Northern Cyprus Air Travel

For air travellers there are two principal routes to Northern Cyprus. Firstly you may fly into Ercan airport. This is the main International Airport of the TRNC and is a spacious modern airport located approximately fifteen minutes from Nicosia. General Airport enquiries (0090) 392 231 4806.

For political reasons all aircraft arriving at Ercan from the UK have to touch down in Turkey en route. In practice this is less of a nuisance than it sounds as one is rarely on the tarmac very long and one stays on the plane. It is a little longer if there is a crew change but even then it is still normally less than one hour.

The national carrier is Cyprus Turkish Airlines. There are regular scheduled flights from Stansted, Heathrow and Manchester, with a seasonal service from Gatwick, Belfast and Glasgow. For flight availability and timetables please contact CTA. They have a website and online booking service at www.kthy.net

Secondly you may fly into the south (the Republic of Cyprus) into Larnaca airport and drive across the border. At Hillcrest we can arrange for someone to meet you from your flight and take you directly to your accommodation in the North. Crossing the border presents no problem to EU passport holders who are free to cross backwards and forwards as they choose. The other principal airport in the south is Paphos to the west. As this means a very much longer transfer to the border we would not recommend this.

The benefit of flying into Larnaca is that there is a wide choice of airlines, departing from a wider choice of UK airports. Most airlines have online booking services. Below are some of the major airlines websites.

British Airways
Cyprus Airways
First Choice
Excel Airways
Tom Fly (Thomas Cook)
Monarch Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Sun Express
Pegasus Airlines

Northern Cyprus Car Hire

Driving in the TRNC is not difficult, especially as driving on the left will be familiar to anyone from the UK. Major routes are signposted and the country is small enough for it to be difficult to get very lost. Sometimes the standard of local driving leaves something to be desired so it is sensible to exercise caution at junctions. There are some etiquette differences from the UK such as the flashing of headlamps. Here it is not an invitation to proceed but a warning "I am coming through". Some minor roads are poorly surfaced but with a degree of caution which is prudent anywhere, drivers should not encounter any particular difficulties.

At Hillcrest we can arrange car hire for you if you should wish. We have access to a number of companies with modern, well maintained and air conditioned vehicles.

* You will need a valid driving licence from your country of residence.
* Foreign driver's licenses are only valid for three months from your entry to Northern Cyprus.
* Highway speed limits are set at 100km/h and 65 to 60 km/h.
* Speed limits are enforced by radar devices and cameras.
* Front seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts.
* Children are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.
* Using a cell (mobile) phone while driving is not allowed.
* As in any country you should not drink and drive.
* Rentals can not be taken to the South of the island (South Cyprus, over the green line).
* Most car hire companies require you to be of at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car.

Recently there have been various signs posted on major highways that indicate that there are speed traps that are enforced by cameras. It is advised that you drive as you would drive elsewhere in the world where speed limits are enforced.

Also if you plan on travelling to the south while staying in Northern Cyprus you will have to find an alternate means of transport while in the South. It is possible to park your car and then walk across the border.

Hillcrest Property Consultants
Kyrenia
Northern Cyprus
TRNC
Tel: (0044) (0)1634 778344
Email: info@hillcrest-cyprus.com