How to Rent a Car in Cyprus: What You Need to Know

The island of Cyprus is the perfect example of the saying, “a car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation.” Indeed, getting around this small Mediterranean island without a car can be quite difficult and expensive. Taxi services here are costly, and public transportation is limited to buses — whose schedules often leave much to be desired. It’s no surprise, then, that Cypriots have one of the highest car-to-person ratios in Europe. For local youth, obtaining a driver’s license means more than just a step toward adulthood — it’s a practical necessity.

Even if a destination is just a 15-minute walk away, Cypriots are much more likely to drive there instead. This is partly due to the local climate, with its hot summers and bright, scorching sun. So, if you want to explore the beauty of this island and discover its hidden gems, the best way to do it is behind the wheel of your own car. By renting a car, you gain not only comfort and convenience but also freedom and independence.

Fortunately, Cyprus offers a wide range of both local and international car rental companies. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about renting a car in Cyprus, including local rules and requirements. So stay with us!

Car Rental Companies

International:

1. EuropCar — This large international company has offices all over the island and a vast fleet of vehicles. You can rent a car directly at the airport and enjoy professional service with transparent pricing. However, be prepared to provide your credit card for a deposit that may be held for several weeks, and to follow the “full tank” policy — meaning you’ll need to refuel the car before returning it.
2. Hertz / Thrifty / Dollar — Hertz offices are located at Larnaca Airport, as well as in Nicosia and Ayia Napa. Thrifty offices can be found in Paphos on Tombs of the Kings Avenue and at Paphos Airport. As part of the Hertz group, Dollar operates under the same umbrella and can be found at most Hertz counters. Thrifty and Dollar are the budget-friendly branches of the Hertz brand, but lower prices often mean you’ll get older cars and only basic service.
3. Sixt — Another popular international brand with offices in all major cities: Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. They also provide airport car rentals. Sixt offers flexible options such as unlimited mileage and one-way rentals for an additional fee.
4. Avis — A major international company with offices throughout southern Cyprus. Its sister company, Budget, is the more economical option in the same network. Avis offers a wide selection of vehicles and high-quality service. However, keep in mind that Avis strictly prohibits driving their cars into the northern part of the island.
5. GreenMotion — A relatively new international company focused on eco-friendly practices. With remote offices in Larnaca and Paphos airports, as well as in Nicosia and Ayia Napa, GreenMotion offers customers a free shuttle service. While their rates are competitive, there are some downsides — such as longer wait times for pickup and return, higher deposits, and pricier insurance options.
6. Enterprise — This global family-owned company operates in all major Cypriot cities. It offers high service standards and a large vehicle fleet. However, be ready for longer waiting times — for airport rentals, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to reach their office.

Local:

1. Cosmos Car Rentals — A family-owned business based in Larnaca, known for its excellent customer reviews. The company offers friendly, personalized service, competitive prices, and can deliver your car directly to the airport, your hotel, or any convenient location for a small fee.
2. AutoTrust Cyprus Car Rentals — Another family-run company that has been operating for over 10 years. They provide free airport delivery and pickup, attentive customer service, and the option to rent a car without providing a credit card.
3. Petsas Car Rentals — Established back in 1962, this is one of the island’s largest and oldest car rental companies, with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles. With offices in all major Cypriot cities, Petsas offers 24-hour customer support and perks such as unlimited mileage, insurance, and reduced liability in case of damage. Most of their rental cars are newer models in excellent condition.

Where You Can Rent a Car in Cyprus

You can book a car directly through the company’s website or mobile app. Many customers report better service quality and newer vehicles when booking through the official website.

If you’re looking for the best deals, it’s worth using price comparison sites such as Kayak or Auto Europe, where you can compare offers from both international and local rental companies.

Not a fan of planning ahead? No problem — you can rent a car directly at the airport and complete all the paperwork at one of the car rental counters upon arrival.

How to Pick Up Your Car

Major international companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt have offices located directly inside the arrival halls of Larnaca and Paphos airports, making them easy to find.

Smaller companies, such as GreenMotion and Enterprise, offer a shuttle bus service that takes customers from the airport to their offices.

Many Cypriot car rental companies also provide a personal agent who meets clients in the arrival hall and hands over the car keys directly.

Required Documents

To rent a car in Cyprus, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid driver’s license. You must present the physical document — digital copies are not accepted. If your license is not in English or Greek and was not issued in an EU, EEA, or UK country, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
2. Passport or ID card.
3. Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) for the security deposit.
4. If you booked in advance, provide a copy of your reservation. Any additional driver must also present their driver’s license and passport.

For UK Residents: UK citizens can use their UK driving license in Cyprus for up to 90 days. For longer stays, you’ll need to exchange your UK license for a local Cypriot one. Some companies, such as Hertz, may also ask you to provide a driving licence summary, which can be obtained from the official UK government website.

Insurance

When renting a car, it’s important to understand the different insurance options available. Most rental companies include basic insurance, such as liability coverage and collision damage waiver (CDW), in the standard rental package. Some companies may also include additional protection — for example, damage liability reduction — as part of the base rate.

Other optional coverages include:

1. Theft protection
2. Tire and windshield insurance
3. Personal accident insurance, which covers medical expenses in case of an accident.

Keep in mind that some companies may try to upsell unnecessary extras.

Before making a decision, carefully review which types of insurance are already included in your rental price, and then consider which additional coverages you might actually need. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to purchase extra insurance separately from third-party providers, as their rates are often more competitive than those offered directly by car rental companies.

Local Rules and Restrictions

Just like in the United Kingdom, Cyprus has left-hand traffic. All passengers — including those in the back seats — must wear seat belts. Using a mobile phone or eating while driving is prohibited. Smoking in a vehicle carrying minors is strictly forbidden.

Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited — the maximum legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

The minimum driving age and car rental age in Cyprus is 21 years. While most companies rent to drivers aged 21 and above, some set the minimum age at 25.

Speed limits in Cyprus:

1. Within city limits — 50 km/h
2. On rural roads — 80 km/h
3. On highways — 100 km/h

Speed cameras are installed on all major roads and highways, and police patrols are common — especially at night.

Important: Some rental companies in Cyprus strictly prohibit driving to the northern part of the island. Violating this rule will void your rental agreement and insurance coverage.

Costs

Car rental

Rental prices mainly depend on the car’s make and model. For example, small economical cars like the Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo, or Citroën C1 cost around €15–€50 per day. Compact models such as the Nissan Note, Ford Focus, Kia/Renault Megane are a bit more expensive at €20–€60 per day. Renting a standard mid-size car like the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, or Hyundai Elantra typically costs €25–€70 per day. An SUV will generally be €30–€80 per day.

If you have a large family or travel with friends, it makes sense to rent a 7-seater minivan, which costs about €50–€100 per day. If you prefer luxury, premium models (BMW M Series, Mercedes-Benz cabriolets, Porsche) range from €70–€160 per day, and high-end supercars (Lamborghini, Ferrari) cost even more.

Fuel

Average fuel prices in Cyprus are roughly €1.35 per litre for petrol and €1.44 per litre for diesel. Rental companies usually offer three fuel policies:

Full-to-full — you pick up the car with a full tank and must return it full.

Full-to-empty — you receive the car with a full tank and the fuel cost is included in the rental, so you may return it nearly empty.

Same-to-same — you pick up the car with a certain fuel level and must return it with the same level.

Hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more popular in the Cypriot rental market, though they are still less common than conventional cars. A growing number of rental firms now specialize in hybrids and EVs — for example, companies such as Hybrid Car Rentals in Nicosia, Leos Car Rentals, and Autorent Cyprus in Paphos offer a wider selection of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Parking

The average cost of parking in Cyprus is about €2 per hour, plus €0.50 for each additional hour. Municipal parking lots are usually cheaper than private lots, which may charge €3–€4 per hour. On weekends and public holidays, municipal parking is free. To find available parking spaces in town, pay for parking, or extend your parking time, you can use the Smart Parking Cyprus mobile app.

Helpful tips

Use online aggregators to find the best rental deals, and book in advance to save time and money.

Always read the rental agreement carefully and check insurance terms, additional fees, and other clauses that may affect the final price. Double-check refuelling and return conditions — returning the car with an incomplete tank can lead to high refuelling charges.

Think through which make and model best fits your needs (consider size, luggage space, and whether you need automatic or manual transmission). Automatic cars are in higher demand, so book them early if you need one.

When you receive the car, thoroughly inspect and document any existing damage (photos or video) — even small scratches or dents — to avoid disputes later.

If you plan to drive only on urban and paved roads, a standard car is fine. If you’re an adventure seeker who wants to explore remote parts of the island and unpaved tracks, an SUV is a better choice.

Always follow local traffic laws — fines in Cyprus can be high.

Thanks to world-class roads, breathtaking views, and stunning landscapes rushing past your window, driving in Cyprus is a true pleasure. All you need is a little time to explore your options and choose the car that’s right for you. Once your rental is sorted, you can simply relax and start enjoying this beautiful island — exploring its scenic coastal routes, modern city roads, hidden mountain trails, and adventure-inspiring dirt paths that will surely lead you to something fascinating and truly special.

Read also:

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2. Wintering in Cyprus — how to prepare and how much it costs per month
3. Cyprus for remote workers — pros and cons, best spots and cafés for comfortable work
4. Which airlines fly to Cyprus
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