Driving in Cyprus is refreshingly relaxed compared to a lot of places — the roads are in great shape, drivers are generally patient, and the scenery makes even a short trip to the shops feel like a scenic drive. Here are a few friendly pointers to help you feel at home behind the wheel from day one.
Which side of the road
Cyprus drives on the left, just like the UK, Ireland or Malta. If you’re used to the right-hand side, give yourself a few minutes at the first roundabout to settle in — most visitors say it feels completely natural within ten minutes or so.
Speed limits, at a glance
- Motorways: 100 km/h
- Main roads outside towns: 80 km/h
- Towns and villages: 50 km/h, a little lower near schools
Easy to keep track of, since the roads are clearly signed in both Greek and English throughout.
A couple of good habits
Buckling up front and back, and using a hands-free setup if you want navigation running, are just good habits that make the whole drive smoother and more relaxed for everyone in the car. And as anywhere, if you’re driving, it’s simplest to skip the drinks — one less thing to think about.
Roundabouts
Cyprus loves roundabouts, often in place of traffic lights. The rule of thumb is simple: give way to traffic already on the roundabout, signal when you exit, and take your time on the bigger ones around Limassol and Nicosia until you find your rhythm.
Fuel and motorways
Good news — there are no tolls anywhere on the island, so motorway driving is completely free. Petrol stations are plentiful along the coast; just keep half an eye on the tank before heading up into the mountains or off the main routes.
A few local tips
Cypriots drive at a relaxed pace, and it’s worth doing the same — there’s rarely a reason to rush. Paid parking in city centres is easy to spot by the blue road markings, and if you ever need help, the general emergency number across Cyprus is simply 112.
One last thing
Every DriveNow rental already includes the insurance cover you need, so you can just relax and enjoy the drive. Got a question about your route or anything else? Message us on WhatsApp or email Contact@DriveNowCy.com — we’re always happy to help.
