Cyprus is served by three airports, and choosing the right one — and knowing whether your journey crosses the island's dividing line — is the key to a smooth transfer. This guide walks through all three, how long each takes to the main destinations, how the border crossing works, and how a private transfer handles both the airport run and getting around once you're there.
The three airports
Ercan Airport (ECN) sits in the north, near Nicosia, and is the closest airport to Kyrenia, Famagusta, İskele and Güzelyurt. It's served almost entirely by flights connecting through Turkey. Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) are in the south and carry most direct European routes — so many visitors heading north actually fly into Larnaca and cross the border by road. Larnaca is the busiest and most central; Paphos is the western gateway, handy for the west coast and, via the Bostancı crossing, for Güzelyurt and Lefke.
Typical transfer times
From Ercan:
- Kyrenia (Girne): about 35 minutes
- Famagusta (Gazimağusa): about 40 minutes
- İskele / Long Beach: about 45 minutes
- Güzelyurt (Morphou): about 50 minutes
From Larnaca, crossing the border:
- Nicosia: about 50 minutes
- Kyrenia: about 75 minutes
- Famagusta: about 60 minutes
- Güzelyurt: about 1h 45m via the western crossing
Paphos is the longest run to the north, so for northern hotels it's usually chosen only when the flight is much cheaper or more convenient than the alternatives.
Which airport should you choose?
If you can find a direct flight, the honest answer is often "whichever is cheapest door to door." Ercan wins on distance and simplicity for northern hotels but almost always means a connection through Turkey. Larnaca and Paphos offer direct European flights and more choice of times; the border crossing adds 20–30 minutes but is completely routine. Because every transfer fare is fixed and quoted before you book, you can compare the true landed cost of each option in advance rather than guessing.
Crossing to North Cyprus
If you land at Larnaca or Paphos but your hotel is in the north — Kyrenia, İskele, Güzelyurt or Lefke — your transfer crosses the Green Line at a checkpoint. It's routine: bring your passport, stay in the car, and your chauffeur handles the rest. There's no fee for passengers, and officers usually stamp a separate slip rather than your passport. For destinations in the west, such as Güzelyurt and Lefke, we use the Bostancı (Astromeritis) crossing, which is faster than routing through Nicosia.
Why choose a private transfer?
Cyprus has limited public transport, especially outside the cities and across the divide. A private transfer offers:
- Fixed price — agreed in advance, no meter running
- Door-to-door service — no shared shuttles, no stops
- Flight monitoring — your driver adjusts for delays
- Border know-how — we cross the checkpoint every day
Not just the airport — local rides too
The same fixed-price service works once you've arrived. Beyond airport runs we handle şehir içi (in-town) and inter-town journeys at fixed local prices — dinner on Kyrenia harbour, a day trip to Famagusta's old town or the Karpaz peninsula, a hospital or pharmacy run, a casino-hotel evening, or simply getting between your resort and the town centre when local taxis are scarce. Arrange it when you book, or message us during your stay.
Booking tips
- Book at least 24 hours in advance
- Include your flight number in the notes — we use it to track your arrival
- Choose round trip if you need a return journey — it saves money
- Select extras like child seats when booking, not at the last minute
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is cheapest for North Cyprus?
It depends on your flight. Ercan is closest but usually needs a Turkey connection; a cheap direct flight into Larnaca can work out lower door-to-door even with the crossing. Compare fixed transfer fares before you book.
Can one transfer take me across the border?
Yes — you stay in the same car the whole way. The crossing adds about 20–30 minutes and there's no passenger fee.
Do you only do airport transfers?
No. We also run local and inter-town trips at fixed prices, so you're covered for the whole stay, not just the airport.
Ready to book your transfer? Book now or see fixed prices for every route.