Europe > 🇹🇷 Turkish Occupied Cyprus
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Turkish Occupied Cyprus can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Turkish Occupied Cyprus; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Turkish Occupied Cyprus?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Turkish Occupied Cyprus?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Turkish Occupied Cyprus
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|
🚗 Car or No Car Travel Guide to Northern Cyprus
Should you rent a car in Northern Cyprus? (SEO phrase used twice)
Many travellers ask: should you rent a car in Northern Cyprus? The answer depends on your plans. The region has limited public transport, spread-out coastal towns, and historic sites that are easier to reach by road. So, should you rent a car in Northern Cyprus? Yes, if you want full freedom to explore outside the main cities.
🚶 When You Might Not Need a Car
| Location | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Kyrenia (Girne) | Walkable harbour, restaurants, castle | Walking, taxi |
| North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) | Compact old city, mostly pedestrian | Walking |
| Famagusta (Gazimağusa) | Old city is contained and walkable | On foot or taxi |
| All-inclusive resorts | Transfers included for guests | Hotel shuttle |
➡ If you’re staying in one town or doing short visits, a car is optional.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
| Reason | What You Gain |
|---|---|
| Independence | Explore beaches, ruins, villages |
| Scenic coastline | Drive the Karpaz Peninsula |
| Access to remote sites | Reach Kantara Castle, monasteries |
| Time efficiency | Avoid long bus waits |
Top Self-Drive Routes
| Route | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Kyrenia → Bellapais Abbey | Mountain village, monastery |
| Kyrenia → Karpaz Peninsula | Wild donkeys, golden beaches |
| Famagusta → Salamis Ruins | Ancient city by the sea |
⚠ Important Car Rental Rules
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You drive on the left-hand side (same as in the south and Türkiye)
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Turkish Cypriot rental cars are insured only in the North
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To cross into the Republic of Cyprus (south), you must buy additional border insurance, and not all companies allow this
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International rental brands like Hertz or Avis are not typically present; most rental companies are local
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local buses | Limited routes | Infrequent, mostly town-to-town |
| Taxi | Easy to use | Can become expensive for long distances |
| Tour groups | Good coverage | Ideal for historic and nature sites |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Resort-only visitor | ❌ No | Shuttles available |
| City explorer | ❌ No | Walkable centres |
| Explorer and beach lover | ✅ Yes | Best for remote areas |
| History and culture enthusiast | ✅ Yes | Access castles and ruins |
| Nature traveller (Karpaz) | ✅ Yes | No practical public transport |
✨ Final Takeaway
Northern Cyprus is beautiful but spread out, with limited public transport outside main towns. Renting a car is the best way to explore its stunning coastline, historical ruins, and mountain roads.