Arrival & Transport

Cyprus has two international airports in the south. The former main airport Nicosia is located in the UN buffer zone and has been closed since 1974.

Larnaka (LCA) — Main Airport

The largest airport in Cyprus, 4 km southwest of Larnaka. Direct flights from Munich (3:30h), Frankfurt (3:45h), Berlin, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Hamburg. Airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Cyprus Airways, TUI fly.

Transfer: Bus line 425 to Larnaka center (1.50€, 20 min). Buses to Limassol (Intercity, 9€, 1h), Nicosia (Intercity, 7€, 45 min), Paphos (Intercity, 9€, 1:45h). Taxi to Larnaka: 20€, to Limassol: 50–60€, to Nicosia: 40–50€.

Paphos (PFO) — Western Airport

Smaller but growing. Direct flights from Munich, Berlin. Mainly served by Ryanair and Wizz Air. Ideal for Paphos, Akamas, and the west of the island.

Transfer: Bus 612 to Paphos center (1.50€, 30 min). Taxis: 25–30€ to the center.

Ercan (ECN) — North Cyprus

The airport in North Cyprus is internationally recognized only by Turkey. All flights go via Istanbul, Ankara, or Antalya. Not an option for EU citizens as the first landing (since according to EU law only Larnaka/Paphos are legal), but technically possible as a return flight via Turkey.

Flight Prices (Reference from Germany)

A rental car is almost indispensable in Cyprus. Public transport is sparse, the attractions are scattered, and the island is compact enough to circle in a week. But: left-hand traffic!

Prices & Booking

Providers

International: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt — at the airport, good standard.

Local (recommended): Petsas, Astra, Easy Rent — often cheaper, personal service, deliver to the hotel.

Left-hand Traffic — Tips

• Book automatic! Shifting with the left hand can quickly become confusing. The few extra euros for automatic are worth their weight in gold.
• Roundabouts: Clockwise! Look right when entering, priority is given to traffic from the right (thus coming from the left from a German perspective).
• First hour: Start in a quiet place, not directly into rush hour traffic at the airport. Practice in a parking lot.
• Wipers-Blinker: The levers are swapped. You'll be wiping instead of signaling for days — it happens to everyone.

North Cyprus Regulation

South Cypriot rental cars are NOT allowed in the north! The car insurance does not apply there. Options: Take out short-term insurance at the border crossing (approx. 20€ for 3 days) or rent separately in the north. Some providers allow crossing the border for an additional fee — be sure to clarify in writing beforehand.

Public transport in Cyprus is functional but limited. There is no rail network — everything runs via buses.

Intercity Buses

The Intercity Buses connect the main cities affordably and reliably:

City Buses

In Limassol, Paphos, Larnaka, and Nicosia, local buses (EMEL, OSYPA etc.) operate. Single ride: 1.50€, day pass: 5€. Frequency: every 15–30 minutes in the cities, less frequent to outskirts.

North Cyprus

Own bus companies connect Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Lefkoşa (North Nicosia). Very cheap (1–3€), but irregular. Dolmuş minibuses are the more flexible alternative.

Conclusion

Between the main cities, the bus works well. For attractions outside the cities (Akamas, Troodos, Kourion, Cape Greco), a rental car is almost essential. Alternatively: organized day tours from the coastal cities.