Public Transportation in Northern Cyprus
There is transportation in the TRNC, but it is quite peculiar and consists exclusively of buses and minibuses.
City Buses in Northern Cyprus
The bus fleet of Northern Cyprus is not modern, and the vehicles are more like minibuses in size, except for the city buses in Nicosia.
Classic city routes exist only in three cities of Northern Cyprus:
- Nicosia
- Kyrenia
- Famagusta
They connect the central parts of the cities and some districts, as well as universities. Additionally, it is possible to travel around the city on intercity buses or minibuses following their routes.
Intercity Buses in Northern Cyprus
These can be either old small-capacity Japanese buses or Mercedes Sprinter-type minibuses, sometimes even on the same route. Occasionally, a large-capacity bus may also be found on the same route.
Such buses connect major cities and may deviate from the route upon request to enter small villages—do not be surprised by this.
Main routes in Northern Cyprus:
(detailed information via links)
- Nicosia — Kyrenia
- Nicosia — Güzelyurt
- Nicosia — Lefke
- Nicosia — İskele
- Kyrenia — Famagusta
- Famagusta — Nicosia
- Famagusta — İskele
- Kyrenia — Güzelyurt
Minibuses in Northern Cyprus
The minibus service is called dolmuş, and their schedule is approximate. On the most popular routes from Kyrenia to the east and west, they run quite frequently, once every 20-30 minutes.
Main routes:
- Famagusta — İskele
- Kyrenia — Çatalköy
- Kyrenia — Alsancak — Lapta
Frequently Asked Questions about Buses in Northern Cyprus
How to pay for the fare?
In city buses — to the driver. On intercity routes, tickets are purchased at the ticket office if you depart from the final station. If you board along the route, you pay the conductor upon inspection (he boards before the bus leaves the city). If you board somewhere on the highway — to the driver when you get off.
Until what time do buses run in Northern Cyprus?
The frequency depends on the route and is not always adhered to. However, after 7-8 PM, it is impossible to travel anywhere in Cyprus using public transportation.
What is the fare in buses in Northern Cyprus?
In the city — about 20 lira. Intercity — depends on the distance. From Nicosia to Famagusta and İskele — over 100 lira, to Kyrenia and Güzelyurt — slightly less. But due to the depreciation of the lira and inflation on the island, prices are constantly rising.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…
