Taxi in Cyprus: Prices, Apps and Airport Transfers
- Damian Brzeski
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Planning a vacation to Cyprus and wondering how best to get around the island? Check out how much taxis cost, when to use mobile apps and what to look out for when transferring from the airport. Prices can be surprising, and the differences between the south and north of the island are more important than you think…
What are taxis like in Cyprus?
If you are going to Cyprus, you will surely quickly notice the distinctive black or white taxis with the word "TAXI" written on the roof.
These are licensed vehicles, most often sedans – many of them are comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes. There should be a taximeter inside, and the driver should have visible identification.
In larger cities like Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, you can easily hail a taxi on the street or at an official taxi rank. In smaller towns, you may need to call a local carrier.
There are different types of taxis in Southern Cyprus: city taxis , airport taxis , intercity shared taxis and rural taxis . Interestingly, in recent years, more and more passengers have also used mobile applications that allow them to quickly order a licensed vehicle by phone.
In the north of the island, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, taxis are less visually uniform, and the currency of settlement is the Turkish lira. Despite this, the standard of service is similar, and taxi meters are also widely used.
What are the prices for taxi services in Cyprus?
Taxi prices in Cyprus are regulated and standardised – but it is worth knowing the differences between day and night fares and additional fees that can affect the final cost of your trip.
Daily tariff and its validity
The daily fare is valid every day from 6:00 to 20:30. This is when most city journeys and airport transfers take place. The initial fare is €3.42 , and for each kilometre travelled €0.73 is added.
If the taxi has to stop (e.g. at your request), you will be charged a waiting time of approximately €13.66 per hour .
Air conditioning in the vehicle is standard and should not increase the cost of your trip.
Night and holiday tariff: higher rates
From 8:30pm to 6am, a night tariff applies, as well as on public holidays. During this time, slightly higher rates apply: the initial fare is €4.36 , and the cost per kilometre is €0.85 .
Additionally, if the journey takes place on holidays (e.g. 24–26 December, New Year, Easter), a flat fee of €1.96 is added to the price. Waiting time in the night tariff costs approx. €15.71 per hour .
Additional charges: baggage, waiting, special orders
Other, smaller amounts may be added to the price of the course. For larger luggage (e.g. a suitcase for the boot) you will pay €1.20 per item . Small hand bags are usually not counted additionally.
If you are traveling in a larger group and needa minivan , expect an additional fee: 20% for 5 passengers , 40% for 6 people - all calculated from the value indicated on the taximeter.
In the case of unusual orders , such as a full-day tour of the island, it is worth agreeing on a lump sum price in advance. This way you will avoid misunderstandings and gain certainty as to the total cost of the service.
Airport Transfers in Cyprus
The journey from the airport to your accommodation is the first step after arrival – and it’s good if it’s hassle-free.
In Cyprus, you can count on efficient and fairly transparent transfer services, both from Larnaca and Paphos airports. However, it is worth knowing the approximate prices and available options so as not to overpay and to reach your destination comfortably.
Fixed taxi prices from Larnaca and Paphos airports
Many popular routes from Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) airports have pre-set guide rates published by local authorities. Although the driver still uses a taximeter, the passenger has the right to know the approximate cost before the journey begins.
For example:
Larnaca – Nicosia (approx. 50 km): approx. €40 during the day , €47 at night
Larnaca – Ayia Napa (approx. 55 km): €44 per day , €52 at night
Larnaca – Limassol (approx. 70 km): €54–64 depending on season
Taxi from Larnaca Airport to City Center: Cost and Travel Time
Larnaca Airport is just a few kilometres from the city. A taxi ride to the city centre (e.g. the Finikoudes promenade area) takes around 15 minutes and costs around €10-15 depending on the time of day, luggage and any extras.
This is the most convenient means of transport upon arrival – buses also run, but are not always available at night.
Taxi from Paphos airport to city centre: current prices
A taxi from Paphos airport to the city centre (or to the tourist areas of Kato Paphos) will cost around €20-25 during the day and a bit more at night – up to €30 if you add in baggage or travel fees during public holidays.
Although the route is short, it is in Paphos that drivers often fail to turn on the meter. Therefore, it is a good idea to agree on a price in advance or use an app.
Booking an Airport Transfer: What You Need to Know
It is definitely worth considering booking your transfer in advance through your hotel, travel agency or taxi app . This will allow you to:
you have a guaranteed fixed price,
the driver will be waiting for you with a nameplate,
you avoid queues and negotiations on site.
This form of transfer is especially convenient for families with children, the elderly and travelers arriving late in the evening. By booking in advance, you can also request a child seat or a larger vehicle, which is not always available immediately at the stop.
Popular Taxi Booking Platforms and Apps Available in Cyprus
Modern technology has also reached Cyprus – today you can easily order a ride via an app, without worrying about the language barrier or lack of change. In larger cities, taxi apps are very popular, and their selection is quite large.
Taxi apps in Cyprus: convenient ride booking
The most well-known and widespread app in Cyprus is Bolt . It operates in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, among others. Ordering a ride through Bolt is trivially simple – you indicate your starting point and destination on the map, see the approximate price and can pay by card directly through the app.
In addition to Bolt, there are also local applications such as:
CABCY – available in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol,
iTaxi Cyprus – specializing in airport transfers,
nTaxi , Hoppa , Alfa, Kiwitaxi – they operate locally, it is worth checking availability in a specific region.
Using the app is not only convenient, but also safer – you have everything in black and white, including the driver's name, route and cost.
AtoB Transfer: personalized airport transfers
Another platform worth considering is AtoB Transfer . It offers slightly more personalized services – you can choose the vehicle class (e.g. sedan, van, premium minibus), specify the number of passengers and luggage, and add special requests, such as a car seat or a transfer with a pet.
AtoB Transfer mainly operates routes from airports (Larnaca, Paphos), but also from hotels or holiday apartments. It is a good solution for demanding travelers who value comfort, transparency and the possibility of booking in advance.
Taxi in tourist cities of Cyprus
Cyprus has not only beautiful beaches, but also a well-organized taxi system - especially in the most popular resorts. However, it is worth knowing what to expect in individual cities.
Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia and Ayia Napa: availability and prices
In Larnaca , taxis are readily available, especially near the Finikoudes promenade, stations and hotels. A ride from the airport to the city centre costs around €10-15 . In the summer season, there are frequent trips to resorts such as Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Paphos, on the other hand, can be more problematic – although taxis are available in tourist areas (e.g. Kato Paphos), some drivers refuse to use the meter. A typical fare from the airport to the city is €20–30 , but it’s worth agreeing a rate in advance or using an app.
Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus – you can easily find a taxi in the city centre, by the marina and in the Germasogeia district. Popular routes are to/from the airports in Larnaca and Paphos. For example: Larnaca–Limassol costs around €55–60 during the day .
In Nicosia , the capital inland, taxis operate efficiently, although there is less tourist traffic. The journey from Larnaca airport is about 50 km and costs an average of €40–47 .
Ayia Napa and Protaras are typical tourist destinations – there are plenty of taxis in high season, but be careful not to use a meter. A ride from Ayia Napa to Protaras (about 12km) will cost around €15–20 , but you should negotiate the price before you start your journey.
Taxi in Northern Cyprus: specifics and vehicle fleet
In the north of the island, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , the taxi system operates on similar principles to those in the south, but there are significant differences:
Currency : The Turkish Lira (TRY) is accepted, although some drivers accept Euro.
Prices : they are lower than in the south – for example, a short trip around the city costs around 30–50 TRY (or 2–3 €) , and longer routes (30 km) usually cost 10–15 € .
Taximeters : are used quite widely, although for longer journeys the price is often agreed in advance.
Availability : Taxis are available in city centres, at hotels and at border crossings (e.g. Ledra Palace in Nicosia).
Border : Taxi from the south can't legally take passengers to the north and vice versa. Most often, you have to walk across the border and catch a second vehicle on the other side.
Although taxis in the north are less modern than in the south, they are still safe and relatively cheap. It is worth having a local contact, such as a recommended driver from your hotel.
Comfort and additional services in a taxi
Taxis in Cyprus are not only a way to get around quickly, but also a convenient solution for travelers in various configurations – solo, with family or in a group.
Vehicle Classes: Micro to Premium Minibus
Depending on your needs, you can order a regular passenger taxi (sedan), a larger van for 5-6 people, or even a premium minibus . When booking online, there is often a choice of car classes - from economy to luxury with additional amenities.
Child seats: safety for the youngest passengers
If you are traveling with a child , it is worth mentioning the need for a child seat in advance – especially for airport transfers or app bookings. In city taxis, child seats are not standard, but most companies provide them if you register in advance.
Private guided taxi tour: sightseeing with driver
Some drivers offer private tours – showing you the best places on the island, telling you local stories and taking you to lesser-known spots. This is a good option if you have limited time or want to explore without stress. The price of such a service is set in advance – usually for the whole day.
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