Cyprus, Nicosia

How to get independently from Larnaca Airport to your destination in Northern Cyprus

Updated: 3 months ago

From Larnaca Airport (Republic of Cyprus, southern part) to your destination in Northern Cyprus, you can travel by public transport as follows: Kapnos Airport Shuttle to Nicosia (approximately 45 minutes), then a city bus to the Central Bus Station, walk to the Ledra Street Checkpoint (pedestrian crossing), and after crossing — take a minibus (dolmuş) to your desired city. This option is usually 80–100 EUR cheaper than a taxi, depending on the situation.

From Larnaca Airport to Northern Cyprus, besides taxis, you can use public transport. This is one of the most budget-friendly travel options.

If you have few belongings and want to cross the border on your own, the "bus — walk — bus" combination works well. After the Larnaca Airport border control, exit into the main hall and head left to the ticket/registration counter for the bus.

Kapnos Airport Shuttle counter at Larnaca Airport

Step-by-step route

How to do it

  1. At Larnaca Airport, buy a Kapnos Airport Shuttle ticket to Nicosia and board the next available shuttle.
  2. Upon arrival at the Nicosia bus station, transfer to a city bus to the Central Bus Station.
  3. From the Central Bus Station, walk to the Ledra Street Checkpoint, go through passport control, and cross the dividing line on foot.
  4. On the northern side of Nicosia (Lefkoşa), find a minibus to your desired city in Northern Cyprus and travel to your destination.

Buy a Kapnos Airport Shuttle ticket to Nicosia and take the next available shuttle. Tickets can also be purchased in advance on the company website.

Kapnos Airport Shuttle ticket (Larnaca — Nicosia)

The trip takes approximately 45 minutes to the Central Bus Station.

Exit the bus and walk to the right from the station along the road. Cross the street and board a city bus that will take you to the final stop at the Central Bus Station.

From the Central Bus Station, you can walk to the Ledra Street Checkpoint — a pedestrian crossing in central Nicosia where passport control is conducted for crossing between the southern and northern parts of the island.

Old town of Nicosia near Ledra Street crossing Pedestrian Ledra Street Checkpoint in Nicosia

Ledra Street is located in the old town. It usually takes about 10 minutes to walk to the minibus stop/stand for your desired direction. Example fare for the Lefkoşa–Girne route is 80–100 TL, with a travel time of approximately 35-45 minutes.

Compared to a taxi, this route usually saves 80–100 EUR and also allows you to explore central Nicosia on foot.

Time and cost

Section Time Cost Notes
Larnaca (airport) → Nicosia about 45 minutes Kapnos fare Kapnos Airport Shuttle, tickets available online
Bus station → Central Bus Station depends on circumstances city bus fare City route in Nicosia
Walk to Ledra Street Checkpoint about 10–20 minutes 0 Includes orientation and pedestrian flow
Lefkoşa → destination in Northern Cyprus depends on route dolmuş fare Minibus (dolmuş) on the chosen route

What to consider at the border

Ledra Street Checkpoint is a pedestrian control point in central Nicosia. Documents are checked at the crossing, so keep your passport handy. Entry/crossing rules depend on your nationality and current requirements, so it is useful to check conditions for your passport and necessary documents before your trip.

Glossary

Kapnos Airport Shuttle — a bus company operating routes between airports in the Republic of Cyprus (southern part) and cities including Nicosia.

Ledra Street Checkpoint — a pedestrian control point in Nicosia for crossing between the southern and northern parts of the island.

Dolmuş — a minibus with a fixed route, commonly used for intercity travel in Northern Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a Kapnos ticket in advance?

Yes, tickets are usually available online at kapnosairportshuttle.com, as well as at the airport counter.

Where to cross the dividing line on foot?

One of the easiest options in central Nicosia is the Ledra Street Checkpoint (pedestrian crossing).

How much is a minibus (dolmuş) from Lefkoşa to Girne?

Approximate fare — 80–100 TL per trip. Prices may vary depending on the operator and season.

How long does the entire journey take?

Usually a few hours, considering transfers, waiting times, and border control. The Kapnos trip to Nicosia takes about 45 minutes, with additional time depending on the chosen route in Northern Cyprus.

Is this route suitable if I have a lot of luggage?

If you have a lot of luggage, this option may be less convenient due to transfers and the walking section in central Nicosia. In that case, a transfer or taxi is usually preferred.

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