Almost the entire world is now used to ordering a taxi with a single tap in an app. For most people this remains the most convenient option, but in some parts of Cyprus you may need to call a taxi in a different way.
Are Taxis in Cyprus Different?
Taxis in Cyprus have preserved a touch of local charm, especially in rural areas. In cities and tourist zones you’ll see both neat cars with taxi signs and private drivers without any markings. Sometimes drivers find customers themselves — on the streets or near hotels — and the ride often turns into an unhurried chat about life and the weather.
In recent years, taxi prices in Cyprus have increased noticeably, especially during the tourist season. Because of this, giving exact prices is impossible — they depend on distance, time of day, and the specific company. Many tourists note that intercity trips cost significantly more than they did 5–6 years ago. This rise is not only due to fuel prices but also to general inflation.
Nevertheless, technology has made travel easier: taxi apps now allow you to choose a car, see the route, and know the cost in advance. However, many locals still rely on familiar drivers — everyone has “their taxi guy” saved in their phone. This informal system coexists with modern platforms, creating a funny 21st-century balance between tradition and convenience.
Taxi or Transfer: How to Get From the Airport
A transfer is a pre-arranged ride that can be booked even before your trip. It provides complete peace of mind: the driver meets you at the airport (or at the pick-up address), helps with luggage, and gets you to your destination quickly. Transfers are easy to book online: the price is fixed and the car arrives exactly on time. The main disadvantages — the price may be higher, and if your flight is delayed, waiting time may be charged additionally.
Tip: A transfer instead of a taxi is especially helpful for travelers arriving late at night at Larnaca or Paphos airports.
The main advantage of taking a taxi is flexibility: you can choose a car on the spot without worrying about flight delays. The downsides — unpredictable pricing and the risk of getting a private driver who overcharges.
Approximate taxi prices to/from Cyprus airports (in euros):
- Larnaca Airport → Ayia Napa: €50–60
- Larnaca Airport → Limassol: €60–70
- Larnaca Airport → Larnaca & suburbs: €15–25
- Paphos Airport → Limassol: €60–70
- Paphos Airport → Paphos city center: €15–25
These prices apply to taxis ordered via apps or by phone. If you take a private driver, the fare may be higher.
Tip: You can bargain with private taxi drivers in Cyprus!
City Taxis
City taxis in Cyprus operate according to the following system:
- a fixed starting fee
- a per-kilometer charge
Prices have been changing frequently in recent years, and in this sense, taxi apps are more predictable — they show the fare in advance. You can pay either in cash or by linking a card in the app.
City taxi cars are white or black, with yellow license plates and an illuminated roof sign. This information is useful if you need to catch a taxi on the spot or if you don’t have mobile internet. The cars are clean, the air conditioners almost always work, and drivers gladly talk about their favorite places on the island.
In tourist areas, city taxis often replace public transport, especially in the evening when buses stop running. However, keep in mind that starting fees and per-kilometer rates increase at night and on public holidays.
Tip: If you need to travel around the island often, it may be more cost-effective to consider car rental or car-sharing — for frequent trips it’s significantly cheaper.
Rural Taxis
Rural taxis are a special category of transport, common in small villages and along the coast. They have their own stands — usually near shops, cafés, or central squares. Drivers know the area well and can tell you about every old church or olive grove along the way. The fare is charged only per kilometer (with no initial starting fee), making the cost of the trip very predictable.
However, finding and waiting for a car in a village can take longer than in the city, especially in the evening or off-season. Even so, rural taxis remain an important part of local infrastructure — without them, many settlements would be practically cut off from the rest of the island for tourists.
Intercity Taxis and Hotel-to-Hotel Transfers
Intercity taxis are convenient for traveling across the entire island. Many drivers readily accept longer routes — for example, from Nicosia to Ayia Napa or from Larnaca to Paphos. The price depends on the distance and time of day, but compared to buses, it’s much more comfortable and faster.
Some hotels in Cyprus offer their own airport transfer service, sometimes even included in the accommodation price. This is a great option for tourists who don’t want to deal with routes, schedules, or parking, although transfers may cost more than a regular taxi (unless they’re included in the room price). However, the driver will arrive on time, and the cost is known in advance.
What Taxi Services Are Available in Cyprus
Among taxi services and online platforms, you can find many options to suit different needs and budgets:
Bolt
- One of the most popular services on the island. Operates in major cities, supports in-app payments, and allows real-time tracking of the car. There are usually enough drivers even in the evening.
Intui.Travel
- Specializes in high-quality transfers and offers a wide selection of vehicles.
- Advantages: car choice, English-speaking support, private transfers.
GetTransfer
- Offers a wide range of vehicles — from economy to luxury options. A convenient way to book a transfer online, especially if you want to lock in the price in advance.
- Advantages: variety of car classes, online customer service, 24/7 availability, fixed rates.
Kiwitaxi
- Focused on individual and group transfers, including routes from Larnaca and Paphos airports.
- Advantages: fixed rates, 24/7 support, wide vehicle selection, discounts for early booking.
iTaxi Cyprus
- Also specializes in airport and intercity transfers. You can choose the car class and pay in advance, which is convenient for planning routes.
CABCY
- Operates in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. A local app with a user-friendly interface, support for card and cash payments, and the ability to see the estimated pick-up time. CABCY is gradually becoming the standard for urban transportation, especially among locals.
inDrive
- An international platform operating in almost 50 countries. Here, the passenger sets the price and the driver decides whether to accept it. This model makes the service flexible and particularly popular among young people.
VIPS Taxi
- Focused on enhanced comfort. You can book multiple cars at once or request a driver who speaks a foreign language — ideal for large groups or business trips.
MAX7taxi
- A taxi service operating across the island.
Whether you choose a taxi or a transfer — to Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, or Nicosia — it doesn’t matter: finding a driver in Cyprus and using their services is quite easy. Yes, prices on the island may seem high even compared to European ones, but they are reasonable, and in some cases you can even get a discount.
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