Mazı Underground City lies roughly 18 km south of Göreme, near the village of Mazı between Ürgüp and the Soğanlı road. A private taxi covers the route in about 25–30 minutes door to door, making it the simplest and fastest way to get there — public transport requires a connection through Ürgüp or Nevşehir and is slow and infrequent. For the current fare, check the Cappadocia taxi price calculator.
Where is Mazı Underground City, and why go?
Mazı (sometimes written Mazı Köyü) is one of Cappadocia's lesser-visited underground settlements, carved into the rock beneath a quiet farming village. Unlike the deep, multi-level labyrinths of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, Mazı is broader than it is deep, with several rock-cut entrances opening onto stables, a chapel, communal living spaces and storage rooms. Because tour buses rarely stop here, you can often explore it almost alone — a real advantage if you found the famous underground cities claustrophobic or overcrowded.
It is the same volcanic-tuff engineering as the big-name sites: tunnels that could be sealed with rolling stone doors, ventilation shafts and rooms where early Christian communities sheltered. The difference is the atmosphere — slow, rural and genuinely off the beaten path.
Getting from Göreme to Mazı: your options
Private taxi or transfer (fastest, most flexible)
A private transfer is the most practical choice for Mazı. Because the site is rural and signage is limited, having a driver who knows the back roads saves time and guesswork. You're collected at your hotel in Göreme, driven straight to the entrance, and the driver can wait while you explore or continue to a nearby stop. This works especially well if you're combining Mazı with other sites in a half-day loop.
- Door to door: hotel pickup in Göreme straight to the Mazı entrance, no transfers.
- About 25–30 minutes each way on a quiet route via the Ürgüp–Soğanlı road.
- Wait-and-return: ask the driver to wait (the visit itself takes roughly 30–45 minutes) so you're not stranded in a village with no taxis.
- Easy to combine: pair it with Soğanlı Valley, Keşlik Monastery or a return through Ürgüp.
Fares depend on vehicle size, season and waiting time, so we don't quote a fixed number — get the live, accurate price on the Cappadocia taxi price calculator before you book.
Rental car (good if you're touring widely)
Driving yourself gives total freedom and the roads to Mazı are paved and quiet. Set your navigation to "Mazı Yeraltı Şehri". Two things to watch: the final approach passes through a small village where parking is informal, and rural junctions aren't always well signed, so download offline maps before you set off.
Public transport (cheapest, slowest)
There is no direct bus from Göreme to Mazı. You would ride a dolmuş (shared minibus) to Ürgüp or Nevşehir, then try to connect toward Mazı village — schedules are sparse and the last legs may not run at all outside summer. Budget travellers can make it work, but plan to lose most of a day to waiting.
What to expect on site
Mazı Underground City is open-air to enter and far less developed than the major sites — there's a small ticket point but no large visitor centre. Entry is inexpensive; for the most current fee, check at the gate, as Mazı is not always covered by the standard museum pass. Allow about 30–45 minutes inside. Passages are narrow and you'll need to crouch in places, so wear closed shoes with grip and clothes you don't mind getting dusty. A phone torch is useful for the dimmer chambers.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes — floors are uneven and occasionally damp.
- Bring water and a torch (or use your phone) for the darker passages.
- Mind your head: ceilings are low and tunnels tight; not ideal for anyone with strong claustrophobia.
- Go mid-morning for the best light at the entrances and the fewest other visitors.
Driver tip: ask to be dropped at the upper entrance and walk down through the complex — it's an easier route than starting from the lower stable rooms.
Make a day of it: nearby stops
Mazı sits well within a southern Cappadocia loop. If you want a fuller day, ask your driver to combine it with the deeper, more famous Derinkuyu Underground City (€13) or Kaymaklı Underground City (€13) so you can compare the small, rural Mazı against the big multi-level cities. The frescoed rock churches of Soğanlı Valley (€4) and the quiet Ürgüp villages also pair naturally with a Mazı visit.
For more underground-city ideas and routes, see our guide to Özkonak Underground City and the lesser-known Tatlarin Underground City transfer, or browse the full Cappadocia travel and route guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mazı Underground City from Göreme?
Mazı Underground City is about 18 km south of Göreme, near Mazı village on the Ürgüp–Soğanlı road. By private taxi the drive takes roughly 25–30 minutes door to door; the route is paved and quiet.
What is the best way to get from Göreme to Mazı?
A private taxi or transfer is the most practical option because there is no direct bus and the village is rural with limited signage. Your driver collects you in Göreme, takes you straight to the entrance, and can wait while you explore. Check the live fare on the Cappadocia taxi price calculator.
Is Mazı better than Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı?
It depends on what you want. Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are deeper, larger and more dramatic but can be crowded; Mazı is smaller, more rural and usually almost empty, so it's the better pick if you prefer a quiet visit or found the bigger sites too busy. Many visitors do both to compare.
How long does it take to visit Mazı Underground City?
Plan on about 30 to 45 minutes inside Mazı. It's compact, so combined with the 25–30 minute drive each way from Göreme, the whole excursion fits comfortably into a half day — or a full day if you add Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı or Soğanlı Valley.
Can I combine Mazı with other sites in one taxi trip?
Yes. Mazı sits on a natural southern loop, so a private driver can easily pair it with Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Underground Cities, Soğanlı Valley or the Ürgüp villages in a single half- or full-day route. Agree the itinerary and waiting time when you book so the fare is clear in advance.
