Car Hire in Cyprus: The Basics
Cyprus is made for a hire car. Distances are modest, the road network is good, and the best beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites are far easier to reach with your own wheels than by bus. Before you book, get the fundamentals straight.
Who can rent
- Most companies require drivers to be 21 or over (sometimes 25 for larger cars) and to have held a licence for a minimum period.
- An EU, UK, or many national licences are accepted; drivers from some countries need an International Driving Permit — check before you travel.
- A credit card in the main driver's name is usually needed for the deposit.
Driving on the left
Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British administration, and most hire cars are right-hand drive. If you are used to driving on the right, give yourself a cautious first hour — roundabouts and turnings are where habits slip.
Insurance and excess
Rentals include basic cover, but the excess — the amount you are liable for after damage — can be high. You can reduce it by buying the company's excess waiver or an independent standalone policy bought before you travel, which is often cheaper. Photograph the car all round at pick-up and note any existing scratches.
Choosing a vehicle
A small car is fine for the coast and towns. If you plan to reach Troodos villages or unpaved tracks to remote beaches, something with a bit more ground clearance helps — and note that many rental agreements forbid driving on unsurfaced roads, so read the terms.
Fuel and rules
Fuel stations are plentiful in towns but sparser in the mountains, so fill up before a long inland day. Seat belts are compulsory, phone use is restricted to hands-free, and drink-driving limits are enforced. With those basics covered, a hire car turns Cyprus into an easy island to explore at your own pace.