A new public transport system was launched on 5th July 2010 to expand the bus network over the third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. Expats can use public transport to get around Cyprus.
Since Cyprus has no railway system the best way to get around is by bus or by car. A new and modern public transport system connects cities and rural areas. Airports and harbours link the island to the mainland.
Four different types of bus service can be used to discover Cyprus. Trans-urban buses connect towns whereas rural ones link the villages to bigger cities. Urban buses offer their services within the city. Additionally, there are airport transfer buses that pick you up from the airport. The timetables are available at tourist offices or on the website Cyprus By Bus .
Urban buses have fixed routes every half an hour, but their services stop at approximately 6pm. On the weekend there are limited services. Transurban, rural and airport transfers run less frequently.
Since the buses are run by private companies, the tickets are paid directly to the driver. Exact change is required.
The following trans-urban routes are served:
Bus stops are usually marked and have a bus shelter with seating. You can buy tickets for single journeys or daily, weekly and monthly tickets. Students, soldiers and children up to six years old travel for free.
There are shared and private taxi services, which can be divided in three types. Trans-urban ones get you from one town to another. Rural taxis connect the rural areas to the closest city and urban taxis offer their services within the cities.
Taxis can be booked by phone or waved down on the street. The prices mainly depend on the type of journey you are planning to do. Every type, whether trans-urban, rural or urban, has a different tariff.
There are several heliports and two international airports on the island. Larnaca International Airport is located in the east of the country and Paphos International Airport in the west. Nicosia International Airport in the middle of the country has been closed since 1974.
The two main harbours, Limassol and Larnaca, are busy with freight shipping and cruises.