Derinkuyu Underground City lies approximately 65 km southeast of Aksaray, reachable in about 55 minutes by car via the D300 east and D765 south. The city is the deepest of Cappadocia's underground complexes, descending 11 storeys below ground level and once capable of sheltering an estimated 20,000 people together with their livestock and provisions. Carved by early Phrygian inhabitants and expanded through Byzantine Christian periods, the tunnels contain ventilation shafts, water wells, wine and oil presses, stables, refectories, chapels, and a second-century baptismal font. The complex is maintained at a constant 13°C year-round, making it an unusually cool refuge on Aksaray's hot summer days and a comfortable visit in winter when outdoor sites are less pleasant. The recommended approach from Aksaray follows the D300 east to the Nevşehir junction, then south on the D765 approximately 28 km to Derinkuyu town. Morning arrival before 10:00 avoids the main coach-tour wave from Nevşehir and Ürgüp hotels. The open-to-visitors circuit spans the first eight levels and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. Tight passages between levels require ducking; visitors with claustrophobia should assess carefully before descending. A combined visit to Kaymakli Underground City, located 8 km north of Derinkuyu on the same road, offers a contrasting layout with wider, shallower galleries and can be added as an afternoon extension. Lunch options are available in Derinkuyu town centre, where several lokanta restaurants serve everyday Turkish dishes. The site operates year-round, making it an ideal choice on rainy or very hot days when outdoor Cappadocian sites are less comfortable.
How to get there
- Car: D300 east → D765 south to Derinkuyu; approx 55 min
- Bus: Aksaray → Nevşehir, then dolmuş south; allow 2.5h total one-way
Location
Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri, 50500 Derinkuyu/Nevşehir, Turkey
38.3714, 34.7308 View on map
Highlights
- 11-storey underground complex once sheltering up to 20,000 people with livestock and food stores
- Constant 13°C temperature year-round, offering natural relief from Aksaray's summer heat
- Byzantine chapel carved at the third level, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and stone altar
- Massive circular rolling stone doors that could seal each level from the inside
- Possible combination with Kaymakli Underground City, 8 km north on the D765, for a full Cappadocia underground day
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00 to explore the lower levels before coach tours compress the narrow passages
- Wear a light jacket even in summer; the constant 13°C feels cold after stepping in from outdoor heat
- Bring a small flashlight or use a phone torch — some passages are dimly lit
- Entry is approximately ₺200-250 per site without the Museum Pass Turkey; the pass covers both Derinkuyu and Kaymakli
- Bus travellers should take a Nevşehir-bound coach from Aksaray Otogar, then a dolmuş south; total journey is about 2.5 hours each way
When to visit
Derinkuyu is a year-round destination owing to its constant underground temperature of 13°C. Weekday mornings before 10:00 see the fewest visitors; summer weekends and midday slots are the busiest periods.
Accessibility
The site involves multiple staircase descents, very low tunnel ceilings, and narrow lateral passages. It is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. Flat shoes with grip are strongly advised.
Frequently asked questions
Is Derinkuyu Underground City wheelchair accessible?
No. The tunnels include steep staircases, very low ceilings, and narrow passages. The site is not accessible for wheelchairs or for visitors with significant mobility restrictions.
What is the entry fee for Derinkuyu?
Entry is covered by the Museum Pass Turkey. Without the pass, admission is approximately ₺200-250 per person. The Museum Pass can be purchased at major Cappadocian sites.
Can visitors combine Derinkuyu and Kaymakli in the same day trip from Aksaray?
Yes. Derinkuyu in the morning (arriving by 09:30) and Kaymakli in the early afternoon is a feasible combination, allowing a return to Aksaray by late afternoon.
How deep does the public circuit go?
The open-to-visitors circuit descends through 8 of the 11 levels, reaching approximately 55 metres below the surface at the lowest accessible point.
Are guides available on site?
Official guides are available for hire at the entrance for a negotiated fee. This is worthwhile as the layout can be confusing and historical context significantly enriches the visit.