Book a licensed cyprus airport taxi or private transfer before arrival – for Larnaca Airport (LCA) a metered taxi to Larnaca city center typically costs €10–€20 and takes 7–15 minutes; to Ayia Napa expect €40–€55 and about 35–50 minutes; to Limassol allow 45–60 minutes and €55–€75. From Paphos Airport (PFO) a taxi to Paphos town is usually €10–€20 and 15–20 minutes; Coral Bay runs about €20–€30 and 20–25 minutes; Paphos to Limassol commonly takes 45–55 minutes and costs €45–€65. Quote the final price in writing or via app when you book.
Use public buses for the lowest fares: single tickets generally range from €2 to €10 depending on distance, but expect travel times 20–60 minutes longer than a taxi. Check official Cyprus public transport timetables or the operator’s app before you fly, since schedules vary by season and weekends. Ride-hailing services such as Bolt operate in major towns; confirm card acceptance with drivers and carry small euro notes for incidental fees.
Rent a car if you plan multiple stops across the island. Book at least two weeks ahead during high season; compact cars commonly start around €25–€45 per day off-season and €40–€80 per day in summer. Bring the credit card used for the reservation, your driving licence (an International Driving Permit is required for many non-EU licences), and check the collision-damage waiver and fuel policy before signing.
Provide your flight number when booking any transfer so drivers can track delays, and request a meet-and-greet if you arrive after 22:00 or need assistance. Ask the operator about night-time or luggage surcharges and confirm whether child seats are available when travelling with children. Allow at least 30–60 minutes for passport control and baggage pick-up during busy summer arrivals at Larnaca and Paphos.
Save your hotel address in both English and Greek, keep the driver’s contact visible, and note emergency numbers (112). If you prefer fixed prices, compare three quotes (official taxi, private shuttle, rental) and choose the one that lists the final fare, vehicle type and cancellation terms.
How to Pre-Book an Airport Transfer in Cyprus: What Information to Provide
Mandatory information
Give your flight number, airport code (LCA for Larnaca or PFO for Paphos) and scheduled arrival time so the operator can monitor your flight and adjust pickup if it’s delayed.
Provide full passenger names, a mobile number with international prefix (for Cyprus use +357 if you have a local SIM) and a WhatsApp contact for instant communication; add an alternative contact (another passenger or hotel reception).
Specify the exact number of passengers and luggage: state adults/children and list pieces (for example: 2 adults, 1 child age 4 – 3 checked suitcases + 2 carry-ons). Request child seats by age or weight rather than a generic “child seat.”
Give the full pickup or drop-off address: hotel name, street address, room number or villa GPS coordinates plus the hotel or property phone number and the main entrance description (lobby, gate, security booth).
Include your booking reference or voucher code and the payment method (prepaid with transaction reference or pay-on-arrival). Ask the provider to confirm driver name, vehicle make/model and license plate in the booking confirmation.
Helpful extras to add
State whether you want meet-and-greet service (driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board) or curbside pickup, and note any mobility needs such as wheelchair assistance or special boarding preferences.
Mention early-morning or late-night arrival times so the company can confirm availability or extra fees; check the provider’s complimentary waiting time (commonly 60 minutes after touchdown) and ask for the charge per additional waiting or parking minute.
If you have connecting flights, list connecting flight numbers and gates where possible, and tell the operator if you prefer pickup after passport control or at a specific exit/meeting point in the arrivals hall.
Request a written confirmation that includes pickup point, driver contact number, vehicle plate and cancellation/no-show terms. Save screenshots of payment receipts and the confirmation message for quick reference on arrival.
Locating Official Taxi Ranks at Larnaca and Paphos Airports
Go straight to the official taxi desk inside the Arrivals hall; the dispatcher assigns licensed taxis and posts fares before you exit to the rank.
Larnaca Airport
After passport control and baggage claim, follow the clear “TAXI” signs toward the main exit.
- The official taxi desk sits inside the Arrivals hall near the central exit; staff there will queue you for the next available cab.
- The taxi rank stands directly outside the main arrivals doors; only take cabs dispatched from that rank to avoid unlicensed drivers.
- Look for the posted tariff board at the desk: many common routes use fixed airport fares (displayed) while others use the meter.
- Ask the dispatcher for an approximate fare and whether the trip is metered or fixed before stepping outside.
Typical journey times and sample fares (approximate):
- Larnaca city centre – 10–15 minutes, around €6–€12.
- Nicosia – 30–40 minutes, roughly €50–€65 (fixed fares often used).
- Limassol – 35–45 minutes, roughly €55–€75.
- Ayia Napa – 40–50 minutes, roughly €40–€60.
Paphos Airport
Paphos has a compact arrivals area: clear signs lead from baggage claim to the taxi office and the rank directly outside the exit.
- Enter the arrivals hall, approach the taxi office to get assigned a vehicle or take the next cab from the rank just outside.
- Official taxis display a driver ID and permit; request the driver’s ID number and a receipt for the trip.
- Check the tariff board at the taxi office; smaller airports often show fixed fares to nearby towns and tourist zones.
Typical journey times and sample fares (approximate):
- Paphos town centre – 10–20 minutes, around €10–€15.
- Coral Bay – 20–30 minutes, around €15–€25.
- Limassol – 60–80 minutes, roughly €70–€95.
Practical checks and tips
- Confirm meter use or fixed price at the taxi desk; if the trip is metered, check the meter starts at the agreed rate.
- Carry cash in euros; many drivers accept cards but ask before the ride if you plan to pay by card.
- Expect a small luggage surcharge on some trips; the tariff board or dispatcher will list extra charges per bag.
- Keep the driver’s name, vehicle number and receipt for complaints or a return booking; hotel concierges can also arrange official transfers with a fixed price.
- Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering private rides without dispatcher assignment; use the official rank for guaranteed licensing and fares.
Choosing Between Prepaid Fixed Fares and Metered Taxis for Common Routes
Choose a prepaid fixed fare for predictable airport-to-resort transfers; choose a metered taxi for short city hops, last-minute changes, or when you want to shop around on price.
- Where to buy prepaid fares: Airport taxi desks at Larnaca and Paphos, official counters inside arrivals, or prebook online with a registered local operator. Keep the voucher and driver contact number.
- What prepaid covers: A quoted door-to-door price, driver waiting time within a short window, and guaranteed vehicle assignment. Some booths include child seats on request (confirm in advance).
- Meter basics: Taxis run on a flag-fall plus per-kilometre tariff; expect higher rates at night and on public holidays. The driver must run the meter and provide a receipt with the licence plate and driver ID.
Quick route recommendations with typical fare bands (EUR) and preferred option:
- Larnaca Airport → Larnaca city centre
- Metered taxi: €12–18
- Prepaid fixed: €12–20
- Recommendation: Meter for fastest, slightly cheaper solo trips; prepaid if you prefer a meet-and-greet.
- Larnaca → Ayia Napa / Protaras
- Metered taxi: €40–60
- Prepaid fixed: €35–55
- Recommendation: Prepaid often wins on price and certainty for this longer transfer; book at the airport desk.
- Larnaca → Nicosia
- Metered taxi: €40–60
- Prepaid fixed: €40–60
- Recommendation: Choose prepaid for hotel drop-offs and fixed schedules; pick metered if you plan to stop en route.
- Larnaca → Limassol
- Metered taxi: €60–85
- Prepaid fixed: €60–80
- Recommendation: Prepaid gives price certainty for long drives; compare prices if you have a late arrival and drivers may charge night rates.
- Paphos Airport → Paphos city
- Metered taxi: €10–15
- Prepaid fixed: €12–18
- Recommendation: Meter for short trips inside the area; prepaid if you want a reserved vehicle on arrival.
- Paphos → Limassol
- Metered taxi: €45–70
- Prepaid fixed: €50–70
- Recommendation: Prepaid for groups or heavy luggage; metered if you prefer to haggle locally or make stops.
Cost-control tips
- For groups of three or more with luggage, divide a fixed fare – per-person cost often undercuts separate metered taxis.
- Ask the airport desk whether the quoted fixed price includes night/holiday surcharges; get it in writing on the voucher.
- Insist on the meter for short urban trips; if the driver refuses, walk back to the taxi rank or use the official dispatch.
- Check the vehicle licence plate and driver ID before entering; photograph the receipt or voucher for claims.
Decision checklist
- If your route is long and predictable (airport → resort/hotel) and you prefer price certainty, buy prepaid.
- If you need flexibility, multiple stops, or you travel solo in city limits, choose a metered taxi.
- If travelling late at night or on a holiday, ask both options for final prices – one may be clearly cheaper.
If you want help estimating a specific airport-to-hotel transfer, give the airport and hotel name and I’ll provide the most likely fare range and which option saves you money.
Using Public Buses from the Airport: Routes, Timetables and Ticket Options
Take an Intercity or local bus from the airport for the cheapest direct transfer to major towns; bus stops sit immediately outside the arrivals hall and are clearly signposted.
Larnaca Airport: local buses run to Larnaca city centre in about 10–20 minutes; expect departures every 30–60 minutes depending on time of day. Direct intercity services to Nicosia take roughly 40–60 minutes and usually run every 60–90 minutes. Typical single fares from Larnaca Airport range from about €1.50 for short local hops to €4–€8 for intercity rides to Nicosia or Limassol.
Paphos Airport: shuttle buses to Paphos town take about 15–20 minutes with frequencies of 30–60 minutes. Direct intercity buses toward Limassol average 45–75 minutes and operate approximately every 1–2 hours; direct daytime trips toward Larnaca take around 90–120 minutes but run less often. Expect single fares roughly €1.50–€8 depending on distance.
Timetables change by season and day of week: summer schedules add more departures, weekdays have more services than Sundays, and late-evening options are limited. First departures usually start around 05:30–07:00; last regular services typically finish between 22:00 and 00:30 on main corridors. Check live timetables before travel for exact departure times.
Ticket options: buy on board in cash (use exact change where possible), purchase e-tickets in advance via the Intercity Buses website or official app, or use contactless cards on many newer buses. Return fares often cost less than two singles; student and senior discounts apply with valid ID. Keep your ticket until the trip ends–inspectors run spot checks.
Luggage and accessibility: standard intercity buses accept 1–2 pieces of luggage stored in the lower hold or rear area; large items may incur restrictions. Buses do not offer reserved seating–board early for available seats. Low-floor buses and ramps are available on many routes; if you need assistance, contact the operator ahead of arrival to confirm help at the stop.
Practical tips: arrive at the airport stop 5–10 minutes before departure, save the Intercity Buses app or the operator’s timetable page to your phone, carry coins for drivers that don’t give change, and allow buffer time for bus arrivals after flight delays. For the fastest planning, use the operator site or Google Maps with live updates rather than printed timetables.
Quick checklist: locate the outside arrivals bus stop, decide between local vs intercity service, buy a ticket via app or cash on board, verify the departure time for your route, and allow extra time for luggage loading and peak-hour traffic.
Airport Shuttle Services: Booking, Pickup Points and Luggage Limits
Book your airport shuttle at least 48 hours before arrival to secure a direct vehicle and guaranteed luggage space.
When booking, provide flight number, full passenger count, exact number and approximate size of suitcases, and a local mobile contact. Use the operator’s website for the clearest vehicle and pickup-point details; compare rates on aggregators only after checking baggage and wait-time policies. Typical price ranges: shared shuttles €6–€15 per person for nearby resorts, point-to-point transfers to Limassol €10–€20, private sedans €35–€80, and private minibuses €60–€140 depending on distance and vehicle size.
Pickup points at Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) are on the arrivals curb outside the baggage hall near the taxi rank or coach park. Vouchers usually state a precise bay or “meeting point” – look for the company nameboard or a driver holding a printed name sign. If the voucher lacks detail, call the operator on the contact number provided so the driver can direct you by phone.
Standard waiting allowance ranges from 15 to 30 minutes after scheduled touchdown for shared shuttles; private services commonly include 45–60 minutes free. Operators track flights when you supply the flight number, but notify the company of long delays to avoid a no-show or late-arrival fee (common charges €10–€30 for extended waits).
Typical luggage policies: shared shuttles accept 1 medium checked bag (20–23 kg) plus 1 carry-on per passenger. Private sedans usually fit 2–3 checked bags (up to 23 kg each) and 2 carry-ons; minibuses accommodate 5–8 checked bags depending on configuration. Oversized items (golf bags, surfboards, oversized boxes) require prior approval and incur extra charges, commonly €10–€50. Child seats usually cost €5–€15 and must be requested at booking; wheelchair-accessible vehicles should be reserved 24–48 hours ahead and confirmed by the operator.
If you travel with multiple large cases, children or mobility equipment, choose a private transfer to avoid rejections at the curb. Keep a screenshot or printed voucher, add the driver’s phone to your contacts, and label luggage with your name and accommodation address. Take a quick photo of the vehicle license plate on arrival so you can confirm the correct car in crowded pickup areas.
| Shuttle Type | Typical Price (one-way) | Luggage Allowance | Booking Window | Pickup Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared shuttle | €6–€15 per person | 1 medium bag (20–23 kg) + 1 carry-on | 24–72 hours ahead | Arrivals curb/coach park; driver waits 15–30 min |
| Private sedan | €35–€80 | 2–3 checked bags (≤23 kg each) + carry-ons | 24–48 hours ahead | Driver meets with sign; 45–60 min wait usually included |
| Private minivan | €60–€140 | 5–8 checked bags depending on vehicle | 48+ hours ahead | Meeting point at arrivals or dedicated bay; confirm luggage capacity |
| Hotel courtesy shuttle | Free–low cost | 1–2 bags per guest (hotel policy varies) | Reserve with hotel prior to arrival | Specific hotel meeting point; check exact location on confirmation |
Car Rental Pickup Procedures: Documents, Insurance Add‑ons and Extra Charges
Bring passport, the original driving licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name; drivers whose licence uses non‑Latin characters must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) – Cyprus agents will ask for it at many counters.
Expect minimums: most firms set the driver minimum age at 21 with at least one year of driving experience; premium or larger vehicles typically require age 25–30 and two years’ experience. Young‑driver surcharge for ages 21–24 commonly runs €10–€30 per day.
Deposit holds vary by vehicle and company: small cars €200–€400, SUVs and premium cars €500–€1,000. The agency places an authorization hold on the card; request the exact hold amount before signing and confirm the release timing (often 7–30 days after return).
Standard cover and excess: basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) often appear included but carry an excess (deductible) of about €700–€1,500. Purchase Super CDW to reduce excess to €0–€100; expect Super CDW prices roughly €10–€30 per day. Windscreen/tyre protection usually costs €3–€8 per day; Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) about €3–€6 per day.
Credit‑card benefits: many premium credit cards offer secondary CDW (card pays excess after insurer); a few provide primary CDW (card handles claim directly). Call your card issuer, get written confirmation of cover limits and accepted countries, and bring that confirmation to the desk.
Add‑on common fees and typical daily rates: additional driver €2–€10, GPS €5–€10, child/booster seat €3–€8. One‑way fees range €30–€150 depending on route. Airport collection or terminal surcharges add €10–€40 to the booking. VAT and local taxes often add 19% or per‑agency rates; verify the total price breakdown before signing.
Fuel policy: choose full‑to‑full to avoid refuelling service charges. If the agency uses prepaid fuel or full‑to‑empty, the refuelling/admin fee can be €10–€30 plus per‑litre cost. Check the tank level on the condition report and photograph the gauge when you collect and return the car.
Cross‑border travel: most Cyprus rentals forbid crossing into Northern Cyprus without prior written permission and extra insurance; many companies deny cross‑border travel entirely. Ask in writing, and if allowed, expect an additional fee from €30–€100 and requirements for a green card or special insurance document.
Inspect the vehicle with an agent and document every scratch and dent on the rental agreement. Take date‑stamped photos or video of bonnet, roof, bumpers, tyres and interior. Get the agent’s signature on the condition report and keep a copy of the signed rental contract and any receipts.
Return timing and penalties: late returns often incur hourly fines (€10–€50/hour) and may trigger a full‑day charge after a grace period; excessive cleaning or smoke/pet removal fees typically start at €100 and can reach €300. Administrative charges for unpaid tolls or parking fines usually add €15–€60 in handling fees to the fine amount.
Before you accept optional cover, compare the agency price to standalone travel insurance or your card’s protection. Ask the agent for an itemised invoice that lists base rate, taxes, hold amount, each add‑on and expected total hold; decline extras you don’t need and confirm everything in writing.
Arriving Late or Overnight: Booking Transfers and Safety Considerations
Book a licensed transfer before you fly for arrivals between 22:00 and 06:00 so a driver waits inside the arrivals hall; provide your flight number and mobile contact so the operator tracks delays and adjusts pickup automatically (standard waiting windows are typically 30–60 minutes).
Choose operators with a local licence, clear cancellation terms and visible reviews; request the driver’s name, vehicle registration and a local phone number in writing. Confirm whether the quoted fare is fixed or meter-based and whether a night surcharge applies.
If you don’t prebook, use the official taxi rank or the airport information desk rather than accepting offers from individuals in the terminal. Official ranks at Larnaca and Paphos remain the safest option for late arrivals.
Provide your accommodation address in both English and Greek to the driver, and save a screenshot of the reservation and the host’s phone. Share your ETA with one contact and set your phone to receive roaming or local-sim service; keep a portable charger with at least 20–30% capacity for the first hour after landing.
Carry some euro cash for small vendors and possible card-machine outages; many drivers accept card payments but confirm before travel. Ask about child seats or accessibility needs when booking–these are not guaranteed without prior arrangement.
For late-night transfers to rural properties, book a round-trip or confirm a local return option; public buses stop earlier in the evening and may not serve remote villages after midnight.
Keep luggage locked or zipped, avoid displaying valuables, and sit in the back seat when possible. If a driver behaves erratically, call the EU emergency number 112 or report the vehicle registration to the airport police.
For official airport transport rules, services and contact points, consult the airport operator’s transport page: https://www.hermesairports.com/en/passengers/airport-services/transport
Q&A:
What are the main transfer options from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa, and how long does the ride take?
There are three common choices: a pre-booked private transfer, an official airport taxi, or the public bus service. A private transfer gives a driver meeting you at arrivals and taking your luggage directly to the hotel. Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal; confirm whether the driver will use the meter or agree a price first. Intercity buses run between the airport and coastal towns on a regular schedule and are the cheapest option, though they stop more often. Expect the trip to take around 30–50 minutes depending on traffic and your exact drop-off point. For a smooth arrival, book a transfer if you have late flights, lots of luggage, or tight connections; for smaller budgets and daytime arrivals, the bus is a practical alternative.
Is it safe and reliable to use public buses from Paphos Airport late at night?
Public buses do operate from Paphos Airport but services become infrequent after late evening. If your flight arrives late, choices narrow: a scheduled night bus may not be available, so plan for a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer. Taxis are available at the airport 24/7, though fares can be higher at night and drivers may charge extra for long waits. For peace of mind, reserve a licensed transfer in advance and send the operator your flight details so they can track delays. When using buses at night, keep personal items close, choose well-lit stops, and check timetables ahead of time.
Do I need to bring a child car seat for transfers in Cyprus, or will taxis and rental cars provide one?
Cyprus requires children to be restrained appropriately. Car hire companies usually offer child seats for an additional fee; request one when booking and confirm pickup details. Many taxis do not carry child seats as standard, so if you rely on taxis, bring a travel seat or book a private transfer that can supply one. Shared shuttles and minibuses vary by operator, so always check and reserve the correct seat type before travel. Carrying a portable, easily installed seat is a reliable fallback for short transfers.
How much time should I allow between landing and an airport pickup for international arrivals at Larnaca or Paphos?
Allow more time if you have non-EU travel documents, since passport control can take longer. Baggage can arrive quickly or take a while if the flight is busy. As a practical rule, plan for 45–90 minutes from touchdown to exit for most international flights during normal hours; during peak season or busy periods add extra time. Tell your transfer provider your airline and flight number so they can monitor delays and adjust pickup. If you booked a meet-and-greet service, drivers will often wait beyond the scheduled time without extra charge, but check the provider’s waiting-time policy beforehand.
Can I pay airport taxi drivers by card, or should I carry euros?
Many airport taxis and private transfer companies accept card payments or contactless on the vehicle terminal, but not all drivers have functioning machines. Pre-paid transfers and online bookings normally accept cards. It is wise to carry some euros for small fares, tolls, tips, or drivers who only take cash. ATMs are available in arrivals halls at both Larnaca and Paphos. If you prefer card payments, confirm acceptance with the driver before the ride or pay the transfer company when booking.