Renting a Car in Cyprus: 11 Things to Know

Planning to rent a car in Cyprus? Before you click that booking button, take a moment to read this comprehensive guide.

Having explored this beautiful Mediterranean island extensively, I’ve gathered essential insights about car rentals in Cyprus that will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. From airport pickup procedures to local driving conditions, here’s everything you need to know for a smooth driving experience on this beautiful island.

Choosing Your Airport and Rental Location

The Republic of Cyprus has two main airports: Paphos on the western coast and Larnaca on the central-eastern side.

Larnaca Airport is significantly larger—approximately twice the size of Paphos—which translates to more flight options, typically lower airfares, and a wider selection of rental cars at more competitive prices.

If you fly into Larnaca, you’ll arrive at a single terminal that’s quite spacious. After passing through customs and exiting into the arrival hall, you’ll see a café directly in front of you.

The on-site rental companies—primarily global brands like Europcar, Hertz, and several local operators—are located just a few meters to the left.

When renting from these on-site companies, you’ll complete the paperwork at their counters, then take the escalator to the first floor where the parking area for rental cars is located. The process is straightforward.

If you’ve booked with an off-site rental company, take the escalator on the right side as you exit customs, proceed to the first floor, and follow signs to the left where shuttle buses await to transport you to the off-site facilities.

In the first 2 minutes of the above video you will clearly see the locations.

There are many differences between on-site and off-site car rentals in Cyprus. Briefly, the on-site rentals offer immediate vehicle access and usually newer cars, off-site companies, however, provide better rates but older cars, although always well maintained.

Selecting the Right Vehicle

The good news is that virtually any car type works well in Cyprus. Unlike some destinations, Cyprus doesn’t have high mountains or desert terrain that would need four-wheel drive vehicles. The only exception would be if you’re planning significant off-road adventures.

Local Tip: book as far in advance as possible. Early booking ensures better availability and significantly lower prices. For example, if I check rates in late May for a September rental (my preferred time to visit Cyprus), an economy car costs approximately €20 per day. The same car booked in late August could cost twice as much with fewer options available.

Peak season in Cyprus runs from June through late August, when rental prices predictably surge due to demand.

For the past five years, I’ve used a comparison website called DiscoverCars that ranks rental providers on a scale from five to ten stars based on customer feedback (a sort of airbnb for cars).

I usually filter between eight and ten stars to list only the most trusted rental companiesensure, then select the most affordable option. This approach helps me avoid questionable providers that may scam you with sudden damages at the end of the trip.

Through this website, I also add full insurance coverage for just €8-10 per day—a worthwhile investment for peace of mind. Without comprehensive coverage, even minor scratches or dents could result in charges of €400-500, an unwelcome conclusion to any holiday.

Driver’s License Requirements

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depends on your country of origin:

• European/UK drivers: Your national license is sufficient; no additional documentation required.
• Non-Latin alphabet licenses: If your license is in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, or other non-Latin scripts, you need an IDP (Internation Driving Permit) to translate your license information. You’ll need to carry both your original license and the IDP when driving.
• Other countries (US, Australia, etc.): While rental companies typically accept these licenses, I recommend getting an IDP for additional security. An IDP costs only $10-20 and provides peace of mind, particularly regarding insurance coverage and potential police checks.

Driving Conditions and Local Habits

Cyprus has no particularly unusual driving rules. European drivers will find the regulations familiar, while American drivers should note that turning left on red lights is not allowed (as in most countries).

The most significant adjustment for many visitors is that Cypriots drive on the left side of the road. If you’re from the UK, Australia, or another left-side driving country, you’ll feel right at home. If you are a driver from right-side countries then you should consider renting an automatic car, just to have one thing less to think about.

In my experience, local drivers in Cyprus are generally relaxed and accommodating. I’ve never encountered significant problems while driving there. Occasional honking is part of the Mediterranean driving culture but isn’t particularly prevalent in major cities.

My advice is to take it easy, avoid speeding, and never compete with local drivers.

Border Restrictions

An important consideration is Cyprus’s political division. The island is split into two parts: the Republic of Cyprus (southern part, where you’ll likely fly into via Paphos or Larnaca) and Northern Cyprus.

The critical thing to understand is that you cannot drive your rental car across the border into Northern Cyprus. Rental agreements explicitly prohibit this, and attempting to cross could void your insurance and create significant complications.

Do You Actually Need a Rental Car?

Honestly, whether you need a rental car depends entirely on your travel plans.

If you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday confined to your resort, with perhaps occasional visits to nearby towns, you might not need a car. Many resorts offer airport transfers, and local buses can transport you to major towns. Taxis are also available for shorter journeys.

The public transportation network connecting the major destinations of Cyprus, like Paphos, Limassol, and Ayia Napa is reasonably good, with regular bus service between these cities.

However, a rental car becomes invaluable if you want to explore beyond these main tourist hubs. Public transportation is limited or nonexistent for destinations like:

• Coral Bay on the east coast
• Cape Greco for spectacular sunsets
• The Edro shipwreck on the west coast
• The charming villages in the island’s interior
• The wild, greener north coast

A rental car provides the flexibility to visit these places on your own schedule and discover beaches and viewpoints that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Consider that local buses aren’t always reliable, and taxi rides can be expensive—a 5-10 minute ride might cost €10, while 20-30 minute journeys can reach €20-50. Always confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Local Tip: If you plan to explore beyond the main tourist areas, a rental car is definitely worthwhile. If you’re staying within major destinations or at a single resort, public transportation should be enough.

Road Quality and Speed Limits

Cyprus boasts excellent road quality—better than many Southern European countries in my opinion. A well-maintained highway connects the east and west coasts, linking Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos.

Speed limits are clearly marked and strictly enforced:

• Highways: 100 km/h
• Country and secondary roads: 80 km/h
• Urban areas (cities and towns): 50 km/h or 30 km/h

Speed cameras are common, so try to stay within the speed limits, especially on highways

Traffic Conditions

Traffic in Cyprus is generally reasonable, with congestion during office rush hours around cities (7:30-9:00am and 5pm-7pm) and evening traffic in popular tourist areas like Limassol. Outside these peak times, driving is typically smooth and stress-free.

Friday and Saturday nights can be quite busy around Limassol. I personally experienced multiple queues on the highway near the city and at the exit, almost at a congestion level betweeen 7pm and 9pm. This is a time you should avoid.

Parking Regulations and Payment

Parking in Cyprus is relatively straightforward once you understand the marking system:

• Double orange lines: No stopping or parking allowed (€100 fine)
• Single orange line: Temporary stopping for loading/unloading only; no parking
• White-lined areas: Designated parking spaces, either paid or free

In paid parking areas, rates typically range from 50 cents to €1.50 per hour, with some popular beaches or tourist destinations charging €5-10 for all-day parking.

One peculiarity of Cyprus is the prevalence of coin-operated parking meters. Many don’t accept credit cards, so keep a supply of coins in your car for parking. Some towns are transitioning to parking apps, but this isn’t common yet.

Fuel Stations

There are many petrol stations throughout Cyprus, except in the remote northern and central regions—if venturing there, fill up beforehand. Fuel prices are 30-40% cheaper than in most European countries, though slightly higher than in the US or Australia.

At most stations, an attendant will refuel your vehicle, though self-service is also acceptable when no attendant is present. Credit cards are widely accepted at larger stations, but carry cash for smaller petrol stations in rural areas.

Potential Scams

Be aware of two potentially scams:

1. Fuel Policies: Some companies offer “full-to-full” arrangements (ideal, as you return the car with a full tank), while others use “empty-to-empty” or “full-to’empty”policies, which is not ideal, almost a scam. Firstly, it’s almost impossible to return the car empty and secondly with a full-to-empty policy, they will charge a premium price for the full tank.
2. Damage Claims: Luckily Cyprus operators are usually very honest, however, there are still a few that try to claim pre-existing damage caused during your rental period. Even if in a rush, remember always to document your vehicle’s condition before driving away:

• Take detailed photos and videos of both exterior and interior
• Capture any existing scratches, dents, or interior damage (even under the car front and back)
• Save these images until the end of your rental period

I personally opt for full insurance coverage (€8-10 daily through DiscoverCars) just to have a complete peace of mind. Nevertheless, I still document the vehicle’s condition to avoid time-consuming discussions upon return.