Getting Around Cyprus
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use local buses for Nicosia and Limassol. Rural: Rent a car for Troodos Mountains exploration. Beaches: Buses and taxis to coastal areas. For convenience, book airport transfers from Larnaca to your destination.
Bus Travel
Intercity Buses
Efficient bus network connecting major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos with frequent services.
Cost: Nicosia to Limassol €5-10, journeys 1-2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Cyprus Public Transport app, website, or onboard. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Bus Passes
Day Pass offers unlimited travel for €5 (1 day) or €15 (7 days) across the island.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus stations, official website, or app with instant activation.
Rural Bus Options
Villages and mountain areas connected by local buses to main hubs like Troodos.
Booking: Schedules online, infrequent services so plan ahead, discounts for seniors/students.
Main Hubs: Nicosia Central Station, with connections to Larnaca and Paphos depots.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Troodos and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €25-50/day at Larnaca Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: No toll roads on the island, free access to all highways.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid zones €1-2/hour in tourist cities like Ayia Napa.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.40-1.60/liter for petrol, €1.30-1.50 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Nicosia during rush hours and around Limassol beaches.
Urban Transport
Nicosia & Limassol Buses
Local bus networks covering cities, single ticket €1.50, day pass €5, 10-journey card €12.
Validation: Pay onboard or use contactless, inspections occasional.
Apps: Cyprus Public Transport app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Paphos and Limassol, €5-10/day with stations throughout coastal areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths along beaches and in cities like Larnaca.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Taxis & Local Services
Taxis and ride-sharing like Bolt operate in all cities, fixed rates for airports.
Tickets: €2-5 per short ride, book via app or hail, contactless payment accepted.
Coastal Routes: Frequent taxis connecting beach towns, €10-20 for 10-20km trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stops in cities for easy access, central Nicosia or Limassol Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Limassol Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Cyprus including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Cyta, Primetel, and Epic offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Larnaca Airport 5km from city center, bus to center €1.50 (20 min), taxi €20, or book private transfer for €30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€3-6/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis mostly accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large €2), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for €2, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Cyprus
Larnaca Airport (LCA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Kiwi, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Larnaca Airport (LCA): Primary international gateway, 5km south of city center with bus connections.
Paphos Airport (PFO): Budget airline hub 15km from Paphos, bus to town €2 (30 min).
Ercan Airport (ECN): Limited to Turkish flights, mainly for northern Cyprus access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Athens or Tel Aviv and taking ferry or low-cost flight to Cyprus for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet serve Larnaca and Paphos with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.