Car hire Larnaca airport and driving on the left in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the few destinations in Europe where you have to keep two things in mind at once behind the wheel: you drive on the left, and you are moving around an island that is politically split in two. To outsiders that might sound like a double hurdle, but in practice it is manageable. The island is compact, the roads in the south are modern, and within a few kilometres driving on the left becomes second nature faster than you would expect. If you searched for car hire Larnaca airport, this guide also shows where each company Vrooem offers there meets you after landing.

It pays to understand how Cyprus fits together before you go. The Republic of Cyprus covers the south and the largest part of the island and is a full EU member. The north, which calls itself Northern Cyprus, is internationally recognised only by Turkey and lies outside the EU. Between the two runs the Green Line, a buffer zone guarded by the United Nations. For a rental car that is not a detail but a real planning factor, and we come back to it in detail further on.

This guide assumes you land and rent in the south, which is by far the most common choice for travellers. We work through driving on the left, the airports, the border question, the mountain roads of the Troodos and two concrete routes. That way you set off well prepared.

Do I need a car in Cyprus?

Yes, for most trips you do. Public transport in Cyprus consists almost entirely of buses, and although those serve the larger towns and some beaches, they will not get you to the remote bays, mountain villages and monasteries that make the island special.

The real beauty of Cyprus is scattered: deserted bays on the Akamas peninsula, wine villages high in the Troodos, the rocky islet of Aphrodite’s Rock along the south coast. Anyone who stays only at a resort can manage with taxis, but the moment you want to roam, a rental car gives you the island as a whole. Distances are small: from Paphos to Larnaca you typically drive a little over an hour on the motorway. So you can stand in the mountains in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon.

Why do you drive on the left in Cyprus?

In Cyprus you drive on the left, a legacy of the period when the island was under British rule. The steering wheel is therefore on the right, you change gear with your left hand, and on roundabouts you go clockwise.

For anyone who has never done it, the first moments demand the most attention: pulling out of the car park, easing onto a roundabout, and at junctions where instinct pulls you to the wrong side. A few practical habits help. Remind yourself that the driver always sits closest to the centre line of the road. On a roundabout you give way to traffic coming from the right and turn onto it clockwise. Bends and turns are the trickiest part, because your intuition is still set to driving on the right.

The single biggest piece of advice: rent an automatic. When driving on the left you already have to free up all your attention for the correct side of the road and the mirrors, and changing gear yourself with your left hand is a distraction you can do without. An automatic removes that layer, so you can focus entirely on the road. If you are torn between the two, first read automatic or manual rental, because for driving on the left this argument carries more weight than elsewhere.

Which airport do you fly into in Cyprus?

For a trip through the Republic of Cyprus you land at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO), the two international airports in the south. Both have plenty of rental desks and sit logically in relation to the destinations most travellers head for.

Larnaca is the largest and most centrally located airport, handy if you want to explore the whole island or head towards Ayia Napa and Nicosia. Paphos lies in the west and is the logical choice if you build your trip around the southwest coast and the Akamas peninsula. The airport in the north, Ercan, belongs to Northern Cyprus and is not relevant for most travellers; flights there go via Turkey, and you would then be renting a car that is not allowed into the south.

Where possible, book your rental car at the same airport where you land, so you do not first have to take a taxi or bus to a pick-up point elsewhere.

Car hire Larnaca airport: who meets you and where

Hermes Airports, the company that runs the airport and mostly writes its name as Larnaka, says on its car rental page that the rental companies it lists have their offices in arrivals, just after you leave baggage reclaim. The companies you can book for car hire at Larnaca airport on Vrooem are not among those desks. They meet you one floor up, on the departures level. That is the most useful thing to know before you land: once you have your bags, head upstairs instead of looking for a desk in arrivals.

In our Vrooem search on 30 September 2026, for seven days in November, Larnaca showed cars from four brands in three groups: Green Motion, U-Save, Surprice and Let’s Drive. Green Motion and U-Save count as one group here, because their own location data gives the same Larnaca address, the same phone number and the same shuttle meeting point. Your voucher shows which brand supplies your car, and the line-up can change with your dates.

Open your voucher before you walk out, so you know which of the three meeting points is yours: the bus stop outside for Green Motion and U-Save, the coffee bar on the departures floor for Surprice, or the shuttle stop opposite the exit for Let’s Drive. Save the branch phone number from your confirmation too. Green Motion’s Larnaca page asks you to call the branch if you need assistance on arrival. Every Vrooem booking includes a free travel eSIM, so you have mobile data the moment you land to make that call or pull up your voucher.

On Vrooem at Larnaca Airport (LCA)

Checked on 6 October 2026, for a 7-day rental from 27 October 2026:

• 58 cars from 4 rental brands.
• Pickup: shuttle bus to an office near the airport for 41 cars (Green Motion, Let’s Drive and U-Save); meet and greet at the airport for 17 cars (Surprice).
• 45 of the 58 cars are automatic.
• Fuel policy: like for like (return with the same fuel level) on the 32 offers that state one.
• Larger cars: 9 SUVs and 8 cars with 7 or more seats.

These numbers change with the dates and availability, so a search for your own dates shows the current offer.

Landing late at Larnaca

In the branch details they supply to Vrooem, Green Motion and U-Save list their Larnaca branch as open around the clock, every day. Even so, their Cyprus terms hold a reservation only for a set time after the booked pick-up time: 2.5 hours at Green Motion and 3 hours at U-Save, after which it counts as a no-show. Both sets of terms also say that a flight number you give is for information only, and that it is up to the hirer to tell the branch about a delay. If your flight runs late, call the branch yourself instead of assuming someone is tracking it. For Surprice and Let’s Drive, the opening hours and arrival rules are on your voucher.

The deposit card and the “no deposit” question

Searches for car hire at Larnaca airport often add “no deposit” or “no credit card”. Green Motion’s and U-Save’s Cyprus terms answer both:

• Deposit: no package is entirely deposit-free. With Premium Plus the excess is zero and the deposit is 50 to 200 EUR, depending on the car group. With Basic, Plus and Premium, the deposit equals the excess for most car groups, and it gets smaller with each step up.
• Cards: a Visa or Mastercard credit card, American Express or a debit card is accepted for the deposit. Diners and prepaid cards are not.
• Name, funds and expiry: both sets of terms say the card must be in the main driver’s name, have enough funds to cover the excess and stay valid for at least 2 months after the return date.

For a booking made through Vrooem, the conditions on your voucher have the final word. For Surprice and Let’s Drive, take the deposit and card rules from your voucher too, and do not assume that their terms in Greece also apply in Cyprus. Our guide to excess and deposit explains how the two are linked.

Fuel, the north and the return

• Fuel: under Green Motion’s and U-Save’s Cyprus terms, Basic and Plus are like for like, so you return the car with the level you got, while Premium and Premium Plus are full to full. Green Motion’s Larnaca page names a Petrolina station about 2 km from the airport for that last top-up. Our fuel policy guide explains the difference.
• The north: both Cyprus terms state that “border crossing is not permitted” and that renters stay within Cyprus for the full rental. If Northern Cyprus is on your list, settle it with the branch before you drive to a checkpoint, or cross on foot as described in the next section.
• Returning the car: Let’s Drive takes the car back at its office at Eleftherias 30 in Dromolaxia, and its shuttle then runs you to the airport. Surprice hands over and takes back its cars at the airport. For Green Motion and U-Save, the return point is on your voucher. Allow time for the vehicle check and any shuttle ride before you head to check-in, and photograph the car and the fuel gauge when you hand it back.

Our guides to Green Motion, Surprice and Let’s Drive cover each brand in more depth, and Green Motion vs U-Save explains how those two sister brands relate.

Checked on 30 September and 1 October 2026: Hermes Airports car rentals, Green Motion Larnaca Airport, Green Motion Larnaca location data, U-Save Larnaca location data, Green Motion Cyprus terms and U-Save Cyprus terms. The Surprice and Let’s Drive pick-up and return instructions and the Green Motion and U-Save opening hours come from the companies’ own booking systems, as shown on Vrooem on 30 September 2026.

Car hire Paphos airport: shuttle or meet and greet

Paphos airport is also run by Hermes Airports, which spells it Pafos, and its car rental page covers both airports in one go: the companies it lists have offices in arrivals at Larnaka and Pafos alike, just after baggage reclaim. Green Motion’s Paphos Airport page puts the airport about 6.5 km southeast of Paphos town. As at Larnaca, the companies you can book for car hire at Paphos airport on Vrooem do not have one of those desks in the terminal. What changes is the walk. None of the Paphos instructions sends you upstairs: each one starts at the exit of the arrivals hall.

In our Vrooem search on 1 October 2026, for seven days in November, Paphos showed cars from three brands in two groups: Green Motion, U-Save and Surprice. Green Motion and U-Save once again count as one group. Their location data gives the same branch on 25th Martiou Street in Timi, which the address itself describes as near Paphos Airport, the same phone number and collection instructions that are identical apart from the brand name. Let’s Drive, which you can book at Larnaca, had no cars at Paphos in that search. Your voucher names the brand that supplies your car, and the line-up can change with your dates.

One detail differs between Green Motion’s own sources. The location data, which matches the pick-up instructions Vrooem receives from Green Motion and U-Save, says to go straight ahead to Column A once you are outside. The FAQ on Green Motion’s Paphos Airport page says to go straight ahead to parking no 5. Both send you straight ahead from the exit, so walk out, look for the shuttle bus there, and follow whatever your voucher says. Both brands ask you to call the branch if you need assistance, so keep that number from your confirmation to hand. For Surprice the meeting point is easy to find: its instructions place it at the terminal exit and add that there is only one.

Landing late, the deposit and the return at Paphos

The deposit and card bullets and the no-show times in the Larnaca section come from Green Motion’s and U-Save’s terms for the whole of Cyprus, not from one airport, so they apply at Paphos unchanged. If you searched for car hire at Paphos airport with “no deposit” or “no credit card”, the answer under Larnaca holds here too. Unlike Larnaca, the branch details we receive for Paphos do not list opening hours. Both sets of terms say that out-of-hours service is on request, that a 24-hour service should not be assumed, and that a vehicle is not assured if the rental station closes before you arrive. On an evening flight, call the branch before you travel and again if you are delayed. For Surprice, take the arrival, deposit and card rules from your voucher.

• Fuel: Green Motion’s Paphos Airport page names a Petrolina station on the B6 road, a short drive from the airport, as the nearest one. That is your last stop if your package is full to full, or if you need to bring the level back to where it was. The fuel bullet under Larnaca explains which package works which way.
• Kilometres: both Cyprus terms give unlimited kilometres within Cyprus on all four packages. From Paphos that covers the Akamas, the western Troodos and Route 1 further down, which starts right here.
• Hotel delivery: both sets of terms list Paphos among the places where delivery to a hotel is possible on request. Check with the branch whether it can be arranged for your booking before you count on it.
• Returning the car: Surprice takes its cars back at the airport, according to its own instructions. For Green Motion and U-Save, the return point is on your voucher. Allow time for the vehicle check and any shuttle ride before you head to check-in, and photograph the car and the fuel gauge when you hand it back.

Checked on 1 October 2026: Hermes Airports car rentals, Green Motion Paphos Airport, Green Motion Paphos location data, U-Save Paphos location data, and the Green Motion and U-Save Cyprus terms linked under Larnaca. The Surprice pick-up and return instructions come from Surprice’s own booking system, as shown on Vrooem on 1 October 2026.

The divided island: can you take your rental car across the border?

This is the most important question for anyone renting in Cyprus, and the answer is nuanced. A car you rent in the south may sometimes cross the Green Line into the north via a checkpoint, but your standard insurance often does not cover the north. A car rented in the north is usually not allowed into the south at all.

Let us pull it apart. The Green Line is not an ordinary national border but a UN-guarded buffer zone, with a number of official crossing points (checkpoints) where you can cross as a tourist on foot or by car. Whether your specific rental car is allowed into the north depends entirely on the rental company and the rental contract. Some companies allow it, others explicitly forbid it. So check this in your terms and confirm it when you pick up the car.

If crossing is permitted, there is still the insurance question. Because the north falls outside the EU and outside the normal insurance area, your policy from the south often does not cover the trip north. In practice you then buy a separate car insurance for the north on the spot at the checkpoint, valid for a number of days. Count on having to pay this in cash, and keep your green card and vehicle registration papers to hand.

A practical alternative that many travellers choose: leave the rental car on the southern side of a checkpoint and cross on foot for a day trip to, for example, old Famagusta or the northern part of Nicosia. That way you avoid the whole insurance story. Always bring your ID card or passport when crossing, because it is a genuine border check.

What is driving in Cyprus actually like?

Calm and manageable, with the mountain roads and the narrow village streets as the main challenges. The major arteries in the south are modern motorways with multiple lanes, while it is the side roads and the Troodos that demand your attention.

The Troodos mountains deliver the most beautiful but also the most demanding drives. Expect narrow roads with hairpin bends, sometimes without a guardrail, and places where two cars can only just pass each other. Drive down the mountain in a low gear to spare your brakes, give a short blast of the horn before blind bends and leave room for oncoming traffic. In villages the streets are often narrow and winding, with parked cars making them tighter still; take your time here.

Speeds in Cyprus are given in kilometres per hour, not miles, despite the driving on the left. The distance signs are therefore in km, which is reassuringly familiar. Bear in mind that the local driving style can be somewhat more assertive than at home, with overtaking in spots where you would not do it. Stay calm yourself, let faster cars past and force nothing in the mountains.

Parking, fuel and documents

For the Republic of Cyprus your driving licence is sufficient; you do not need an international driving permit. Parking is straightforward in most places, and you simply fuel up yourself.

In towns parking is often in paid car parks or on the street with parking meters. Watch out for coloured markings and signs, because, as everywhere, there are zones where you may not stop. In villages and at beaches you will usually find free spots, although it can get busy in high season. Petrol stations are plentiful in and around the towns, but in the Troodos and on the Akamas peninsula they are further apart. So fill up before you head into the mountains or along a remote stretch of coast.

When picking up the car, keep the rental agreement, your driving licence and the card you use for the deposit to hand, and take a round of photos of any existing damage before you drive off.

Route 1: the south coast from Paphos to Cape Greco

This route follows the sunny south coast from west to east and is ideal to drive over two to three days. You combine archaeology, seaside resorts and a dramatic coastline.

Start in Paphos, where you can visit the archaeological site with its Roman mosaics. Then drive a short way to Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou), the rocky islet that, according to myth, is the birthplace of the goddess; allow for a brief stop for photos. Continue to Limassol, a large coastal city with a lively promenade and an old harbour, good for lunch or an overnight stay. From there you drive east towards Larnaca, passing the salt lakes and a palm-lined promenade along the way.

The eastern highlight is the area around Ayia Napa and Cape Greco. Cape Greco is a nature park with clear bays, walking trails along the cliffs and sea caves. Ayia Napa itself is known for its beaches. Plan this route so that you do the busiest coastal stretches in the morning and save the mountains for another day. Keep the timing generous, because stopping for views and a swim is exactly what makes this drive special.

Route 2: the Troodos mountains, monasteries and wine villages

This route heads into the interior, up into the Troodos mountains, and is a world away from the coast. Count on a full day, possibly with an overnight stay in a mountain village.

From the coast you climb gradually into the mountains, past slopes covered in vineyards. Cyprus has a long wine tradition, and in the mountain villages you will find small wineries where you can taste; do that only as a passenger, of course, not as the driver. Along the way lie historic monasteries, the best known of which is Kykkos, richly decorated and set high in the mountains. Several small village churches in the Troodos are on the World Heritage list for their painted interiors.

The highest point is Mount Olympus, the peak of the Troodos. In winter there is even snow here and you can ski, a surprising contrast with the beaches lower down on the island. The roads up are winding and narrow, so allow plenty of time and drive defensively. A day in the Troodos feels slow in the best sense: short distances, lots of stops, and views you do not see from the motorway.

Insurance, deposit and season

With a rental car in Cyprus you get a basic insurance with an excess as standard, and the size of that excess depends on the company and the package. It is wise to understand in advance how the deposit and the excess waiver work, especially because you will be driving on narrow mountain roads and gravel stretches where a scratch happens in no time.

The rental company usually blocks a deposit on your card equal to the excess. If you incur damage, that amount is drawn on. You can buy off the excess through the rental company or through a separate excess insurance that you arrange in advance. Before you decide which route to take, read excess and deposit, so you do not end up choosing a waiver under pressure at the desk. With Cyprus, pay particular attention to whether damage to the underside, tyres and windows is covered, because those are exactly the risks on mountain roads.

In terms of season, Cyprus is mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and gentle winters. The high season around summer is the busiest, while spring and autumn are pleasant for driving without the greatest heat and crowds. If you want to go to the Troodos for snow, winter is your window. Above all, book your car well in advance in high season, because availability fills up then.

When you compare offers, look at what each one includes: the package, the excess and any extras, side by side. That way nothing at the desk takes you by surprise.

Common mistakes when renting a car in Cyprus

The biggest blunder is underestimating the border question and assuming you can simply drive your southern rental car into the north, fully insured. Sort this out in advance. A few other common mistakes:

• Taking a manual car when you are not used to driving on the left, which means you have to learn two things at once.
• Only deciding on the excess waiver at the desk under time pressure, instead of choosing calmly in advance.
• Not filling the tank before a drive into the Troodos or the Akamas, where petrol stations are scarce.
• Not photographing existing damage at pick-up, leading to disputes on return.
• Underestimating the mountain roads and planning too tightly, so that you end up driving narrow hairpin bends in the dark.
• Forgetting to bring your ID when crossing into the north.

Anyone who knows these pitfalls avoids them easily. For general preparation, 12 tips also help, and if you combine your trip with the Greek islands, renting a car in Greece is a logical next step, although there you do drive on the right.

Frequently asked questions

Is my driving licence enough to rent in Cyprus?

Yes, for the Republic of Cyprus your national driving licence is sufficient and you do not need an international driving permit. Always bring it together with your ID card or passport, especially if you are considering a crossing into the north.

Can I drive my southern rental car into Northern Cyprus?

Sometimes you can, but it depends entirely on your rental company and rental contract. Even if it is allowed, your insurance from the south often does not cover the north, and you have to buy separate insurance on the spot at the checkpoint. Ask about this explicitly when booking and when picking up.

Is driving on the left difficult in Cyprus?

You get used to it faster than you expect, but the first moments demand extra attention, especially on roundabouts and when turning. An automatic helps enormously because you can then focus entirely on the side of the road instead of on changing gear.

Which airport should I choose?

Larnaca is the most central and handy for the whole island, Paphos is more logical if you build your trip around the southwest coast and the Akamas peninsula. Where possible, rent your car at the airport where you land.

Do I need an automatic or a manual car?

For driving on the left we strongly recommend an automatic, because changing gear yourself with your left hand is a distraction you are better off without while getting used to things. Read through the trade-off in our guide on automatic or manual rental.

What about the deposit and the excess?

The rental company usually blocks a deposit on your card equal to the excess. You can buy off that excess through the rental company or with a separate insurance arranged in advance; with Cyprus, pay particular attention to cover for tyres, windows and the underside of the car.

When is the best season to drive in Cyprus?

Cyprus is mild year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for driving without the greatest heat and crowds, summer is the busiest, and winter is your chance for snow in the Troodos. Book well in advance in high season.