Getting Around Cyprus

FOR JUST 2 EUROS!

If you wish to get from Limassol to Platres there is a new bus service that can take you out there and bring you back in the afternoon.

The cost is just 2 euros to go and return.

ONE EURO for one way trip!

From Limassol you can take the bus from the central bus station opposite the Old Hospital.
It is a big bus station where there are buses for other destinations as well.
From Platres the bus leaves from the Police Station area.

Limassol departures at 9.30 am, 12.30 p.m, 1.30 pm and 5.50pm
Platres departures at 7.30 am 8.30 am and 3.45pm

On the weekends 9.30, 12.30, and the very last at 4.45pm from Limassol.

The bus passes through Alasa, Lania, Trimiklini, Saita, Pera Pedi, Lania, Mandria, Platres, and Phoini or (Fini).
From Platres: 7.30 am and in the afternoon at 3.45pm

ARE YOU PLANNING HIRING A CAR?

If you plan to explore the island the best way to do it is to hire a car. Travel independent if possible. I advise that you get a good map and try to use the main roads mostly. Petrol is quite cheap but before you set off make sure you have plenty especially if you plan to drive to more remote parts. The advantage of having a hired car is that you can drive to the smaller villages, and stay for as long as you wish.

If you plan driving to Akama/Aphrodite trail have in mind that you should hire a 4X4 jeep and not a saloon car because you cannot make it otherwise. There are plenty of companies to choose from and make sure that there is insurance within the quoted price.

Driving in Cyprus is on the right

Watch out when you are driving on the highway. You cannot exceed the 80 kmh the maximum otherwise speed cameras will spot you. Police is watching you and you cannot even see them sometimes. They know well how to cover their police cars but it is for our own safety of course.

Watch out for possible pathholes on the road!

TAXIS

Moving around in taxis can be extremely expensive unless you can afford it.
Tell the taxi driver where exactly you want to go and ask for the cost before you set off. A good idea is to write down the number plate just in case something goes wrong.

PUBLIC MEANS OF TRANSPORT

Buses are very popular throughout the south part of the island (Greek part) they are punctual and safe. You have to dare it just for once and follow the rest of the tourists and you will be amazed on the quality of travel and the low cost! Drivers speak English -the majority of them are very friendly and hundreds of tourists use them daily. The Cyprus Transport Organization has bus routes to the most popular places of interest.

DAY TRIPS FROM AGENCIES AND PICKED FROM THE HOTELS

You come across several travel agencies in Cyprus.

I recommend them if you don’t plan to hire a car. It is a way of seeing places and going around Cyprus from one end to the other.

You can arrange to be picked by Tourist Agencies either from the hotel you are staying or the closer to you bus station (depending on the agreement made) and have a tour to the Mountains or any other place of interest for not much. Both on my previous trip to Paphos and this one I came across one or two of these agencies and I want to try them next time.
Ask info from the reception desk of the hotel you are staying.

ANOTHER HELPFUL LINK
I find this link interesting and I came across it this morning.

It gives precious info and key contact details for local airports and info about public transport access, airport services, plus Sea Travel.

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From Limassol to Nicosia by Bus

My next destination is the capital of Cyprus –Nicosia.
We call it “Lefkosia” in Greek with stress on the –ee (like Lefkosiiia)

Those of you who follow my Guides already know that I am using a lot public conveyance, and since there are no trains I use buses.

TAXIS in Cyprus had always been costly and lately with the economic problem in Cyprus they cost a fortune.
HIRING a car is the other alternative and I highly recommend it only if the traveler/tourist is on a short stay and wants to see as much as possible.
Hiring a driver to take you around is a huge mistake!
I have heard of times when for a half day’s trip people pay as much as the cost of the air ticket!!

I am going to show you how with very little I am going to get from Limassol to Nicosia.

I am at the Four Seasons Hotel –on the beach front avenue. If I wanted to get to the City centre I would get to the bus stop which is only a few metres from the entrance of the hotel and with just One euro I would catch the bus for the Old Port.

Today, I want to get as far as Nicosia, so I have to catch the bus from the opposite side of the road. (Ask the reception to indicate the bus stop –Opposite the Colours Café).

You have to catch the Blue Bus #30. Get off at St. Raphael’s bus stop.
From this spot out here, catch the InterCity Green bus for Nicosia. The fee is 4.50 euros. (So with 5.50 euros) you can get to the capital. It is that easy.

There are no delays especially if you know the departure time. (From the Main station of the NEW Port to St. Raphael’s the bus needs approximately 20 minutes depending on the traffic so count this time in as well). If you wish to catch it from the OLD Port, it just needs 10 minutes to come there.

Cyprus by Bus:

TIP: T r a v e l Clever

If you have the time -go for it!
It is a clever way of traveling not only for those on budget holidays but for everyone!

Save this money and spend it on something else – a souvenir, lunch/dinner at a nice restaurant, or upgrade your accommodation for instance.

Anyhow, whether using a bus, a taxi or hiring a car, I am sure you will have the most memorable holidays ever!

Cyprus is an amazing destination, a country of beauty and contrasts!

Please don’t ask me to indicate the best month because I cannot do it.
For me Cyprus is beautiful the year round.

So, if you are a person who loves Natural beauty, History, Culture, Colourful Sunsets, ….LIFE in general then trust me.

This little island will AMAZE you. It is MAGIC!*

We were in Cyprus in October 2011 and made great use of the bus system. Both the local buses and the inter-city buses were in our experience, inexpensive and reliable as per timetable.

We used the local buses in the Agia Napa - all routes regardless of distance, just 1 Euro per trip, or for unlimited trips for one day 2 Euro. We could have gone from Agia Napa to Larnaca for just 1 Euro.

We used the similar local systems in Limassol and also in Paphos.

The inter-city systems were good too - Limassol to Paphos just 3 Euros, Larnaca to Limassol also just 3 Euros.

These trips operated several times a day - all year around - though less trips on weekends.