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.
βοΈ Plane β Best for International Travel
Fun: π« Medium (Standard flights, nice views when landing)
Price: π°π°π° (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
βοΈ Example: London β Larnaca (~4.5 hours, $100β$300 USD)
π Bus β Best for Budget City & Intercity Travel
Fun: ποΈ Medium (Cheap, but slow and limited)
Price: π° (Very cheap, but less convenient than a car)
Best for: Traveling between cities if you donβt 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)
π Example: Nicosia β Limassol (~1.5 hours, ~$5 USD)
π Train β Not Available
π« There are NO trains in Cyprus! The last railway closed in 1951.
π Car β Best for Exploring the Island
Fun: π Very High (Freedom to explore beaches, villages & mountains)
Price: π°π°π° (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 β Troodos Mountains β Paphos (Nature & wineries!)
- Larnaca β Ayia Napa β Cape Greco (Beach paradise!)
- Limassol β Paphos β Akamas Peninsula (Coastal views!)
π Example: Renting a car in Larnaca (~$40β$80 USD/day + fuel)
π Taxi & Ride-Sharing β Best for Short Trips
Fun: π Medium (Expensive but convenient)
Price: π°π°π° (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
π Example: Larnaca Airport β Ayia Napa (~$50β$70 USD)
β΄οΈ Boat β Best for Excursions & Island Hopping
Fun: β΅ Very High (Beautiful coastal views, fun for day trips)
Price: π°π° (Ferries are affordable, cruises can be pricey)
Best for: Visiting Blue Lagoon, Aphroditeβs Rock, and boat tours
- Best Routes:
- Larnaca β Lebanon (International ferry option!)
- Paphos β Blue Lagoon (Akamas Peninsula) (Crystal clear waters!)
- **Limassol β Protaras β Ayia Napa (Boat tours & snorkeling!*)
π₯ Example: Paphos Blue Lagoon cruise (~$30β$60 USD per person)
π² Bike β Fun in Cities & Coastal Areas
Fun: π΄ββοΈ High (Great for scenic rides, but some areas are hilly)
Price: π° (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
π΄ββοΈ Example: Renting a bike in Limassol (~$5β$15 USD per day)
π Best Choice Based on Your Travel Style
- Fastest: βοΈ Plane (international only)
- Cheapest: π Bus / π² Bike
- Most fun/adventure: π Road Trip / β΅ Boat / π΄ββοΈ Bike
- Best for scenery: π Mountain Drives / β΅ Blue Lagoon Boat Tour
- Best city transport: π Taxi / π² Bike / π Public Bus
Cyprus is a paradise for road trips, coastal adventures, and historical explorations! π What kind of trip are you planning? π
π¨πΎ Cyprus Transportation FAQ βοΈπππβ΄οΈπ²
Here are the most common questions about getting around Cyprus!
βοΈ FLIGHTS & AIR TRAVEL
1. Is flying the best way to travel within Cyprus?
π« No, Cyprus is small, and there are no domestic flights. Flights are only for international travel.
2. What are the major airports in Cyprus?
π« The two main airports are:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) β Main international hub
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) β Serves western Cyprus and tourists
3. How long are flights to Cyprus from major European cities?
βοΈ London β Larnaca (~4.5 hours)
βοΈ Athens β Larnaca (~1.5 hours)
βοΈ Dubai β Larnaca (~3.5 hours)
4. What airlines fly to Cyprus?
π« Cyprus Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, Emirates
5. How much do flights to Cyprus cost?
π° Prices vary by season:
- Low season (~$100 USD one way)
- Peak season (~$300+ USD one way)
π BUSES (LONG-DISTANCE & LOCAL)
6. Are buses a good way to travel in Cyprus?
β
Yes, but they are limited compared to other countries.
7. How much do bus tickets cost?
π° City buses ($2 USD per ride)$5β$10 USD per trip)
π° Intercity buses (
8. What are the best bus companies?
π Intercity Buses (Zagreb, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca)
π OSYPA (Paphos)
π EMEL (Limassol)
9. Do buses run at night?
β οΈ No! Most buses stop running by 8β10 PM, except some night buses in tourist areas.
π TRAINS
10. Are there trains in Cyprus?
π« No, Cyprus has no trains. The railway closed in 1951.
π RENTING A CAR & DRIVING
11. Should I rent a car in Cyprus?
β
Yes! Itβs the best way to explore the island, especially for beaches, mountains, and villages.
12. How much does renting a car cost?
π° Around $40β$80 USD/day + fuel
13. Do I need an international driverβs license?
πΉ No, if you have a US/EU license. Other nationalities might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
14. Is driving in Cyprus safe?
β οΈ 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?
π Troodos Mountains β Nature & wineries π·π²
π Akamas Peninsula β Hidden beaches & Blue Lagoon ποΈ
π Limassol β Paphos β Coastal drive with ancient ruins ποΈ
π TAXIS & RIDESHARING
16. Is Uber available in Cyprus?
π« No, but Bolt and iTaxi Cyprus are good alternatives.
17. How much do taxis cost?
π° City rides (~$10β$20 USD)
π° Larnaca Airport β Ayia Napa (~$50β$70 USD)
18. How do I avoid taxi scams?
β
Always ask for the meter or use a taxi app like Bolt.
β΄οΈ BOATS & FERRIES
19. Can I take a ferry in Cyprus?
β
Yes, for excursions and international routes.
20. How much does a ferry ticket cost?
π° Prices vary:
- Paphos β Blue Lagoon (~$30β$60 USD, day trip)
- Larnaca β Lebanon (~$100+ USD, international ferry)
21. What are the best boat trips?
π’ Paphos β Blue Lagoon (Crystal clear waters!)
π’ Ayia Napa β Protaras (Snorkeling & caves!)
π² BIKES & PUBLIC TRANSPORT
22. Is Cyprus bike-friendly?
π΄ββοΈ Some cities are! Best for:
- Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa
23. Can I rent a bike in Cyprus?
β
Yes! Many cities have bike rentals & bike-sharing apps.
24. Whatβs the best way to use public transport in Cyprus?
π Buses + taxis are the best combo for non-drivers.
π BEST TRANSPORT FOR YOUR TRIP
- Fastest: βοΈ Plane (international only)
- Cheapest: π Bus / π² Bike
- Most scenic: π Mountain Roads / β΅ Blue Lagoon Boat Tour
- Best city transport: π Taxi / π² Bike / π Public Bus
- Best adventure: π Road Trip / β΅ Island Ferry
Cyprus is perfect for road trips, coastal adventures, and historical explorations! π What kind of trip are you planning? π