As an island located in the Mediterranean, the primary mode of travel to North Cyprus is by air, although sea transportation from Turkey is also an option.
Please find below a detailed list of various travel alternatives and transportation options.
Air Travel
North Cyprus’ Ercan Airport (ECN), situated near the capital city of Nicosia, currently handles over 4 million passengers annually.
The main carriers for travelers to North Cyprus are Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Jet, Pegasus Airlines and Fly Cyprus Airlines, which operate contracted flights to Ercan Airport. Charter flight operators to North Cyprus include Freebird, Tailwind, and Corendon Airlines.
The airport is undergoing significant expansion, including the extension of the runway and the construction of a new eco-friendly terminal, which is expected to open in late 2023. These developments will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 10 million passengers per year.
Shuttle Service
Scheduled shuttle services operate between Ercan Airport and five major towns: Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt, and Lefke. The shuttle schedules align with the inbound and outbound flight times, providing visitors with a convenient, consistent, and affordable means of transportation. The fare ranges from £2 to £3 per person, depending on the distance.
Car Rental
Various global and local car rental companies are available throughout the island, including those operating at Ercan Airport. These companies provide the option to pick up and drop off rental vehicles at the airport.
Car rental prices vary based on factors such as the season, brand, passenger capacity, and duration of hire. On average, the daily rental cost for a 5-seater vehicle in the summer ranges from £20 to £25, with no additional hidden fees.
Taxis
Taxis in North Cyprus are known for offering luxury vehicle models. Taxi drivers can usually be found at their designated bays and are not often hailed on the roadside. All hotels have partnered with designated taxi services, and most town centers have nearby taxi bays.
Taxis operate with meters and charge based on the distance traveled. Rates may vary between daytime and nighttime. For mid to long-distance journeys between towns, most drivers can provide a fixed price in advance. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try bargaining for the fare before getting into the taxi.
The average cost of a taxi ride from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia town center, which is approximately 40 kilometers away, is £25.
Public Transport
Public transport in North Cyprus is not the most advanced in terms of service or infrastructure. Small minibuses, locally known as “Dolmuş” (pronounced dol-moush), pick up passengers on the roadside and provide transportation over short distances, connecting main towns with villages.
Dolmuş services are frequent in most towns and offer affordable commuting options. However, there is no regulated schedule, and they mainly operate along main roads. This is an important factor to consider when planning your visit.
Sea Travel
If you are considering traveling by sea across the Mediterranean, daily ferry services operate from Famagusta and Kyrenia harbors to the Mersin province on the southern coast of Turkey. Plans are also underway to establish services connecting Alanya near Antalya with North Cyprus. The duration of the ferry journey from Kyrenia to Mersin Taşucu, depending on the type of ferry available, is approximately 2.5 hours.
Driving Regulations
Unlike most European countries, traffic in North Cyprus follows left-hand driving, like the United Kingdom. The driving regulations in North Cyprus are also like those in the UK.
Short-term visitors and tourists can drive non-commercial vehicles using most international driving licenses, including those from the EU and UK.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians should be aware that traffic moves on the left side of the road in North Cyprus. It is advised to look both right and left carefully before crossing any road. In areas without sidewalks, such as side streets or rural areas, pedestrians should walk on the right-side facing oncoming traffic.