Transportation in Cyprus
Cyprus has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world (658 cars per 1,000 people), reflecting the limited public transportation infrastructure. For most expats, a car is essential.
Public Transportation
Cyprus has no railway system (closed in 1951). Public transport consists entirely of buses.
Bus Types:
- Urban buses: Within cities, frequent during daytime
- Intercity buses: Connect major towns, hourly service
- Airport buses: To/from Larnaca and Paphos airports
- Rural buses: Limited frequency to villages
Fares:
| Route Type | One-Way | Round-Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | €1.50 | - |
| Day pass (urban) | €5 | - |
| Weekly pass | €20 | - |
| Intercity (e.g., Nicosia-Larnaca) | €5 | €9 |
| Intercity (e.g., Nicosia-Paphos) | €8 | €14 |
Limitations:
- Only 3% of trips made by public transport
- Evening/weekend service is limited
- Rural areas have minimal coverage
- No metro or tram systems
Driving in Cyprus
For British expats: Familiar - Cyprus drives on the left, same as UK.
Driver's License:
- EU licenses: Valid until expiry
- UK licenses: Valid until expiry (post-Brexit reciprocal agreement)
- International Driving Permit: Valid for 6 months
- US/Canada/Australia/NZ: Valid for 6 months, then must obtain Cyprus license
- Others: 30 days, then must convert
Speed Limits:
- Built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorways: 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h)
Owning a Car
Buying:
- New cars: Similar prices to EU average
- Used cars: Good market on Bazaraki.com
- Import: Possible but involves customs duties
Running Costs:
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €300-800 |
| Road tax | €100-400 |
| MOT (after 4 years) | €40-80 |
| Fuel | €1.30-1.50/liter |
Taxis and Rideshare
- Bolt operates in Cyprus (similar to Uber)
- Traditional taxis: Metered, €3-5 flag fall + €0.73/km
- Airport to Limassol: €60-80
- Airport to Nicosia: €50-65
Cycling
- Growing infrastructure in some cities
- Limassol and Paphos have some bike paths
- Summer heat limits practicality (May-September)
- E-bikes increasingly popular
Getting Around as an Expat
First few months: Rent a car or use a mix of Bolt and buses
Long-term: Most expats buy a car for convenience
The intercity bus network is adequate for occasional trips between major cities, but daily life without a car is challenging except in city centers.
Pro Tips
- •Expect to need a car for daily life - public transport is limited
- •British drivers will feel at home - left-hand traffic
- •Bolt app works well for taxis in major cities
- •Intercity buses are affordable for occasional trips between cities
- •Summer heat makes cycling impractical - factor this in
Have questions about transportation in Cyprus?