Welcome to our travel report on exploring Cyprus by Car. If you’re planning to drive in Cyprus, you’ll find all the important information and tips here. In this article, we share our experiences with left-hand traffic and booking a rental car*.
Cyprus is politically divided, which plays a role when driving. If you plan to cross the border into the north, there are some important points to consider. You will also get helpful tips on driving behavior, road conditions, and the three most important traffic rules you should know.
Contents of Cyprus by Car
Why Renting a Car in Cyprus Is Worth It
During our trip planning, it quickly became clear that we would need a car in Cyprus. The distances are larger than you might expect for an island. For example, driving from Paphos to Ayia Napa takes about two hours. Even trips to the interior, such as the Troodos Mountains or the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula, will take you around one and a half hours from Paphos.
Along the way, you’ll find many attractions like the Rock of Aphrodite, the Edro Shipwreck, and ancient archaeological sites. Besides the longer distances, flexibility was also very important to us. With a rental car, we could stop whenever and wherever we wanted, allowing us to explore the island at our own pace.
Cyprus by Car: Tips for Navigating Left-Hand Traffic on the Island



Cyprus follows left-hand traffic, a result of the island’s British colonial past. We first experienced driving on the left during our road trip through Scotland, and that experience was incredibly helpful when we arrived in Cyprus. Back then, we seriously wondered if we should give it a try. But trust me, you’ll get used to it much faster than you might think.
There are four important things to keep in mind when driving on the left in Cyprus.
First: Oncoming traffic will approach from the right. Since the driver’s seat is also on the right side, it can be challenging at first to keep your lane. Try to stay close to the right edge of the road to avoid accidentally scraping parked cars on the left.
Second: Pay special attention when making right turns. This can feel unfamiliar because, in left-hand traffic, you use right-turn lanes. In countries like Germany, we are used to left-turn lanes.
Third: On highways, the overtaking lane is on the right, unlike in Germany where it is on the left. The left lane is reserved for slower vehicles.
Fourth: Roundabouts flow clockwise. Be sure to yield to vehicles already in the roundabout when you are entering.
If you want to take the next exit, keep to the left. For later exits, move to the right and switch back to the outer lane before exiting. Use your left blinker before entering if you plan to exit immediately. Otherwise, signal left as you pass the exit before yours.
If you plan to circle most of the roundabout, choose the right lane. Signal right when entering and switch to the left indicator before exiting.
Cyprus by Car: Tips for Choosing a Rental Car



My first tip: Definitely choose an automatic car. It makes driving much more relaxed. We had a rental car with a manual transmission in Scotland, and it was really unfamiliar. The gear stick is on the left instead of the right, and the gears are mirrored.
Shifting intuitively is almost impossible. You not only have to focus on driving on the left, but you also have to rethink every time you shift. In Scotland, we often ended up in the wrong gear.
Crossing the Border into the North with a Rental Car? Cyprus by Car
Most rental car providers on the Greek side strictly prohibit driving into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. If you decide to cross into the north, you will not be insured. This restriction was clearly stated in our rental voucher.

During our research, we came across reports that you can purchase additional insurance at the border to drive into the north with your rental car.
But be careful: These insurances usually only cover damages to other cars, not your own. If you still want to drive into the north, make sure to check in advance which rental car providers* allow this. Alternatives include taking a taxi at the border crossings or renting a car in the northern part.
For our trip to the ghost town of Famagusta, we chose a guided tour by bus*, which allowed us to avoid this issue entirely.
Cyprus by Car: What to Expect from Driving Behavior on the Island
Compared to Scotland, where we encountered very friendly and defensive drivers, Cypriot drivers tend to be more direct. The driving style on the island is more dynamic and often a bit impatient.
On highways, you may occasionally experience tailgating. Drivers also use the high beams to encourage slower cars to change lanes. However, traffic in Cyprus remains manageable. The roads are less crowded than in Germany, which makes driving overall more relaxed.
What the Road Conditions Are Like on the Island



The roads in Cyprus are very well developed, and their overall condition is excellent. However, if you are planning trips into nature, it’s important to check your routes in advance. Some paths lead over unpaved roads. While certain roads are drivable, others should definitely be avoided.
A good example is the gravel road on the Akamas Peninsula leading to the Blue Lagoon. This route is not recommended if you’re driving a rental car. In contrast, the drive to the Avakas Gorge was straightforward. We were able to park right at the front lot, which saved us a lot of time.
Important Tips for Parking on the Island


In most cities and tourist areas, you can park in designated parking lots or along the street. Pay attention to the curb markings:
- Yellow lines indicate no parking zones.
- White lines mark free parking areas.
- Blue lines indicate paid parking zones, often with parking meters nearby.
In cities like Nicosia or Limassol, it can be difficult to find parking during peak hours. In such cases, it’s worth using parking garages, which are usually well signposted.
Important Tip: Always park in the direction of traffic. Otherwise, you risk getting a ticket.
What You Need to Know About Fueling Up


Gas stations in Cyprus are usually smaller than those we’re used to. Many of them don’t have a shop. You will often find self-service gas stations where you pay for your planned fuel amount at a machine, usually with a credit card. After that, you can refuel your car. The system feels unfamiliar at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Navigation Tip: We used Google Maps for everything and never had any issues.
Driving in Cyprus – Three Important Traffic Rules You Need to Know
Before you hit the road, you should be aware of these three traffic rules. They will save you a lot of trouble.
- First: Using your phone while driving is only allowed with a hands-free device. If you hold your phone in your hand, it can get expensive.
- Second: Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car. Whether you’re sitting in the front or back, hefty fines apply if you’re not buckled up.
- Third: Drinking and driving is strictly controlled in Cyprus. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰. For novice drivers, a zero-tolerance policy applies. If you’ve had a drink, it’s best to leave the car parked.