Booking travel to North Cyprus throws a few unfamiliar words at you — airport codes, a border crossing with two names, a licensing body you have never heard of. Here is each one explained in plain English, so nothing on a booking page or at the airport catches you out.
What is Ercan Airport (ECN)?
Ercan is North Cyprus's own airport, just east of Nicosia and about 35 minutes from Kyrenia with no border to cross. Almost all flights route through Turkey, so from Europe you usually connect via Istanbul. Its code is ECN. It is the quickest arrival for most northern hotels.
What are Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) airports?
Larnaca and Paphos are the Republic of Cyprus's international airports in the south, with direct flights from across Europe and the UK. To reach the north from either, you cross the island's internal border. Larnaca to Kyrenia is about 75 minutes; Paphos is further, around two hours.
What is the Green Line?
The Green Line is the UN buffer zone that separates the north of Cyprus from the south. When a transfer goes from Larnaca or Paphos to the north, it passes through a vehicle checkpoint on this line — usually near Nicosia. You stay in the car, show a passport briefly, and pay no passenger fee.
What is the Yeşil Hat?
Yeşil Hat is simply the Turkish name for the Green Line — "yeşil" means green, "hat" means line. You will see both terms used interchangeably. The crossing itself is often called the border or the checkpoint; the main vehicle gates near Nicosia are Metehan (Ağırdağ) and others.
What is KITSAB?
KITSAB is the Cyprus Turkish Travel Agencies Association, the body that licenses travel and transfer operators in North Cyprus. A KITSAB licence number on a company's site signals it is a registered operator rather than an informal one. It is a useful trust check when comparing transfer providers.
What is a kombi?
The kombi is North Cyprus's shared public minibus — the cheapest way to move between towns. It runs set routes to set stops and is paid per person. It does not go to a hotel door or wait for a flight, so it suits solo, light travel rather than an airport arrival with luggage.
What does "meet and greet" mean?
Meet and greet means your driver waits inside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, rather than you finding a car outside. You get the driver's name, phone number and vehicle details in advance. It is the standard way a pre-booked private transfer works.
What is a fixed fare?
A fixed fare is a price agreed when you book that does not change on the day — no meter, no night surcharge, no "airport fee" at the door. It is quoted per vehicle, not per person, and typically includes tolls, parking and a set amount of airport waiting time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need lira, euros or pounds in North Cyprus?
The north uses the Turkish lira day to day, but transfers are often priced and paid in pounds or euros. Your driver can usually take cash in several currencies — agree which when you book.
Is Ercan or Larnaca the better airport?
Ercan is closer and needs no border crossing; Larnaca has more direct flights from Europe. It depends on flight price and convenience — see our full comparison.
Read more: Ercan vs Larnaca for Kyrenia, our visa and border guide, or see routes and prices.