Public transport in Northern Cyprus
As of January 2026: public transport in Northern Cyprus consists of city buses, intercity buses, and minibuses (dolmuş). City routes are mainly available in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta. Payment is usually made in cash, but recently, terminals allowing card payments have been installed on buses: in city buses — to the driver, on intercity buses — at the ticket office at the bus station or to the inspector along the route. Price guide: around 20 TL within the city, between cities — usually from 150 TL for longer routes. After 19:00–20:00, using public transport is generally difficult.
Public transport exists in Northern Cyprus, but it is rather peculiar and mostly consists of buses and minibuses.
City Buses in Northern Cyprus
The bus fleet is not new, and the vehicles are often closer in size to minibuses, except for the city buses in Nicosia.
Classic city routes are mainly available in three cities of Northern Cyprus:
- Nicosia
- Kyrenia
- Famagusta
City routes usually connect central districts and specific parts of the city, as well as universities. Additionally, intercity buses or minibuses can be used to travel within the city along their routes.
Intercity Buses in Northern Cyprus
On intercity routes, both small-capacity older Japanese buses and Mercedes Sprinter-type minibuses are found. On the same route, larger buses may sometimes appear.
These services connect major cities and can occasionally deviate from the route on request, visiting small villages.
Main Routes in Northern Cyprus
- Nicosia — Kyrenia
- Nicosia — Güzelyurt
- Nicosia — Lefke
- Nicosia — İskele
- Kyrenia — Famagusta
- Famagusta — Nicosia
- Famagusta — İskele
- Kyrenia — Güzelyurt
Minibuses in Northern Cyprus
Minibuses are usually called dolmuş. Their schedules are approximate: on the most popular routes from Kyrenia to the east and west, vehicles run fairly frequently — about every 20–30 minutes.
Main Routes
- Famagusta — İskele
- Kyrenia — Çatalköy
- Kyrenia — Alsancak — Lapta
- Kyrenia — Famagusta
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Cyprus Buses
How to Pay for Travel
In city buses, payment is usually made to the driver. On intercity routes, tickets are purchased at the ticket office if you depart from the terminal station. If boarding along the route, payment is usually made to the inspector during inspection. If boarding on the highway, payment is most often made to the driver upon exiting. Contactless card payment is also possible, and tickets can be purchased in advance and a QR code scanned upon boarding via the Adakart app.
Bus Operating Hours in Northern Cyprus
Frequency depends on the route and is not always maintained. Generally, after 19:00–20:00, public transport runs rarely, so late trips are better planned with a taxi or private car.
Fare Costs
| Route/Type | Approximate Price | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Within the city | around 20 TL | Usually paid to the driver |
| Nicosia — Famagusta / Nicosia — İskele | 250–280 TL | Price depends on the carrier and period |
| Nicosia — Kyrenia / Nicosia — Güzelyurt | around 150 TL | Price depends on distance and period |
Prices fluctuate due to inflation and the Turkish lira exchange rate, so it is best to check current fares before traveling.
Glossary
Dolmuş — a minibus/shared taxi with a fixed route and approximate schedule.
TL — Turkish Lira, the main currency used in Northern Cyprus.
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