’s included with your ticket?
A standard entry ticket gets you:
- Access to all 8 accessible levels of the city.
- Access to the surface-level courtyard and toilets.
- NOT Included: Audio guides (available for a small rental fee) or personal guides.
Things to do near Derinkuyu Underground City
Kaymakli Underground City (10km, 10 min drive)
The widest underground city vs Derinkuyu’s deepest. It is less claustrophobic and the tunnels are slightly wider.
Ihlara Valley (53km, 55 min drive)
A lush, green canyon filled with rock-cut churches and a river you can hike alongside. It is a perfect contrast to the dusty underground.
Narlıgöl Crater Lake (20km, 25 min drive)
A heart-shaped volcanic crater lake located on the way to Ihlara. It offers a fantastic photo opportunity from the rim.
Selime Monastery (60km, 60 min drive)
A massive rock-cut monastery at the end of the Ihlara Valley. It looks like a “Star Wars” set (and was often rumoured to be one).
Göreme Open Air Museum (35km, 40 min drive)
The most famous site in Cappadocia, featuring the best-preserved frescoes in rock-cut churches.
Practical tips
- Claustrophobia: I cannot stress this enough—if you hate tight spaces, do not go past the first level. The tunnels connecting floors are narrow, low, and steep.
- Footwear: Wear trainers or hiking boots with good grip. The stone floors are polished smooth by millions of feet and can be slippery.
- Temperature: It is consistently cool underground (around 13°C/55°F). Bring a light jacket, even if it is scorching hot outside.
- Guides: There is very little signage inside. Hiring a guide at the entrance (haggle the price) or renting an audio guide is essential to understand what you are looking at.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| How deep is it? | The city goes down 85 metres, but visitors can usually access down to 50–60 metres. |
| Is it safe? | Yes, it is structurally sound and well-ventilated, but you must watch your head on low ceilings. |
| Can I bring a backpack? | Leave large bags in your car or bus. You will get stuck in the tunnels if you wear a bulky backpack. |
| Is there a toilet inside? | No. Use the WC at the entrance before you descend. Once you are down, there is no coming back up quickly. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Absolutely not. The site consists almost entirely of stairs and narrow tunnels. |
More Turkey travel
Other Turkey travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The best entrance gate for Ephesus.
- Why the Library of Celsus is the real highlight of Ephesus.
- The best time to visit the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus.
- Türkiye vs Turkey: When to start using a country’s new name?
- Getting the fear while quad biking in Cappadocia.
