Some time ago, I mentioned in this post how to best get to North Cyprus. But how does one continue from there, especially when arriving at Ercan Airport?
Whether you choose a taxi or a shuttle depends on your budget, group size, and schedule flexibility. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Taxis: Offer 24/7 door-to-door service. Costs range from $57.15 (Nicosia) to $152.40 (Karpaz). Best for groups or destinations not covered by shuttles.
- Shuttles: Budget-friendly with fixed schedules. Prices start at $26.67 per person for major destinations like Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta. Ideal for solo travelers.
Quick Comparison
| Destination | Taxi Fare | Shuttle Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | $57.15 | $26.67 |
| Kyrenia | $63.50 | $27.94 |
| Famagusta | $63.50 | $26.67 |
| Iskele | $69.85 | N/A |
| Guzelyurt | $76.20 | N/A |
Key Takeaway: Taxis are faster and more flexible, while shuttles are cheaper for solo travelers heading to major cities. Pick based on your priorities.
Transfer Options at Ercan Airport
Ercan Airport provides two main ways to travel to your destination in Northern Cyprus: taxis and shuttle services. These options cater to different preferences and budgets.
Taxi Service Details
Taxis are available around the clock, offering door-to-door service with no waiting time. You can choose from a range of vehicles to suit your needs. Private transfers can be booked in advance, with prices starting at approximately $19.15 for a trip to Nicosia (about 19 miles) and $19.77 to Kyrenia (around 26 miles). If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, scheduled shuttles might be a better fit.
Shuttle Service Details
Kibhas operates scheduled shuttle services connecting Ercan Airport to major cities like Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Morphou, and Lefka. These shuttles are a convenient choice for many of the airport’s 4 million annual passengers.
Price Comparison: Taxis vs Shuttles
Costs by Destination
Here’s a quick look at current transfer prices:
| Destination | Taxi (4-seater) | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia (North) | $57.15 | $26.67 |
| Kyrenia (Girne) | $63.50 | $27.94 |
| Famagusta | $63.50 | $26.67 |
| Iskele | $69.85 | N/A |
| Guzelyurt | $76.20 | N/A |
| Lefke | $82.55 | N/A |
| Bafra | $107.95 | N/A |
| Karpaz | $152.40 | N/A |
What Affects These Prices?
Several elements influence the cost of your transfer:
- Seasonal Demand: Prices tend to rise during peak tourist times when demand is higher.
- Booking in Advance: Locking in your ride early can save money. Services like MyTransfers even guarantee the final price.
- Vehicle Type and Group Size: Standard 4-seater taxis have fixed rates, but larger vehicles or added features like baby seats may come with extra charges.
- Distance and Popular Routes: Longer trips naturally cost more. Many popular destinations are about 40 minutes away.
- Included Services: Base fares typically cover tolls, parking fees, and driver tips.
For solo travelers, shuttles are the most budget-friendly option for destinations like Nicosia, Kyrenia, or Famagusta, with fares starting around $26–$28 per person. However, if you’re traveling in a group of 3–4, splitting a taxi fare can sometimes work out cheaper than individual shuttle tickets.
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Benefits and Drawbacks
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using taxi and shuttle services.
Taxi: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✓ Door-to-door service | ✗ Typically higher fares compared to shuttles |
| ✓ Immediate departure, no waiting | ✗ Less budget-friendly for solo travelers |
| ✓ Faster travel with direct routes |
Taxis stand out for their convenience and flexibility. For example, if you’re traveling to a location like Caesar Bay (Tatlisu) where shuttles aren’t available, taxis are your only option. Covering about 30 miles (48 km) in roughly 43 minutes, the estimated fare is $65 per vehicle.
Shuttle: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✓ Budget-friendly fares (starting at ~$7 to major centers) | ✗ Operates on fixed schedules |
| ✓ Great for solo travelers | ✗ Stops only at main city locations |
| ✓ Reliable for major destinations | ✗ Shared rides mean less privacy |
Shuttles are ideal for those looking to save money, especially solo travelers heading to key cities like Nicosia, Kyrenia, or Famagusta. However, their rigid schedules and limited stops can be a drawback for those needing more flexibility.
Choosing between these options depends on factors like group size, destination, and timing. Taxis are a better fit for larger groups or trips to areas outside shuttle routes, while shuttles are a cost-effective solution for solo travelers sticking to major city hubs.
Pick Your Best Option
Looking at both cost and service, here’s how to decide which travel option works best for you.
When to Choose Taxis
Taxis are a great choice in situations like these:
- Late-night arrivals: Taxis operate 24/7, making them perfect for after-hours travel.
- Heading to remote areas: If you’re traveling to places like Caesar Bay that shuttles don’t serve.
- Immediate departures: No waiting around for schedules – just hop in and go.
- Small groups: If you’re traveling with 2-3 people, splitting the $43 fare to Nicosia can be a smart move.
If you’re able to plan around fixed schedules, though, shuttles can save you quite a bit.
When to Choose Shuttles
Shuttles are ideal for those who prioritize saving money over flexibility. Here’s why:
- Solo travelers: Intercity fares start as low as $3-4, making it an affordable option.
- Budget-friendly for groups: Daily intercity tickets are available for just $16.
- Shared transport benefits: Great for those who prefer shared rides for a smaller environmental impact.
Tips to Save Money
Want to stretch your travel budget at Ercan Airport? Try these simple strategies:
- Book in advance: Pre-booking your transfer often gets you better rates.
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Consider multi-day passes:
- Weekly bus tickets: $22
- Monthly passes: $43
- Do the math for groups: Compare the cost of splitting a taxi fare versus buying individual shuttle tickets to find the best deal.
Conclusion
When deciding on the best transfer option, weigh the balance between cost and convenience. Taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door service, with fares typically ranging from $43 to $65. For instance, a taxi to Kyrenia costs about $54, while the Kıbhas shuttle to the same destination is roughly $8.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Shuttle services are ideal for solo travelers or those trying to save money.
- Taxis can be cost-effective for groups of 3–4, as splitting a $43 fare to Nicosia often matches the price of individual shuttle tickets.
- Time-sensitive travelers will appreciate the immediacy and direct routes of taxis, while those with flexible schedules can take advantage of shuttle savings.
For eco-conscious travelers, the shared nature of shuttles makes them an appealing option. However, for destinations like Caesar Bay – often outside standard shuttle routes – private taxis remain the most practical choice, even with their higher price.
