Getting from Larnaca Airport to your destination in Cyprus — what you need to know

Larnaca Airport is the main international gateway to Cyprus and sits about 7 km from Larnaca city center and roughly 50 km from Limassol, 70 km from Nicosia, and 140 km from Paphos. The airport is modern and manageable in size. A taxi to Larnaca town runs around 20–30 EUR. A pre-booked transfer to Limassol costs 50–80 EUR. Public buses exist but are limited, especially at night. Cyprus is essentially a car-dependent island once you leave the airport.

Larnaca Airport is a single-terminal airport and relatively easy to navigate. After landing, you walk to passport control — EU citizens pass quickly, non-EU travelers may wait 10–30 minutes depending on how many flights have just landed.

Baggage claim is a short walk from immigration. The carousels are in a compact area and luggage typically appears within 15–25 minutes. Once you collect your bags, you walk through customs (usually a formality) and into the arrivals hall.

The arrivals hall is small and you will immediately see the exit. Transfer drivers hold name signs here. Taxi and bus options are just outside the doors. The entire process from touchdown to standing outside usually takes 30–50 minutes for international arrivals.

Taxi: Available outside the arrivals exit. Larnaca taxis use meters but there are also semi-official fixed rates to common destinations. Fares are regulated, but it pays to confirm the price before getting in. Taxis are fine for short trips to Larnaca town. For longer trips (Limassol, Nicosia), they become expensive.

Airport bus: The airport bus service connects Larnaca Airport to Larnaca town, Limassol, and Nicosia. Fares are low (around 1.50 EUR to Larnaca town, 9 EUR to Limassol). However, buses run infrequently — roughly once per hour during the day and not at all late at night. They are slow and not practical if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with small children.

Rental car: Available at the airport. Cyprus drives on the left (British legacy). Roads are generally good, but if you are not comfortable with left-hand driving, this adds stress after a flight. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall.

Approximate one-way transfer costs:

• Larnaca city center (7 km): 20–30 EUR by taxi, 1.50 EUR by bus
• Ayia Napa (55 km): 50–70 EUR by taxi/transfer
• Protaras (65 km): 55–75 EUR by taxi/transfer
• Limassol (70 km): 50–80 EUR by taxi/transfer, ~9 EUR by bus
• Nicosia (50 km): 45–65 EUR by taxi/transfer, ~9 EUR by bus
• Paphos (140 km): 110–160 EUR by taxi/transfer

Many flights to Larnaca arrive late — charter flights in summer frequently land between 10 PM and 2 AM. The airport stays open for these arrivals, but your transport options narrow significantly.

Buses stop running in the evening (last service is typically around 9–10 PM, varying by season). Taxis are available but fewer in number, and some drivers may try to negotiate higher fares for late-night long-distance trips to Limassol or Ayia Napa.

A pre-booked transfer is the most reliable late-night option. Your driver knows your flight time and will be there regardless of delays. This matters because being stranded at Larnaca Airport at midnight with no bus and a thin taxi queue is not a comfortable position.

Cyprus is a popular family destination and the airport handles families well. The terminal is compact with elevators and ramps. Luggage carts are available at baggage claim.

For families with small children, the key issue is the onward journey. Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Limassol are 50–70 km away, which means a 40–60 minute drive. Children need proper car seats under Cyprus law (under 5 must use an appropriate restraint, under 150 cm need a booster). Taxis rarely carry these. Pre-booked transfer services will provide child seats if you request them at booking time.

Luggage space in standard taxis can be tight for families. If you have strollers, car seats you have brought, and multiple suitcases, a minivan transfer is worth considering.

The arrivals hall at Larnaca Airport is small and straightforward. Pre-booked transfer drivers stand just past the customs exit with name boards. You will see them immediately upon entering the arrivals area — there is no way to miss the meeting point.

Taxis are directly outside the arrivals exit, to the right. The bus stop is also outside, clearly signed. The airport is not confusing — it is one of the easier airports in Europe to navigate on arrival.

Choose a taxi if: you are going to Larnaca town and traveling light. The trip is short and taxis are readily available during the day.

Choose the bus if: you are on a tight budget, heading to Larnaca town, Limassol, or Nicosia, and arriving during daytime hours. Be prepared for a slow ride and limited luggage space.

Choose a rental car if: you plan to explore the island independently and are comfortable driving on the left side of the road.