Renting a car in Nicosia is the easiest way to explore Cyprus's divided capital and reach the Troodos mountains, the coast and the ancient sites – economy cars start at around €18–28/day ($20–$31) in low season. Two things to know up front: Cyprus drives on the left, and there are no motorway tolls anywhere on the island, so the booked price is close to what you pay. Nicosia has no airport, so most visitors collect at Larnaca (LCA), about 45 minutes away. This guide covers renting in Nicosia, the real prices, and the practical tips for Cypriot roads.
Nicosia is Europe's last divided capital – a car opens up the rest of the island beyond the old town.
Cyprus is a competitive rental market, and prices are reasonable outside the July–August peak. Many travellers collect at Larnaca Airport and drive to Nicosia. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Nicosia / Cyprus by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Mar) | €18–28 | €24–34 | €32–46 |
| Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Oct) | €26–38 | €32–46 | €42–58 |
| Peak (Jul–Sep) | €38–56 | €46–66 | €58–85 |
No tolls in Cyprus and cheaper fuel than most of the EU – running costs are low once you've booked.
Nicosia (Lefkosia) has no airport of its own, so you'll either collect from a city branch or, more commonly, pick up at Larnaca Airport (LCA, ~45 min) or Paphos Airport (PFO, ~1h30) and drive in. Both international brands and strong Cypriot operators serve the island.
City branches in Nicosia keep shorter hours than airport desks; confirm the address, opening times, deposit and card requirement. Cypriot hire cars carry distinctive plates (formerly red “Z” plates). Read the fuel and insurance terms and document the car at pickup.
Well-established Cypriot companies often beat the international chains on price and are flexible on delivery to Nicosia hotels. Choose ones with strong recent reviews and a clear written rate.
A dependable international major with a broad fleet and good automatic availability across Cyprus – a safe choice if you want a known name.
The pick for a newer fleet, mainly via Larnaca and Paphos airports. Pricier; decline the counter extras you don't need.
Reliable majors with airport and city presence. Compare their all-in price against the Cypriot operators, which often undercut them.
The very cheapest listings can carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return. Read the fine print, or stick with an established Cypriot operator or major.
If crossing to the north matters to you, don't book without confirming the company's Green Line policy – many simply don't allow it.
Basic CDW with an excess of €800–€1,500, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €12–20/day – €84–140 a week.
Standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) bought before you travel covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Cyprus Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €12–20 | €84–140 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
This is simple: Cyprus has no motorway tolls. The A1 (Nicosia–Limassol), A2, A5 and the rest of the network are all free. Fuel is cheaper than in most of the EU, so running costs are low.
| Cost item | Cyprus (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway tolls | None | All motorways are free |
| Petrol (95) | ~€1.40/L | Cheaper than most of the EU |
| Diesel | ~€1.45/L | Widely available |
| Nicosia parking | Paid zones / garages | Use a garage in the centre |
With no tolls and short distances, Cyprus is an easy and rewarding island to drive.
Larnaca (45 min) usually has the widest, cheapest fleet.
Cypriot operators often undercut the chains.
Distances are short; parking in old Nicosia is tight.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
There are none – ignore any toll add-on.
If you want to visit the north.
Cool pine forests, painted Byzantine churches and Mount Olympus – a complete contrast to the plains.
The salt lake, the seafront and the route to the airport.
A lively coastal city and the spectacular cliff-top Greco-Roman ruins of Kourion.
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement on the way to the south coast.
The harbour town and castle across the Green Line – only with a company that permits it.
Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule. If you're used to right-hand traffic, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, where you give way to the right.
No. Cyprus has no motorway tolls anywhere – the A1, A2, A5 and the rest of the network are all free, so you never need a transponder or toll device.
Nicosia has no airport, so most visitors collect at Larnaca Airport (about 45 minutes away), which has the widest fleet, or use a Nicosia city branch. Paphos Airport is a further option about 1h30 away.
Often not. Many Republic-of-Cyprus rentals don't allow crossing the Green Line, or require separate insurance bought at the crossing. Confirm your company's policy before booking if you plan to visit the north.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €18–28/day ($20–$31). Shoulder season is €26–38/day and peak summer €38–56/day, with automatics more. Fuel and the lack of tolls keep running costs low.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€12–20/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Our reviews are based on operator information, traveler feedback and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
