Tales of a border crossing: going from Larnaca to North Cyprus

Time is the great leveler of life. Once the clamor for change dies down, people just get used to what they do. This is how life has worked out for many people in the divided country of Cyprus. The southern two-thirds of the island is the part supported by the Greeks. The northern third is Northern Cyprus supported by Turkey.

Traveling from South Cyprus to North Cyprus and vice versa was somewhat impossible for several years after the establishment of the TRNC in the North. But in 2003 the restrictions were eased. It made access to both sides across the UN Green Line much easier, opening up new possibilities for tourism.

How to get to North Cyprus from the South

Many people traveling to Northern Cyprus choose to fly into Larnaca International Airport in Southern Cyprus. Why? Convenience!

Northern Turkey is not yet formally recognized as a country, except for Turkey. Therefore, it has had to endure a series of embargoes that, to be clear, prevent international air travel to its main airport in Ercan. The only direct flights to Ercan are from Turkey. So if you are flying from the UK, for example, you need to enter Istanbul and connect with a flight to Ercan to get to Northern Cyprus.

Flying to Larnaca is direct, faster and easier!

Larnaca arrivals

For tourists arriving at Larnaca airport, the best way to reach North Cyprus is to opt for car rental and airport transfer with a North Cyprus car rental company.

Too often, North Cypriot taxi drivers tell stories of the difficulties encountered by tourists trying to enter the north from the south in a Larnaca-based rental car. Some people are denied entry because their car rental agreement does not allow them to travel north.

The stories are often true, and it is better to hear them than to experience them firsthand!

If you’re thinking of transferring to the airport instead of renting a car, it’s worth noting that South Cyprus airport transfer companies tend not to transfer clients to North Cyprus. Once in Larnaca, it will be difficult to find someone in the south to take you north!

This leaves you with two options:

1. You rent a car in the south and hope things don’t get too complicated at the intersection!

Prayed

2. Use a North Cypriot company to pave the way and handle the paperwork at the border.

Of course, the choice is yours, but if you want to go easy on yourself, option 2 is highly recommended!