Ercan International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (ECN)

Ercan Airport is the main gateway to the northern part of Cyprus, administered as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and recognized only by Turkey, approximately 13 km from downtown Nicosia.

Due to its unrecognized international status, it does not receive direct flights from Europe: every international flight must first make a technical stop in a Turkish city (typically Istanbul), where entry requirements to Turkey also apply for transit passengers.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: ercanhavalimani.aero

How to get to Ercan International Airport

Nicosia (the northern part) is approximately 13 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi. Kyrenia (Girne), another popular tourist destination, is approximately 25 km away (30-35 minutes).

By Car

Those arriving by car (remembering that you drive on the left, as in the rest of the island) reach Nicosia in approximately 15-20 minutes; Kyrenia requires approximately 30-35 minutes.

By Train

Cyprus does not have a railway network.

By Bus

A shuttle bus service connects the airport to Nicosia and Kyrenia, coordinated with flight schedules.

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Tips Remember that every international flight to Ercan makes a technical stop in Turkey: if you have a Schengen visa but not a Turkish one, verify the transit requirements anyway. If you plan to cross the Green Line towards the Republic of Cyprus (common practice and normalized at official checkpoints, including the one at Nicosia), always carry your passport and check the most current regulations, especially for a car rental that needs to cross.

Average travel time to ECN

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus15-20 minutes (Nicosia), 30-35 minutes (Kyrenia)

Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (Nicosia), 30-35 minutes (Kyrenia)

Parking near Ercan International Airport

The airport manages an official parking area right in front of the terminal.

It is not staffed with dedicated personnel; rates are generally reasonable compared to parking at southern island airports.

How to get to Nicosia from ECN

By Train

Cyprus does not have a railway network.

By Bus

A shuttle bus service connects the airport to Nicosia and Kyrenia.

By Taxi

Taxis wait in the arrivals area; roughly 50-55€ equivalent in Turkish lire to Nicosia, 65-75€ to Kyrenia (fares in lire have risen significantly due to inflation: always verify the current amount).

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Car rental at Ercan International Airport

Local car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area.

Bring a driver's license, passport and credit card registered to the driver for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit is generally also required. Traffic is on the left. If you plan to cross into the Republic of Cyprus, always verify in advance whether your contract permits it.

Hotels near Ercan International Airport

Ercan connects northern Cyprus almost exclusively with Turkey, through which all flights pass, and it is about 23 km from Lefkoşa (North Nicosia), with taxis, hotel shuttles, or the KIBHAS scheduled bus service as the main transfer options. The most convenient base remains the walled Old City, on the northern side of the border that divides the city: here you'll find restored Ottoman houses overlooking the alleys of Arabahmet and the streets near Famagusta Gate. Many of Nicosia's large international hotels, by contrast, are on the southern side, in the Republic of Cyprus, beyond the crossing: they aren't a practical base for anyone arriving from Ercan without a specific reason to cross the border.

City centre

Walled Old City (North Lefkoşa)

About 23 km from the airport, 25-30 minutes by car or taxi; KIBHAS shuttles connect the airport to the center with 12 runs a day between 8:10am and 00:30.

Best for: Travelers who want restored Ottoman houses, the alleys of Arabahmet, and the Venetian Walls within walking distance of the room.

Pros

Restored stone, Ottoman-style houses, concentrated in the Arabahmet quarter and near Famagusta Gate
The Venetian Walls, Ledra Street, and the historic bazaars are all just minutes away on foot

Cons

Narrow streets inside the walls, often without direct car access right up to the door
No sea nearby: for the coast of Girne (Kyrenia) you need a car or an organized excursion

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport offers essential services consistent with its role as the primary air gateway to northern Cyprus.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area is available with a selection of Turkish and local products, including lokum (the celebrated sweets) and halloumi cheese.

Lounges & relaxation

There are no private lounges, but the bar and dining area remains a comfortable alternative before departure.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the terminal. For a local SIM, Turkish operators Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom have counters in the airport.

Families & Children

Families in transit can rely on basic assistance in waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for tourist traffic, mainly from the Turkish market. It typically takes 10 minutes to walk from check-in to the gate.

Security checks are generally fast; for international flights (with a stopover in Turkey), it is still recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours early, also accounting for the technical stop duration.

Map of Ercan International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why are there no direct flights from Europe to Ercan?

Because of the unrecognized international status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: every international flight must make a technical stop in a Turkish city, typically Istanbul, where Turkey's entry requirements also apply to transiting passengers.

Q. Can you cross into the south of Cyprus when arriving at Ercan?

Yes, at the official Green Line crossing points (including the one in Nicosia) it's common practice for tourists: always carry your passport and check the current guidance, especially with a rental car.

Q. What currency is used in the north of Cyprus?

The Turkish lira, although the euro is widely accepted in tourist areas such as Kyrenia.

Q. Does European roaming work in Ercan?

No: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where Ercan airport is located, is not part of the European Union, so the 'roam like at home' rates that apply in the Republic of Cyprus to the south don't apply here. It's worth checking your provider's non-EU rates or getting a local Turkish SIM.