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Driving in Cyprus.

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A fresh, honest approach to car rental

Rugged coastlines and rocky hills.

Renting a car is a great way to explore the rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest covered mountains of Cyprus. You shouldn’t have any problems using car rental for getting from A to B with road signs displayed in both English and Greek.

Four lane motorways connect the capital of Cyprus, Lefkosia with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaca and one part of Paphos and smaller roads connect the more remote areas of the island. All roads are well surfaced but extra care does need to be taken especially in wet conditions. When visiting any of the towns it may be worth noting the rush hour times to avoid wasting time sat in queues of traffic.

Tips for driving in Cyprus

Which side of the road do they drive on?

Traffic drives on the left in Cyprus.

Seat belts

You must wear a seat belt in the front and rear of the vehicle.

Driving with children

Children under the age of 5 must not sit in the front passenger seat. Children aged between 5 and 10 may sit in the front seat but only if an appropriate child’s seat belt has been fitted.

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit is 49mg alcohol per 100ml blood.

Can I use a mobile?

The use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

Do I need snow chains?

In winter, whilst it is not essential, spiked tyres and snow chains can be used in mountainous areas.

Triangles & other essentials

You must carry two warning triangles with you when travelling in Cyprus. It is also recommended that you also carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Horns and headlights

Vehicle lights must be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. Spotlights are prohibited. You must not use the vehicle's horn between 10pm and 6am. Never use it if you are near a hospital.

Don’t get distracted

Eating and drinking whilst driving is prohibited.

What should I do if I breakdown?

If you breakdown in Cyprus, call the car rental provider who will be able to advise you of the next steps. It is recommended you contact us at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

What should I do if I have an accident?

If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. You must also contact the supplier and ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

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Travel tips and blogs

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Articles about Cyprus

Places to hire in Cyprus

Average customer rating for car hire in Cyprus

(4.68 out of 5.00) based on 1286 responses to our customer survey.

Speed limits

  • Motorways - 100 kph / 62 mph
  • Open roads - 80 kph / 50 mph
  • Built up areas - 50 kph / 31 mph

Phone numbers

  • Police - 112/119
  • Fire - 112/119
  • Ambulance - 112/119

Useful phrases

  • Danger - κινδύνου (Kindýnou)
  • Diesel - ντίζελ (Ntízel)
  • Exit - έξοδος (Éxodos)
  • Filling station - πρατήριο καυσίμων (Pratí̱rio kaf̱símo̱n)
  • Petrol - βενζίνη (Venzíni̱)
  • Prohibited - Απαγορεύεται (Apagorév̱etai)
  • Right of way - δικαίωμα πορείας (Dikaío̱ma poreías)
  • Roadworks - Κλειστός δρόμος (Kleistós drómos)
  • Slow - αργή (Argí)

Fuel

Petrol is sold by the litre and 15% VAT is included in all prices.

Cyprus travel guide
Cyprus overview