Best Transportation in Cyprus

Cyprus is a small but beautiful island with stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and scenic mountain roads. While public transport is available, the best way to explore Cyprus is by car. Here’s a full breakdown of transportation options, including fun, price, and best routes.

Table of Contents

Plane – Best for International Travel

Fun: Medium (Standard flights, nice views when landing)
Price: (Can be expensive in peak season)
Best for: Getting to Cyprus from Europe, Middle East, or beyond

Pros: Fastest way to reach Cyprus
Cons: No domestic flights (Cyprus is small)
Airlines: Cyprus Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways

Example: London → Larnaca (~4.5 hours, $100–$300 USD)

Bus – Best for Budget City & Intercity Travel

Fun: Medium (Cheap, but slow and limited)
Price: (Very cheap, but less convenient than a car)
Best for: Traveling between cities if you don’t drive

Pros: Cheap, reliable between major cities
Cons: No buses at night, limited rural routes, no trains
Best Bus Companies:
- Intercity Buses (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos)
- OSYPA (Paphos region)
- EMEL (Limassol)

Example: Nicosia → Limassol (~1.5 hours, ~$5 USD)

Train – Not Available

There are NO trains in Cyprus! The last railway closed in 1951.

Car – Best for Exploring the Island

Fun: Very High (Freedom to explore beaches, villages & mountains)
Price: (Rentals and fuel can add up)
Best for: Road trips, beaches, and exploring beyond the cities

Pros: Best way to explore Troodos Mountains, Akamas Peninsula, hidden beaches
Cons: Driving is on the left! Some roads are narrow in old towns
Best Road Trips:
- Nicosia → Troodos Mountains → Paphos (Nature & wineries!)
- Larnaca → Ayia Napa → Cape Greco (Beach paradise!)
- Limassol → Paphos → Akamas Peninsula (Coastal views!)

Example: Renting a car in Larnaca (~$40–$80 USD/day + fuel)

Taxi & Ride-Sharing – Best for Short Trips

Fun: Medium (Expensive but convenient)
Price: (One of the most expensive transport options)
Best for: Airport transfers, short city rides

Pros: Available 24/7, good for tourists
Cons: Expensive, some drivers overcharge tourists
Apps & Companies: Bolt, iTaxi Cyprus, Paphos Taxis

Example: Larnaca Airport → Ayia Napa (~$50–$70 USD)

Boat – Best for Excursions & Island Hopping

Fun: Very High (Beautiful coastal views, fun for day trips)
Price: (Ferries are affordable, cruises can be pricey)
Best for: Visiting Blue Lagoon, Aphrodite’s Rock, and boat tours

Best Routes:
- Larnaca → Lebanon (International ferry option!)
- Paphos → Blue Lagoon (Akamas Peninsula) (Crystal clear waters!)
- **Limassol → Protaras → Ayia Napa (Boat tours & snorkeling!*)

Example: Paphos Blue Lagoon cruise (~$30–$60 USD per person)

Bike – Fun in Cities & Coastal Areas

Fun: High (Great for scenic rides, but some areas are hilly)
Price: (Very cheap, sometimes free with rentals)
Best for: Ayia Napa, Limassol, Larnaca, Protaras

Pros: Cheap, eco-friendly, great along the coast
Cons: Some areas have no bike lanes, hot weather in summer
Bike Rentals & Sharing:
- Nextbike Cyprus (Bike-sharing in Limassol & Nicosia)
- Local rentals in Ayia Napa & Protaras

Example: Renting a bike in Limassol (~$5–$15 USD per day)

Best Choice Based on Your Travel Style

Fastest: Plane (international only)
Cheapest: Bus / Bike
Most fun/adventure: Road Trip / Boat / Bike
Best for scenery: Mountain Drives / Blue Lagoon Boat Tour
Best city transport: Taxi / Bike / Public Bus

Cyprus is a paradise for road trips, coastal adventures, and historical explorations! What kind of trip are you planning?

Cyprus Transportation FAQ

Here are the most common questions about getting around Cyprus!

FLIGHTS & AIR TRAVEL

1. Is flying the best way to travel within Cyprus?
No, Cyprus is small, and there are no domestic flights. Flights are only for international travel.

2. What are the major airports in Cyprus?
The two main airports are:

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – Main international hub
Paphos International Airport (PFO) – Serves western Cyprus and tourists

3. How long are flights to Cyprus from major European cities?
London → Larnaca (~4.5 hours)
Athens → Larnaca (~1.5 hours)
Dubai → Larnaca (~3.5 hours)

4. What airlines fly to Cyprus?
Cyprus Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, Emirates

5. How much do flights to Cyprus cost?
Prices vary by season:

Low season (~$100 USD one way)
Peak season (~$300+ USD one way)

BUSES (LONG-DISTANCE & LOCAL)

6. Are buses a good way to travel in Cyprus?
Yes, but they are limited compared to other countries.

7. How much do bus tickets cost?
City buses ($2 USD per ride)
Intercity buses ($5–$10 USD per trip)

8. What are the best bus companies?
Intercity Buses (Zagreb, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca)
OSYPA (Paphos)
EMEL (Limassol)

9. Do buses run at night?
No! Most buses stop running by 8–10 PM, except some night buses in tourist areas.

TRAINS

10. Are there trains in Cyprus?
No, Cyprus has no trains. The railway closed in 1951.

RENTING A CAR & DRIVING

11. Should I rent a car in Cyprus?
Yes! It’s the best way to explore the island, especially for beaches, mountains, and villages.

12. How much does renting a car cost?
Around $40–$80 USD/day + fuel

13. Do I need an international driver’s license?
No, if you have a US/EU license. Other nationalities might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

14. Is driving in Cyprus safe?
Yes, but remember:

Driving is on the LEFT (like the UK).
Road signs are in English & Greek.
Mountain roads can be winding & narrow.

15. What are the best road trips in Cyprus?
Troodos Mountains – Nature & wineries
Akamas Peninsula – Hidden beaches & Blue Lagoon
Limassol → Paphos – Coastal drive with ancient ruins