Cyprus, the jewel of the Mediterranean, offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. From the UNESCO-listed mosaics of Paphos to the pristine shores of Ayia Napa, this island paradise beckons travelers with year-round sunshine, delicious cuisine, and warm Cypriot hospitality.
- Public
- Buses cover all cities but routes are infrequent especially evenings and Sundays. Fine for city centers but limited for reaching beaches and archaeological sites outside town.
- Taxi
- Taxis are readily available, metered, and generally reliable. Bolt app available in major cities offers slightly lower rates. Best for airport transfers and city-to-city travel without a car.
- Rental
- A rental car is highly recommended for exploring Cyprus fully. The island's top attractions - Troodos Mountains, Akamas Peninsula, wine villages, remote beaches - are essentially inaccessible without one.
- Walking
- City centers in Nicosia, Limassol Old Town, Paphos Harbor area, and Larnaca waterfront are walkable. Distances between attractions in other areas require transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to Larnaca €15-20, to Limassol €60-70, to Nicosia €50-60
- Taxi Info
- Fixed fares are regulated; always confirm the fare before departing or insist on meter. Pre-booked taxis via apps or hotels offer guaranteed fixed rates.
- Shuttle
- Airport Express Bus to Limassol €9 (adult), €4 (child), runs every 45 min
- Shuttle Info
- Intercab and EMEL shuttle buses operate from both airports to all major cities. Book online or purchase at airport kiosks.
- Bus
- Airport Express Bus to Ayia Napa/Protaras €9 (adult), operates May-Oct
- Bus Info
- Local bus routes from Larnaca airport to Larnaca city center run frequently at just €1.50. Routes 417 and 425 serve the airport.
- Private
- Private pre-booked transfer €60-120 depending on destination, includes meet-and-greet
- Private Info
- Multiple licensed transfer companies serve both airports. Book 24 hours in advance for guaranteed availability.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive public bus networks in all major cities. Fares €1.50 per journey in cities, €5-7 for inter-city routes. Daily passes €5, weekly passes €20. Modern air-conditioned buses with digital displays. Reduced service on Sundays. Mobile ticketing apps available.
Alternatives
Taxis (metered), Bolt rideshare app (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca), bicycle hire in tourist areas, scooter rental in Ayia Napa and Paphos
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Base fare €3.50-4.50 (day), €4.50-5.50 (night after 8:30 PM and weekends). Approximately €0.70-0.85 per km. Short city trips typically €8-15. Taxis are metered in cities. Uber not available. Bolt operates in major cities. Pre-book for airport transfers.
- Apps
- Bolt
- App Names
- Bolt
- Typical Fare
- €8-15 for typical city ride, €15-20 for longer cross-city trip
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Intercab and EMEL buses connect major cities. Nicosia-Limassol €5-7 (1.5 hrs), Larnaca-Paphos €10-12 (2 hrs), Limassol-Paphos €7-9 (1 hr). Buses modern and comfortable with A/C. Advance booking recommended for weekend travel. Online booking available.
Shared
Shared service taxis (5-seat minivans) operated by Travel Express and Acropolis connect Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos on frequent schedules. Approximately 30-40% cheaper than regular taxis.
Flights
No scheduled domestic flights due to small size of island. Helicopter charters available for private hire.
Private
Private car transfers between cities from €60-90 depending on distance. Hotel concierges can arrange.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
From centre: 5 km from Larnaca, 50 km from Nicosia, 70 km from Limassol
Options: Taxi to Larnaca €15-20, to Limassol €60-70, to Nicosia €50-60; Airport Express Bus to Limassol €9 (adult), €4 (child), runs every 45 min; Airport Express Bus to Ayia Napa/Protaras €9 (adult), operates May-Oct; Inter-city bus to Nicosia €3-4, runs hourly; Car rental from €20/day, multiple companies at airport
Paphos International Airport (PFO)
From centre: 10 km from Paphos, 65 km from Limassol
Options: Taxi to Paphos center €25-30, to Limassol €70-80; Airport bus to Paphos Harbour €3 (adult), €1.50 (child), runs hourly; Airport Express to Limassol €9 (adult), €4 (child); Shared shuttle services €10-15 per person to Paphos hotels; Car rental from €20/day available at terminal
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Rideshare and taxi app available in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca. Best for local taxi rides cheaper than street hailing.
OSYPA / OSEL Bus App
Official public bus information apps for Limassol (EMEL) and Nicosia (OSYPA) showing real-time bus locations and route planning.
Google Maps
Works well in Cyprus for navigation and public transport routing. Download offline maps for rural areas with limited connectivity.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Renting a car is the single best transport decision in Cyprus - nearly all the best attractions are off the beaten path and poorly served by public transport
Remember Cyprus drives on the LEFT - this catches out many visitors from continental Europe. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts on the first day.
Bolt app works in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca and is typically 10-20% cheaper than street taxis. Download before you arrive.
Shared service taxis between cities are the best value for inter-city travel without a car - look for Travel Express service taxis
Sunday bus services are severely reduced or non-existent in many areas - plan alternatives for Sunday travel
Intercity buses (Intercab, EMEL) are air-conditioned, comfortable, and very good value for city-to-city routes