Cyprus Public Transport: Everything You Need To Know About It

Cyprus, a stunning Mediterranean island known for its rich history, sun-drenched beaches, and charming villages, offers travelers a blend of ancient culture and modern amenities. While renting a car is a popular choice for many visitors, understanding the public transport system in Cyprus can save you money and provide a more sustainable way to explore the island.

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.

The public transport system in Cyprus primarily revolves around buses, which operate across major cities, towns, and even rural areas. While there are no trains or metro services on the island, buses and taxis offer efficient transportation options for both locals and tourists. The system is relatively well-developed, with intercity buses connecting major urban centers, and urban buses serving inner-city routes.

Though renting a car is popular among tourists due to the convenience of exploring the more remote parts of the island, public transportation can be a cost-effective alternative, especially if you’re staying within or traveling between cities.

Buses: the primary mode of transport

Buses are the backbone of public transportation in Cyprus. The country has a well-organized bus network, and services are generally reliable and affordable. Depending on your route, there are three main types of buses to be aware of:

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.

• Key providers: Intercity Buses Cyprus.
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route.
• Major routes:
  • Nicosia – Limassol
  • Nicosia – Ayia Napa & Paralimni
  • Larnaca – Limassol
  • Larnaca – Ayia Napa & Paralimni
  • Paphos – Larnaca
  • Limassol – Paphos

You can check schedules and even book tickets online through the Intercity Buses website.

Urban Buses

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.
• Popular routes:
  • Nicosia’s Old Town to New City
  • Limassol Marina to Ancient Kourion
  • Larnaca Airport to City Center

Most urban buses are equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning and are wheelchair accessible.

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, but 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.

Public transport in major cities

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.

• Bus cost: €2.40 paper ticket (paid with cash on the bus) & €1.80 with card, night fare is higher

Limassol

Limassol, known for its beaches and nightlife, offers regular bus services through EMEL. The buses operate along the coastal route and also connect to the historical sites in the area.

• Bus cost: €1.50 per trip during the day & €2.50 at night

Larnaca

Larnaca’s public transport is managed by Zinonas Buses. There are regular routes between the airport and the city center, making it convenient for tourists to travel from the airport to their accommodation.

• Bus cost: €1.50 per trip, bus from Larnaca Finikoudes beach to Larnaca Airport €2.40

Paphos

Paphos, famous for its archaeological sites and beaches, has bus services provided by OSYPA. The buses cover both the town center and the surrounding suburbs.

• Bus cost: €1.50 per trip

Ayia Napa

The bus service in Ayia Napa is provided by OSEA. The main bus route number is 101/102 – Ayia Napa (Waterpark) – Paralimni.

• Bus cost: €1.50, €2.50 night fare, €5 daily ticket, €20.00 7-day ticket, €40.00 monthly ticket

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.
• Language: While most bus drivers speak English, it’s useful to know the route numbers and destinations in Greek.

Cost 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 7days, 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

• Monthly Pass: €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.

Intercity Bus Costs

• 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.

Discounted Tickets

• Reduced Fares: There are discounts for students, children, and seniors. Typically, students and pensioners can get around 50% off the normal fare, though 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

PROS

• Affordable: Public transport is cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis.
• Environmentally friendly: Buses provide a greener alternative to car travel.
• Convenient in cities: Bus networks are well-organized in urban areas.

CONS

• Limited rural access: Buses may not reach more remote areas.
• Infrequent service: Particularly outside of peak times and on weekends.
• Language barriers: While English is widely spoken, signs and schedules may still be confusing for non-Greek speakers.

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.