Larnaca 101: Arriving & Getting Around

Posted on April 6, 2019

The area of today’s Larnaca has been populated since the 13th century BC. Over the centuries the great powers of the Mediterranean have colonized it. Nowadays, the Greek Orthodox heritage is still the most prominent, with a marked internationalization of the seaside area.

ARRIVING in Larnaca

Due to its geography, unless you are coming from Turkey (and subject to specific regulations), you can only reach Cyprus by plane.

THE AIRPORT

The Republic of Cyprus is served by two airports: Larnaca International Airport – Glafcos Clerides (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO). However, considering LCA is the main international gateway to the country (offering the widest choices of flights) and the 124km distance between them, stick to LCA for Larnaca and Ayia Napa.

Arriving at Larnaca Airport, the best option to reach Finikoudes is by taxi. It has a journey time of approx. 15 minutes and costs between €12-15, depending on date and time. Just in case, confirm this understanding with the driver before getting in.

Regular buses also run between the airport and the center. A single journey ticket costs between €1.50 and €2.50, depending on the time and weekday. Purchase tickets at boarding.

GETTING AROUND Larnaca

Travel After 5_Larnaca 101_bus — Finikoudes Intercity Bus Stop

The public transport system in Larnaca and the whole Republic of Cyprus is served by buses only. Car rentals are common but keep in mind Cypriots drive on the left, like the British. Local buses are operated by Zenon.

However, you can perfectly get away with neither. If you plan to spend most of your time in Larnaca, find your accommodation around Finikoudes Beach, the beautiful seafront lined with palm trees. From there, you can visit all the main points on foot. As for restaurants, countless international chains and local restaurants line Athenon Road.

For visiting other parts of Cyprus, Larnaca is (as much as possible) well-connected with intercity buses. The starting point of these lines is also in Finikoudes. From there, you have direct routes to Nicosia (the last divided capital in the world), Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos, and others. There are options for single journey tickets and daily, weekly, monthly and yearly passes for specific routes or all of them.