Paphos, one of the largest and most popular cities in Cyprus, combines a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. For a comfortable stay in the city, it’s important to understand the local transportation system and modes of transportation. Buses, taxis, rental cars, bicycles, and walking routes are available to residents and tourists. Each mode of transportation has its own characteristics, routes, and fares, which are important to consider when planning your trip.
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Bus service in Paphos
The main form of public transport is city and intercity buses. The city is served by the company OSYPA ( Paphos Public Transport, which operates routes to the historic center, harbor, beaches, and airport, as well as to tourist areas. The bus network includes more than 20 routes connecting the central district with beaches, historic sites, and suburbs.
Main city routes:
- Route 601: Paphos – Coral Bay – Polis. Buses depart every 30-40 minutes in summer and every 60 minutes in winter. Ticket prices range from €1.50 to €2.50, depending on the distance.
- Route 602: Paphos – Potamos – Paphos tourist area. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes during high season, 45-60 minutes in winter.
- Route 603: Paphos city center – harbor – Hagia Sophia Park – Livadia suburb. Frequency: every 25–35 minutes.
- Route 604: Paphos Airport – City Center – Coral Beaches Bay. This route is most often used by tourists for transfers; the fare is approximately €2–3.
Some routes include stops near archaeological and historical sites, allowing you to combine transport with an excursion program.
Buses are equipped with air conditioning, electronic displays, and payment systems, ensuring travelers’ convenience. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or from ticket machines at major stops. For frequent travelers, there are 5-, 10-, and 20-trip passes available, priced at €6, €11, and €20, respectively. Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by an adult.
Intercity routes
Intercity buses are available for travel to Limassol, Nicosia, and Larnaca. They are equipped with comfortable seats, luggage compartments, and operate every 60–90 minutes. Popular routes:
- Paphos – Limassol: every 1-1.5 hours, ticket price is about 4-5 €.
- Paphos – Nicosia: two flights in the morning and three in the afternoon, tickets cost €6–7.
- Paphos – Larnaca: 1-2 flights per day, tickets around €8.
The intercity bus stop is located at Paphos Main Bus Station, where ticket offices and schedule information are located. During peak season, bus traffic increases, especially in summer, when the island’s tourist traffic peaks.
Taxi in Paphos
Taxis are available for quick and comfortable travel around the city. Paphos has a network of official taxis that pick up passengers both in the city center and near hotels, the airport, and ports. They can be ordered by phone or through online services. Taxis are convenient for evening and nighttime travel, when bus service is limited, as well as for tourists with large luggage or those needing to quickly travel between remote locations.
The fare is calculated using a meter: the base rate is €3 upon boarding, followed by €0.90 per kilometer. Additional charges apply: nighttime (10:00 PM–6:00 AM) +20%, holidays +25%, and luggage +€1 per bag. Most drivers speak English, making communication easier for foreign tourists. Modern online booking services allow you to pre-book a car by specifying your pickup location and final destination, reducing wait times and enabling highly accurate route planning.
Private transfers and taxi rentals by the hour or for the whole day are also available for tourists, with prices ranging from €25 per hour within the city to €80–100 per trip to tourist areas or mountainous regions. convenient for tourists who want to take excursions around Paphos or visit attractions individually.
Car rental
Car rentals are popular among tourists wanting to explore the Paphos area. You can rent a car at the airport, in the city center, or in tourist areas. Rental prices vary depending on the car class, rental period, and season, as well as included services such as insurance and additional drivers. A compact car costs €25–35 per day in the low season and €40–50 in the summer, while a mid-range car costs €50–70, depending on insurance. For safe and comfortable travel, it’s recommended to choose cars with automatic transmissions and check parking regulations and speed limits in advance.
Renting a car allows you to explore the surrounding areas of Paphos, including the Akamas Nature Reserve, the Troodos Mountains and the Coral Beaches Bay, at your own pace. It’s important to keep in mind local traffic patterns: Cyprus drives on the left, most streets in the city center are narrow, and parking is limited. Paid parking is available in tourist areas, costing €1–2 per hour.
Hiking routes
Walking is an important way to get around central Paphos. The city has a compact structure, with the historic center within walking distance of the main tourist attractions, the promenade, and shops. Walking routes allow you not only to get around but also to explore the architecture, parks, cafes, and cultural attractions.
Particularly popular are walks along the embankment, where historical monuments, the harbor, restaurants, and souvenir shops are concentrated. Pedestrian areas facilitate movement, create a comfortable atmosphere, and facilitate safe excursions without the need for transportation. It’s important for pedestrians to consider the weather: in summer, temperatures can reach high temperatures, so it’s recommended to plan walks for the morning or evening hours and wear sun protection.
Bicycles and scooters
Bicycles and scooters are popular for short-distance travel. Bicycle rentals cost €5–7 per hour and €15–20 per day. Scooters cost €20–30 per day. Bike rental stations are located near beach areas, hotels, and historical sites. Bicycles are convenient for strolling along the waterfront, while scooters are ideal for traveling between tourist areas.
Using bicycles and scooters requires caution: Paphos is a busy city, with some streets having narrow lanes and heavy traffic during rush hour. For safe travel, it’s essential to follow traffic rules and wear a helmet and reflective clothing, especially at night. Bicycles and scooters are convenient for tourists who want to combine travel with sightseeing and photography.
Tips for tourists
- Intercity buses allow day trips to Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca .
- It is important to check the bus schedule in advance, especially during the winter season when intervals are longer.
- When traveling around Paphos, it is recommended to plan your routes in advance, taking into account bus times and traffic jams during rush hours.
- Using apps to track buses, book taxis online, and rent cars makes getting around much easier.
- When renting a car, it is important to take into account left-hand traffic, parking rules and speed limits.
- Hiking and cycling are especially comfortable in the morning and evening hours, when temperatures are cooler and there are fewer tourists.
- Taxis and private transfers are convenient for late-night travel, for tourists with luggage, or for excursions around the city.
- To get around the city, it is more convenient to use a combination of buses and walking routes to explore the sights.
Paphos’s transportation system offers a variety of transportation options for both tourists and locals. Buses, taxis, rental cars, bicycles, and walking routes create a flexible infrastructure, allowing you to combine different modes of transportation depending on your travel needs. Knowing the routes, schedules, and fares allows you to plan your trip effectively, save time, and enjoy all the sights of Paphos.
Modern solutions, including mobile apps for buses and taxis, make transportation convenient and predictable, ensuring comfortable travel within the city and to nearby tourist attractions.
