A complete guide to travelling from Larnaca Airport in South Cyprus to North Cyprus, including transfer options, border crossings, costs, and journey times.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) in the South Cyprus is the most popular arrival point for travellers heading to North Cyprus, particularly those flying from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia on direct flights. While North Cyprus has its own airport at Ercan (ECN), all flights there transit via Türkiye, making Larnaca the faster and often cheaper option for many European travellers. The journey from Larnaca to key North Cyprus destinations takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on your final destination and mode of transport.
The most convenient option is a pre-booked private transfer. Several companies operate direct door-to-door services from Larnaca Airport to Kyrenia, Famagusta, and other North Cyprus towns. Expect to pay between £60-90 per vehicle (not per person) for a transfer to Kyrenia, or £80-110 to Famagusta. The driver meets you at arrivals, handles the border crossing at Metehan or Agios Dometios checkpoint, and delivers you directly to your hotel. Journey time to Kyrenia is approximately 1.5-2 hours, including the border stop.
Book your transfer at least 48 hours in advance, especially during summer months (June-September) when demand is high.
Shared shuttle services run regularly from Larnaca Airport to North Cyprus and are a more affordable option, typically costing £20-35 per person to Kyrenia. Companies like Kibhas and Cyprus Turkish Transport operate scheduled departures. The trade-off is a slightly longer journey time (2-2.5 hours) as the minibus may make multiple stops. Some services require a minimum number of passengers, so confirm timings in advance.
You can rent a car at Larnaca Airport and drive across the border. However, most South Cyprus rental companies do NOT permit their vehicles to cross into North Cyprus — check your rental agreement carefully. An alternative is to rent from a company that explicitly allows cross-border travel, or to arrange a North Cyprus rental car to meet you at the Metehan checkpoint. Driving from Larnaca to Kyrenia via the motorway and Nicosia checkpoint takes about 1.5 hours.
The cheapest option involves taking the airport bus to Nicosia (Lefkosia) city centre (about 4 euros, 45 minutes), walking or taking a taxi to the Ledra Palace or Metehan checkpoint, crossing on foot, and then catching a North Cyprus minibus or taxi on the other side. This route is budget-friendly but time-consuming (3+ hours total) and not recommended if you have heavy luggage or are arriving late at night.
Crossing from south to north is straightforward. At the checkpoint, you will show your passport (or EU ID card). Your details are recorded on a slip of paper — your passport is NOT stamped, so there is no impact on future travel. The process typically takes 5-15 minutes. Checkpoints are open 24/7 at Metehan and Agios Dometios, though some smaller crossings have limited hours. There are no customs duties on personal belongings.
If arriving after 10pm, a pre-booked private transfer is strongly recommended as public transport options are very limited at night.
Yes, several private transfer companies offer direct door-to-door service from Larnaca Airport to Kyrenia, Famagusta, and other North Cyprus towns. Prices range from £60-110 per vehicle.
The journey from Larnaca Airport to Kyrenia takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by private transfer, including the border crossing at Metehan or Agios Dometios checkpoint.
Most South Cyprus rental companies do not allow their vehicles to cross into North Cyprus. You need to find a company that explicitly permits cross-border travel, or arrange a separate North Cyprus rental.
No, crossing from south to north is routine. You show your passport, details are recorded on a slip (no passport stamp), and the process takes 5-15 minutes. Major checkpoints are open 24/7.
The cheapest option is taking the airport bus to Nicosia centre (about 4 euros), walking across the Ledra checkpoint, and catching a minibus on the other side. Total cost is under £15 but takes 3+ hours.