Local advice from Rentamania LTD on buses, taxis, car sharing and rental cars in Cyprus.

GUIDE How to Get Around Cyprus During Your Holiday

One of the most common questions visitors ask before arriving is:

"What is the best way to get around Cyprus?"

The answer depends on your budget, travel style, and how much of the island you would like to explore. As a local car rental company based in Chloraka, Paphos, Rentamania LTD would like to share the advantages and disadvantages of each transportation option.

Cyprus is a beautiful island for independent travel, but choosing the right transport method can make a major difference to your comfort, budget and holiday experience.

01 Public Transport: Affordable but Limited

Unlike many large European cities, Cyprus does not have metro systems, trains, suburban railways or high-speed rail connections. Road transportation is the primary way to travel around the island.

Buses are available and are usually the cheapest option. However, visitors should be aware that public transport in Cyprus has several limitations.

Common limitations include:

  • Routes can be limited.
  • Waiting times may be long.
  • Buses can become crowded during the summer.
  • Reaching beaches and remote attractions may require multiple connections.
  • Bus stops may be far from hotels, villas, apartments and tourist sites.
  • Travel times can be much longer than by car.

Many tourists initially try using buses but soon discover that spending 30 to 45 minutes waiting under the summer sun is not always the most enjoyable part of their holiday.

Public transport may be suitable if:

  • You are on a very tight budget.
  • You plan to stay mostly within one city.
  • You are not in a hurry.
  • You do not plan to visit many beaches, villages or mountain areas.

02 Taxis: Convenient but Expensive

Taxis are widely available across Cyprus and offer a comfortable way to travel, especially for airport transfers, evening trips or short journeys when you do not want to drive.

However, transportation costs can be surprisingly high compared with many other holiday destinations, especially for longer intercity journeys.

Typical seasonal examples may include:

  • Paphos Airport to Paphos: approximately €50–€80.
  • Paphos to Limassol: approximately €100–€150.
  • Paphos to Ayia Napa: approximately €250–€300.

Prices vary depending on the season, time of day, route, luggage, waiting time and operator, but regular taxi use can quickly become one of the largest expenses during your holiday.

Taxis are ideal if:

  • You only need one or two transfers.
  • You do not intend to travel much.
  • Convenience is more important than cost.
  • You prefer not to drive at night or after dinner.

03 Car Sharing: Good for Short Distances

Car-sharing services are available in some areas of Cyprus and may be useful for short, occasional journeys.

They work best for city travel or very short trips where you only need a car for a limited time.

Car sharing may work well for:

  • Short trips.
  • Occasional use.
  • City travel.
  • Visitors staying mainly in one urban area.

However, car sharing also has disadvantages:

  • Availability may be limited.
  • Cars are not always nearby.
  • Coverage varies between regions.
  • Longer journeys can become expensive.
  • It may be less convenient for families, luggage or full-day trips.

Car sharing is generally more suitable for residents or travellers staying in cities for extended periods, rather than tourists who want to explore the island freely.

04 Rental Cars: The Most Flexible and Economical Solution

For most visitors, renting a car is both the most practical and the most cost-effective way to get around Cyprus.

Cyprus is a relatively compact island, making day trips very easy. With your own vehicle, you can visit beaches, villages, mountains, archaeological sites, monasteries, restaurants, viewpoints and coastal roads without relying on bus timetables or expensive taxi journeys.

Advantages of renting a car include:

  • Complete freedom of movement.
  • Access to beaches, villages and mountains.
  • No waiting for buses.
  • No expensive taxi bills for every journey.
  • Ability to explore the island at your own pace.
  • Greater comfort for families, couples and groups.
  • More flexibility for spontaneous stops and photo opportunities.

From Paphos, you can comfortably visit many of the island's most popular destinations by rental car.

Popular self-drive destinations from Paphos include:

  • Limassol
  • Troodos Mountains
  • Latchi and Blue Lagoon boat trips
  • Nicosia
  • Ayia Napa
  • Protaras
  • Larnaca
  • Traditional villages and wineries

Many visitors are surprised to discover that the cost of a one-day rental with insurance is often lower than a single long taxi ride.

COMPARE Quick Comparison of Transport Options in Cyprus

  • Public transport: cheapest, but limited routes and longer waiting times.
  • Taxis: convenient, but expensive for frequent or long-distance travel.
  • Car sharing: useful for short urban trips, but limited by availability and coverage.
  • Rental cars: usually the best balance of freedom, comfort, convenience and value for money.

05 How to Choose a Reliable Rental Company

Today, finding a rental company is easier than ever. Visitors can use several tools to compare companies and make an informed decision.

You can:

  • Search Google Maps.
  • Read reviews online.
  • Use AI assistants such as ChatGPT or Gemini to find highly rated companies.
  • Compare customer experiences.
  • Ask your hotel, host or local contacts for recommendations.

When evaluating companies, pay attention to:

  • Ratings and reviews.
  • Insurance coverage.
  • Excess amount and deposit rules.
  • Transparency of rental terms.
  • Number of customer reviews.
  • Hidden fees or unclear conditions.
  • Delivery options.
  • Speed and quality of customer communication.

HOTEL The Safest Option: Ask Your Hotel Reception

In our opinion, one of the easiest and safest ways to find a reliable rental company is to ask your hotel reception.

Hotels usually work with trusted local partners and have long-term relationships with rental companies that provide consistent service to guests.

Although prices may sometimes be slightly higher due to commission arrangements, hotels can act as an additional layer of protection between the guest and the rental company.

Hotels usually prefer companies that provide:

  • Transparent conditions.
  • Good customer service.
  • Reliable vehicles.
  • Fair treatment of guests.
  • Fast local support.

Hotels have a strong interest in protecting their reputation. For that reason, they usually cooperate with rental companies that deliver a positive guest experience.

As long as you respect the rental agreement and use the vehicle responsibly, your risks are generally minimal.

TIPS Practical Tips Before Choosing Transport in Cyprus

  • Think about how many places you want to visit during your stay.
  • Compare the total cost of taxis with the cost of car rental and fuel.
  • Check whether your hotel offers recommended rental partners.
  • Read the rental agreement before signing.
  • Check insurance, excess and deposit conditions.
  • Ask whether hotel delivery and airport delivery are available.
  • Choose a vehicle suitable for your route, passengers and luggage.
  • Remember that Cyprus has left-hand traffic, similar to the UK.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around Cyprus?

For most tourists, renting a car provides the greatest flexibility and often the best value for money, especially if you want to visit beaches, villages, mountains and cities outside your hotel area.

Is public transport good in Cyprus?

Buses are inexpensive, but routes may be limited and waiting times can be long, especially outside major cities or when travelling to beaches and remote attractions.

Are taxis expensive in Cyprus?

Taxi prices in Cyprus can be relatively high, especially during the tourist season and for long-distance trips such as Paphos to Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa or Protaras.

Does Cyprus have trains or metro systems?

No. Cyprus does not currently have railways, metro systems or suburban trains. Road transportation is the primary way to travel around the island.

Is car sharing available in Cyprus?

Yes, car-sharing services are available in some areas, but availability varies and they are generally more suitable for short urban journeys than full-day sightseeing routes.

How can I find a reliable car rental company in Cyprus?

Many visitors use Google reviews, online recommendations, AI assistants or simply ask their hotel reception, which often works with trusted local rental companies.

Is renting a car in Cyprus worth it?

Yes, for many visitors it is worth it because a rental car provides freedom, comfort, convenience and access to places that are difficult to reach by public transport or expensive to visit by taxi.

Can I travel from Paphos to other cities by rental car?

Yes. From Paphos, visitors can drive to Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Troodos Mountains, Latchi and many other destinations.

LOCAL Our Recommendation

After years of experience in Cyprus tourism, we believe that renting a car offers the best combination of comfort, freedom, safety, convenience and value for money.

Cyprus was made for road trips. The island is compact, roads are generally excellent, and many of its most beautiful places are best discovered with your own vehicle.

At Rentamania LTD in Chloraka, Paphos, we believe that the freedom to travel independently is one of the greatest pleasures of visiting Cyprus.

Whatever transportation method you choose, we wish you an unforgettable holiday and many wonderful memories of our beautiful island.

RENTAL Explore Cyprus with Rentamania LTD

Rentamania LTD is a local car rental company based in Chloraka, Paphos. We help visitors explore Cyprus with flexible vehicle rental, hotel delivery, airport delivery, local advice and responsive customer support.

Whether you need a compact car, a family vehicle, a 7- or 8-seat minivan, a 125cc scooter or another suitable vehicle for your trip, our team can help you choose the right option.

Contact Rentamania LTD today and discover the most convenient way to travel around Cyprus during your holiday.


Author: Rentamania LTD Team

Location: Chloraka, Paphos, Cyprus

Last Updated: June 2026

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