How to Get from Kyrenia to Esentepe and Back

The Kyrenia — Esentepe minibus (dolmuş) is one of the most convenient ways to reach the eastern coast of Northern Cyprus without a car. It passes through Çatalköy, Alagadi and other settlements, and the fare is around 100 TL.

• Dolmuş route
• Main stops
• Schedule
• Fare
• Where to board the minibus
• Frequently asked questions

Kyrenia — Esentepe dolmuş route

The minibus departs from Kyrenia Old Town and follows the coastal road towards Esentepe. Along the way, it passes through several settlements and stops when requested by passengers.

Main points along the route:

• Kyrenia;
• Ozanköy;
• Çatalköy;
• Arapköy;
• Alagadi Beach;
• Esentepe.

Some services continue towards Tatlısu after Esentepe. If you plan to travel beyond Esentepe, it is best to check the final destination with the driver before boarding.

Main stops

The dolmuş passes near many residential complexes, beaches, restaurants and shops. Passengers can usually board and get off at almost any safe place along the route.

To board the minibus, simply signal to the driver. To get off, let the driver know in advance where you need to stop.

Schedule

These routes most often operate at intervals without a fixed timetable. This means that you follow the flow: come to the boarding point and wait for the next dolmuş.

• During the day: intervals are often 10–30 minutes (they may be longer on longer routes).
• In the evening: intervals become longer; in winter, services are usually less frequent than in summer.
• End of service: a general guideline is around 19:00–20:00, but this depends on the season and day of the week.

Kyrenia → Esentepe

On weekdays:
07:30, 11:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30

On weekends and public holidays:
from 08:00

Esentepe → Kyrenia

On weekdays:
06:45, 09:00, 13:00, 15:30, 17:30

On weekends and public holidays:
from 07:15

The schedule may change depending on the season and public holidays, so it is recommended to check the departure time before travelling.

Which transport to take

• Dolmuş (route minibus) — the main way to reach.
• Taxi — an option for late hours or if you need door-to-door travel without waiting.

If you plan to travel late in the evening or with luggage, you can compare transfer options for the route: KiwiTaxi or GetTransfer (availability and conditions depend on the route).

Fare

«Fiyat listesi» means the fare. The journey between Kyrenia and Esentepe costs around 100 TL per person. Payment is made directly to the driver in cash.

Where to board in Kyrenia

• Kyrenia centre: dolmuşes serving most routes usually gather in the central part of the city and on the main streets.
• Practical guideline: look for a minibus displaying the sign for your destination and ask the driver how far it goes.

If you plan to return late (after approximately 19:00–20:00), you can check transfer options in advance: KiwiTaxi or GetTransfer.

Useful tips

• Check the final destination: services to more distant destinations may not always go “all the way to the end”, so always ask the driver.
• Allow extra time: on longer routes, the wait may be longer than on coastal routes.
• In the everning: after 19:00–20:00, transport may run infrequently; plan your return journey in advance.
• Payment: usually only cash in TL is accepted.

For navigation and communication on the road, a travel eSIM can sometimes be convenient: Drimsim (conditions and rates depend on the package).

If you are considering renting a car instead of using dolmuşes for trips around the villages, you can compare options from local rental companies: Localrent.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the route start?

The minibus departs from Kyrenia Old Town.

Can I get off outside a stop?

Yes. If the place is safe for stopping, the driver will usually let passengers off on request.

Do I need to buy a ticket in advance?

No. The fare is paid to the driver during the journey.

How much does the fare cost?

Around 100 TL per person.

Do the minibuses run every day?

Yes, the route operates daily, although the schedule may change on public holidays and depending on the season.