Car hire at Larnaca Airport
Cyprus is built for driving: a toll-free motorway links Larnaca to Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos and Ayia Napa, distances are short and public transport beyond the airport shuttles is thin. Most visitors pick up a car here and keep it for the whole stay. The rental desks are in the arrivals hall and the cars are parked a short walk away.
The one thing that surprises mainland Europeans is the side of the road: Cyprus drives on the left, British-style, with roundabouts entered clockwise. Hire cars carry red number plates, which locals treat with patience. Give yourself the first kilometre on the quiet airport road to adjust.
Rental companies at Larnaca Airport
The international brands and the larger Cypriot companies keep staffed desks in the arrivals hall around the clock, which matters for the many arrivals after midnight. Smaller local firms deliver to the car park by arrangement.
- Avis / Budget
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
- Cypriot companies (Petsas, Astra and others) with desks or delivery to the car park
Booking tips
- Cyprus drives on the left; if that worries you, book an automatic so you can concentrate on the road
- Most contracts forbid crossing the Green Line into the north; insurance does not apply there
- Motorways are toll-free and fuel stations take cards; Sunday fuel is via self-service pumps
- A credit card in the driver’s name is needed for the deposit
- EU, UK and most international licences are accepted; others need an international driving permit
Driving from the airport
The airport road leads in minutes to the Dromolaxia roundabout and the A3 motorway: turn towards Nicosia and Limassol for the A2/A1 junction (Nicosia 45 minutes, Limassol 50, Paphos 90), or the other way along the A3 for Ayia Napa and Protaras (45 minutes). Larnaca town is straight on past the salt lake. Speed cameras have multiplied on Cyprus motorways in recent years, and the limit is 100 km/h.
Frequently asked questions
Which car rental companies are at Larnaca Airport?
Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise have desks in the arrivals hall, alongside Cypriot companies such as Petsas and Astra; the cars are in the car park next to the terminal.
Can I drive a Larnaca hire car into northern Cyprus?
Almost never. Most rental contracts forbid crossing the Green Line and the insurance does not cover the north; separate insurance is sold at the crossing points for private cars, but a hire car taken across is usually a breach of contract. Ask the company in writing if it matters to you.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.