Europe > Cyprus > Larnaca (LCA)
The Car or no Car advice for Larnaca can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Larnaca ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Larnaca ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Larnaca?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Within the city, Larnaca is pleasantly walkable. The seafront Finikoudes promenade links beaches, cafés, hotels, and restaurants in a straight, flat line, and the old town sits just behind it. Key sights such as the Church of Saint Lazarus, the marina, and the salt lake area are all close enough to reach on foot or with a short taxi ride 🚶♂️🌊. For a short stay focused on the city and the beach, a car is not essential at all.
Public transport exists, but it is limited. Buses connect Larnaca Airport with the city centre efficiently, and there are intercity buses to Nicosia, Limassol, and Ayia Napa. However, frequencies can be patchy, especially in the evenings or on Sundays. This means buses work best for planned trips rather than spontaneous exploring 🚌⏱️.
Where a rental car starts to make sense is once you look beyond Larnaca. Cyprus is small, but attractions are spread out. Ayia Napa and Protaras are easy drives to the east, while the Troodos Mountains, with their villages and hiking trails, are far more practical by car. Even Nicosia, the divided capital, is much easier to visit independently if you are driving 🏞️🏔️.
Car rental itself is straightforward and relatively affordable, with plenty of choice at Larnaca Airport and in the city. Driving standards are generally good, roads are well signed, and distances are short. Just remember that Cyprus drives on the left 🇬🇧➡️🇨🇾.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Larnaca?
If you are staying local, no—Larnaca works well without one. If you want to explore Cyprus properly, yes—a rental car unlocks the island’s real highlights with ease 🚗✨.