If you move to Cyprus or go on holiday there, transportation is one of the first things you will encounter.
The island is not large, but the distances between towns and villages can be surprising, and public transport works a little differently than you are used to here.
In this guide you will discover everything about transport in Cyprus:
from public transport to taxis and car rental, including useful local tips and realistic expectations.
Public transport in Cyprus is simple, affordable, and reliable within the larger cities, but less efficient in rural areas. There are no trains on the island, so buses are the backbone of public transport.
Intercity buses run frequently between, for example, Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia. Tickets are cheap (often €2 – €5 per ride) and can be paid for in cash to the driver. Most buses have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even USB charging points available.
For those who regularly want to explore outside the city or reach remote beaches and really explore the island, a rental car is more convenient.
Types of buses:
Tickets & prices:
Tip: Schedules aren't always punctual. Use Google Maps or the official Cyprus Public Transport app to check current departure times.
For those who truly want freedom, a rental car is the best choice. Renting a car is therefore the most popular mode of transportation in Cyprus.
Cyprus is a large island and has so much to offer that you can really see everything with a car: deserted bays, mountain villages, vineyards and ruins.
If you want to visit a lot of sights, then having your own car is always the best and cheapest option.
Don't always need a car? Then you can also opt for "RideNow." It's an app that lets you unlock cars via QR code and pay per kilometer/time.
Taxis are widely available and a comfortable option, especially for short journeys or airport transfers.
Unlike in Belgium or the Netherlands, you see them less often on the streets; you usually order them by phone or app.
In coastal towns such as Paphos, Ayia Napa or Protaras, Scooters, Quads and Buggies are popular with tourists.
Rental conditions:
Although Cyprus is anything but a cycling paradise, cycling is gaining popularity, especially among sporty travellers.
Possibilities:
Relevant information
Generally speaking, yes. Drive on the left and watch for speed cameras.
In Cyprus, you drive on the left, which can take some getting used to for drivers from countries where driving is on the right. Start slowly, preferably choose an automatic transmission, and pay extra attention to roundabouts and intersections.
After a short adjustment period, driving becomes smooth for most people. Be aware that at roundabouts, the wrong approach is from the right.
Not with a standard rental car. Ask about special border insurance.
In the cities, yes. In the countryside, they are less frequent.
Rates vary by city, distance, and time of day. For short city trips, expect a starting rate of a few euros plus a fee per kilometer.
Night surcharges and baggage fees may be extra. Always ask if the meter is used or agree on a fixed price in advance, especially for airport transfers
From Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO), you can choose between intercity bus, pre-booked (shared) transfers, taxis, or picking up a rental car directly. If you're traveling with a lot of luggage or outside of bus hours, a pre-booked transfer or taxi is the most convenient option
Fueling is cheaper than in Belgium/the Netherlands. Rental prices start from €15-€20/day.
In Cyprus, they drive on the left because the island was a British colony until 1960. After independence, Cyprus decided to retain the British traffic system, just like Malta and several other former British colonies. You get used to it surprisingly quickly, but when renting a car, always be sure to pay attention to roundabouts and exits, as that is where things go wrong most often.
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