Getting Around Cyprus: Airports, Buses, and Driving

This is an independent educational guide, not the website of any airline, rental company, or airport.

nova-cy.com is an independent, non-commercial field guide to Cyprus for travelers and new residents. It explains entry rules, timing, transport, everyday logistics, and the island's vocabulary. It sells nothing, books nothing, accepts no advertising, recommends no specific agency or service, and has no affiliation with Hermes Airports, or the Republic of Cyprus, or any other named organization.

If you are visiting Cyprus for the first time or planning a longer stay, understanding how movement works on the island saves time and confusion. This guide walks through the essentials: the left-hand driving rule, the two international airports, the bus network, and the legal expectations on the road. It does not sell tickets or recommend companies. Instead, it points you to official sources so you can make your own choices. By the end, you will know how to land, get to your first destination, and plan intercity trips without relying on guesswork.

1. The one fact that shapes transport on the island

Cyprus drives on the left. This is not a quirk; it is a legacy of British colonial rule, and it affects every journey you make by car, bus, or taxi. If you come from a right-hand-driving country, your instincts will be wrong at first. Roundabouts go clockwise, and the driver sits on the right side of the car. Pedestrians look right, then left, when crossing. This single fact determines how you rent a car, how you read a bus route, and how you plan your first drive. Accept it early, and the rest of the transport system makes sense.

2. Arrival: the two international airports

Cyprus has two main international airports: Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO). Both are operated by Hermes Airports, which publishes flight information, terminal facilities, and transport connections on its website. You can check arrivals and departures, see which airlines serve each airport, and read about parking, car rental desks, and bus stops. The site also lists accessibility services and terminal maps. Hermes Airports does not sell tickets; it provides operational information. Use it to confirm your arrival terminal and to see what ground transport is available before you land. For official government travel advice, the Republic of Cyprus maintains a portal at gov.cy, but for airport-specific details, Hermes Airports is the primary source.

3. A numbered walkthrough of your first day of movement

1. Land and clear arrivals. After passport control and baggage claim, you will exit into the public area. Both Larnaca and Paphos have clear signage for ground transport.
2. Read the airport transfer options. At the exit, you will see signs for buses, taxis, and rental car counters. Hermes Airports lists these options on its website, so you can decide before you land.
3. Decide bus versus rental car. If you are staying in a city center, a bus or taxi may be enough. If you plan to explore rural areas or beaches, a rental car gives you flexibility. There is no single right answer; it depends on your itinerary.
4. Adjust to left-hand driving if you rent. Before you leave the lot, adjust your mirrors, set your navigation, and remind yourself that the driver sits on the right. Take a few minutes in a quiet area to practice roundabouts.
5. Plan intercity trips around the bus network. If you are not driving, intercity buses connect major towns. Check the schedule at the bus station or online, and note that frequency varies by route and season.
6. Keep the airport link for the return. Whether you take a bus or drive, confirm the return route and allow extra time for traffic or check-in. Save the Hermes Airports website for terminal updates.

4. Buses and coaches in plain language

Cyprus has a network of intercity and urban buses that cover the main towns and tourist areas. Intercity coaches link Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa, among others. Urban buses serve routes within cities and to nearby suburbs. The general pattern is that buses run more frequently during peak hours and less often on weekends and holidays. Frequency also varies by season, with more service in summer. You will not find a single unified schedule for the whole island; each route has its own timetable. At bus stations, you can find printed schedules, and some operators publish them online. Fares are generally low, but you should check locally. Buses are a practical option if you are not in a hurry and want to avoid driving.

5. Driving on the left as a visitor

Driving on the left feels strange for the first hour, then routine. The key adjustments: roundabouts are clockwise, so you yield to traffic coming from your right. The driver sits on the right side of the car, which means your gearshift is on your right. When turning left, you cross oncoming traffic; when turning right, you stay in your lane. Road signs follow European conventions, with some local variations. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. In towns, watch for pedestrians and narrow streets. Outside towns, be aware of goats and agricultural vehicles. Below is an illustrative first-drive checklist, clearly marked as illustrative and not a substitute for local rules.

Illustrative example: first-drive checklist

• Adjust mirrors and seat before starting.
• Remember: driver on the right, roundabouts clockwise.
• At roundabouts, yield to traffic from the right.
• Keep left unless overtaking.
• Watch for pedestrians when turning left.
• Use headlights in poor visibility.
• Park facing the direction of traffic.

6. What the law and the road signs expect

The Republic of Cyprus publishes road and driving information through its government portal, gov.cy. There you can find general information about driving licenses, vehicle registration, and road safety rules. The portal explains that driving is on the left, that seat belts are mandatory, and that using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. It also covers insurance requirements and what to do in case of an accident. Specific fine amounts are set by law and can change; check gov.cy for current details. Road signs follow international standards, with some Greek and English text. Speed limits, parking rules, and traffic signals are enforced. As a visitor, carry your license and rental documents. If you are stopped by police, remain calm and cooperate.

7. A short FAQ

Do I need an international driving permit in Cyprus?

If your license is from an EU country, you can use it. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Check gov.cy for the latest requirements.

Are buses reliable for intercity travel?

Intercity buses are generally reliable but less frequent on weekends. Plan ahead and check schedules at bus stations.

Is it easy to find parking in cities?

Parking can be limited in old towns. Look for designated parking areas and pay attention to signs.

What side of the road do cars drive on?

Cars drive on the left, a legacy of British rule. Roundabouts go clockwise.

Can I use my phone for navigation while driving?

Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. Set your navigation before you start or use a mounted device.