Cyprus Public Transport: Everything You Need To Know About It

Famous for its sunny beaches, rich history and charming cities, Cyprus is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. While renting a car is the most common choice for exploring the island, public transport in Cyprus is an affordable alternative for those who want to travel more economically, in an environmentally friendly way, or who find driving on the left side of the road an obstacle. In this guide, we’ll explore in detail everything you need to know about public transport in Cyprus – from buses and taxis to practical tips for your trip.

Public transport in Cyprus is mainly based on buses, as there has been no railway system on the island since 1951. Buses are the main form of transport for both locals and tourists wishing to explore towns, villages and coastal destinations. While there are no trains or metro services on the island, buses and taxis offer efficient transportation options. The system is relatively well-developed, with intercity buses connecting major urban centers, and urban buses serving inner-city routes.

It is important to note that Cyprus is divided into a Greek southern part and a Turkish northern part. Public transport in Cyprus operates separately in each part, so it is necessary to adapt your travel planning if you wish to visit both areas.

Whether you’re planning to visit the vibrant capital of Nicosia, the picturesque beaches of Limassol, or the cultural treasures of Paphos, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate public transport in Cyprus efficiently.

How to get from airport in Cyprus?

Cyprus has 3 international airports, 2 on the Greek side of the island – Paphos and Larnaca, and 1 on the Turkish side – Ercan Airport, located about 13km from Nicosia (this airport currently only offers flights to and from Turkey). So you will most likely land at Paphos or Larnaca airport. Fortunately, public transport in Cyprus from the airports is well organised and you should not have any major problems.

Paphos Airport

Taxis can be found outside the terminal and the bus stop is across the road. Larnaca, Nicosia and Limassol can be reached directly by shuttle bus, but if you are travelling elsewhere, you will need to change at Paphos station. If you are heading to Paphos, you will need to take bus number 612.

The bus will take you from the airport to the town centre in about 30 minutes and costs 1.50€. In the high season from April to November, bus departures are more frequent (at intervals of approx. 70 minutes).

From the airport, the Kapnos Airport Shuttle will take you to Nicosia, Larnaca Airport, the Kapnos Shuttle headquarters in Larnaca or to Finikoudes Beach, where there is a connection to InterCity buses. The price for an adult is €16, for children the ride is free (January 2025). Check the timetables on their website before travelling. You can also pre-book a seat for a specific time at this link, otherwise you can buy your ticket on the bus. The journey takes approx. 100 minutes.
I recommend that even if you are staying in Larnaca, you should go to the Finikoudes beach stop, as it will be easier to get to your final destination from there.

You can also take a direct bus from Paphos airport to Limassol. The journey takes about 45 minutes, the price for an adult is €9, for a child €4 and if you buy a return ticket it will cost you €13. The bus has 3-5 departures per day, buy your ticket on the bus.

Larnaca Airport

If you are flying to Larnaca just like I did, there are a few options how to get from the airport, it depends on your final destination.

Airport – Larnaca city centre

If you are heading to the centre of Larnaca, you will need to take the city bus. The lines connecting the airport and Finikoudes beach are the 425 and 429, and lines 407, 430, 431 and 432 will take you close to the beach. The ticket costs €2.40 (night fare €4 between 21:00 – 04:00) and can be bought from the driver. Line 425 connects the airport with Finikoudes beach, where you can change to a bus to Ayia Napa or Protaras (more on this below), and Cyprus Public Transport has a very useful map on their website showing which stop you need to get to depending on your hotel/apartments.

The bus runs every 20 minutes. The first bus from the airport departs at 6:30 and the last one at 23:50.

Airport – Ayia Napa / Paralimni & Protaras

If you are heading to Ayia Napa or Protaras, you will need to go from the airport first to Finikoudes Beach – lines 425 and 429. There you will need to change to an intercity bus. A one-way ticket costs €4 and can be bought from the driver. The journey takes about 1 hour and the buses leave quite frequently.

If you want to get to Protaras you can take the OSEA bus 711, 712 or 714 from Larnaca, but the bus does not stop at Finikoudes beach. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Ayia Napo & Paralimni and change to bus 101 (102 for the return). These buses are also useful if you decide to visit Cape Greco or Sea Caves. The fare on these buses is 1.50€.

Airport – Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos

If you are travelling from Larnaca Airport to another city, the Kapnos Airport Shuttle is an option to take you to Nicosia or Paphos Airport. You can find all the options on their website, where you can also see the timetable and make a booking. The shuttle to Nicosia costs €9 and the shuttle to Paphos Airport costs €16.

For Limassol, you have the option of the Limassol Airport Express – departures are quite frequent and the fare is €10 for adults and €5 for children aged 3-12 (May 2024).

The taxis are located on the right hand side, right next to the airport exit (Arrivals Hall, Level 0). Taxis are available 24/7. The taxi fare from the centre of Larnaca to the airport is approx. 20€.
You will also need to go to Arrivals Hall in case you continue your journey by shuttle/bus. You can’t miss the station as it is located right at the exit of the terminal.

Buses on Cyprus

Buses are the backbone of public transportation in Cyprus. The country has a well-organized bus network, and services are generally reliable and affordable, making them ideal for tourists looking to save money on transport. Buses are fairly frequent in the larger cities and between tourist destinations, but in rural areas they may be less frequent or even unavailable. It is important to check timetables in advance and familiarise yourself with the main stops and routes.

Most buses in Cyprus are air-conditioned, which is a great advantage in the hot summer months. In addition, the buses are modern and well maintained, ensuring a comfortable ride. For tourists visiting Cyprus for the first time, buses are also a great way to see the countryside and get an impression of local life while driving.

InterCity Buses

For traveling between cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca, InterCity buses are the best option. These buses operate multiple times a day, providing affordable transportation for both locals and tourists. The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable, making longer journeys pleasant.

• Frequency: Every 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route.
• Ticket price: 4-9€ for one-way ticket and 7-13€ for round trip

Major routes

• Nicosia ⇄ Limassol: Regular connections between the capital Nicosia and the coastal city of Limassol.

• Nicosia ⇄ Larnaca: Connections between Nicosia and the city of Larnaca, famous for its international airport.

• Nicosia ⇄ Ayia Napa & Paralimni: Line connecting Nicosia with the popular tourist destinations of Ayia Napa and Paralimni.

• Nicosia ⇄ Paphos: Link between Nicosia and the historic town of Paphos on the west coast.

• Larnaca ⇄ Limassol: Line between Larnaca and Limassol, providing services between the eastern and southern coasts.

• Larnaca ⇄ Ayia Napa & Paralimni: Connection between Larnaca and the popular resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni.

• Limassol ⇄ Paphos: Line connecting the two important coastal towns of Limassol and Paphos.

• Larnaca ⇄ Limassol ⇄ Paphos: A link allowing travel between Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos.

• Paralimni, Ayia Napa & Larnaca ⇄ Paphos: Line connecting Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Larnaca with Paphos.

You can check schedules on the Intercity Buses website.

Intercity buses have the advantage of being air-conditioned, affordable and offering relatively fast connections. Tickets can be bought at bus stations or from the driver. One-way tickets can be bought on the bus, while return tickets can’t be bought from the driver. You can only buy it at the bus station. On the bus, payment can only be made in cash, so make sure you have enough change on you to pay for your journey.

Timetables are often tailored to the needs of the local population, so weekday and weekend schedules vary. Very early morning and late evening services are limited, so pay attention to time constraints when planning your journey.

InterCity bus ticket prices

• Single Intercity Ticket: €4.00-€9.00 depending on the distance between cities.
  • Example: A trip from Nicosia to Limassol typically costs around €4.00 one way, while a journey from Larnaca to Paphos costs €7.00 & journey from Ayia Napa/Paralimni to Paphos costs €9.00.
• Return Intercity Ticket: Approximately €7.00-€13.00 for a round trip, depending on the route.

Public transport in major cities

Urban buses operate within major cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. These buses are perfect for getting around the city, whether you’re visiting tourist sites, shopping, or heading to the beach.

• Key providers: OSEL (Nicosia), EMEL (Limassol), OSYPA (Paphos), and Zinonas Buses (Larnaca), OSEA (Ayia Napa).
• Frequency: Every 10-30 minutes during peak times, with less frequent service during weekends and holidays.

Most urban buses are equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning and are wheelchair accessible. Local buses run frequently, especially during rush hours. Timetables are available on the websites of the individual providers, but it is advisable to check them in advance, as weekend and public holiday runs may be less frequent.

Nicosia

Nicosia, the capital, has an extensive bus network operated by OSEL. The buses connect the old town to the new city and beyond, with routes to museums, shopping centers, and government offices. Buses connect different parts of the city and offer transport to other major cities on the island. However, some tourist attractions are more easily accessible on foot or by taxi.

I only visited Nicosia for 1 day, so I took a local bus from Larnaca to get there, but I explored Nicosia on foot and did not use the bus. If you will use the bus, you will pay 2.40€ for the ticket (you can buy it on the bus, but they only accept cash) or 1.80€ with the Motion card. Keep in mind that the night fare is higher.

Larnaca

The main bus station is located close to the city centre, from where you can access various parts of the city, including Larnaca Airport. Buses are quite frequent, especially on the popular routes to the beaches and main attractions. The cost of a bus ride is €2.40 if you buy it from the driver. It is also possible to buy a multi-day pass, which I don’t think you will need. I recommend staying near Finikoudes beach as this way you will have most things close by and you won’t need a bus (beach, shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.).

The bus lines that stop at the Finikoudes Beach bus stop are 424, 427, 429, 443, 445 and one of the most important for tourists, line 425, which runs from the main station in Larnaca to Larnaca Airport (LCA) every 20 minutes. The first bus from the main station to the airport leaves at 6:05, the last one at 23:15. From Larnaca Airport, the first bus departs at 6:30 and the last one at 23:50. The other bus lines depart from the main station in Larnaca, which is about 500 metres from the Finikoudes Beach station.

Limassol

EMEL Buses operates bus services in Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus. Limassol has one of the best bus networks on the island, with regular connections to popular beaches, shopping centres and historical sites. Links to other cities such as Nicosia, Paphos and Larnaca are also well organised.

Public buses in Limassol run to famous sights such as the Kourion Amphitheatre, the ruins of Amathus, Kolossi Castle and the medieval Limassol Castle, which is served by several bus routes. There is a frequent bus service on the main road by the beach. It starts at the Le Meridien Hotel near the Amathus ruins, goes to the new harbour and ends at the My Mall shopping centre on the west side of Limassol. You can use this service to visit the local shops in the city centre and to go to the well-known restaurants and cafés in the Limassol Castle area by the Old Port.

The ticket price changed in July 2024 and is now €6 for a day ticket (for unlimited rides in one day), €2 for a one-way ticket and €3 for a night one-way ticket (from 21:00 to 04:00).

The routes can be found on the EMEL website.

Paphos

OSYPA Ltd. is the main bus operator in Paphos. The city has well-connected routes that provide transport between the airport, the city centre and popular tourist attractions such as Paphos Archaeological Park and Coral Bay. Long-distance connections allow travel to Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. Detailed information on individual routes and timetables is available on their website.

For easier route planning, you can use the “Journey Planner” tool, also available via their website.

A one-way ticket costs 2€ (3€ after 21:00), a daily ticket 6.50€ and a weekly (non-personalised) ticket 35€.

One-way tickets are bought on the bus, transfers are not allowed. You can buy a multi-trip ticket on the bus, which is loaded with a limited number of single tickets (4). If you want to buy a multi-trip ticket (8, 10, 20 or 40) you will have to do it at the designated points of sale. Tickets and further information are available at the main bus stations in Paphos, Kato Paphos and Polis.

Ayia Napa & Protaras

OSEA Buses offers bus services to Ayia Napa and Protaras, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus. Buses are frequent during the summer months and connect the main hotels, beaches and other attractions. During the low season, bus services are slightly less frequent, so it is advisable to check timetables in advance.

You can buy a one-way ticket on the bus for €1.50, a 4-ride ticket for €6, a day ticket for €5, a 5-day ticket for €15 and a 7-day ticket for €20. Please always carry some change with you, as you can only pay for your ticket on the bus in cash, debit and credit cards are not accepted.

You will most likely use the 101/102 line (101 Agia Napa Waterpark – Paralimni, 102 Paralimni – Agia Napa Waterpark). This line also passes Cape Greco, Konnos and Protaras. I recommend you visit Cape Greco and Protaras as the beaches there are truly amazing. For Ayia Napa, the circular lines 201 and 202 are the way to go, and the lines 711, 712 and 714 can also take you to Larnaca. These lines can be particularly useful if you are staying in Larnaca and want to visit Protaras, as the InterCity bus stops at Paralimni station and Ayia Napa, but not Protaras. Lines and timetables can be found on the OSEA website.

Rural Buses

If you’re planning to visit more remote areas or small villages, rural buses offer limited service but are still a viable option. These buses operate less frequently compared to urban or intercity buses, so it’s essential to check the schedules in advance.

• Key providers: Rural bus services vary depending on the region.
• Frequency: Limited service, with some routes operating only a few times a day.

Taxis & ride-hailing apps

While buses are the most cost-effective option, taxis are widely available across the island, offering a more convenient but pricier alternative. Taxis in Cyprus are regulated and metered. It’s always advisable to confirm the fare before starting your journey, especially for longer distances.

Cyprus also has ride-hailing apps such as Bolt, which allows travelers to book taxis through an app, much like Uber. This is a convenient way to get around, particularly if you’re in a city or need transport late at night when buses may not be operating.

• Cost: Higher than buses, but reasonable for short city trips.
• Availability: High in cities, but may be scarce in rural areas.

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Renting scooters & bicycles

For those who prefer a bit more freedom but don’t want to rent a car, renting a scooter or bicycle is a great option. Many towns and tourist areas offer rentals, and cycling paths are available in cities like Nicosia and Limassol. Scooters are ideal for short trips around coastal areas or city centers.

• Cost: Typically around €10-20 per day for bicycles and €15-35 for scooters.
• Best areas for cycling: Nicosia, Limassol Promenade, Ayia Napa.

Tips for using Cyprus public transport

• Plan Ahead: Always check the bus schedule, as services can be infrequent, especially on weekends and public holidays.
• Use Apps: Download bus apps or check bus operator websites for real-time updates on schedules.
• Cash or Card: It’s always good to have some cash on hand. It’s best to carry change rather than large banknotes, as this makes it easier to pay for the journey. You can’t pay with debit or credit cards on the bus.
• Language: Most bus drivers speak English.

Type of cards/passes of public transport in Cyprus

Travel cards

• One-way paper ticket: Issued on the bus, all days between 04:00-21:00. Between 21:01-03:59 an evening one way paper ticket is issued by the driver with an higher price.
• Paper smart card – non rechargeable: The Paper Smart Card with 4 trips, 2 days or 7 days. The 4 trips card, allows transfer within 60 minutes of the first cancellation without additional charge. It is valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
• Non personalized plastic smart card: Period Tickets for 7-days or 30-days, valid from the date of the first cancellation, which must be within 6 months of the date of purchase. Period Tickets are valid all days and all hours of service.

Monthly Passes

40.00€ for unlimited travel within a city for a full month. This option is more practical for locals or long-term visitors staying in a particular city.

Discounted Tickets

• Reduced Fares: There are discounts for students, children, and seniors. Typically, students and pensioners can get around 50% off the normal fare. Proof of eligibility (e.g., student ID or senior citizen card) is required.
• Children:
  • Children under the age of 6 travel for free.
  • Children aged 6-12 usually pay half fare, depending on the bus service provider.

These costs make public transportation in Cyprus a budget-friendly option for both locals and tourists, especially when using daily or weekly passes for unlimited travel.

Accessibility & safety

Public buses in Cyprus are generally safe and well-maintained. Most buses are equipped with modern facilities, including wheelchair accessibility. It’s recommended to be cautious during late-night travel, especially in less populated areas.

Pros & cons of using public transport in Cyprus

Public transport in Cyprus has a number of advantages, notably that it is affordable and significantly cheaper than renting a car, it is environmentally friendly, and it allows easy access to city centres, taking you to almost all towns and cities without having to worry about finding a parking space.

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks, notably the limited timetables, which can make early morning and late evening transport problematic. At the same time, rural coverage is poor and some remote destinations are not accessible by public transport. If you want to visit the villages in Cyprus (which I definitely recommend you visit), you will need to rent a car or choose a guided tour.

Public transport in Cyprus is a practical and cost-effective way to explore the island, particularly in urban areas. Whether you’re hopping between cities or venturing into rural regions, buses, taxis, and other transport options provide easy access to the island’s many attractions. While renting a car offers more flexibility, using public transport helps save money and reduces your carbon footprint—allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Cyprus in a more eco-friendly way.