A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE CYPRUS
NO TRAINS IN CYPRUS
As there are no trains in Cyprus the only way to get around is by road. Buses offer the most economical way of travelling around the island, but they follow a regular schedule and offer a reduced service at night. Taxis are another option, but they can be expensive and somewhat unreliable. Car hire is the preferred choice for those who want to travel around the island at their own pace, and hiring a car offers a great independent way to explore the island’s major attractions, cities, towns & villages. Arranging car hire is easy and this cost-effective mode of transport offers drivers both freedom and flexibility. There are many options available and arrangements to collect and then return a hire car at both of the island’s international airports can easily be arranged.
CAR HIRE OPERATORS
Several car hire operators offer a fully personalised service and accept online bookings. They will meet and greet visitors at the airport and they will offer a vast choice of reliable vehicles. Most operate a fleet and offer a good range of economy and luxury cars. Tailored booking conditions and excess insurance liabilities of choice are also available and additions, such as child seats or options for additional drivers can also easily be arranged and all vehicles are normally supplied with a full tank of fuel. Minimum and maximum age requirements apply when hiring a car and a full valid driving license that has been held for at least one year will be required. Drivers from the European Union and the United Kingdom do not have to acquire any special driving permits, but others from the rest of the world will need to obtain an international driving permit to legally drive on Cyprus roads. Obtaining a permit is a relatively easy process and this has to be acquired from the driver’s home country before travelling to Cyprus. Some rental firms require a deposit if a full insurance option is not selected, so a valid credit card may be required along with the driver’s passport. No money is taken, but a block for the deposit amount is placed on the credit card and this is removed almost immediately after a satisfactory inspection of the vehicle is carried out when returned.
RIGHT-HAND DRIVE
Vehicles in Cyprus are right-hand drive, meaning that they are driven on the left-hand side of the road. All road signs are in English and speeding limits are imposed in kilometres. Cyprus has recently joined the traffic camera revolution and authorities now enforce instant strict fines of up to €300 for traffic violations. Static traffic cameras have been installed at busy junctions and traffic lights all over the island and these cameras fine drivers not only for going through a red light but also for stopping on or passing any white stop lines. Mobile speed cameras are placed in vans and these can also be found all over the island. Drivers are advised to use a phone application, such as ‘Waze‘ to keep themselves updated as to where some of these cameras are placed.
SEAT BELT
The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for front and rear passengers. Children under five cannot travel as front seat passengers and smoking in a car with under-aged passengers is prohibited. The use of a mobile phone, as well as eating and drinking at the wheel are also prohibited. Some of the cameras can track any of these violations and will issue fines along with photographic evidence to drivers. Speed limits in Cyprus are signposted and they are 100 km on motorways, 80 km on other dual carriageways and 50 km in built-up areas.