Renting a Car in Cyprus: Driving Rules & Documents
Hiring a car unlocks Cyprus, but the rental is only half the story — knowing the local road rules keeps the trip smooth. This is a quick orientation for visitors driving the island for the first time.
The essentials
- Drive on the left. Overtake on the right; give way to the right at most roundabouts.
- Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour — typically higher on the motorways that link the main cities and much lower in towns and villages.
- Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants, and children need appropriate restraints.
- Phones may only be used hands-free, and drink-driving limits are low and actively enforced.
Documents to carry
Keep your driving licence, the rental agreement, and the car's insurance papers in the vehicle. Drivers from outside the EU should confirm whether they also need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence.
Roads and signs
Cyprus has a modern motorway network (the A-roads) connecting Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Ayia Napa, plus scenic but winding routes up into Troodos. Signs are in Greek and English, and place-name spellings can vary between signs and maps — expect a few transliteration surprises. Mountain roads are narrow with tight bends and few barriers; take them slowly and use low gears on long descents.
Parking and fuel
Town centres use paid or time-limited parking; watch for kerb markings. Fuel is easy to find in populated areas but scarce in the mountains, so top up before heading inland. Many stations have automated pumps that take cards around the clock.
The divide
Note that insurance and rental terms often restrict taking a hire car across the Green Line into the north; check your agreement if you plan to cross. With the rules understood and your papers in the glovebox, driving in Cyprus is relaxed and genuinely rewarding.