Ercan Airport (ECN): KIBHAS Bus or Private Transfer to Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta?

Vixride Editorial • • 4 min read
Ercan Airport (ECN): KIBHAS Bus or Private Transfer to Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta?
The KIBHAS bus from Ercan goes to the Nicosia and Kyrenia bus stations. What that means for hotels on the coast, drive times by car, and when a private transfer is worth it.

Short answer: the KIBHAS airport bus from Ercan (ECN) runs to the bus stations in Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and Kyrenia (Girne), so it suits travellers staying in one of those town centres. For hotels in Alsancak, Lapta, Esentepe, Bafra, Iskele or on the Karpaz peninsula you need onward transport from the bus station, while a private transfer takes you straight to the door.

Ercan is North Cyprus's international airport, about 20 km east of Nicosia. Flights to Ercan operate only from Turkey: travellers from the UK and the rest of Europe change planes at a Turkish airport such as Istanbul on the way. Plan your onward journey around a landing time that can shift with that connection.

Your options on arrival

  • KIBHAS airport bus — leaves from the stop opposite the arrivals exit. As of April 2026 the fare is 300 TL to Nicosia and 400 TL to Kyrenia; tickets are sold on the bus or online at kibhas.org, where you also find the current timetable and routes.
  • Private transfer — a vehicle only for your group, priced per vehicle. The driver follows your flight and drives you straight to your hotel, villa or address, with no stops and no other passengers.
  • Taxi — at the rank outside arrivals. Fares differ between companies, so agree the price before you set off.

How far is it by private transfer?

DestinationDistanceDrive time
Nicosia (Lefkoşa)≈ 20 km~25 min
Famagusta (Gazimağusa)≈ 50 km~40 min
Çatalköy≈ 42 km~40 min
Kyrenia (Girne)≈ 45 km~45 min
Esentepe≈ 45 km~45 min
Iskele / Long Beach≈ 55 km~45 min
Alsancak≈ 55 km~50 min
Lapta≈ 60 km~55 min
Güzelyurt≈ 60 km~55 min
Bafra≈ 75 km~60 min
Karpaz peninsula≈ 120 km~110 min

When the airport bus works

  • You stay in central Nicosia or Kyrenia, within easy reach of the bus station.
  • You travel light and your flight lands at a time the timetable on kibhas.org covers.

When a private transfer is the better choice

  • Your hotel is outside the towns: Alsancak, Lapta, Çatalköy and Esentepe on the north coast, Bafra and Iskele / Long Beach on the east coast, or the Karpaz peninsula, around 120 km from the airport.
  • You travel as a family or group: the price is per vehicle, not per person, and child seats are free on airport transfers.
  • Your connecting flight through Turkey runs late: the driver follows the actual landing time and waits up to 60 minutes after landing at no charge.

Good to know before you land

  • Traffic in North Cyprus drives on the left.
  • The local currency is the Turkish lira. Our drivers accept cash in EUR, USD, GBP or TRY, or a card, and you pay in the vehicle on the day: nothing is charged in advance.

Where to meet your driver

After baggage claim, walk out of the arrivals hall: your driver waits at the exit holding a Vixride sign with your name. Six hours before pickup you receive the driver's phone number, the vehicle's licence plate and the exact meeting point by WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a bus from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia?

Yes. The KIBHAS airport bus runs to Kyrenia (Girne) bus station; as of April 2026 the fare is 400 TL. Check the timetable on kibhas.org before you travel.

How long is the drive from Ercan Airport to Kyrenia?

About 45 km, roughly 45 minutes by car without stops.

Are there direct flights from the UK to Ercan?

No. Flights to Ercan come only from Turkey, so travellers from the UK connect at a Turkish airport such as Istanbul.

Can I pay my transfer in pounds or euros?

Yes. You pay the driver in the vehicle, in cash (EUR, USD, GBP or TRY) or by card.

Compare the fixed price for your group on the Ercan Airport transfer page. For the general pros and cons of shared and private transfers, see our shared vs private transfer guide.

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