Cyprus: Car Rental

Internal Flights and Major International Airports in Cyprus

There are three International airports in Cyprus, in Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia, all of which take regular flights. The runway at Paphos is very short so be prepared for when the pilot applies sharp brakes shortly after landing. Paphos airport is situated 9 miles (15 kilometres) east of Paphos, Larnaca airport is 3 miles (5 kilometres) south of Larnaca and Ercan International is in Nicosia.

Getting to and from the Airport in Cyprus

Getting to and from the airport in Cyprus couldn't be easier with both taxis and buses offering transportation from the airport to your resort and are available from outside the airport terminal. Transfer coaches are also available for passengers travelling to Cyprus on chartered flights. Taxis from the airport are the quickest and easiest option, but if you are travelling in a party of five or more, shuttle buses from the airport are more cost effective than two taxis. The cost of transfer from airports in Cyprus will depend on the distance, but expect to pay somewhere in the region of 10 Euro's for a 20 minute journey. There are regular shuttle bus services from the airport scheduled around flights and transportation is low cost.

Renting Cars in Cyprus

Renting a car in Cyprus is the quickest and most convenient method of exploring the island and there are several car hire outlets offering reasonable rates. You will find a number of reputable car hire firms in Cyprus such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar, though independent car rentals in Cyprus will offer better rates. If you are considering hiring a car in Cyprus you can expect to pay around 18-30 Euros a day or 80-100 Euros for the week and must have a clean, valid drivers licence. You should also bear in mind that some car hire insurance companies have age restrictions of 23 or 25 years of age and will not allow their hire cars to cross over the border. If you are travelling during the high season it is recommended you book early as car rental in Cyprus is limited.

To book car rental in Cyprus online, view our Car Hire section for Cyprus. We offer Ok Alpha users the latest special offers and best rates available for car hire in Cyprus. We advise you book your Cyprus hire car in advance so you can pick it up and drop it off directly at the airport.

Drivers License Requirements in Cyprus

Unlike other Mediterranean countries the beauty of driving in Cyprus is they drive on the left hand side. Main roads and motorways are well maintained and easy to navigate, though once of the beaten track you will encounter a number of twists and turns and even more bumps. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 62 mph/100kms per hour, but the highway in Cyprus also carries a minimum limit of 40 mph/65km/h. Main roads and rural areas has a maximum speed limit of 50mph/80km/h and heavy populated or housing areas are 31mph/50kms per hour unless otherwise indicated. If you intend to drive your own car you must be 18 years or older and have a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state or carry an International Driving Permit for non-EU members (Photocopies are not acceptable). When driving in Cyprus most hire car firms will not allow their vehicles to cross the border as insurance is not valid though there is nothing to stop you from catching a bus and arranging car hire on the opposite side. Other driving restrictions in Cyprus are the use of mobile phones at the wheel, smoking whilst carrying passengers under the age of 16 and passengers must wear seatbelts. Fuel is very reasonable and available 24hrs a day in popular resorts though may be less available in rural areas. To drive in Cyprus it is compulsory to carry two emergency triangles which are put in the road to warn other vehicles in the event of an accident. If you do have an accident whilst driving in Cyprus you must stop the car and phone the police immediately on emergency number 112. You should not move the car until they arrive as the accident may then be deemed a fault on your part even if it is not.

Cyprus by Bus

The bus service in Cyprus is limited and only available Mon-Fri from 7am to 6pm. On Saturdays public transport stops at 2pm and is not available at all on Sundays. Travelling by bus in Cyprus is extremely cost effective with fares ranging from 50 cents to 3 Euros depending on the distance.

Cyprus by Taxi

Taxi's in Cyprus are everywhere, readily available and easy to flag down. It is often the case that the local taxi driver will give you their contact details to call whenever you need taking anywhere. For a fee, they may even take you on day trips and pick you up later in the evening. Taking a taxi in Cyprus is not the cheapest way, but it is the quickest and most effective service. If you do choose to travel by taxi you can expect to pay a Euro for every two miles you travel.

Cycling in Cyprus

If you enjoy the open air twinned with some light to moderate exercise why not try cycling in Cyprus. Tailor made packages specialising in mountain biking incorporate accommodation and guided tours with specially mapped out cycle routes. Whether you prefer to keep on the asphalt, take in the glorious countryside or venture off the beaten track and explore the challenging terrain, Cyprus has specific bicycle trails for riders of all capabilities and desires. If you go on a cycling holiday in Cyprus the cost of hiring a bike is incorporated in the value of your trip, but bicycles can be hired on a day-to-day basis for around 10 Euros or 50 Euros for the week. Helmets, bicycle locks, maps and recommended routes are provided. It is recommended that cyclists do not travel due west whilst the sun is setting as the glare is blinding and potentially dangerous.