Compare cheap car hire in Cyprus with practical advice on airports, driving routes, vehicle types and rental prices across the island.
Cyprus is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations for visitors from Ireland. With coastal resorts, historic cities and mountain villages spread across the island, hiring a car is often the easiest way to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
Most travellers arriving in Cyprus collect a rental car at the airport before driving to their resort or accommodation.
Main Airports for Car Hire in Cyprus
The two main international airports in Cyprus are located in the south of the island.
- Larnaca Airport – the island’s largest airport and main international gateway
- Paphos Airport – popular for western Cyprus and beach resorts
Both airports have large car rental areas inside the arrivals halls with vehicle collection points located just outside the terminal buildings.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Cyprus has seasonal direct flights from Ireland, particularly during the summer holiday period.
- Dublin → Larnaca (seasonal flights)
- Dublin → Paphos (Ryanair seasonal services)
The flight from Dublin to Cyprus typically takes between 4 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours depending on the route.
Typical Car Hire Prices in Cyprus
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | Larger Family Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €40 per day | €40 – €70 per day | €70 – €120 per day |
| April – June | €25 – €55 per day | €55 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €95 per day | €95 – €150 per day | €150 – €220 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €65 per day | €65 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €20 – €45 per day | €45 – €80 per day | €80 – €140 per day |
Popular Cars to Rent in Cyprus
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are the most commonly rented vehicles on the island. They are easy to park and practical for driving between towns and beaches.
Family Cars
Compact and mid-size vehicles are a comfortable choice for longer journeys across Cyprus.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles offer additional luggage space and are useful for travellers planning longer road trips.
People Carriers
Families travelling together often choose larger vehicles.
- 7 Seater people carriers – suitable for families travelling together
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger groups
Driving in Cyprus
Cyprus follows the same driving rules as the United Kingdom and Ireland, with vehicles travelling on the left-hand side of the road.
The island has a modern motorway network connecting its main cities including Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. Most motorways are toll-free.
Road signs are generally clear and distances are displayed in kilometres.
More visitor information can be found on the official Visit Cyprus tourism website.
Driving Distances Across Cyprus
Cyprus is relatively small, so many destinations are reachable within a few hours by car.
- Larnaca → Limassol – about 1 hour
- Larnaca → Ayia Napa – around 45 minutes
- Paphos → Limassol – about 1 hour
- Nicosia → Paphos – roughly 1 hour 45 minutes
This makes it easy for visitors to explore several regions of the island during a single trip.
Places to Visit by Car in Cyprus
Hiring a car allows visitors to explore many of Cyprus’s highlights beyond the main resort areas.
- Ayia Napa – famous beach resort on the east coast
- Limassol – vibrant coastal city with marina and historic centre
- Troodos Mountains – traditional villages and mountain scenery
- Akamas Peninsula – nature reserve with dramatic coastline
Many travellers combine several of these destinations during a road trip across Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiring a car in Cyprus a good idea?
Yes. A rental car makes it easy to explore the island beyond the main resorts.
Which airport is best for car hire in Cyprus?
Larnaca Airport and Paphos Airport are the two main international airports serving the island.
Do drivers in Cyprus drive on the left?
Yes. Cyprus follows the same driving rules as the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Are Cyprus motorways toll-free?
Yes. Most motorways across Cyprus do not charge tolls.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Cyprus?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available in Cyprus?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common.
Should I book car hire in Cyprus in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive across Cyprus?
Driving from the east coast to the west coast usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Can tourists drive easily in Cyprus?
Yes. Roads are generally modern and clearly signposted.
What documents are required to hire a car in Cyprus?
Drivers normally need a valid driving licence, passport and credit card.
