Table of Contents
- An Overview of Choosing the Right Airport in Cyprus
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA): The Main Gateway
- Paphos International Airport (PFO): The Tourist Hub
- Managing Arrivals and Onward Travel
- Public Transport and Kapnos Airport Shuttle Services
- Car Hire and Private Transfer Options
- Seasonal Travel Patterns and Peak Times
- A Smooth Experience for Cyprus Airport Departures
- Check-in Procedures and Security Fast Track
- Duty Free Shopping and Executive Lounges
- Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Airport Experience
- Connecting Flights and Airline Carriers
- Essential Facilities and Accessibility
- Getting the Most Out of Your Cyprus Airport Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which airport is closer to Ayia Napa?
- Can I fly between Larnaca and Paphos?
- Is there a train service from the airports to Nicosia?
- Are there 24-hour food options available at Cyprus airports?
Flying into Cyprus means choosing between two well-connected airports, each with its own character and proximity to popular resorts. Whether you’re heading for the nightlife of Ayia Napa, the archaeological sites around Paphos, or the capital Nicosia, the airport you land at shapes the first few hours of your trip. Cyprus airports collectively handled a record 13.75 million passengers in 2025, a 12% jump that reflects the island’s growing appeal as a year-round destination. That surge has triggered expansion projects, new airline routes, and improved facilities at both terminals. This guide covers everything you need to plan your arrival, departure, and everything in between.
An Overview of Choosing the Right Airport in Cyprus
Your choice of airport in Cyprus depends largely on where you’re staying. The island’s two commercial airports sit roughly 130 kilometres apart, and picking the right one can save you an hour or more of driving. Both terminals are operated by Hermes Airports and share a similar standard of facilities, but they serve different regions and attract different airlines.
A quick comparison helps clarify the decision:
| Feature | Larnaca (LCA) | Paphos (PFO) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southeast coast | Southwest coast |
| Distance to Nicosia | ~50 km | ~145 km |
| Distance to Limassol | ~70 km | ~65 km |
| Annual passengers (2025) | ~10.5 million | ~3.25 million |
| Airlines operating | 40+ | 15+ |
| Best for | Ayia Napa, Protaras, Nicosia, Larnaca | Paphos, Coral Bay, Polis, Akamas |
If your accommodation is on the western coast, Paphos is the obvious pick. For the eastern resorts or the capital, Larnaca makes far more sense.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA): The Main Gateway
Larnaca handles roughly three-quarters of all passenger traffic on the island. It sits just 6 kilometres southwest of Larnaca city centre and connects to over 165 destinations through 54 airlines maintaining strong connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
The terminal was built in 2009 and has a single main building split into arrivals (ground floor) and departures (first floor). A significant upgrade programme is now underway: the €170 million expansion approved in early 2025 will add new boarding gates, expand retail space, and increase capacity to handle projected growth through 2035.
Larnaca is the better choice if you’re visiting Ayia Napa (about 55 minutes by car), Protaras, or Nicosia. It also offers more flight frequency and a wider selection of carriers, making it easier to find competitive fares.
Paphos International Airport (PFO): The Tourist Hub
Paphos airport sits about 15 kilometres southeast of Paphos town, right in the heart of the island’s most popular resort region. It’s smaller and quieter than Larnaca, which many travellers actually prefer: shorter queues, quicker processing, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The terminal primarily serves charter and low-cost carriers, with Ryanair, Wizz Air, and TUI among the most active operators. Seasonal routes expand significantly between April and October, when direct flights arrive from dozens of European cities.
Tip: If you’re staying anywhere between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous, flying into PFO cuts your transfer time to under 40 minutes. Using Larnaca instead would add roughly 90 minutes each way.
Paphos airport is also undergoing active upgrades to improve passenger flow and add new amenities, reflecting the steady growth in western Cyprus tourism.
Managing Arrivals and Onward Travel
Getting from either airport to your destination is straightforward, but your options vary in cost and convenience. Neither airport has a rail connection, so you’re choosing between buses, taxis, private transfers, or hire cars.
Passport control is typically efficient for EU and EEA nationals, who can use e-gates at Larnaca. Non-EU travellers should expect 15 to 30 minutes during peak arrival windows, particularly when multiple flights land between 10:00 and 14:00. Baggage reclaim areas at both airports have improved in recent years, though waits of 20 to 40 minutes aren’t unusual during summer.
Important: Cyprus is an EU member state but not part of the Schengen Area. You will pass through passport control regardless of where you’re flying from. Carry your passport, not just a national ID card, unless you’re certain your country’s ID is accepted.
Public Transport and Kapnos Airport Shuttle Services
The Kapnos Airport Shuttle is the main bus service connecting both airports to key cities. From Larnaca, shuttles run to Nicosia (roughly every 90 minutes, €10 one-way, journey time around 45 minutes) and to Larnaca city centre (€4, 15 minutes).
From Paphos airport, the 612 bus route connects to Paphos Harbour and Kato Paphos for €1.50, running approximately every 30 minutes during the day. This is one of the cheapest airport transfers in Europe, though the service reduces significantly after 21:00.
Key points about public transport from both airports:
- Kapnos shuttles to Limassol run from Larnaca (€10, about 50 minutes) and from Paphos (€10, about 60 minutes)
- Night services are limited: if your flight arrives after midnight, pre-book a taxi or transfer
- Buses accept cash in euros; some routes now accept contactless payment
- Luggage space on standard buses is limited, so large suitcases can be awkward
Car Hire and Private Transfer Options
Hiring a car remains the most popular choice for visitors, and both airports have rental desks in the arrivals hall alongside off-site operators running shuttle buses to nearby depots. Expect to pay between €25 and €60 per day in peak season for a standard vehicle, with prices dropping to €15 to €30 during winter months.
Pre-booking online is strongly recommended between June and September, when availability tightens. All major international brands operate at both airports: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt, alongside local companies like Petsas that often offer lower rates.
Note: Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British colonial rule. If you’re not accustomed to left-hand driving, take extra care at roundabouts and when pulling out of junctions. International driving licences are accepted, and EU licences are valid without additional documentation.
Private transfers can be pre-booked through hotels or services like Intui.travel, Cyprus Taxi, and Welcome Pickups. A private car from Larnaca airport to Ayia Napa typically costs €50 to €70, while Paphos airport to Coral Bay runs around €30 to €40.
Seasonal Travel Patterns and Peak Times
Cyprus airport traffic follows a clear seasonal rhythm. Summer months from June through September account for the heaviest passenger volumes, with August consistently the busiest single month. During this period, both terminals operate near capacity, and queues at check-in, security, and passport control are noticeably longer.
The shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November offer a sweet spot: good flight availability, shorter wait times, and milder temperatures (typically 22°C to 28°C compared to July’s 35°C to 40°C). Winter sees reduced flight schedules, particularly at Paphos, though Larnaca maintains strong year-round connectivity.
The island’s growing reputation as a year-round tourism destination has helped smooth out some of this seasonality, with airlines adding winter sun routes from northern Europe. Ryanair and Wizz Air have been particularly aggressive in expanding winter schedules.
A Smooth Experience for Cyprus Airport Departures
Departing from either Cyprus airport is generally efficient, but a few specifics are worth knowing. Both airports recommend arriving two to three hours before international flights during summer and at least 90 minutes during quieter months.
Check-in Procedures and Security Fast Track
Most airlines operating from Cyprus now offer online check-in, and many encourage it: Ryanair, for instance, charges for airport check-in if you haven’t done it online. Self-service kiosk check-in is available at Larnaca for several carriers, including Aegean, Cyprus Airways, and Wizz Air.
Security screening follows standard EU regulations. Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a clear resealable bag. Laptops and large electronics need to come out of bags. A fast-track security lane is available at Larnaca for a fee of around €10, bookable online or purchasable at the airport. During peak summer mornings, when departures cluster between 05:00 and 09:00, this can save 20 to 30 minutes.
Passport control on departure is usually quicker than arrival, rarely exceeding 10 minutes even during busy periods.
Duty Free Shopping and Executive Lounges
Both airports offer duty-free shopping after security, though Larnaca’s selection is significantly larger. You’ll find the usual range of spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and tobacco, alongside Cypriot specialities like halloumi, commandaria wine, and olive oil products.
Larnaca has two lounges: the Aspire Lounge (accessible via Priority Pass or for around €35 walk-in) and the CIP Lounge for business class passengers. Paphos has a smaller lounge facility with similar pricing. Both offer Wi-Fi, light meals, drinks, and a quieter environment away from the main terminal.
- Check your airline’s baggage allowance before shopping: duty-free bags count towards your cabin luggage limit on most carriers
- Cypriot halloumi purchased after security can be taken on board without liquid restrictions
- Commandaria wine makes an excellent gift but must go in checked luggage if bought before security
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Airport Experience
A few practical details can make your time at either terminal significantly smoother. Both airports offer free Wi-Fi for up to four hours, which is more than enough for most layovers. Power outlets are available throughout the departure lounges, though they can be scarce near popular gate areas during peak times: bring a portable charger.
Currency exchange desks operate in both arrivals and departures, but rates are poor compared to withdrawing euros from the ATMs located just outside each arrivals hall. Cyprus uses the euro, so travellers from eurozone countries don’t need to exchange anything.
Parking at both airports follows a tiered pricing structure:
| Duration | Larnaca | Paphos |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | €2.50 | €2.00 |
| 1-3 hours | €5.00 | €4.00 |
| Per day (short-term) | €12.00 | €10.00 |
| Per day (long-term) | €6.00 | €5.00 |
Long-term car parks at both airports are a short shuttle ride from the terminal. Pre-booking online typically saves 10% to 15%.
Connecting Flights and Airline Carriers
Cyprus doesn’t function as a major connecting hub in the way Athens or Istanbul does, but Larnaca handles a reasonable volume of transfer traffic. The most common connections route through Larnaca to destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean.
The airline mix at both airports has diversified considerably. As of 2026, the island maintains connections to 165 destinations through 54 airlines. Key carriers include:
- Ryanair: the largest operator by passenger numbers, with bases at both airports
- Wizz Air: extensive network to central and eastern Europe
- Cyprus Airways (rebranded): focused on regional routes to Greece, Israel, and Lebanon
- easyJet: seasonal services from the UK
- Aegean Airlines: strong connections via Athens
- Gulf Air, MEA, and EgyptAir: Middle Eastern and North African links
The sustained growth in passenger traffic has encouraged several airlines to add new routes for 2026, particularly from Scandinavian and eastern European cities that previously had limited direct access to the island.
Essential Facilities and Accessibility
Both airports meet EU accessibility standards, with wheelchair assistance available free of charge when pre-booked through your airline at least 48 hours before travel. Accessible toilets, lifts, and ramps are located throughout both terminals.
Families travelling with young children will find baby-changing facilities in all toilet areas and a small play zone in Larnaca’s departure lounge. Pushchairs can be gate-checked at no extra cost on most airlines.
Medical assistance is available at both airports during operating hours. Larnaca has a first-aid station staffed by qualified nurses, while Paphos offers a similar but smaller facility. If you require specific medical equipment or oxygen during your flight, coordinate with your airline well in advance.
Other useful facilities include:
- Left luggage services at Larnaca (€5 to €8 per item per day)
- Pharmacies in both arrivals areas
- Prayer rooms at Larnaca
- Pet relief areas outside both terminals
- SIM card vending machines in Larnaca arrivals
Getting the Most Out of Your Cyprus Airport Experience
Planning ahead removes most of the friction from airport travel in Cyprus. Download your airline’s app for mobile boarding passes, pre-book transfers or car hire, and check your terminal’s live flight information on the Hermes Airports website before setting off.
The travel and tourism sector continues to grow, and both airports are investing heavily to keep pace. Expansion works may cause minor disruptions through 2027, so allow a little extra time if you’re travelling during construction phases.
Whether you’re flying into Larnaca for the eastern coast or Paphos for the west, both airports deliver a functional and increasingly comfortable experience. Pick the one closest to your accommodation, arrive with time to spare, and you’ll be poolside or exploring ruins within an hour of landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closer to Ayia Napa?
Larnaca airport is significantly closer. The drive from Larnaca to Ayia Napa takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes via the A3 motorway, covering about 55 kilometres. From Paphos airport, the same journey would take around two and a half hours and roughly 190 kilometres. There’s no practical reason to fly into Paphos if Ayia Napa is your destination.
Can I fly between Larnaca and Paphos?
No. There are no scheduled commercial flights between the two airports. The distance between them is about 130 kilometres by road, which takes roughly 90 minutes via the A6 motorway through Limassol. The Kapnos Airport Shuttle and intercity buses connect both cities, or you can drive between them easily.
Is there a train service from the airports to Nicosia?
Cyprus has no railway network. All ground transport relies on roads. From Larnaca airport, the Kapnos shuttle to Nicosia runs regularly and takes about 45 minutes. Taxis cost approximately €45 to €55 for the same journey. From Paphos, reaching Nicosia requires either a shuttle to Limassol and then a connection, or a direct taxi costing upwards of €120.
Are there 24-hour food options available at Cyprus airports?
Food availability depends on flight schedules. At Larnaca, the main café and a vending machine area remain accessible during overnight hours, but full restaurant service typically winds down after the last departures around midnight and resumes around 04:00. Paphos has more limited overnight options. If you’re arriving on a late flight, eat before landing or pick something up at the 24-hour petrol stations along the motorway.