Cyprus Travel

Travel - international

Be Aware: Since October 1974, the Cyprus government has declared the ports of Famagusta (Ammochostos), Karavostassi and Kyrenia, and the airport of Ercan, all in the northern part of the island, as illegal 'ports of entry' to Cyprus. Tourists entering through these ports of entry will not be permitted to cross the UN-patrolled Green Line and gain access to the south. Further details can be obtained from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section).

AIR:

Over 40 airlines, including Cyprus Airways (website: www.cyprusair.com.cy), the national airline of Cyprus, operate scheduled flights within, to and from Cyprus.

APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES:

From Pafos and Larnaca to London is 4 hours 30 minutes, to Paris is 3 hours 30 minutes, to Zurich is 3 hours, to Frankfurt is 3 hours 30 minutes, to Athens is 1 hour 40 minutes and to Stockholm is 5 hours.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS:

Larnaca is 5km (3 miles) south of the city. Buses to the city centre depart every hour (travel time - 15 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time - 15 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, tourist information, bank/bureau de change, bars and restaurants, Cyprus Hotel Information and Reservation Office, first aid, car hire and post office.

Pafos is 15km (9 miles) east of the city (travel time - 25 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, special facilities for disabled people, car hire, bank/bureau de change, hotel reservations, bar and restaurant.

SEA:

Passenger ships from the ports of Limassol and Larnaca connect Cyprus with various Greek and Middle Eastern ports, including Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Haifa, Port Said, Jounieh and many Greek islands. Services are reduced during the winter months. For detailed information on ferry boats and shipping lines contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Several cruise lines call at Cyprus, including Classical Cruises, Costa, Cunard Line, Euro Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess and Swan Hellenic Cruises. Louis Cruise Lines sail to Egypt and the Holy Land (tel: (25) 570 000 or (0800) 018 3883 toll-free UK; e-mail: sales@louiscruises.com; website: www.louiscruises.com).
Paradise Cruises also operate many cruises to Israel, Egypt, Lebanon and Greece (tel: (25) 357 604; fax: (25) 370 298; e-mail: cruises@paradise.com.cy; website: www.xemico.net/paradise).

Travel - internal

ROAD:

Bus: A few services connect some towns and villages on the island every day except Sunday. Service is efficient and cheap. Although the local buses are sometimes slow, they are a good way of seeing the more remote villages. Taxi: These run 24 hours a day between all the main towns on the island. Fares are regulated by the Government and all taxis have meters. Transurban Service Taxis offers an excellent, cheap service using seven-seat taxis running fixed routes between main points. Taxis run to a timetable and delivery is door to door. Fares under this system are often one-tenth of the usual rate. Car hire: Cars are one of the best ways to explore the island. They may be hired at airports and commercial centres, but should be reserved well in advance during the summer season. Reduced tariffs are offered if cars are hired for more than a week. Road signs are in both Greek and English. Traffic drives on the left. Motorcycles: Riders and pillion passengers should always wear crash helmets if the motorcycle is over 50cc. Documentation: An International Driving Permit or national driving licence is accepted for 1 year.

URBAN:

Nicosia has its own privately run bus company operating efficient services at flat fares which offers a comprehensive service covering the urban area of Limassol and linking the port with the tourist area. For more details, contact the Limassol Urban Bus Company (E.A.L.) Limited, PO Box 51117 (tel: (25) 354 050; fax: (25) 354 060; e-mail: ealstores@cytanet.com.cy).
Taxis are widely available, a 15 per cent surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected.

TRAVEL TIMES:

The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Nicosia to other main towns and tourist centres in Cyprus.
Limassol 1.00
Pafos 2.15
Larnaca 0.50
Ayia Napa 1.10
Platres 1.30
Protaras 2.00
Polis 2.30

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