How to get from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia: taxis, pre-booked transfers, car rental, shuttle buses, plus tips for travellers arriving via Larnaca.
Ercan to Kyrenia: a short journey
Most visitors flying into North Cyprus land at Ercan Airport, and the first question is always the same: what is the best way of getting from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia? The good news is that the trip is short. The airport is roughly 40 kilometres from Kyrenia, and depending on traffic and time of day the drive usually takes 40 to 50 minutes, around 45 minutes on average. The road skirts Nicosia, climbs over the Kyrenia (Beşparmak) mountains and drops you straight onto the north coast. Below we compare taxis, pre-booked transfers, car rental and shuttle buses, with the pros and cons of each.
After landing, passport control and baggage reclaim take a variable amount of time depending on how busy the terminal is, so keep your transfer or car pick-up time a little flexible. Carrying some cash for small payments makes life easier, and it is worth checking your phone's roaming settings before you leave home.
Taxi: the most flexible option
You will find the taxi rank easily as you leave the terminal. A taxi suits travellers who would rather not arrange anything in advance, or whose flight may run late: it is door to door and you do not have to haul your luggage anywhere.
- Before setting off, give the driver your exact address in Kyrenia and ask for an estimated fare.
- Confirm how you will pay (cash or card) at the start; not every car takes cards.
- At busy arrival times, allow for a short wait.
Pre-booked transfer: the most relaxed option
After a long journey, being met by someone holding a sign with your name on it is a real comfort, especially for families and late-night arrivals. With a pre-booked transfer the vehicle and fare are agreed in advance, and because the driver tracks your flight, they wait if you are delayed. If you are staying at the Dome Hotel, you can message the team on WhatsApp after booking and ask for help arranging a transfer; just share your flight details and the number of passengers and bags.
- Share your flight number and expected landing time.
- Mention child seats or bulky luggage (bikes, golf bags and so on) in advance.
- Save the phone number of your driver or greeter.
Car rental: for those who want to explore
If you plan to see Bellapais, St Hilarion, the Karpaz peninsula or the coastal villages west of town at your own pace, renting a car makes sense. You can usually collect a car at the airport or in Kyrenia. Remember that in Cyprus traffic drives on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. It can take a few minutes to adjust, so take it easy leaving the airport.
- Carry your driving licence and passport, and check in advance which documents the rental company needs.
- Read the insurance cover and deposit conditions carefully.
- Parking in central Kyrenia, especially around the harbour, can be limited; ask your accommodation about parking before you arrive.
Shuttle buses: the budget-friendly option
Shuttle buses also run from the airport towards Kyrenia and Nicosia. They are generally timed around flight arrivals and are an economical alternative. Because of intermediate stops, however, the ride can take a little longer than a taxi, and the bus drops you at a set point in town rather than at your hotel door. For current schedules, check with the airport information desk or the operator's announcements, as times can change with the season.
Arriving via Larnaca
Depending on flight options, some visitors land at Larnaca Airport in the south of the island and travel to Kyrenia by road. The journey usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes or longer, depending on how busy the crossing point is. If you are considering this route, check the current entry requirements, such as passport, ID and rental car rules, with official sources before you travel, as they can change from time to time. A pre-booked transfer keeps things simple on this route too.
Which option suits whom?
- Late-night arrivals and families with children: a pre-booked transfer.
- Spontaneous travellers who want flexibility: a taxi.
- Those planning to explore the island: car rental.
- Light packers on a budget: the shuttle bus.
Whichever you choose, the moment you come over the mountains and see the harbour and the sea below, the journey is quickly forgotten.
Ercan to Kyrenia takes around 45 minutes by road. Share your flight details in advance for a transfer, ask about the fare before getting into a taxi, and remember that traffic drives on the left if you rent a car. Arriving via Larnaca? Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
On Kyrenia harbour since the 1930s. Best rate when you book direct.
