Getting around Cyprus
From Larnaca and Paphos airports to intercity buses, taxis, and hire cars, here's everything you need to navigate the island with confidence. Remember that Cyprus drives on the left.
Airports
The Republic of Cyprus has two international airports in the government-controlled south, and almost every visitor arrives at one of them:
Larnaca International Airport
Larnaca, southeast coast
The island's busiest airport and the main gateway for Nicosia, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. About a ten-minute drive from Larnaca town
Paphos International Airport
West of Paphos, southwest coast
The handier arrival point for Paphos, Coral Bay, Limassol, and the Akamas peninsula. Smaller than Larnaca but well served by seasonal flights
Getting from the airport to your base
Taxis & ride-sharing
Urban & Rural Taxis
Licensed taxis wait at both airports, the ports, hotels, and town centres. Urban taxis inside a town run on a meter, while rural and intercity taxis use fixed tariffs, so agree the price before you set off. Fares are quoted in euros, with a small surcharge at night and on public holidays.
Ride-Hailing Apps
App-based services such as Bolt operate in the main towns and can be handy for short urban hops. Coverage is thinner in rural areas, so for airport runs and out-of-town trips a licensed taxi or a pre-booked transfer is often more reliable.
Hiring a Driver for the Day
Many visitors hire a taxi driver for a half or full day to tour the island. Agree the route and total fare up front. Drivers double as informal guides to beaches, wine villages, and viewpoints.
Hotel Transfers
Many resorts arrange airport transfers, sometimes included in the rate. Book in advance through your hotel, especially for late-evening arrivals when taxis can be scarcer.
Public transportation
Intercity Buses
A national intercity network links the main towns, including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa. Fares are inexpensive and paid in euros. Services run frequently on weekdays, with fewer departures in the evening and at weekends, so check timetables before you set out.
Urban Town Buses
Each district runs its own urban bus company covering the town and nearby resorts. In summer, seasonal routes connect Ayia Napa and Protaras with their beaches. Buy a ticket from the driver, or a day pass if you plan several trips, and tap on as you board.
Airport Shuttle Buses
Shuttle coaches connect Larnaca and Paphos airports with the main towns at a low fixed fare, a budget-friendly alternative to a taxi. Confirm the route and the last departure that fits your flight, especially for early or late arrivals.
Renting a car
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom to explore the island at your own pace, and it is the easiest way to reach the Troodos mountains, the Akamas peninsula, and quieter beaches. A valid driving licence held for a couple of years is generally accepted for tourist stays. Note that Cyprus drives on the left and uses kilometres per hour.
Good to Know
- •International and local agencies have counters at both airports and around the main towns
- •A valid driving licence from your home country is generally accepted for tourist stays
- •An International Driving Permit can help if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet
- •Minimum age and deposit conditions vary by agency, so confirm when booking
- •Hire cars carry red number plates, and fuel is sold by the litre and paid in euros
Watch Out For
- •Drive on the LEFT, including at roundabouts, with speeds posted in km/h
- •Rough, unpaved tracks into the Akamas and to remote beaches (a higher-clearance car helps)
- •Goats and the occasional flock straying onto rural and mountain roads
- •Steep, winding Troodos roads and poorer lighting outside the towns at night
- •Always photograph the car before driving off
Ferries & boats
Cyprus has no scheduled passenger ferries to the mainland, but boats reach the wrecks, sea caves, and coves that are best seen from the water:
- Catamaran and cruise day trips - boats leave from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Latchi, and Limassol marina for swim-stop cruises along the coast, with lunch and bar options
- Zenobia wreck dives - the Zenobia, a ferry that sank off Larnaca in 1980, is one of the world's most highly rated wreck dives and is reached by short boat charters from Larnaca
- Blue Lagoon cruises - boats from Latchi run to the clear turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas peninsula, a popular swim and snorkel stop
Quick cost comparison
| Transport | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Urban bus (single) | Around €1.50 | Short hops within a town |
| Bus day pass | Around €5 | Hopping on and off all day |
| Intercity bus (one way) | Around €4-9 | Budget travel between towns |
| Taxi (urban, metered) | From around €4 plus distance | Convenience around town |
| Car hire | €25-55/day | Exploring Troodos and quieter beaches |
| Airport shuttle bus | Around €8-9 | Low-cost airport transfers |
Need more travel tips?
Check out our local insider tips to make the most of your Cyprus visit.