Car rental in Northern Cyprus – Our experiences, tips and everything you should know before booking

User review · Posted on June 2, 2026 · Philipp Herrmann

Car rental in Northern Cyprus – Our experiences, tips and everything you should know before booking.

Anyone who really wants to get to know Northern Cyprus should definitely explore the island by rental car, in our opinion.

Of course, you can spend your entire holiday on the beach or in a hotel. But many of the most beautiful places in Northern Cyprus are located away from the typical tourist centers. Historic towns, small mountain villages, hidden coves, nature reserves, and secluded beaches are often only easily accessible by car.

For us, a rental car is therefore now an essential part of every holiday in Northern Cyprus.

After many trips to the island, we would like to share our personal experiences with you and at the same time give you the most important information about rental cars, insurance, border crossings and driving on the left.

Why renting a car in Northern Cyprus is worthwhile

Northern Cyprus is larger and more diverse than many tourists initially suspect.

With a rental car you can, for example:

• Explore Long Beach near İskele

• visit the old town of Famagusta

• Discover the port of Kyrenia

• Visit the Bellapais Monastery

• visit the capital city Nicosia

• Explore the Karpaz Peninsula all the way to the island's tip

• Discover secluded natural beaches

• Visit traditional villages in the interior

It is precisely this freedom that makes it so appealing to us.

Over the years, we have repeatedly explored Northern Cyprus by car and were always amazed at how uncomplicated and flexible it is to travel around the island.

Booking a rental car – easier than many think

Booking a rental car in Northern Cyprus works basically the same way as in other holiday destinations.

Most providers offer:

• Small cars

• compact car

• Family vehicles

• SUVs

• Vehicles with automatic transmission

to.

Those traveling during peak season should book as early as possible. Modern automatic vehicles, in particular, are often booked up quickly.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Northern Cyprus?

Many travelers expect particularly low rental car prices.

However, our experience paints a somewhat different picture.

For a small car, you should generally expect to pay around 30 to 35 euros per day in Northern Cyprus. Depending on the season, vehicle class, and availability, prices can be significantly higher.

Therefore, it is often worth taking a look at the offers in the south of the island.

Rental cars in the south are an interesting alternative

If you are arriving via Larnaca Airport and plan to explore both North and South Cyprus anyway, renting a car from the south could be an interesting alternative.

We have had particularly good experiences with the provider AutoVillage Cyprus.

You'll be picked up directly at the airport and receive your rental car easily on site. Based on our experience, AutoVillage is one of the providers that allows trips to Northern Cyprus.

Important NOTE:

We have no business relationship whatsoever with AutoVillage and receive neither commissions nor any other benefits for mentioning the company. This recommendation is based solely on our personal experiences during several trips to Cyprus.

Regardless, we of course recommend that you check current ratings, rental conditions and insurance benefits yourself before every booking.

The unique feature of Northern Cyprus: The divided island

One important difference compared to many other holiday destinations:

Cyprus is divided into a northern and a southern part.

This political situation also affects rental cars.

Rental cars from Northern Cyprus

Most landlords in the north do not allow trips to the south.

Rental cars from Southern Cyprus

Many landlords in the south also prohibit trips to Northern Cyprus.

However, there are exceptions.

Anyone wishing to visit both parts of the island should definitely clarify this with the landlord before booking and have the permission confirmed in writing if possible.

The additional insurance for Northern Cyprus

Even if your rental company allows travel to Northern Cyprus, this does not automatically mean that the vehicle is insured there.

Therefore, you must take out additional insurance at the border to enter Northern Cyprus.

This insurance is mandatory.

Our experiences with it were consistently positive:

• uncomplicated process

• short waiting times

• manageable costs

Once the insurance policy is taken out, the required liability coverage for journeys in Northern Cyprus applies.

Pay attention to the opening hours of the border insurance.

An important point that many holidaymakers are unaware of:

The border crossings themselves are generally open around the clock.

However, the insurance offices for the necessary vehicle insurance are not.

We were told at the time that the counters would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, we have since learned that one shouldn't blindly rely on these hours.

We now generally plan border crossings so that we arrive at the border by 7 pm at the latest.

Why?

Because we made exactly that mistake once.

After a long day of vacation, we planned to drive to Northern Cyprus late in the evening. The result:

The insurance office was closed.

No entry without insurance.

In the end, we spent an unplanned night in the car right on the beach.

Today we can laugh about it. However, we don't need to experience this adventure a second time.

Our tip:

Plan your first border crossing for daytime if possible.

Driving on the left – no worries

Yes, in Northern Cyprus they drive on the left.

For most German tourists, this is initially unusual.

We had the same experience on our first visit.

Our experience:

After a day, you get used to it surprisingly well.

Especially at roundabouts and when turning, you should remain consciously attentive at first.

After that, driving quickly becomes routine.

What is it like to drive in Northern Cyprus?

Many holidaymakers expect chaotic traffic.

Our impression is actually much more positive.

Most road users drive in a relaxed and relatively considerate manner.

Of course, not everything always runs according to German order, but overall we find the traffic pleasant and not very aggressive.

That's exactly why we always felt very comfortable on the streets of Northern Cyprus.

Traffic rules are taken seriously

Anyone who believes that traffic rules are hardly enforced in Northern Cyprus is mistaken.

Police checks are not uncommon.

Regular checks are carried out:

• at roundabouts

• on main roads

• at town entrances

• on important connecting roads

Speeding can quickly become expensive.

Our advice:

Drive calmly, follow the rules and enjoy the scenery.

Eating and drinking while driving

One special feature that surprises many holidaymakers:

To our knowledge, eating and drinking while driving can be considered a distraction.

Before your trip, please check the current regulations.

Our tip regarding rental car insurance

Anyone who owns an American Express Platinum card should check the included insurance benefits.

Depending on the current scope of services, rental car insurance may be included, offering additional protection.

Since insurance terms and conditions are regularly updated, we recommend contacting American Express directly to inquire about the currently valid benefits and, in particular, to check whether Northern Cyprus is covered by the insurance.

Our personal conclusion

For us, a rental car is simply an essential part of a successful holiday in Northern Cyprus.

The freedom to spontaneously discover new places, take small detours, or visit remote beaches is a big part of the travel experience.

From the historic walls of Famagusta to the mountain villages around Bellapais and the natural beaches of the Karpaz Peninsula, we were only able to gather many of our most beautiful memories thanks to the flexibility of a rental car.

Yes, there are some special features:

• Driving on the left

• Border crossings

• Insurance

• Different rental car regulations

However, in our experience, these things are much simpler than many holidaymakers initially assume.

Those who inform themselves in advance can discover Northern Cyprus in a relaxed, flexible and independent manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a rental car in Northern Cyprus?

No. However, for most holidaymakers, a rental car is the most convenient way to explore the island flexibly.

Do they drive on the left in Northern Cyprus?

Yes. Like in the United Kingdom, they drive on the left.

Can I drive from Southern Cyprus to Northern Cyprus in a rental car?

Partly, yes. This depends on the individual landlord. You should definitely clarify this before booking.

Do I need additional insurance for Northern Cyprus?

Yes. When entering Cyprus with a rental car from the south, additional insurance is usually required at the border.

Can I take out the insurance around the clock?

Not necessarily. While the border crossings are open, the insurance offices are not always.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Northern Cyprus?

For a small car, you should usually expect to pay around 30 to 35 euros per day.

Is driving in Northern Cyprus dangerous?

In our experience, no. Anyone who drives attentively and obeys the traffic rules will quickly find their way around.

Do I need an international driving permit?

For most European travelers, a national driver's license is usually sufficient. However, please check with your rental company before your trip.

Which side of the island is better for booking a rental car?

It depends on your travel plans. If you're mainly traveling in the north, renting a car in Northern Cyprus is usually the easiest option. If you want to explore both parts of the island, you should also compare offers in the south.

Note regarding timeliness and liability

The information in this article is based on personal experience, independent research, and the knowledge available at the time of publication. Legal regulations, insurance terms, border restrictions, and rental car conditions are subject to change at any time.

Before your trip, please also check directly with your rental car provider, your insurance company and the relevant authorities about the currently applicable regulations.

We assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the information provided.