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Car Hire in Cyprus: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for left-hand driving, Cypriot speed limits, motorways, mountain roads, coastal resorts, parking and the practical rules that can affect a road trip from Larnaca or Paphos.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Cyprus is relatively compact, but a day's driving can take you from a busy coastal resort to a motorway and then onto steep roads in the Troodos Mountains.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel or electricity.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake before moving.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your first destination before joining traffic.
  • Remember the driving side: Cyprus drives on the left, which will feel familiar to visitors from Ireland and the UK.
  • Mountain journey: check weather and road conditions before heading into the Troodos area during winter.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's contact number accessible.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in Cyprus and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

  • Keep left: remain on the left after turning and when joining another road.
  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the right.
  • Roundabouts: traffic circulates clockwise.
  • Visitors used to right-hand traffic: take particular care when leaving a petrol station, car park or quiet side road.
  • Motorways: the normal driving lane is the left lane.

Speed limits in Cyprus

Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. Unless another limit is posted, the general maximum limits are:

  • Built-up areas: generally 50 km/h.
  • Other roads: generally 80 km/h.
  • Motorways: maximum 100 km/h.
  • Motorway minimum: the minimum motorway speed is 65 km/h where normal conditions allow.

Lower signed limits always take precedence, and road, weather or traffic conditions may require a much lower speed.

Cyprus has no toll roads

Cyprus currently has no toll-charged roads, making motorway travel straightforward for rental-car users.

  • You do not need a motorway vignette.
  • You do not need an electronic motorway toll tag.
  • There are no motorway toll booths to budget for during a normal road trip.
  • Be cautious of unofficial websites attempting to sell a supposed Cyprus road vignette.

Cyprus has a useful motorway network

Motorways provide fast connections between the principal cities and both main international airports.

  • Keep to the left unless overtaking.
  • Use the right lane when overtaking and return left afterwards.
  • Follow motorway signs early when approaching larger junctions.
  • Do not stop or park on the motorway except in an emergency.
  • Pedestrians and bicycles are not permitted on motorways.

Larnaca and Paphos airport driving

Larnaca and Paphos airports connect conveniently with the main road network, making airport car hire practical for visitors travelling beyond the immediate resort areas.

  • Check the precise rental return area before your final journey.
  • Allow additional time during peak summer travel periods.
  • Refuel according to your rental agreement before arriving.
  • Do not rely only on the airport name in navigation; select the correct rental-return location.

Roundabouts are common

Cyprus uses roundabouts extensively, particularly around larger towns and resort areas.

  • Traffic circulates clockwise.
  • Give way according to the signs and road markings before entering.
  • Choose your lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout where possible.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lane or leaving.
  • If you miss an exit, continue around rather than stopping or reversing.

Driving in Limassol

Limassol has busy coastal roads, major junctions and significant commuter traffic.

  • Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening peaks.
  • Choose lanes early around larger roundabouts and junctions.
  • Watch for pedestrians around the seafront and tourist areas.
  • Use recognised parking facilities where convenient.
  • Allow additional time if continuing to Larnaca or Paphos airports at a busy time.

Driving in Nicosia

Nicosia has dense city traffic, one-way streets and busy commuter periods.

  • Set navigation before moving through the city centre.
  • Watch carefully for one-way streets and turning restrictions.
  • Allow additional time during weekday commuter periods.
  • Use signed parking rather than leaving the car in an uncertain roadside space.

Troodos Mountain roads need a different driving style

Mountain routes can involve steep gradients, tight bends, narrow sections and very different weather from the coast.

  • Before bends: reduce speed before entering rather than braking heavily while cornering.
  • Long descents: use an appropriate lower gear to help control speed.
  • Narrow sections: allow room for approaching vehicles and do not cut corners.
  • Visibility: fog or low cloud can reduce visibility quickly.
  • Winter: snow and ice can affect the highest roads.
  • Navigation: do not assume every route suggested by an app is suitable in poor weather.

Cyprus can have winter road conditions

The coast may remain mild while the Troodos Mountains experience snow, ice and freezing conditions.

  • Check the forecast before travelling uphill.
  • Confirm that the vehicle is suitable for current road conditions.
  • Follow police instructions where mountain roads are restricted or closed.
  • Do not attempt a snow-covered mountain road simply because navigation software shows it as open.
  • Return before conditions deteriorate if you are unfamiliar with winter driving.

Summer heat affects driving too

Cyprus can become extremely hot during summer, particularly away from the coast.

  • Carry drinking water on longer journeys.
  • Do not leave children or animals in a parked vehicle.
  • Check tyre condition before longer trips.
  • Use shaded or covered parking where practical.
  • Avoid driving when tired after a long day in high temperatures.

Rural roads can become narrow quickly

Outside the motorway network, roads through villages and mountain areas can be much narrower than visitors expect.

  • Slow down before entering villages.
  • Expect parked vehicles to reduce the usable road width.
  • Watch for pedestrians where pavements are limited.
  • Be prepared for agricultural vehicles on rural roads.
  • Do not assume the posted maximum speed is appropriate on every bend or narrow section.

Alcohol and driving

For most ordinary drivers, the maximum permitted blood-alcohol concentration is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

  • The equivalent breath limit is 22 micrograms per 100 ml of exhaled air.
  • Lower limits apply to certain categories of drivers.
  • Police carry out roadside alcohol checks.
  • Do not treat the legal maximum as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
  • Keep your hands free so that you remain in full control of the vehicle.
  • Set navigation before starting the journey.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make complicated route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts: fitted seat belts must be used in both front and rear seats.
  • Children: use an approved child restraint appropriate for the child's size and weight where required.
  • Rear-facing seats: never use a rear-facing child seat in front of an active frontal airbag.
  • Rental car: arrange any required child seat when booking rather than assuming one will be available at collection.
  • Check that the restraint is fitted correctly before leaving.

Check local parking signs

Parking rules and payment arrangements vary between municipalities and resort areas.

  • Use marked spaces and recognised car parks where possible.
  • Check signs for time limits and payment requirements.
  • Do not obstruct pavements, entrances or pedestrian areas.
  • Use particular care in historic or resort areas where road space is limited.
  • Do not leave luggage, phones or other valuables visible in a parked car.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Licence rules depend on where your licence was issued, so check the position that applies to your own documents and the rental provider's conditions.

  • Carry the original: keep your valid driving licence with you while driving.
  • EU licences: valid EU driving licences are recognised in Cyprus.
  • UK photocard licences: current UK government guidance says these can be used in Cyprus.
  • Other non-EU licences: check the applicable recognition rules and whether an International Driving Permit or translation is required.
  • Rental provider: rental companies can impose their own age, documentation and minimum licence-holding requirements.

Check insurance before taking a rental car through a crossing

Do not assume that a vehicle hired in the Republic of Cyprus has rental-company permission or insurance cover north of the crossing points.

  • Check the rental agreement before planning the journey.
  • Ask the rental provider specifically whether taking the vehicle through a crossing is permitted.
  • Current UK travel advice warns that cars hired in the Republic often have no insurance cover in the north.
  • At some crossing points it may be possible to purchase separate insurance for driving in the north.
  • Purchasing separate insurance does not automatically override a rental company's prohibition on taking its vehicle through a crossing.

Cypriot trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Larnaca and the south-east

A car provides flexibility for travelling between Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras and beaches or villages away from the main resort centres.

Paphos and western Cyprus

Driving makes it easier to combine Paphos with inland villages, the Akamas area and other western destinations.

Troodos Mountains

A rental car offers flexibility for mountain villages, monasteries and scenic routes, although gradients and winter weather require additional care.

Limassol and the south coast

A car is useful for exploring beyond Limassol towards beaches, archaeological sites, wine villages and inland destinations.

Nicosia and central Cyprus

Having a car makes it easier to combine the capital with rural and mountain destinations across the centre of the island.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call the emergency services where necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant details and photograph the vehicles and scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the accident-reporting procedure in the rental agreement.

Emergency assistance in Cyprus

  • Emergency services: 112

Call 112 for urgent police, ambulance or fire assistance.

For a normal mechanical breakdown, contact the roadside-assistance service supplied with the rental vehicle.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time for resort or motorway traffic when returning to Larnaca or Paphos Airport.
  • Check that any parking charges have been dealt with correctly.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork and return confirmation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Cyprus

Which side of the road do you drive on in Cyprus?

Traffic drives on the left and vehicles normally overtake on the right. This will feel familiar to visitors from Ireland and the UK.

What are the speed limits in Cyprus?

The general maximum limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on other roads and 100 km/h on motorways. The normal motorway minimum is 65 km/h. Always follow a different posted limit.

Are there toll roads in Cyprus?

No. Cyprus currently has no toll-charged roads, so there is no general motorway vignette or electronic toll tag to buy.

Can I drive in Cyprus with a UK licence?

Current UK government guidance says a UK photocard driving licence can be used in Cyprus. Carry the original licence and check the rental provider's own documentation requirements.

Can I take my Cyprus rental car north of the crossings?

Do not assume that the rental company's permission or insurance applies. Current UK travel advice warns that cars hired in the Republic often have no insurance cover in the north. Check both the rental agreement and insurance arrangements before travelling.

What should I know about driving in the Troodos Mountains?

Mountain roads can be steep, narrow and winding, while snow and ice can occur at higher elevations in winter. Check conditions before travelling and follow any road restrictions or closures.

Reliable driving information for Cyprus

Road rules, licence requirements and travel conditions can change. The links below are established tourism, European Union and government travel-advice sources and were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 24 September 2026.