Last updated: September 2026. Times and fares have been checked against the operators’ official channels.
Public transport in North Cyprus can feel confusing at first. There are no trains or trams, the routes are run by different private companies, and every line has its own timetable, fare and payment method. Once you understand how the system fits together, though, you can get around Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Iskele and Güzelyurt without a car.
This guide explains how buses, dolmuş and minibuses work in Northern Cyprus, the main intercity routes, getting to and from Ercan Airport, 2026 fares and how to pay. For full timetables and stop lists, each section links to our detailed route guides.
Table of Contents
How Public Transport in North Cyprus Works
North Cyprus has no rail network, so all public transport runs on the roads. Instead of a single transport authority, intercity routes are operated by separate private companies such as VirgoBus, İtimat, Gece Otobüsleri, Akva Bus, Çimen and Kombos, while airport transfers are run by KIBHAS. As a result, timetables, fares and payment rules differ from route to route, so don’t assume that what applies on one line applies on the next.
Buses, Dolmuş and Minibuses: What’s the Difference?
- Buses run to fixed timetables from set stops. The Kyrenia–Nicosia and Famagusta–Nicosia routes work this way.
- Dolmuş are small shared vans, usually with around eight seats, that leave from a set departure point. On routes such as Kyrenia–Famagusta, you may need to phone ahead to reserve a seat.
- Route minibuses have no fixed timetable. You flag them down along the route, and the fare depends on how far you travel. The Kyrenia–Alsancak–Lapta line is the best-known example.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Rail | None; everything runs by bus, dolmuş or minibus |
| Payment | Depends on the route: cash (Turkish lira), AdaKart, contactless bank card or online ticket |
| Operating hours | Most routes finish around 18:00–19:00; Kyrenia–Nicosia runs until almost midnight, and airport buses run through the night |
| Sundays | Some routes have no service; others run a reduced timetable |
| Fares (September 2026) | Roughly 75 TL to 550 TL depending on the route, and revised frequently |
Main Intercity Bus and Dolmuş Routes in North Cyprus
The table below summarises the most-used intercity routes on the island. Each fare is valid as of the date shown. Click a route name for full timetables, stops and return services.
| Route | Type | Service | Journey time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyrenia – Nicosia | Bus | Daily, 06:30–23:55 | 45–55 min | 162 TL online / 180 TL on board (Sept 2026) |
| Famagusta – Nicosia | Bus | Daily, hourly 07:00–19:00 | ~1.5 hours | 250 TL AdaKart / 280 TL credit card (Sept 2026) |
| Kyrenia – Famagusta | Dolmuş | 09:00–18:00, every 1–1.5 hours | ~1 hr 15 min | 350 TL (Jan 2026) |
| Iskele – Famagusta | Bus | 6 a day on weekdays, 4 on Saturdays; no Sunday service | 35–40 min | 200 TL cash (Sept 2026) |
| Iskele – Nicosia | Bus | Weekdays only, 2 departures a day | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min | 270 TL (Sept 2026) |
| Güzelyurt – Kyrenia | Direct dolmuş | 07:00–18:00, 6–7 departures | ~1.5 hours | 250 TL (Sept 2026) |
| Kyrenia – Alsancak – Lapta | Route minibus | All day, no fixed timetable | Varies | 80–140 TL (tariff from 15 Jan 2026) |
Kyrenia to Nicosia
This is the busiest route on the island, run by VirgoBus. Buses leave every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 19:30 and hourly after 20:00, with the last departure at 23:55, so it’s one of the few routes you can rely on late in the evening. Booking online saves 18 TL, but you can also pay cash on board. In the evening rush hour, traffic over the Kyrenia mountain pass can add 10–15 minutes to the journey. See our Kyrenia to Nicosia bus guide for stops and return times.
Famagusta to Nicosia
Operated by İtimat, this route runs hourly in both directions between 07:00 and 19:00, every day. Buses leave from the İtimat terminal at Anıt Çemberi in Famagusta and arrive at the İtimat office in Çağlayan, Nicosia. Paying by AdaKart or mobile QR costs less than paying by credit card. Gece Otobüsleri also runs a weekday service on this corridor. Full details are in our Famagusta to Nicosia bus guide.
Kyrenia to Famagusta by Dolmuş
There is no direct bus between these two cities; a dolmuş runs instead. It leaves from outside the building marked “Kombos” in central Kyrenia and usually drops passengers outside the Komtur office in Famagusta. Departures run roughly every 1–1.5 hours between 09:00 and 18:00. Seats are limited, so phone to reserve at least 1.5–2 hours in advance, or the day before if you can. Phone numbers and a map of the departure point are in our Kyrenia to Famagusta dolmuş guide.
Iskele to Famagusta
This route links Iskele’s coastal developments with central Famagusta. There are six departures in each direction on weekdays and four on Saturdays, with no service on Sundays. The first weekday bus leaves Iskele Old City at 06:40 and Famagusta at 07:35. Buses stop at Iskele Old City, Caesar Resort, Royal Sun and Lemar, among others, and fares are paid in cash to the driver. For all departure times, see our Iskele to Famagusta bus schedule.
Iskele to Nicosia
Run by Gece Otobüsleri, this is a weekday-only route that travels via Geçitkale. There are two morning departures from Iskele, at 06:00 and 08:30. Return buses leave Nicosia at 13:30 and 16:00; on Thursdays, the second departure leaves at 17:00 instead of 16:00. The fare is 270 TL from Iskele or 250 TL from Geçitkale. Stop-by-stop times are in our Iskele to Nicosia bus schedule.
Güzelyurt to Kyrenia
Çimen dolmuş vans run directly from Güzelyurt Bus Terminal to Kyrenia, with 6–7 departures between 07:00 and 18:00 (the 07:00 service doesn’t run at weekends). If you miss the direct service, you can take a Güzelyurt–Nicosia minibus to Gönyeli and change there for Kyrenia. Our Güzelyurt to Kyrenia bus guide compares both options.
Kyrenia – Alsancak – Lapta Minibus
This minibus line is the main link to the residential areas west of Kyrenia. It has no fixed timetable: minibuses run throughout the day, and fares depend on distance. Under the tariff introduced on 15 January 2026, the minimum fare is 80 TL and Kyrenia to Lapta costs 120 TL. See our Girne Lapta minibus fares page for the full price list.
Getting Around Within Towns
City Buses in Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta
The three largest cities all have local bus and minibus routes connecting the centre with residential neighbourhoods, university campuses and main roads. They’re handy for short daily trips, but services thin out in the evening. More and more routes accept AdaKart or contactless cards instead of cash, so check which payment methods your route accepts before you travel.
Iskele City Bus
Iskele has a local bus route linking the town centre with Long Beach and the surrounding residential complexes. It runs Monday to Saturday, with eight departures from Caesar Resort B Gate between 09:00 and 18:00; each loop takes about 45 minutes and serves 24 stops. A single fare costs 75 TL (September 2026). Cash is not accepted on this route; you pay with AdaKart only. Our Iskele city bus schedule has the full timetable and stops.
Getting To and From Ercan Airport
Airport Buses (KIBHAS)
KIBHAS runs the official bus service between Ercan Airport and Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Iskele, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Buses run around the clock, including overnight departures. At the airport, they leave from directly opposite the exit doors on the arrivals level.
| City | From Ercan | To Ercan | Fare (Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | 16 a day, 00:30–22:30 | 14 a day, 00:05–22:00 | 350 TL |
| Kyrenia | 16 a day, 00:30–22:30 | 14 a day, 00:05–22:00 | 450 TL |
| Famagusta / Iskele | 16 a day, 00:30–22:30 | 14 a day, 00:05–22:00 | 450 TL |
| Güzelyurt / Lefke | 11 a day, 00:30–22:00 | 9 a day, 00:30–22:00 | 550 TL |
The times shown are departures from each city’s main terminal; depending on your stop, the bus may pass 15–60 minutes earlier. You can buy tickets on kibhas.org, through the KIBHAS app or at the airport ticket desk. Children under five travel free, and two pieces of luggage up to a combined 30 kg are included. When heading to the airport, choose a bus that gets you there at least 90 minutes before your flight. For full timetables, see our Ercan Airport bus schedule, Kyrenia Ercan Airport bus and Famagusta to Ercan Airport bus guides.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are the fastest option but also the most expensive. They make sense if you land late at night, have a lot of luggage or are staying far from a bus stop. According to Rome2Rio (September 2026), typical taxi fares from Ercan are:
| Destination | Journey time | Estimated fare |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | ~20 min | €28–35 |
| Kyrenia | ~40 min | €40–55 |
| Famagusta | ~45 min | €55–70 |
| Güzelyurt | ~50 min | €65–80 |
| Lefke | ~1 hr 5 min | €85–110 |
These are estimates, so agree the fare with the driver before you set off.
Driving and Parking at Ercan
If you’re driving to the airport and leaving your car there, check the parking rates in advance. Our Ercan Airport parking fees guide has the current prices.
Arriving by Sea: Ferries from Turkey
If you want to bring your own car to the island, or travel without airline baggage limits, the ferry from Turkey to Kyrenia is a good alternative. Our guide on how to get to Cyprus from Turkey by ferry covers the ports, crossing times and ticket prices.
Bus Fares and Payment in 2026
A note on prices: Public transport fares in North Cyprus can change several times a year because of inflation and rising fuel costs. For example, the minimum fare on the Kyrenia–Lapta route rose from 55 TL to 80 TL on 15 January 2026, and the Iskele–Nicosia fare went from 200 TL to 270 TL between January and September 2026. All prices in this guide are accurate as of the date shown. Always check the latest fare with the operator or driver before you travel.
There is no single payment system on the island, and each route sets its own rules. The main options are:
- Cash (Turkish lira): Still the only option on some routes, such as Iskele–Famagusta. Drivers don’t always have change, so carry small notes.
- AdaKart: A cashless travel card for public transport. You can use it as a physical card or through the mobile app via QR code or NFC, and top it up at PayPoint kiosks, KKTCELL stores or online.
- Contactless bank card: Now accepted directly on many routes, although paying by card can cost more than AdaKart on some lines.
- Online tickets: Available for the Kyrenia–Nicosia bus and KIBHAS airport buses. On the Kyrenia–Nicosia route, booking online is cheaper than paying on board.
The shift away from cash is moving quickly. The Gönyeli-Alayköy municipality, for example, stopped accepting cash on public transport within its boundaries from 1 April 2026. If you’re staying on the island for a while, getting an AdaKart will make life much easier.
Timetables, Weekends and Seasonal Changes
Operating hours vary widely between routes. Kyrenia–Nicosia runs until just before midnight, and airport buses run overnight. By contrast, the last Famagusta–Nicosia bus leaves at 19:00, and the Iskele city bus and the Kyrenia–Famagusta dolmuş finish around 18:00; on route minibuses, expect longer waits in the evening.
Weekends need extra planning. The Iskele–Nicosia route doesn’t run on Saturdays or Sundays, and there’s no Sunday service on the Iskele–Famagusta route or the Iskele city bus. Timetables can also change on public holidays and between seasons, so over holiday periods it’s safest to contact the operator before you travel.
Tips for Students, Newcomers and Visitors
- Start your day early: Most services are concentrated in the morning and early afternoon, so plan your return trip within daytime hours as well.
- Carry both cash and a card: Small lira notes plus a topped-up AdaKart will cover every route.
- Avoid peak times if you can: Buses fill up with students and commuters between 08:00–09:00 and 16:00–17:30.
- Reserve dolmuş seats: On routes with only a few seats, such as Kyrenia–Famagusta, phone ahead to book.
- Check with the driver: Vehicles to different destinations can leave from the same spot, so confirm where yours is going before you board.
- Follow official channels: Operators usually announce timetable and fare changes on their websites and social media pages first.
When Public Transport Isn’t Enough
Public transport works well on the main corridors, but many villages, beaches and hillside residential areas are not served. If you need to travel in the evening, at weekends or off the main routes, having your own transport quickly becomes essential.
For short stays, our guide to car rental in North Cyprus covers prices and rental rules. If you’re staying longer, start with our guide to buying a car in North Cyprus, and check whether you can buy a car without a residence permit. On a tighter budget, see our picks of the best cars for students and the best used cars under £10,000, or consider an electric scooter for short trips. If you plan to drive, our North Cyprus driving licence guide explains what foreign residents need.
New to North Cyprus? How Pazar Kıbrıs Can Help
Whether you’ve come to study, moved for work or relocated with your family, your to-do list grows fast in the first few weeks: a place to rent, a car, some furniture, maybe a laptop or a phone. Pazar Kıbrıs is a North Cyprus classifieds platform for buying and selling new and second-hand items, and it can help you set up without overspending.
- Housing: Browse homes for rent and sale, including short-term rentals, in our real estate listings.
- Cars and vehicles: Find cars for sale and rent in our vehicles and cars categories.
- Home and kitchen: Second-hand furniture, appliances and kitchenware in our home and kitchen listings are the most affordable way to furnish a new place.
- Electronics: Find good-value second-hand phones, tablets and computers in our digital goods listings.
- Selling: When you leave the island or upgrade, you can post your own listing for free in a few minutes.
More guides for settling in: buying a used laptop in North Cyprus, where to buy bedding and home goods and where to buy stationery. You’ll find everything else in our Living in North Cyprus section.
Final Thoughts
Public transport in North Cyprus isn’t extensive, but with a little planning it’s affordable and practical. The Kyrenia–Nicosia and Famagusta–Nicosia routes run reliably throughout the day, dolmuş and minibuses fill many of the gaps, and KIBHAS buses provide a dependable airport link. The golden rule never changes: every route has its own timetable, fare and payment method, and prices change often. A quick check before you set off will save you time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are bus fares in North Cyprus?
Fares depend on the route. As of September 2026, the Iskele city bus costs 75 TL, Kyrenia–Nicosia costs 162 TL online, Famagusta–Nicosia costs 250 TL with AdaKart, Iskele–Nicosia costs 270 TL, and airport buses cost between 350 TL and 550 TL. Because fares are revised frequently due to inflation, check the latest price before you travel.
Can I pay for the bus in cash?
On some routes, yes. Iskele–Famagusta is cash only, while the Iskele city bus accepts AdaKart only. Carrying both Turkish lira and an AdaKart is the safest approach.
What is a dolmuş?
A dolmuş is a small shared minibus, usually with around eight seats, that runs between set points. Some routes, such as Kyrenia–Famagusta, require you to reserve a seat by phone.
Do buses run on Sundays in North Cyprus?
It depends on the route. Kyrenia–Nicosia and Famagusta–Nicosia run every day, but there is no Sunday service on the Iskele–Famagusta route or the Iskele city bus, and Iskele–Nicosia doesn’t run at weekends.
Is there public transport at night?
Most routes finish around 18:00–19:00. The last Kyrenia–Nicosia bus leaves at 23:55, and Ercan Airport buses run overnight. Otherwise, you’ll usually need a taxi at night.
How do I get from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia or Famagusta?
The cheapest option is the KIBHAS airport bus, with 11–16 departures a day to Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Iskele, Güzelyurt and Lefke and fares of 350–550 TL. A taxi is faster, at roughly €28–110 depending on your destination.
Can you live in North Cyprus without a car?
If you live in a town centre or close to a main route, you can manage with public transport. However, many villages, beaches and residential areas aren’t served and evening services are limited, so many residents eventually rent or buy a car.
