What is the best way Ireland to North Cyprus

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 13:16

At the present,travel Belfast--Stanstead, Stanstead-Ercan.

Don`t really want to fly to Larnaca.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 13:30

I think their is a Dublin v Ercan flight that might be better for you.



Chris

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 14:07

Nurse is correct but you will have to make a stop at Turkey - http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Dublin-DUB/Ercan-ECN/market.html

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 14:20

I don't think that there is a Dublin/Ercan flight. CTA used to fly Belfast to Ercan, but stopped that route along with Glasgow a few years ago unfortunately.



Off season we fly Belfast City to Heathrow, overnight at one of the cheap hotels, then BA into Laranaca. Reverse on the way back. Booked well in advance it is a good price.



Since our BA flight last month was cancelled because of the volcano, we booked with Travel Republic. Going out with Thomas Cook from Belfast for 4 weeks on the 19TH May into Larnaca for £234 each.



I wouldn't be put off going into Larnaca, I think that it is much easier than sitting for the hour on the plane in Turkey, and it is only about an extra 40 minutes travelling to Kyrenia.



We have also done the early morning flight from Belfast to Manchester and then to Ercan at noon, though that is more expensive and if the flight from Belfast is delayed, it's a bit of a panic.

dublinderm


Joined: 26/09/2009
Posts: 538

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 14:26

Hi Paddywack,



I fly with Turkish Airlines from Dublin to Ercan via Istanbul. If you choose the correct day to travel the stopover in IST is only about 1 1/2 hours (the wrong day is 6 hours). The only real drawback is the return journey with a flight at 0500 from ECN if you want to be back in the one day.



I have chosen to stay over in Istanbul for a night so as to avoid the redeye flight. It will add to your costs but is well worth it. If you want to try this option, you will not be able to book online but will need to visit the TK desk in Dublin airport where Winnie or Caroline will arrange an itinerary at no extra cost over the online price. Phone (00353) 01 8447920.



I will be on duty a DUB tomorrow night (Monday) you can call me on 087 6949928 if you would like me to speak to the girls. Check on line first though. Prices are currently running at about €400 return.



Good Luck,





Dermot

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 15:02

Thanks for all the information folks

Larnaca is out of the question,I have said on the board before "buy in the North then fly to the North.

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 16:25

paddywack,



I would love to agree with you and when we have flights once again from Belfast to Ercan, I would of course take that route. Meanwhile, why shouldn't anyone take the easiest or cheapest option?

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
02/05/2010 16:52

Agreed, a matter of choice, and principle.

dublinderm


Joined: 26/09/2009
Posts: 538

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 01:16

Paddy,



One thing - you do not say where on the island of Ireland you are traveling from.



There are many new options that could save you time and money. Belfast at £234 sounds very good, but if you factor in the costs of fuel, and car parking somethings else may suit better.



I agree with both yourself and Ballyboffin about flying into Larnaca. I feel really uncomfortable and as if I am being watched.



DD

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 01:23

msg 6 Paddywack - well said & hear hear! I have never, and will never, fly to the south - I wouldn't give them my money! I think we should all try to use Ercan when possible - you know the saying 'if you don't use it you may loose it!'



Maggie

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 11:33

Maggie,



I commend you for your stance and would indeed prefer to fly to Ercan rather than Larnaca, but in order for the Northern Irish to do that, we have to firstly get to England, incurring the extra expense.



CTA or Turkish Airlines to Ercan are the only ones who will allow stays of longer than 3 weeks so it isn't even an option to go with Pegasus if you want to stay for a month.



Having costed the flights from Belfast/Manchester/Ercan I would be paying around £450.

Flying Belfast to Larnaca with Thomas Cook the fare is £234.



Sorry, but that is a big difference to pay in order to 'Support The North'

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 11:54

I'm with you Ballyboffin regarding the price difference, better in your pocket than anyone elses. I do think you are incorrect regarding not being able to use Pegasus for stays longer than three weeks, open this link and enter some dates - http://www.flypgs.com/en/

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 12:35

cooper,



I had a look on there and they do say that Pegasus flights are maximum duration of 21 nights.

The price was from £280 and I would still have to get to Stansed or Manchester.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 12:53

Ballyboffin, could you please tell me where abouts exactly on their website it states maximum stay 21 nights, maybe i should have gone to Specsavers Also you would only be able to fly from Stansted because they dont do Manchester to Ercan.



Cooper

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:00

cooper,



Put in return dates for 28 nights, then go to try to book. The next page comes up ERROR flights are only for a 21 night duration.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:12

Thats not happening to me, it lets me book flights for any duration right through to asking for payment.

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:21

It is opening a Cyprus Premier window and it says that there are flights from Manchester as well, but still a 21 night duration ???????????????????



Don't know how you are getting any duration.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:22

Have you opened the link i gave in Msg12 ?

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:29

That link is only showing flights to Turkey ?

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:33

Open this link, and then in the drop down windows on the left enter London-Stansted in the from & Lefkosa in the to - http://www.pegasusairlines.com/en/

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 14:49

Ah, got it now. Thanks cooper.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 15:02

Your welcome

Toonie


Joined: 18/07/2009
Posts: 78

Message Posted:
03/05/2010 15:49

I always use Pegaus and always stay 2 to 3 months. Currently arrived 11th April and leaving the end of June

Never had a problem with flights over 21 days.

Noeler


Joined: 23/01/2009
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
04/05/2010 00:33

I have travelled Dublin to Larnaka with Lufthansa with stop over in Frankfurt (about 5 hours, so enough time to get train into town for a late lunch !), but taxi transfer adds to cost. Also travelled Dublin to Stanstead with Ryanair and then Pegasus to Ercan but two airline combo can be nightmare ( eg recent disruption with volcanic ash).



I agree with Dermot that the best option is Turkish Airlines Dublin - Istanbul - Ercan. I travelled this way 2 weeks ago and was able to complete booking on thy.com