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Aside from moving around on foot and by bike, you can also travel around the island by bus or taxi. Cyprus does not have a train or underground transport system.
Visitors are advised to always confirm itineraries and prices with the appropriate company before travelling, as these are subject to alterations.
There are four types of bus service in Cyprus:
– Airport Transfer Buses: linking all the towns to the island’s two airports of Larnaka (Larnaca) and Pafos (Paphos).
– Interurban buses: linking all major towns on a daily basis, and with frequent routes.
– Urban buses: linking different areas within the towns and operating frequently during daytime. In certain tourist areas, during the summer period, their routes are extended till late in the evening.
– Rural buses: linking almost all villages with the nearest town, but with limited frequency.
Website for Public Transport Service by Bus in Cyprus (Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works): http://motionbuscard.org.cy/
Airport Transfer Buses
Kapnos & Sons Transport Ltd
Tel: (+357) 77 771 477 / (+357) 24 008 718
Website: www.Kapnosairportshuttle.com
Routes available:
– Lefkosia-Larnaka Airport, Larnaka Airport-Lefkosia
– Lefkosia-Pafos Airport, Pafos Airport-Lefkosia
– Larnaka-Pafos Airport, Pafos Airport-Larnaka
– Ammochostos-Larnaka Airport, Larnaka Airport-Ammochostos
Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) Ltd
Tel: (+357) 77 778 121 / (+357) 77 777 075 / (+357) 97 779 090
Website: www.enlimassolairportexpress.eu/
Routes available:
– Lemesos-Larnaka Airport, Larnaka Airport-Lemesos
– Lemesos-Pafos Airport, Pafos Airport–Lemesos
Interurban buses
All the major towns are linked by bus with routes at specified intervals. For more information concerning timetables you may contact the operating company:
L.L.L.A. Intercity Buses Ltd
Tel: (+357) 70 007 789 / (+357) 24 643 493
Website: www.intercity-buses.com
Routes available:
– Lefkosia-Lemesos, Lemesos-Lefkosia
– Lefkosia-Larnaka, Larnaka-Lefkosia
– Lefkosia-Protaras / Paralimni
– Agia Napa-Protaras/Paralimni
– Agia Napa-Lefkosia
– Lefkosia-Pafos, Pafos-Lefkosia
– Lemesos-Pafos, Pafos-Lemesos
– Larnaka-Lemesos, Lemesos-Larnaka
– Larnaka-Protaras / Paralimni
– Agia Napa-Protaras / Paralimni
– Agia Napa–Larnaka
– Paralimni-Agia Napa-Larnaka-Pafos, Pafos-Larnaka-Agia Napa-Paralimni
Urban Buses
These operate in all major towns, and run frequently during daytime, whilst in certain areas, they are extended till midnight. For more information concerning timetables you may contact the operating companies:
Intercity:
L.L.L.A Intercity Buses Ltd
Tel: (+357) 24 643 493 / (+357) 80 007 789
Website: www.intercity-buses.com
Lefkosia (Nicosia):
Cyprus Public Transport
Τel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
Email : [email protected]
Website : https://www.publictransport.com.cy/
Transport Organisation for Nicosia District (OSEL) Ltd
Tel: (+357) 77 777 755 / (+357) 22 468 088
Website: www.osel.com.cy
Lemesos (Limassol):
Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) Ltd
Tel: (+357) 77 778 121 / (+357) 25 343 201, (+357 2535211)
Website: www.limassolbuses.com
Larnaka (Larnaca):
Cyprus Public Transport
Tel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/
Pafos (Paphos):
Pafos Transport Organisation Ltd
Tel: (+357) 80 005 588 / (+357) 26 934 410
Website: www.pafosbuses.com
Paralimni / Protaras & Agia Napa:
M.E. Ammochostos Buses Ltd
Tel: (+357) 23 819 090 / (+357) 80 005 200
Website: www.osea.com.cy
Rural Buses
Rural buses operate less frequently than urban and interurban buses, typically running two or three times a day on both weekdays and weekends. For more information concerning timetables you may contact:
Cyprus Public Transport
Τel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
Email : [email protected]
Website: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/
Ministry of Communications and Works
Τel:8000 2288 (+357 22800100)
email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mcw.gov.cy/
Lemesos:
Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) Ltd
Tel: (+357) 77 778 121 / (+357) 25 343 201
Website: www.limassolbuses.com
Pafos:
Pafos Transport Organisation Ltd
Tel: (+357) 80 005 588 / (+357) 26 934 410
Website: https://www.pafosbuses.com/
Paralimni / Protaras & Agia Napa:
M.E. Ammochostos Buses Ltd
Tel: (+357) 23 819 090 / (+357) 80 005 200
Website: www.osea.com.cy
Taxi Service Facilities
There are two types of taxi services available, covering the entire island:
– Urban: operating within the major towns.
– Rural: operating in village areas.
Urban Taxis
Lefkosia:
Vasileos Pavlou 27
2412 Lefkosia
Tel: (+357) 22 807 000, Fax: (+357) 22 354 030
e-mail: [email protected]
Lemesos:
Korivou – Kampos Polemidion
3112, Polemidia
Tel: (+357) 25870443, Fax: (+357) 25870360
Larnaka:
Acropoleos 13
Aradippou Industrial Area
7101, Aradipou
Tel: (+357) 24813114, Fax: (+357) 24534042
Pafos:
Industrial area Mesogi
P.O. Box 62191
8061, Pafos
Tel: (+357) 26821351 Fax: (+357) 26 821 353
Rural Taxis
Rural taxis operate in village areas and can only be hired from and to their base station. An exception is permitted when hiring is made at the airport or seaport, where the taxi driver must present such document proving the collection of certain customers.
These taxis are not equipped with taximeters and charging is instead based on a kilometre/tariff rate. The minimum charge is €3,64. Charging commences upon the passenger entering the taxi, and is based on the following chart:
Tariff 1
06:01 – 20:30 Tariff 2
20:31 – 06:00
Single trip per km €0,63 €0,75
Return trip per km €0,49 €0,63
Delay or waiting time per hour €14,45 €18,82
For each piece of luggage weighing more than 12kg €1,20 €1,96
Cars and motorcycles can be easily hired on the island, which is serviced by fairly good surfaced roads that comply with international traffic requirements, and link the towns and the various villages.
Four lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia, with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos and Agia Napa.
Minor roads and forest roads are still largely not surfaced, but in good to fair condition. Appropriate care should be taken when using these roads, especially during wet weather.
Please note: Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.
Major self-drive car rental firms have offices in all towns, as well as at the Larnaka and Pafos International Airports.
Self-drive cars are also known as ‘Z cars’ because their registration number, which is shown on red plates, often starts with the letter ‘Z’.
Rates vary according to the category of the car, period of rental, period of the year and extras.
Use of the rental car is for unlimited mileage. The rental car is usually delivered to the customer with a full tank, paid for by the customer. If the car is returned with a full tank, the customer receives a refund, unless stated otherwise in the contract.
Rental cars can be delivered and collected at the island’s two airports by prior arrangement.
Further information at: http://www.mcw.gov.cy
Insurance is charged extra. Drivers under 25 years of age holding a driving license for less than three (3) years at the time of rental must inform the car rental company, so that under-age insurance coverage is provided.
In the event of damages sustained to the rental car, the customer is responsible for a certain amount, depending on the category of car.
Please note: When hiring a car, the insurance is only valid within the area under the control of the Republic of Cyprus.
Firms hiring motorcycles, mopeds and autocycles can be found in all towns and holiday resorts.
If you are going to drive a motorcycle or moped you need to bear the following in mind:
– The law states that both the driver and passenger must wear a helmet. Rental agencies should supply helmet(s) at the time of rental, upon request.
– A passenger can be carried on appropriate motorcycles/ mopeds provided that he/she is over 12-years-old and sits astride the seat.
– Rates vary according to the category of the motorcycle, the number of days and period of the year.
– Insurance is charged extra.
– Rental is for unlimited mileage.
– The International Motorcycle-Driving License is valid in Cyprus. Visitors may also drive vehicles using their national Motorcycle-Driving License, provided this is valid in their own country for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.
– Persons who are 17 years of age may not drive any vehicles, other than the Auto Cycles (49cc).
– Persons who are over 18 years of age may drive motorcycles depending on the type of license they hold.
Please note the following for driving on the island:
– Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.
– International road traffic signs are in use, and placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
– Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometres -per hour (km/h) respectively.
– The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and the lower speed limit is 65 km/h.
– On all other roads the general speed limit is 80 km/h, unless a lower one is indicated.
– In built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 50km/h, unless a different one is indicated.
– The use of seat–belts is compulsory (front and back).
– Children must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight.
– Children can travel in the rear and use an adult belt in a taxi if the right child restraint is not available.
– Rear facing baby seats must NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air bag unless the air bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.
– Rush hours in the towns are approximately between 07:30-08:00 / 13:00–15:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 – 18:00 in winter, or 18:00 – 19:00 in summer.
– Due to the intense brightness of the clear Mediterranean sky, drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.
– Driving, or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with alcohol concentration in breath or blood above the prescribed limit, is an offence. The permissible limit in the blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (BAC 0,5mg/ml). The permissible limit in breath is up to 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of exhaled air.
– In case of an accident, call 112 immediately.
– Hands free during driving is mandatory. During driving, the driver should take all necessary measures to ensure that his/her hands are free at all times in order to have full control of the vehicle. Therefore the use of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited.
Private companies offer 24-hour breakdown service all over the island. There are emergency phones placed all along the motorway. Any of the car breakdown services can be contacted through the operator.
The Cyprus Automobile Association is the only organization in Cyprus that is a member of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA – International Federation of Automobiles), to which all the recognised automobile associations of the world belong to, with over 100 million members.
The association also offers to its members and the members of sister clubs around the world the following services:
– Towing / breakdown assistance – battery problems, tyre problems
– Technical advice
– Legal advice
For more information, contact:
Cyprus Automobile Association
Αmfipolis 21, CY 2025, Lefkosia
Tel: (+357) 22 313 233,
Website: www.caa.com.cy
Aside from renting vehicles, visitors wishing to bring their own car to Cyprus can do so, providing they secure the relevant authorization by the Department of Customs and Excise. For further information contact:
Customs & Excise Department
M. Karaoli & Gr. Afxentiou
1096 Lefkosia
Tel: (+357) 22 601 713, Fax: (+357) 22 302 031
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mof.gov.cy
If bringing your own vehicle to the island, please note that drivers from the territory of the EU should not be intercepted at the point of entry in Cyprus for proof of insurance cover, as it is presumed that the driver and car are covered by insurance in the country that issued their license plates, even if they may not be so covered.
In the latter case, the International Insurance Bureau of the driver’s country will be held responsible to compensate the claimant as a result of the Guarantee Agreement in force. (Unified Agreement or Internal Regulations).
If a foreign visitor brings a motor vehicle bearing a registration plate not belonging to one of the EU territory countries into Cyprus , then the Cyprus Authorities should check whether the foreign motorist has a valid Green Card In force for Cyprus. For further information please contact:
Motor Insurer’s Fund
Zinonos Sozou, 23, CY 1075, Lefkosia
Tel: (+357) 22 763 913, Fax: (+357) 22 761 007
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mif.org.cy
Parking places (both municipal and private) are found in town centres, charging approximately €2 – €3 for a half day’s parking.
Parking in central city areas is parking meter controlled. The cost per hour is €1 – €2 on weekdays, during office hours. Parking and waiting is prohibited along a double yellow line. Along a single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed, but parking is prohibited at all times.
Parking for the registered disabled is free.
Petrol is unleaded and 95 and 98 octane fuel is available. There are other more expensive fuels, but you are unlikely to need them.
Fuel is sold by the litre.
Petrol stations are numerous in all towns and tourist resorts but only few in mountainous areas and villages. So if you are planning such a trip, be sure you have enough fuel to get you there and back.
Many major stations have shops where you can buy auto accessories and food.
Opening hours:
– Monday-Friday: 06:00 – 19:00 (April 1 – September 30)
– Monday-Friday: 06:00 – 18:00 (October 1 – March 31)
– Saturday: 06:00 – 15:00
Most petrol stations are closed for attendant service on Sunday and Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday afternoon in Lefkosia area). This is not usually a problem though, as petrol stations are equipped with petrol vending machines that accept banknotes and credit cards. Vending machines operate during non-working hours, on weekends and on Public Holidays.
The Republic of Cyprus is the sole sovereign authority under International Law with exclusive jurisdiction to determine which of its airports on its territory are open and functioning.
Visitors arriving in Cyprus by air, may enter the Republic of Cyprus only through the International Airports of Larnaka and Pafos. Entry via any other airport is illegal. The operation of airports built in the areas of Cyprus which are under Turkish military occupation since 1974, has never been authorised by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
These airports are, consequently, illegal points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus maintains the right to impose penalties on those who violate the law by using illegal airports. The penalties are very strict and provide for imprisonment for no more than twelve months, or payment of a fine for no more than €1,700, or both.
The so-called ‘Ercan’ airport is not recognized by ICAO, which is the highest international authority on legal issues relating to civil aviation in general. ICAO’s policy on matters relating to Cyprus is in conformity with that of the United Nations and the international community. Consequently, ICAO recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus and its Government as the sole representative of the whole island.
It should also be stressed that according to the ICAO decision of 1974, 1975 and 1977, a country not exercising temporarily effective control over its territory by reason of military occupation, does not lose its sovereign rights over such territory and the airspace above it.
Furthermore, Turkey, in violation of the Chigaco Convention on the International Civil Aviation, the constitutional instrument of ICAO, and its Annexes, to which 188 countries, including the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey are States-Parties to, and following a number of illegal acts after the Turkish invasion, proclaimed the establishment of ‘Ercan advisory service’ which lies in the northern part of Nicosia FIR. At this airport the entry, clearance, immigration, customs, quarantine regulations, aviation security and conditions for passengers, mail and cargo, as required by the Republic of Cyprus are not observed. Hence, the security and safety of passengers and cargo is not guaranteed.
A number of short cruises sail from Cyprus, with trips lasting typically between two-to-five days on board large and comfortable ships. You can either book a trip while on holiday in Cyprus, or through tour operators abroad who feature the cruises in their holiday brochures.
There are also a large variety of short boat trips available from and to various destinations around the island, sailing from almost all marinas and fishing shelters on different size and style vessels.
With weather permitting, boat trips sail from May to October, and usually include drinks and snacks on board, with lunch or dinner served either on board, or at a seaside restaurant.
Indicative itineraries are as follows:
– From Lemesos old Harbour to Lady’s Mile beach and Cape Gata.
– From Pafos Harbour to Coral Bay, Pegeia area, Lara Beach and Geroskipou Beach.
– From Polis (Latsi) along the western Akamas coast.
– From Agia Napa to Paralimni and Protaras area.
– From Larnaka Marina along Larnaka, Agia Napa and Protaras coast.
Please note: For the time being there is no ferry boat connection between Cyprus and other countries.