Uber Balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkey: Hot air balloon rides past ‘fairy chimneys’ - how to book

Uber has launched hot air balloon rides that will take to the skies in Cappadocia in Turkey, one of its “most iconic travel experiences”. From 23 October Uber Balloon will be available on the app offering a 1.5 hour picturesque flight through Göreme National Park, famed for its ethereal ‘fairy chimneys’ and grand architecture carved into the limestone.

Riders will be able to see the stunning dawn views from 3,000 feet in the air and Uber said it is a “once-in–a-lifetime adventure”. Uber is also giving away 100 free rides to celebrate its launch. Millions of people are expected to visit Cappadocia during October and November after TikTok videos of the region have gained more than 1.6 billion views. Uber said its launch of Uber Balloon is arriving at just the right time for hot air balloon season.

Over the last year Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Uber riders - international trips have risen by more than 30% and nearly 26 million people have opened the app to request a ride this year alone. The firm already partners with over 38,000 taxi drivers and operates in nine cities in Turkey including Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, as well as the top tourist destination Antalya.

The company says the addition is the latest “in a series of new travel experiences built to help riders go anywhere with Uber.” It comes after Uber launched Uber Boat in Mykonos and Uber Sleigh in Lapland. Flights, trains, coaches and hotels are all now available to book directly via the Uber app.

Anabel Diaz, Vice President EMEA Mobility at Uber, said:  “Turkey is one of our most popular destinations for international travellers and this is yet another way they can use our app to access a magical experience when visiting the country. We’re always looking for new ways to add a little Uber magic to peoples vacations, so keep an eye out for more bucket-list experiences coming to the Uber app next year.”

How to book Uber Balloon

Listed are the instructions from Uber on how to access Uber Balloon on the company’s app.

1. Download the app on your smartphone.
2. Open the app and select the ‘Reserve’ icon from the home screen.
3. Type in the address of your hotel in Cappadocia and select ‘Cappadocia Balloon Flights’ as your destination. 
4. Select ‘Reserve’ Uber Balloon and choose your date of departure.  Departure time will automatically be set at 6am on your chosen day (NB: all Uber Balloon trips must be booked 12 hours in advance).
5. If you are one of the first four riders to book an Uber Balloon on your chosen day of departure, you will receive your ride for free. If all the free rides have been taken on the day you requested, you can pay €150 directly to the hot air balloon provider or pick a different day to get a free ride.
6. Once your reservation is confirmed in the app, the Uber Balloon provider will contact you to confirm the pick-up address and request a copy of your passport.
7. On the morning of your reservation, you will be picked up directly from your hotel and taken to the Uber Balloon takeoff point.
8. After your Uber Balloon trip, you will be taken back to your hotel.

The company said it expects Uber Balloon trips to be limited and subject to weather conditions, and riders are encouraged to book in advance - a minimum of 12 hours prior to departure. The free hot air balloon rides will be limited to four people per day until the offer expires on 19 November.