Ferries

🚢Ferry Services in North Cyprus: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to North Cyprus, one of the most popular and scenic ways to arrive is by ferry. Ferry services provide a convenient connection between Turkey and North Cyprus, offering travelers an alternative to flying. Whether you’re bringing your car over, traveling with family, or simply looking to enjoy the sea journey, here’s your complete guide to ferry services in North Cyprus.
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⛴Main Ferry Routes to North Cyprus

Currently, ferries run between Turkey and North Cyprus across the Mediterranean. The two main ports in North Cyprus are:

📌 Girne Harbour – the most popular arrival point for passengers.
📌 Famagusta Port – a larger commercial port also serving passengers and vehicles.

From Turkey, ferries typically depart from:

📌 Mersin
📌 Alanya
📌 Taşucu

The Taşucu – Girne route is the busiest, running multiple times per week, while ferries from Mersin and Alanya operate less frequently.
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⛴️Types of Ferries

There are two main types of ferries operating between Turkey and North Cyprus:

• Passenger-Only : Quicker journey (~2–3 hours depending on route) designed for foot passengers.
• Car & Passenger Ferries (Ro-Ro): Larger, slower (5–7 hours) carry both passengers and vehicles.
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🛠️What to Expect on Board

Ferries are generally comfortable and include:

• Seating lounges
• Snack bars and cafés
• Restrooms
• Open decks with sea views

If you’re taking an overnight or longer journey, some ferries also have sleeping cabins available for extra comfort.
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🎟️How to Book Ferry Tickets

Tickets can be purchased:

• Online via ferry operators’ websites
• At local travel agencies in Turkey or North Cyprus
• Directly at the port before departure

It’s recommended to book in advance during peak travel periods (summer months, holidays, and festivals), especially if you’re traveling with a car.
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🧳Luggage and Vehicle Transport

• Foot passengers can bring luggage similar to airline allowances. Check with operator for exact limits.
• Vehicles can be transported, but make sure paperwork and insurance are valid for North Cyprus.
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📝Travel Tips

• Bring your passport and check visa requirements before traveling.
• Arrive at the port at least 1–2 hours before departure, especially with a vehicle.
• Pack snacks and water, particularly for longer routes.
• Ferry schedules can be affected by weather; confirm departure times close to your travel date.
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⛴Why Travel by Ferry to North Cyprus?

• Scenic route: Enjoy Mediterranean views along the way.
• Convenience: Especially handy if you’re traveling from southern Turkey.
• Flexibility: Perfect for those wanting to bring their own car for exploring North Cyprus.
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Updated Ferry Operators & Routes (2025)

Here are the main ferry operators, active routes in 2025, timetables, and fares to help you plan.

📌Taşucu (Turkey) → Girne - IDO - Daily sailings for the 2025 season (from ~May 27 to Sept 28) Departures from Taşucu at ~14:30, arriving Girne ~17:30. Return trip departs Kyrenia ~10:00, arriving Taşucu ~13:00. ~3 hours Starting price ~ 2,250 Turkish Lira for an economy fare one-way.

📌Anamur (Turkey) → Girne - ANTSO Denizcilik - Service started mid-2024, continuing into 2025. Frequency is less than daily (varies by season). ~1.5 hours (fast service) from Anamur, since it is the closest Turkish point to Cyprus.
More affordable fares, especially for foot passengers. Vehicles likely possible, but check with ANTSO.

📌Taşucu ↔ Girne (Full / Multiple Departures) - Akgünler Denizcilik -Several sailings per week. For example, in early September 2025: departures around 14:00 each day, plus late evening / overnight ferries at ~23:30 in some days. ~2.5-3 hours for the fast crossings; overnight/longer ones for slower vessels. Price range (foot passenger) from ~€60-€70 on cheaper sailings; with vehicles or for premium services prices go up.
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📍Other Key Details for 2025

👉Seasonality: Some routes are only active during the warmer months or tourist season. For example, the IDO Taşucu–Girne service has its season explicitly from late May to late September.

👉New or Improved Piers / Ports: The Anamur Seaplane and Ferry Pier has been renovated and is now operational for ferries, with customs facilities.

👉Vehicle Transport: On many of these routes you can bring a car or motorbike; but the extra cost or booking in advance is advisable.

👉Tickets & Booking:
o Book via the operators’ official websites (e.g. IDO, ANTSO, Akgünler Denizcilik).
o If schedules/tickets not show for certain dates, it indicates days with no service.
o Always verify as you approach the date.
o For overnight / slower routes, expect more amenities and possibly cabin options.

👉Passport / Entry Requirements:
o Turkish citizens generally can cross with national ID for many of these routes.
o Foreigners should have a valid passport. Check visa requirements depending on origin.
o Passport must meet validity requirements.
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📋Sample Itineraries

To give an idea of how this works in practice, here are a couple of sample itinerary options:

1. Afternoon Departure from Turkey, Arrive in North Cyprus the Same Day
o Depart Taşucu at ~14:30 via IDO or Akgünler fast ferry.
o Arrive in Kyrenia around 17:30.
o Overnight stay, exploring Kyrenia harbour/district.

2. Overnight Ferry
o Take a later ferry at ~23:30 from Taşucu with Akgünler Denizcilik’s slower / overnight vessel.
o Arrive next morning in North Cyprus (Kyrenia) early.

3. Quick Crossing Option from Anamur
o Depart early from Anamur (~morning) with ANTSO fast service, travel 1.5 hours.
o Good if you’re coming from southern Turkey and want to minimize time at sea.
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📝Tips to Avoid Surprises

• Check schedules just before your travel, because times can shift, especially in off-peak / bad weather.
• If traveling with a vehicle, book your spot well in advance as vehicle capacity is limited.
• Confirm your ferry is “fast” (no cabins, foot passengers mostly) vs “overnight / slow” (more amenities).
• Be mindful of port arrival times (often 1-2 hours earlier needed) for vehicle check-in, customs, etc.
• Keep some flexibility in your travel if you miss a ferry due to delays or cancellations.
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📞Useful Numbers

📞Akgünler General Directorate +90 392 444 4364
📞Akgünler Girne Port Office +90 392 815 6002
📞Famagusta Port (Immigration) +90 392 366 5310
📞Girne Port (Immigration) +90 392 815 1799
📞Karpaz Gate Marina (Immigration) +90 392 371 2333
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✨ Conclusion

Whether you’re a tourist visiting for the first time or a local traveling back and forth to Turkey, North Cyprus ferry services are an affordable, practical, and enjoyable way to cross the Mediterranean.