Uber is set to offer a unique hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia, marking the first time the global technology platform has provided such a service.
This initiative is part of Uber’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, and as a gift, 100 balloon journeys will be offered to Uber users.
Cappadocia, renowned for its fairy chimneys and stunning landscapes, is a must-visit destination, and now, thanks to Uber, accessing this once-in-a-lifetime balloon experience has never been easier. Users can book their adventure directly through the Uber app, starting their journey from their hotel with just a single tap.
The balloon rides will commence at sunrise, providing passengers with approximately 1.5 hours of unforgettable flight time over the mesmerizing landscapes of Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From an altitude of around 900 meters, riders will have a bird’s eye view of the unique terrain of Cappadocia.
Starting from October 23, Uber users can reserve their balloon ride through the app, with all hotel transfers included in the package. The rides are available at a special fixed per-person rate. In celebration of the Turkish Republic’s centennial, 100 balloon journeys will be gifted to Uber users.
Uber Turkey’s CEO, Neyran Bahadırlı, expressed the company’s excitement about introducing this first-of-its-kind service in the Uber world. She highlighted that this addition aligns with Uber’s mission to create new possibilities in transportation, making it easier for people to go wherever they want. With record numbers of tourists expected to visit Cappadocia in October and November, Uber Balloon offers all Uber users easy access to this bucket-list experience.
Turkey is a popular destination for Uber users, with the number of Uber rides taken by tourists showing a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of this year, the Uber app has been used to hail a ride 26 million times in Turkey. In the nine cities where Uber operates in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, over 38,000 taxi drivers actively used the Uber app for rides, showing a 50% increase in completed trips compared to last year.
How to Make a Reservation for Uber Balloon
- Download the application to your smartphone.
- Open the application and select the ‘Reservation’ icon from the main screen.
- Enter the address of the hotel you are staying at for the pickup location, and write Cappadocia for the destination.
- Choose your departure date along with the ‘Reserve’ option for Uber Balloon. The departure time will automatically be set to 06:00 AM on the selected day. All Uber Balloon reservations must be completed at least 12 hours before the journey.
- If you are one of the first four passengers to make a reservation on the chosen day, you will be able to take the journey for free. If you are not one of the first four, you can still take the journey on the same day with a special discounted rate exclusive to Uber, or you can reorganize your reservation for a different day.
- After your reservation is confirmed in the app, the Uber Balloon driver will contact you to confirm your pickup address and to request your passport information.
- On the morning of your reservation, you will be picked up directly from your hotel and taken to the Uber Balloon departure point.
- After completing your Uber Balloon journey, you will be taken back to your hotel.
