Transport and Driving in Cyprus

With one of the highest car-ownership-per-capita rates in the world, driving will most likely be your primary mode of transport in Cyprus. The island has no operational railway network, and public transport is largely restricted to private bus services and taxis, so options are limited – especially when travelling between urban centres.

Public transport in Cyprus

Buses

There are several kinds of bus services in Cyprus. Rural buses between villages and cities are the most limited since they only leave once or twice a day. Inter-urban buses link larger cities and towns and are far more frequent, while bus services that run within cities are generally the most frequent and reliable public transport service in Cyprus.

Different bus companies operate in each part of the country, such as the OSEL buses that run in Nicosia and OSYPA’s buses in Paphos. Because of this variation, buses in Cyprus don’t all look the same, but most have their destination displayed on the windscreen. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works hosts the Motion Bus Card website that centralises all bus information and routes in Cyprus.

Buses in Cyprus are independently operated, so you should check the bus routes of individual operators with their respective companies or at tourist offices. Services often cease in the early evening and are limited on weekends, while some are extended in the tourist season and run until midnight.

Useful links

• Motion Bus Card
• Cyprus Public Transport
• InterCity Buses

Taxis in Cyprus

There are several taxi services in Cyprus. Urban taxis are the most widespread and offer 24-hour services in all major cities. While you are advised to book in advance, taxis can be hailed from the street. Taxis are strictly regulated in Cyprus and typically have a meter, which starts running the moment you enter the car.

Although there are no international ride-hailing services in Cyprus, inter-urban share taxis provide a cost-effective link to other towns. Taxis are shared among several people, and the cost is evenly split between all passengers.

Useful links

• Cyprus Taxi
• CABCY

Driving in Cyprus

Driving is the most effective way of getting around in Cyprus. For instance, the distance from Paphos to Nicosia can be covered in two hours. Road signs in Cyprus are often in English and Greek, roads are generally well maintained, petrol stations are widely available, and traffic is less congested than in other European cities.

Cars are also easy to hire and readily available. You should be aware that traffic drives on the left-hand side in Cyprus rather than the right-hand side, which is standard across most of the EU.

That said, about a third of the roads on the island are unpaved. While normal passenger vehicles should be able to drive on most of them, it may be best to ask locals for the best routes before going for a drive through the country.

Driving licences for Cyprus

EU drivers and holders of international driving permits can drive until their foreign licence expires, while licensed drivers from a list of pre-approved countries can legally drive for up to six months. These countries include the US, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Other non-EU expats can drive for a maximum of 30 days.

If you need to obtain a Cypriot driving licence, you will first need to secure a provisional driving licence. Only those who have lived in Cyprus for at least six months are eligible to apply for a local driving licence. The process involves taking an oral test and a practical driving test using either an automatic or manual gearbox vehicle or both. You will only be licensed to drive an automatic car if you pass an automatic gearbox test.

Useful links

• Road Transport Department

Cycling in Cyprus

Cycling in Cyprus is practical, considering the short distances between places. It isn’t allowed on major motorways, but ordinary roads usually run parallel to these.

Nicosia is one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with its dedicated cycling lanes. The smart bike scheme Nextbike has also expanded across the country, with services in Nicosia and Limassol. There are more than 200 bike-sharing stations across the island to boost cycling as an alternative form of transport.

Useful links

• nextbike – Cyprus

Air travel in Cyprus

Due to the schism between the northern and southern parts of Cyprus, only the International Airports of Larnaka and Pafos are considered legal entry sites to the country. Domestic flights can also be taken between these two airports. Airports in Northern Cyprus are not legal points of entry to the country.

Sea travel in Cyprus

Many cruises are available on large ships. You can also book a place on smaller vessels that travel to smaller islands surrounding Cyprus, making day trips and getting around the islands relatively easy. Unfortunately, no ferries between Cyprus and other countries exist.