Resources & Information on Paphos

Transport in Paphos, Cyprus

Although public transportation is available in Cyprus, it is not always conveniently scheduled for visitors, and often doesn't service areas of visitor interest beyond major cities.

Hiring a car, even for a few days, can make sightseeing much easier. Distances within Cyprus are not huge: it takes only two hours to drive from Paphos, in the southwest, to the capital of Nicosia in the centre of the island. However, there are few alternatives to major routes, which quickly become congested during rush hours or in the case of accidents. Roads around the coast and into the mountains can also be busier at weekends and during August, when many Cypriots take their annual holiday at the beach or in the Troodos Mountains.

Note public holidays when roads are more likely to be congested and bus services non-existent.

By Train

There is no railway network in Cyprus.

By Bus

Interurban buses link major towns from Monday to Saturday (no Sunday service).

For schedule information for Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa: Tel: +357 (0)22-665-814 or Tel: +357 (0)24-643-492.
For Paphos services: Tel: +357 (0)26-936-822.

Rural buses connect villages to nearby towns only once or twice a day. Urban bus information is available at Cyprus Tourism Organisation offices or hotels in the major centres.

Interurban service taxis are taxis that can be shared between four to seven passengers. They connect the major cities and towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, and can be booked to pick up and drop off at specific points, such as houses or hotels. The umbrella organization is called the Cyprus Interurban Taxi Co. Ltd, with reservation numbers available locally. The taxis run every half-hour from Monday to Friday from 06h00-18h00 (19h00 in summer) and weekends 07h00-17h00 (18h00 in summer), with no service on public holidays.

By Car

There are plenty of car hire companies in Cyprus, including major international chains and many local firms. A valid driver's licence from your home country is required, or an international driver's licence. Drivers under 25 holding a licence for less than three years need under-age insurance cover from the car hire company (some companies impose minimum ages, such as 21).

Be sure to check the car thoroughly inside and out for damage prior to accepting it. Seat belts are mandatory in both front and rear. Speed limits are generally 100km per hour maximum (65km per hour minimum) on motorways; 80km per hour on other main roads; and 50km per hour in built-up areas. Petrol stations in major areas have 24-hour access via automatic pumps that accept banknotes and credit cards.

The following table provides approximate driving distances between selected cities. Kilometres in the lower left of the table, miles in the upper right.

	Pap	Agr	Nic	Aya	Lar	Lim
Paphos	•	67	90	109	82	42
Agros	108	•	31	77	57	30
Nicosia	145	51	•	49	30	49
Aya Napa	176	124	79	•	22	68
Larnaca	133	92	48	36	•	41
Limassol	68	49	79	110	67	•

By Air

The short distances between major points mean that internal flights within Cyprus aren't practical. Some 40 airlines fly into Cyprus's two international airports, at Larnaca and Paphos, both of which are scheduled for major expansions in the next few years. Airlines fly direct to Europe and the Middle East, with connections to other destinations such as North America and Australia.

The Cyprus government's departure tax of CYP8 is payable when leaving from Nicosia airport. It is generally included in the price of your ticket and there should be no need for additional payment at the airport.

By Boat

One of the best ways to see Cyprus is from the deck of a boat: you can rent sailing or power boats, or join a tour boat for a trip along the coast, possibly enjoying a meal and a swim along the way.

Tours generally operate May through October, and can be booked from hotels, beaches and harbours. Cruise ships head to Egypt, Rhodes, Greece and Lebanon, offering two- to seven-day trips: this is an easy way to visit sites such as the Pyramids or the Greek islands. (Cruises no longer visit Israel, but may resume when the situation there improves.)

Operators include:

Louis Cruise Lines. Tel: +357 (0)25-570-000
Paradise Cruises. Tel: +357 (0)25-357-604
Salamis Tours Ltd. Tel: +357 (0)25-860-000

Passenger ferries connect Cyprus with Greek and Middle Eastern destinations that vary depending on annual and seasonal demand. Currently, ferries (or one-way passages on cruise ships) are available to Rhodes, Santorini, Port Said and Lebanon.

Coral Bay, Paphos, Cyprus