Rent a Car at Ercan Airport (ECN)

Ercan Airport (ECN) is northern Cyprus's only international airport, located approximately 18 km east of Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and about 13 km north of the border with southern Cyprus. With 10 rental companies on-site, selection is good and you can drive off immediately after landing. Kyrenia (Girne) is reachable in about 30 minutes and Famagusta (Gazimağusa) in about 45 minutes.

Ercan serves northern Cyprus and all flights connect through Turkey. The airport sits in the Mesaoria Plain surrounded by carob fields and is close to historic Enkomi/Alasia from the Bronze Age, approximately 40 km to the east. Check that your rental car insurance covers northern Cyprus – many southern providers don't cover the north and vice versa.

Roads in northern Cyprus are generally in good condition but signs may be in Turkish. Rent a car with automatic transmission if you're unfamiliar with left-hand driving combined with manual gears. Can I drive a car rented at Ercan to southern Cyprus?

It depends on the rental company. Many northern providers don't permit driving south of the border. Check the terms carefully when booking.

How long does it take to drive from Ercan to Kyrenia? Kyrenia (Girne) is approximately 35 km north via the motorway and takes roughly 25–30 minutes. Do people drive on the left in northern Cyprus too?

Yes, all of Cyprus – both north and south – drives on the left, just like in the UK.

We compare prices from all major providers at Ercan Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.