Moving Around Cyprus: Airports, Car Hire, Taxis, Buses, and Day Trips
Getting around Cyprus from your rental property
Airports, car hire, taxis, buses, and day trips
Making the right choice of your Cyprus holiday rental is more than just a decision about the property. It also requires consideration of how easy (or difficult) it will be to move around. Whether you are staying in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol or Paphos, local transport choices will likely have some effect on your holiday experience.
This guide breaks down the practical options: arriving, moving locally, and planning day trips without stress.
Which airport makes the most sense for arrival?
Cyprus has two main airports for most visitors:
Larnaca International Airport: definitely the most convenient for Ayia Napa, Pernera, and Protaras, and also a solid option for Limassol.
Paphos International Airport: often convenient for the west side of the island, and can work for Limassol depending on flights, timings and destination or origin.
When booking your flights, it is important to factor in some decisions outside of pricing:
the arrival time matters, especially if you want to avoid late night transfers and have a set check-in time
The amount of luggage you are carrying and number of guests can make direct routes worth it
if you plan to explore multiple regions, choose the airport that matches closest to your initial starting rental
Transfer options from the airport
With local friend and family connections aside, there are four practical options on getting from the airport to your holiday rental property.
1) Private transfer - a pre-booked, transportation service, generally in a comfortable car that offers direct non-stop travel from the airport to your accommodation.
Best for:
families with luggage
late arrivals
travellers who want a smooth start
Why it works: it is predictable, direct, and easy.
Why it might not be suitable: Can be more expensive than other options.
2) Taxi - Another direct transportation method but one that does not need to be pre-arranged prior to arrival. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the driver so be wary.
Best for:
couples and small groups
short notice plans
Why it works: Another direct option but one that is absent of the satisfaction guarantee that a private transfer provides.
Tip: confirm the fare price before you leave the airport zone, especially in peak season.
3) Car hire at the airport - The most freeing option if you plan on moving around the island during your stay. Kindly remember that Cyprus, unlike the majority of Europe, is left-hand drive which can take some getting used to for visitors from right-hand drive countries.
Best for:
travellers planning day trips
longer island stays
anyone staying outside of the regions that are most central
If you want freedom or to spend your time on the island living like a local then this is often the best option.
4) Shared shuttles or buses - the most affordable option but typically not the most reliable and certainly not the most direct.
Best for:
budget travel
flexible schedules
This can be a good option, but it is less ideal with kids, large luggage, or tight check in times.
Do you need a car in Cyprus?
The million-dollar question and one that depends on a number of factors. Essentially though it will largely come down to the proximity of your base to the center of the tourist region and your individual travel style.
You can avoid renting a car if:
you stay central in Protaras, Pernera, or Ayia Napa
your plan is mostly beach, dining, and short walks
you are happy to use taxis for the occasional trip
A car is strongly recommended if:
you want to explore Cape Greco viewpoints (and are not staying closeby), inland villages, wineries, other cities and/or multiple beaches
you are staying in quieter pockets where groceries and dining will require a drive
you are travelling as a family and want flexible schedules
Local transport by area
The local transportation experience differs widely depending on which region of Cyprus you are residing in. Put simply:
Ayia Napa
Easy to reach beaches and central zones.
In peak season, driving and parking can be annoying at the busiest spots.
If you plan to explore beyond the resort core, a car helps a lot.
Protaras and Pernera
Many travellers enjoy walking along the coastline.
For short trips, taxis are common and convenient.
A car unlocks Cape Greco, quieter bays, and flexible dining choices.
Limassol
Limassol is larger and more urban.
A car helps if you want to combine city life with exploring nearby beaches, wineries, or mountain villages.
Within the city, taxis and local routes can be useful depending on where you stay.
Day trips that make sense from each holiday rental region
From Ayia Napa
When residing in Ayia Napa but intent on stepping outside the comfort of your rental property and undertaking a day trip, the following are popular options:
Cape Greco viewpoints and sea caves
Quieter beaches further along the coastline
inland villages for a cultural experience
From Protaras and Pernera
While staying in the Protaras and Pernera region, while there is lots to do nearby, the lure of fun nearby activities and regions can often encourage renters to take part in a day trip to one of the following:
Cape Greco and Konnos Bay
Ayia Napa for a higher energy day
scenic stops along the east coast
From Limassol
While Limassol is a vibrant city with much to do, there are many nearby attractions which are likely to be enticing to visitors to the island. These attractions include:
mountain villages and nature escapes
wineries and food focused day trips
Ancient ruins like those found at Kourion
nearby beaches and coastal drives
In conclusion
Moving around Cyprus can be effortless if you match your transport choice to your rental accomodation. Protaras and Pernera can be wonderfully walkable. Ayia Napa is easy when you choose quiet zones and plan peak season movement. Limassol rewards you with variety if you have the flexibility to explore.
If you tell the Luxel Villas team where you are staying and what type of trip you want, our support team can arrange a simple transport setup that fits your itinerary.