Renting a car in Cyprus is the best way to explore the island in complete freedom. Whether you want to discover the bustling cities of Larnaca and Limassol, seek out hidden beaches, or head into the breathtaking Troodos Mountains, with a rental car you set your own pace.
Furthermore, Cyprus is a fairly large island, so renting a car is actually indispensable. Taxis are relatively expensive and public transport is not yet optimal. Do you want to save on expensive taxi rides and explore the island at your leisure? Then a rental car (or a RideNow) is the smartest choice. Since 2025, “Bolt” is also quite interesting.
In this blog post I discuss:
- What to look out for when renting a car
- The best and most reliable car rental companies
- Traffic rules in Cyprus
- RideNow: the flexible alternative for short-term rentals
What should you pay attention to when renting a car in Cyprus?
Before you rent a car, there are a few important points to consider:
| Subject | Important details |
|---|---|
| Drive on the left | In Cyprus, you drive on the left side of the road. It seems tricky, but you quickly get used to it. |
| Minimum age | Minimum age 21 (sometimes 25 for luxury cars). Some local rental companies rent from age 18. |
| Driving license | A European driving license is sufficient. No international driving license is required. |
| Deposit & Insurance | Usually, payment by credit card. Check if your insurance covers damage to windows, tires, and the underbody. |
| Extras & Surcharges | Child seats, GPS and one-way rentals may incur additional charges. |
Tip: Always make a video of the car before you leave, so you don't have any discussions about damage afterwards.
Reliable car rental companies in Cyprus
Based on reliability, prices, and service, we have selected three reliable car rental companies.
1. easyRentaCar Ltd – Best local choice in Paphos
Why? This family business in Paphos offers fair prices with no hidden costs. The service from “George & Kula” is personal, flexible, and they have many good reviews. Additionally, they have been in business for over 30 years, making them one of the first car rental companies in Cyprus.
Pros:
- No credit card required, often no deposit needed
- Free additional driver included
- Affordable prices, especially in low season
Website: www.easyrentacarltd.com
2. Sixt Car Rental – International top choice
Why? Sixt is a globally recognized brand with several locations in Cyprus, including Larnaca and Paphos Airports.
Pros:
- Large fleet – from economy to luxury cars
- Multilingual staff & easy online booking
- Regular discounts on long-term rentals
Website: www.sixt.com
3. Simila Cyprus – Local specialist
Why? Ideal for those Paphos and Limassol staying personalized service at competitive prices.
Pros:
- Free pick-up and drop off at hotels
- No hidden costs
- Cars in excellent condition
Website: www.simila-cyprus.com
Car rental in Cyprus: Prices
The prices below are indicative and based on the low season. Rates can be significantly higher during the high season (June–August). Prices vary by rental company and availability, so book well in advance.
| Car category | Price per day | Price per week |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €15 – €25 | +/- €200 |
| Comfort | €25 – €35 | +/- €375 |
| Family | €35 – €40 | +/- €450 |
| Luxury | €60 – €120 | +/- €600 |
Traffic rules in Cyprus
Here are some important traffic rules you need to know:
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on provincial roads, and 100 km/h on the motorway — even though many drivers do not adhere to them.
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille.
- Mobile phone use: although you do see it regularly, using a handheld phone is prohibited.
- Parking: Paid parking has long been the norm in Cyprus's city centers, but there are still many free parking spaces available. Free parking is hardest to find in Limassol; in Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa, it is still quite common. Tip: More and more cities are using a parking app (such as Novoville in Limassol); it is handy to check before you park.
Cyprus has been installing more and more speed cameras and traffic cameras since 2026. Although fines for speeding are reasonable, other violations can be substantial. Stick to the rules and pay close attention to the signs, even on roads that seem quiet.
The alternative: RideNow: flexible cars without long rental contracts
want to rent a car for a long period , but only need one occasionally? Then RideNow a perfect alternative.
How does RideNow work?
RideNow is a car-sharing platform in Cyprus. Via the app, you can easily rent a car by the hour or by the day, without being tied to a long rental period. The cars are mostly spread across the four major cities: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, including both airports.
Step 1: Download the RideNow app and create an account.
Step 2: Find an available car near you.
Step 3: Unlock the car with your smartphone and start driving!
Step 4: Return the car to a RideNow parking spot when you're ready.
How much does RideNow cost?
Price per hour: From €5 – €8 depending on the type of car.
Price per day: €30 – €60, including insurance and fuel.
No deposit needed and no credit card required.
Advantage: RideNow is ideal for those who do not need a car for several days, but want to use a vehicle occasionally.
Website: www.ridenow.tech
Renting a car in Cyprus: why it is worth it
Cyprus is beautiful, but without a car you miss many beautiful spots.
With a rental car, you explore the island at your own pace, without being dependent on expensive taxis or unreliable public transport.
Tip: Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to get the best deals!
