For anyone who wants to bring their own car to the island, travel without the baggage limits of a flight, or simply enjoy a relaxed sea crossing over the Mediterranean, the ferry is the most practical way to reach Cyprus. As of 2026, every Turkey–North Cyprus ferry service is operated by Akgünler Denizcilik across three separate routes: Taşucu–Kyrenia, Anamur–Kyrenia, and Mersin–Famagusta. Fast sea buses cut the crossing to as little as 1 hour 45 minutes, while car-carrying night ferries reach the island in 5–6 hours. Turkish citizens don’t need a passport; a valid ID card is enough.
In this guide, prepared by Pazar Kıbrıs, you’ll find step by step which route suits you, up-to-date ticket prices, and everything you need to know before you travel.
Table of Contents
Cyprus Ferry Routes: From Where to Where?
Sailings that once ran from ports such as Alanya and Antalya have ended. Today, three routes operate regularly between Turkey and North Cyprus. Which one you choose depends largely on where you’re headed on the island and whether you’re bringing a vehicle.
Taşucu – Kyrenia: The Busiest, Most Established Route
Running from Taşucu Port, in the Silifke district of Mersin, to Kyrenia Port, this is the backbone of Turkey–Cyprus sea travel. It offers both a fast sea bus and a car-carrying night ferry. Fast crossings take around 2.5 hours, while the night ferry takes 5–6 hours. Sailings run year-round — a few days a week in winter, rising to almost daily in the summer season. Who is it best for? It’s the first choice for travelers heading to Kyrenia, Nicosia, Güzelyurt, and the western part of the island, as well as anyone bringing a vehicle across to Cyprus.
Anamur – Kyrenia: The Shortest Sea Route Between Turkey and Cyprus
Departing from Anamur, on the coastal road between Mersin and Antalya, the Akgünler 3 sea bus reaches Kyrenia in just about 1 hour 45 minutes. This route carries foot passengers only; vehicles are not accepted. Who is it best for? It’s a practical option for passengers without a vehicle who want the fastest possible crossing, and for those travelling from Antalya and the Western Mediterranean.
Mersin – Famagusta: A Direct Crossing to the East of the Island
The R/R Marin ferry departs Mersin Port and arrives at Famagusta Port on the island’s eastern coast. This overnight sailing carries both passengers and vehicles. Who is it best for? It’s the most logical route for travelers heading to Famagusta, İskele, Karpaz, and the eastern region, as well as those who prefer the convenience of departing from Mersin city centre. Arriving directly in Famagusta saves considerable time compared with driving east overland from Kyrenia.
Fast Sea Bus or Night Ferry?
Akgünler Denizcilik runs sailings with two different vessel types depending on your needs. Knowing the difference between them is the key to choosing the right ticket.
Fast Sea Bus (Catamaran)
Operating during daytime hours, these vessels keep travel time to a minimum. The fleet includes fast sea buses such as Akgünler 3, Grand Master, and Flying Anka; of these, Grand Master is among the fastest options, covering the Taşucu–Kyrenia route in about 2.5 hours. You travel in enclosed, air-conditioned passenger lounges with comfortable seating. It’s the best option for passengers without a vehicle who want to save time.
Car-Carrying Night Ferry (Ro-Pax)
Capable of carrying cars, motorcycles, and caravans, these large ferries usually depart late at night and arrive at port toward morning. On the Taşucu–Kyrenia route, Via Mare handles this service and offers passengers private cabins for a fee. Since staying inside your vehicle during the crossing isn’t permitted, passengers rest in the lounges or cabins. It’s the go-to choice for those travelling with plenty of luggage or their own vehicle.
2026 Cyprus Ferry Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by season, vessel, and passenger category. And because each port applies different departure taxes, there’s also a price difference between the two directions of the same route. The table below reflects one-way, adult foot-passenger fares (unless otherwise noted) taken from Akgünler’s official booking site for the late July – early August 2026 period. Since prices can change from day to day with demand, it’s important to check the exact amount at the point of purchase:
| Route | Vessel Type | Duration | One-Way Foot Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taşucu → Kyrenia | Fast sea bus / night ferry | ~2.5 hrs (fast) · ~5–6 hrs (night) | approx. 3,000 – 3,500 TL* |
| Kyrenia → Taşucu | Fast sea bus / night ferry | ~2.5 hrs (fast) · ~5–6 hrs (night) | 3,069 – 3,541 TL |
| Anamur → Kyrenia | Fast sea bus (Akgünler 3) | ~1 hr 45 min | 2,206 – 2,442 TL |
| Kyrenia → Anamur | Fast sea bus (Akgünler 3) | ~1 hr 45 min | 2,729 – 2,965 TL |
| Mersin → Famagusta | Night ferry (R/R Marin) | Overnight | 1,068 TL |
| Famagusta → Mersin | Night ferry (R/R Marin) | Overnight | 1,595 TL |
*The figure shown for the Taşucu → Kyrenia direction is an approximate range; it’s best to confirm the exact fare when booking. Prices are for the late July – early August 2026 period and are for one-way foot passengers.
Vehicle Crossings and Car Fees
The night ferries on the Taşucu–Kyrenia and Mersin–Famagusta routes carry cars, motorcycles, and caravans. The vehicle fee is calculated on top of the passenger ticket and rises considerably depending on the vehicle type. For example, on the Famagusta → Mersin route, the total fare for 1 passenger + 1 car was around 12,831 TL during the same period. So if you’re travelling with your vehicle, plan your budget around the vehicle-inclusive total rather than the foot-passenger fare; you’ll see the exact figure on the purchase screen after entering your vehicle details.
Ferry or Plane? Which Should You Choose?
There are two main ways to reach Cyprus: flying into Ercan Airport, or crossing by sea on the ferry. The right choice depends on your priorities.
- The plane is the fastest; you can reach Ercan in a short time from many points across Turkey. If you don’t have a vehicle and speed is your only concern, the plane stands out.
- The ferry lets you bring your car, motorcycle, or caravan to the island; there’s no baggage limit, and it’s more economical for foot passengers in most periods. It also offers a different kind of journey, with Mediterranean views along the way. In return, port procedures and travel time are longer than by plane.
In short: if you’re crossing with a vehicle or a lot of belongings, the ferry makes more sense; if you only want fast transport, choose the plane.
Where and How to Buy Ferry Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at akgunlerbilet.com. When you select a date and route in the system, you’ll see the exact price and seat availability for that day. Because sailings fill up quickly, especially in summer and during holiday periods, it’s recommended to buy your ticket at least a few weeks in advance. If you’d rather not book online, you can also buy tickets at the counters in Kyrenia, Taşucu, Mersin, and Famagusta ports. If your return date is set, buying a round-trip ticket together is often more cost-effective.
Documents Required for the Journey
- Turkish citizens: A valid Turkish ID card is sufficient; a passport isn’t required. Those entering with an ID card can stay on the island as tourists for up to 90 days.
- Foreign nationals: A valid passport is required. The TRNC provides entry convenience to citizens of many countries; even so, it’s worth checking current entry requirements before you travel.
- Those crossing with a vehicle: You must have your vehicle registration and driver’s licence with you. If the vehicle isn’t registered in your name, a notarised power of attorney is required. You’ll also need to take out traffic insurance valid on the island; this can be arranged at the port on entry.
How to Reach the Ports
- Taşucu Port: Located in the Silifke district of Mersin. It’s around 1–1.5 hours from Mersin city centre by road, and easy to reach by intercity bus or private car.
- Mersin Port: Close to the city centre and the easiest port to reach.
- Anamur Port: On the coastal road between Mersin and Antalya; a practical departure point for travelers coming from the Western Mediterranean.
At all three ports, allowing enough time before departure is important — particularly for vehicle crossings.
Practical Tips Before Your Trip
- Be ready at the port at least 2 hours before departure for check-in and security procedures; this can take even longer for vehicle crossings.
- In winter, sailings may be cancelled or postponed due to bad weather. Confirm your sailing’s status by phone or on the website before you set off.
- For a comfortable night-ferry journey, reserve a cabin when you buy your ticket; the number of cabins is limited.
- Sailing days vary by season; check the current timetable before purchasing for exact days and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ferry to Cyprus take?
By fast sea bus, Anamur–Kyrenia takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and Taşucu–Kyrenia about 2.5 hours. On car-carrying night ferries, the journey takes 5–6 hours.
How much is a Cyprus ferry ticket?
For the late July – early August 2026 period, one-way foot-passenger fares vary by route: Anamur–Kyrenia is roughly 2,200–2,965 TL, Taşucu–Kyrenia around 3,000–3,500 TL, and Mersin–Famagusta in the 1,068–1,595 TL band. For vehicle crossings, a separate car fee is added on top.
Which ferry route is the shortest?
The Anamur–Kyrenia route, at around 1 hour 45 minutes, is the shortest sea route between Turkey and Cyprus. It carries foot passengers only.
Do I need a passport to cross to Cyprus by ferry?
Not for Turkish citizens; a valid ID card is enough. Foreign nationals must carry a passport.
Can I take my car to Cyprus by ferry?
Yes. The night ferries on the Taşucu–Kyrenia and Mersin–Famagusta routes carry cars, motorcycles, and caravans. The vehicle fee is calculated separately from the passenger ticket.
Are there cabins on the night ferry?
Yes. On the Via Mare ferry on the Taşucu–Kyrenia route, private cabins can be rented for a fee. As cabins are limited, it’s best to reserve one when buying your ticket.
Is the ferry or the plane cheaper?
For foot passengers, ferry tickets are more economical than flights in most periods. For those travelling with a vehicle or who don’t want to be limited by baggage allowances, the ferry is effectively the only alternative.
