findingcyprus

Transportation

Using your Car

Visitors who wish to bring their car to Cyprus can do so for a period up to three months provided the vehicle has a valid registration licence from its country of origin. This period may be extended, provided the motorist is considered to be a visitor by the Department of Customs and Excise.

Visitors from any of the European Union Member States, Switzerland, Croatia, Iceland and Norway, who bring motor vehicles with a registration plate of one of these countries to Cyprus, will not be required to show proof of insurance cover at their point of entry, as it is assumed they are covered in their own country. If this is not the case, the International Insurance Bureau of the motorist's country will be required to compensate any claims under the Guarantee Agreement in force (Unified Agreement or Internal Regulations). Foreign visitors who bring a motor vehicle with a registration plate not belonging to one of the above European countries will be required to show a valid Green Card to Cypriot authorities. Foreign visitors may take out a valid Green Card even if their country of origin is not a member of the Green Card system. Foreign visitors with a valid "frontier insurance" issued in one of the European Economic Area countries, can use this cover in Cyprus until its expiry date. Motorists may have a valid Green Card, even if their car has European registration plates. In such cases, the registration plate prevails over the Green Card agreement. This means police should allow the vehicle to enter Cyprus without checking the Green Card.

Foreign motorists, who do not have a registration plate belonging to one of the European Economic Area countries or a valid Green Card covering Cyprus, are not allowed to drive their car here and must first secure insurance cover with a Cypriot insurer for the period of their stay. The granting of such insurance cover is at the absolute discretion of insurance companies who may decline. It is therefore advisable for non-European motorists to secure a Green Card before entering Cyprus. As Russia is not a member of the Green Card system, Russian motorists should take note of this requirement so as to avoid possible inconvenience.

Cyprus has an excellent reputation for being a safe and friendly place. You can help us keep it that way. A few basic precautions can be enough to protect your belongings.

Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus can be enjoyable and in some cases essential as regular transport services to remote areas of interest are not always available. The minimum driving age is 18. To rent a car, drivers must be in possession of a driving licence for at least three years or be aged over 25. Visitors may drive using a valid international driving licence or their national driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

The hire cars are easily recognisable in Cyprus as the number plates are Red, whilst non hire car plates are the normal white on the front and yellow on the rear.

Speed limits in Cyprus are similar to those in the UK, but most of the speed limit signs are in Km/h ( kilometre per hour) and not Mph (miles per hour). In built up areas and populated areas the speed limit is 50 Km/h, in other areas it is 80 Km/h and on the motorway the Limit is 100 Km/h (unless a different speed is indicated!) Radar speed traps are used on Cyprus and can often be found in the town centres, these are very difficult to spot as they often do not use vehicles and blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Often you will not know that you have hit a speed trap until it is too late as it is often a Police officer stood alongside of the road with what looks like a pair of binoculars on their side. There is also a minimum speed on the motorway which is currently 65 Km/h.

Be very aware that although you are driving on the left hand side of the road, driving in Cyprus is a lot different than driving in Britain. Often you will come to road junctions where it is unclear exactly who has the right of way and although you are in a hire car with distinct red plates the other road users will not hesitate to use their horns. It is not unusual to see drivers inching forwards at red traffic lights, often their vehicle will be completely over the white line before the lights change!

Driving in the rain can be especially difficult as many of the roads cannot cope with the water. It is not unusual to see the locals pull over onto the hard shoulder of the motorway in heavy rain with their hazard lights switched on.

Filling up with petrol can be confusing for the first time. If you have an hire car and are unsure which fuel to put in the car you can normally find out by opening the petrol flap on the vehicle, it should tell you there! At some pumps they have an attendant to put the fuel in the car for you, but at others you have to prepay at a machine.

Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link cities and villages. Four-lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia (Nicosia) with the coastal cities of Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka (Larnaca) and Pafos (Paphos). Minor roads and forest roads are for the most part un-surfaced, but in good condition. Drivers should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, not on the right. All the international road traffic signs are in use and placed on the left-hand side of roads and highways. Distances and speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre/per hour (km/h) respectively. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h and the minimum is 65 km/h. The use of seatbelts is compulsory both in the front and back, while the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving. It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle or a pedal bicycle when under the influence of alcohol.

The legal limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Rush hours in the cities are approximately between 07:30 - 08:00 and 13:00 - 13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 - 18:00 in winter or 18:00 - 19:00 in summer.

Although very similar to the UK, Cyprus drivers and roadways have some unusual 'habits and ways' that may seem odd to holidaymakers but an everyday acceptance to locals and residents and this information should help avoid any confusion during your visit. If you are planning to go to wilderness areas such as the Akamas Peninsula, Cape Greco or the Troodos Mountains you may find a four by four vehicle to be your best bet.

Take a minute to read these helpful tips as hiring a car is the best way to get around this beautiful Mediterranean island.

Are there any special requirements for driving in Cyprus?

Driving is on the left with overtaking on the right. Despite this rule drivers in Cyprus will often 'undertake' you on the left which can be extremely dangerous and so you should keep vigilant. Cyprus has exactly the same road system as in the United Kingdom so visitors from former commonwealth countries will adapt easily.

If you are from a country that drives on the right then be sure to take your time to get used to the roads and drive defensively. Cypriots tend to be quite aggressive drivers. This means that cars will often pull out in front of you when it is your right of way and you should always check that nothing is coming even if you have a green light.

Tailgating on the motorway is also common as many drivers do not use the left hand lane as the regular lane and the right hand lane for overtaking only. Quite a few of the roads have small potholes and uneven cambers but on the whole the road system is very good and Cyprus has the most motorways per capita out of all the European Union members. Drivers tend to be very liberal with their use of the horn and will even use it in built up areas at night, though this is not legal. Rush hour in Cyprus, from 7am to 8.30am and from 4.30pm to 6pm should be avoided, especially in the cities.

Because of the lack of public transport there are too many cars for the road system to handle at peak times. Headlights must be used half and hour before sunrise and half and hour before sunset and sunglasses should be kept in the car at all times as the island has 340 days of strong sunshine per year. Most rental companies will not let you take your car to the occupied territory of Northern Cyprus.

What should I do if an accident occurs?

Do not move your car (unless it is in a dangerous position which might lead to another accident) and wait for the police to arrive. You should have two red warning triangles in your car for these situations. You can call them on 112. In the meantime swap insurance information and addresses with the other driver. If you have a camera handy take pictures of the accident for police and insurance purposes. You should give a copy of the police report to your insurance company.

What are the seat belt regulations in Cyprus?

All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under the age of five must not sit in the front seat. Children aged between 5 and 10 can sit in the front but only if they are in an appropriate child seat. It is illegal to drive while talking on a mobile phone.

What are the motorway signs?

Motorway signs are in green. They are labelled with the prefix A, and go from A1 to A22. Signs across the island are labelled in both Greek and English and are easy to follow, though sometimes an area will be signposted once and not again for a while. The island is small enough that you will find your way eventually.

How much does fuel cost in Cyprus?

January 2011, Unleaded 98 fuel costs approximately €1.18 per litre. 15% VAT is included in all prices. Gas stations can be used 24 hours with cash or credit card and if you go during normal working hours an attendant will normally pump your gas and wash your windshield for you.

What is the alcohol limit?

The drinking limit is 39 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of breath and 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood.

What documents do I need?

You need to have your driving licence, your passport, some proof of insurance (including third party fire and liability insurance) and your vehicle registration information.

Can I use my domestic licence in Cyprus?

Yes if you have an EU drivers licence, otherwise you need an International Driver's Permit.

What phrases might I find useful when driving?

• Diesel - Mazot
• Unleaded - Kursunsuz benzin
• Thank you - Efharisto
• I don't understand - Then Kataleveno
• Hello - Yiassas
• Goodbye - Yiassas
• How much? - Poso
• How many? - Posa

Are there any toll roads?

There are no toll roads in Cyprus though the government in currently in the throes of introducing a system to encourage car pooling, i.e a lane which is only to be used for buses and cars with more than one occupant.

What are the speed limits?

50 kilometres per hour in built up areas.

100 kilometres per hour on highways. The motorways in Cyprus are mostly dual carriageways.

What is the conversion for kilometres to miles?

The conversion from kilometres to miles per hour is one kilometre = 0.62 miles per hour. Therefore the speed in built up areas is 31 miles per hour.

What is the minimum age for driving?

To rent a car in Cyprus you should 21 years of age with a minimum of three years driving experience. There may be a young driver surcharge for drivers under the age of 25. There is a maximum age limit, enquire with rental staff about this.

What number do I call for the emergency services in Cyprus?

The emergency services number is 112.

What should I know about parking?

There are parking meters throughout the city which are not very inexpensive. They work on an hourly basis, but do not have to be paid on Saturday afternoons. Cypriots tend to park wherever they like and you can often find spots to park in the cities which have no single or double yellow lines. If you park and block someone in be sure to leave a note with your phone number in the car.

Driving in Cyprus:

An overview of the rules of the road, parking and petrol, car roadworthiness and other aspects important to a driver in Cyprus.

• Car drivers must be at least 17.5 years of age; mopeds may be driven at age 17; motorcycles may be driven from the age of 21 (note that some changes are being introduced)
• Drive on the left in Cyprus (as in the UK, unlike the rest of western Europe)
• Seat belts for driver and passengers are compulsory
• It is obligatory for all children under the age of five to sit in the back, strapped into a proper child car seat Children from five to ten years of age may occupy the front passenger seat provided a child's seat belt has been fitted
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a 'hands-free' unit.
• Smoking in a vehicle which is carrying a passenger under the age of 16 is prohibited
• Motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet
• Motorcycle/moped/scooter passengers must be over the age of 12 and sit astride the seat
• Road signs are in English and Greek
• Distances are marked in kilometres
• Road speeds are marked in kilometres-per hour (Km/h)
• All roads on the entire island are toll free
• Horns should not be used between 22:00-06:00. Honking near a hospital is forbidden at any time
• Third party liability insurance is obligatory
• For emergency assistance call 112 or 199

Items to Carry in the Car

It is compulsory to carry two red warning triangles in the vehicle and use them to warn other traffic when involved in an incident, breakdown or accident.

If stopped, driver's should be able to show their valid driving licence (if it is not an EU-issued licence, it should be accompanied by an International Driver's Permit/Licence (IDP/IDL), vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, proof of roadworthiness.

Note: UK licence holders are generally only required to present the card section of the license.

Driving Licences

Driving licences from EU countries:

Any person with a valid driving licence issued by an EU Member State may drive legally with it in Cyprus until it expires as long as the driver meets the minimum age requirements in Cyprus. Licences issued by another EU country remain valid until expiry.

Driving licences from non-EU countries:

Most foreign driver's licences are valid for driving n Cyprus, though validity periods vary depending on the issuing country (for those with a US license the period is six months). Consult the relevant Consular authority for regulations.

Road Conditions

In recent years, Cyprus has ranked among the top three European countries (per capita) for traffic fatalities. Common causes of traffic accidents include speeding, tailgating, overtaking and a disregard for traffic lights.

Driving in Cyprus is almost a necessity as public transport services are not available to all areas or at all times. Well-maintained, good-sized roads connect the villages and the towns, with four lane motorways connecting the main towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Paphos. Minor roads and forest roads are usually kept in good condition although they may be un-surfaced. Many mountain roads may close in the winter.

Drivers should always have sunglasses available as the glare of light can be dangerously blinding, particularly in summer or when driving westward in the late afternoon.

Road Tax

An annual circulation tax (road tax) is payable for vehicles in Cyprus. This is calculated based on engine capacity and charged per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

The following are required to obtain a road tax disc:

• A valid Department of Road Transport Vehicle Test Certificate
• Auto insurance
• The registration document (log book)

After the initial road tax payment on a newly purchased vehicle is paid at a DoRT office or Citizen's Service Centre (CSC), the road tax can be paid online and a task disk with bar code can be printed on a home printer and placed in the vehicle.

Road Transport Department

At: 17 Vasileos Pavlou, 1425 Engomi

Tel: 22 807104

Fax: 22 807105

Speed Limits

• The speed limit on motorways is 100 Km/h
• Rural roads: 80 km/h, unless otherwise indicated
• Developed areas (towns and villages): 50 Km/h, unless otherwise indicated
• Speeding is penalised with a fine

Speed checks are frequent as the police try to curb the high death rate on Cyprus' roads. Some traffic cameras now operate in Cyprus, set mainly at traffic lights to catch drivers jumping the lights, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing a seatbelts etc. More will be rolled out over time, including fixed speed cameras on the Nicosia to Limassol motorway.

Police may use mobile cameras during their speed checks and are not at liberty to warn drivers first, as in the UK and will 'hide' behind cars, trees and other obstacles.

Drink Driving or Driving under the Influence of Alcohol.

It is illegal to drive a car or motorbike - or even pedal bicycle - while under the influence of alcohol. A driver is considered to be driving drunk in Cyprus if:

• The breath/alcohol level equals or exceeds 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
• The blood/alcohol level equals or exceeds 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.5 grams per litre)

A holder of a Cypriot driving licence could have from 3 to 6 points deducted from the licence for drink driving. The fine will be determined by the court. Foreign licence holders not living in Cyprus can be imprisoned or fined on the spot.

Car Insurance

Third party liability insurance is compulsory under Cyprus law. Third party insurance is readily available from all insurance brokers and formalities are straightforward.

Cyprus is signatory to the Multilateral Guarantee Agreement (MGA). Vehicles legally registered and insured in signatory states (which includes all EU countries) are automatically legally insured in Cyprus. The MGA, also known as the "Registration Agreement" and "Number-Plate Agreement", replaces the requirement to carry the Green Card.

Vehicle Roadworthiness

The Department of Road Transport (DORT) roadworthiness test must be carried out on any car older than four years and then at two year intervals thereafter. The roadworthiness tests are not required for motor bikes.

The test includes an emissions check and checks of suspension, brakes, steering, lights and tyres.

Parking

Municipal and private parking places and garages are widely available. Pay parking on the street is available in the town centres (there is usually no fee on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, or public holidays).

• It is illegal to park or wait at a double yellow line.
• Short stops to load or unload may be made at a single yellow line (although parking is prohibited).

Parking for the disabled

There are generally a few parking bays marked for disabled drivers in municipal car parks.

The blue badge is recognized in Cyprus. It is a standardised European Community disabled person's parking permit which provides parking entitlements to badge holders in all complying European countries - a blue badge from one country is valid in another. A person coming to Cyprus from another EU country can apply in their home country for this universal badge which allows the use of reserved parking.

Petrol & Fuel

• All petrol (gas) stations sell premium and unleaded petrol (super and 95) and diesel
• Petrol is measured by the litre
• Many petrol stations in urban and coastal areas operate with self-service machine taking payment by credit card or bank notes. These are usually available 24 hours a day
• Petrol may not be available inland or in rural areas on weekends or public holidays

Note: many rural petrol stations may be closed for the month of August

Traffic Offences & Penalties

If a traffic offence is committed, a fixed penalty and a ticket will be issued. If the ticket is not accepted by the offender, a court summons will be issued. The penalties are issued in conjunction with penalty points. The courts have the power to disqualify drivers when they have 12 points on their licence; when the disqualification is removed, the offender will be able to drive again, but the points will remain for another three years.

Points and fines for traffic offences:

• Causing death through dangerous driving: min 5, max 10
• Hit and run: min 5, max 10 (The fine will be determined by the court)
• Thoughtless or dangerous driving: min 3, max 6 (fine will be determined by the court)
• Careless driving: min 2, max 4 (fine will be determined by the court)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: Min 3, max 6 (fine will be determined by the court)
• Ignoring traffic lights: min 2, max 4 (and a fine)
• Motorcyclists without helmets: in built-up areas - min 1, max 4 (and a fine)
• Not wearing a seat belt: min 2, max 4 (and a fine)

Accident & Breakdown

In case of accident or breakdown: note that while there are SOS phones on the motorways these rarely work. It is recommended to carry a cellular/mobile telephone.

The Cyprus Automobile Association is a non-profit organisation providing 24-hour emergency service to members and members of affiliate organisations.

• CAA 24-hour emergency service: 22 313 131

There are several other private 24-hour breakdown service and towing companies in Cyprus.

Useful Information:

Ministry of Transport

At: 28 Acheon Street, Nicosia

Tel: 22 800 102

Fax: 22 776 248

Department of Road Transport (DoRT), Limassol Branch

At: 106 Nicos Pattichis Street, Limassol

Tel: 25 305 668

Fax: 25 305 674

The Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA)

At: 12 Chrysanthou Mylona Street, Nicosia

Tel: 22 313 233

Fax: 22 313 482

Buses

There are four types of buses in Cyprus that can help you move around:

• Trans-urban buses that link all towns on a daily basis and with frequent routes.
• Rural buses that link almost all villages with the nearest city but with limited frequency once or twice daily except Sundays.
• Urban buses that link different areas within the cities and operate frequently during daytime. In certain tourist areas, during summer period, their routes are extended till late in the evening.
• Buses for airport transfers.

Bus info/timetable

When in Cyprus, call Free for any information that you might require on 8000 5588.

Paphos Bus Company Website
CITY & SUBURBS ROUTES PDF document
Paphos Fares PDF document

Taxis

There are three types of taxi services available, covering the entire island:

• Trans-urban service which offers the opportunity to share a taxi with 4 - 7 other passengers. It provides connection between all major cities of Cyprus, every half an hour, from Monday to Friday starting at 06:00 in the morning until 18:00 in the evening. On Saturdays and Sundays the service finishes an hour earlier at 17:00. Seats can be booked by phone or online from the providing companies.
• Rural service operates in village areas and can only be hired from and to their base station. These taxis are not equipped with taximeters and charging is based on kilometre/tariff rate.

An indication of the charges is listed below:

• Tariff I: Single trip 0,63 Euro per kilometre.
• Tariff II: Single trip from 20:30 - 06:00 0,715 Euro per kilometre.
• Tariff III: Return trip 0,49 Euro per kilometre.
• Tariff IV: Return trip from 20:30 - 06:00 0,63 Euro per kilometre.
• For every luggage weighing more than 12 kg 0,63 Euro per piece.

Delay or waiting time charge:

• For tariff I and III 14,45 Euro per hour.
• For tariff II and IV 18,821 Euro per hour.
• Minimum Charge: 3,64 Euro.

Urban service is a 24hours service provided in all cities. Taxis can be booked or hired on the street and Urban taxis are obligatory provided with taxi metres and charging commences upon the entering of a passenger in the taxi.

An indication of the charges is listed below:

From 06:01 - 20:30:

• Initial charge 3,42 Euro.
• Fare per km 0,73 Euro.
• Delay or waiting time per hour 13,66 Euro.
• For every luggage weighing more than 12kg 1,20 Euro.
• Public Holidays surcharge 1,96 Euro.

From 20:31 - 06:00:

• Initial charge 4,36 Euro.
• Fare per kilometre 0,85 Euro.
• Delay or waiting time per hour 15,71 Euro.
• For every luggage weighing more than 12kg 1,20 Euro.

During the following public Holidays, taxis charge an extra supplement of 1,96 Euro per ride: 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, 1st January, Good Friday, Good Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and 1st May.

The transport of pets is allowed only when they are carried in small pet-carrying boxes and the charge in such cases is 0,55 Euro per pet.

Cruises

A number of short cruises sail from Cyprus with trips lasting typically between two-to-five days on board large and comfortable ships. You can either book while on holiday in Cyprus or through tour operators abroad who feature the cruises in their holiday brochures. There are also many short boat trips from and to various destinations around the island sailing from almost all marinas and fishing shelters.

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