Cyprus airports: Larnaka or Pafos

In brief: two airports handle scheduled international passenger flights in the area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus: Larnaka (LCA) and Pafos (PFO). Larnaka is usually more convenient for Larnaka, Nicosia, Limassol and the east coast; Pafos is usually better for Pafos and the west. Choose the airport with the easier complete journey to your accommodation, not simply the one described as “main”.

Larnaka and Pafos at a glance

Hermes Airports operates both airports. Check live departures and arrivals, airlines, parking and passenger services on the operator’s official website. Schedules and route networks change by season.

How to choose your airport

1. Compare the whole journey. A cheaper flight may lose its advantage after a long or costly transfer.
2. Check arrival time. Late-night arrivals reduce public-transport choices.
3. Confirm the address. Resort names do not always match municipalities; Protaras, for example, is within the Paralimni area.
4. Check baggage and accessibility. Airline conditions and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility should be arranged in advance.

Getting from the airport

The main options are intercity or local bus, taxi, pre-booked transfer and car rental. Routes, stops and fares can change, so consult the official Visit Cyprus transport overview and the relevant operator before travelling. If hiring a car, remember that traffic drives on the left and check whether the rental desk serves your arrival time.

For an east-coast stay, use our practical Paralimni guide. The Cyprus beaches guide helps narrow down the coast you want.

Airports outside Republic of Cyprus effective control

Ercan/Tymbou airport operates in the north of the island, but it is not one of the two airports managed by Hermes Airports in the area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus. An itinerary through differently controlled areas may have legal and border implications. Before buying a ticket, check the current entry information published by Cyprus’s official tourism portal and the competent authorities’ rules for your nationality and route.

This page compares logistics; it does not determine a traveller’s right to enter or cross a border.

Booking checklist

• the airport code on the ticket is LCA or PFO;
• door-to-door travel time, not only straight-line distance;
• transport available after the actual arrival time;
• baggage and rental-car collection conditions;
• current entry rules for the specific itinerary.

Work out the full door-to-door journey

Compare not only the flight price, but also the time taken from your home to your accommodation: transfers, passport control, baggage, collecting a car or waiting for a bus, and the final leg of the journey. A more distant airport can sometimes be the better option with a direct flight, whilst a closer one may be less convenient due to an overnight stopover.

For the east coast, Larnaca is usually the more logical choice; for the west coast, Paphos is. However, the exact area is more important than the general name. Limassol lies between the two, so the decision depends on the timetable, the cost of the transfer and your plans for the rest of your trip. Nicosia requires a land journey from your chosen airport.

Make two calculations: one for the planned journey and one in the event of a delay of several hours. If the last bus has already gone, factor in the cost of an official taxi or an overnight stay. This contingency should be included in your comparison before purchasing a non-refundable ticket.

Late arrival and early departure

Check the actual opening hours of the car hire desk, not just the airport’s general operating hours. After-hours arrangements, the key collection point and any additional charges must be specified in the confirmation. Flight numbers are provided in advance, but a delay does not always mean an endless wait for a member of staff.

For buses, make a note of the stop, the operator, the payment method and the last departure time. Allow extra time for baggage collection and the journey from the arrivals hall. For early departures, work backwards from the check-in deadline rather than the departure time, and allow extra time for returning the car.

Your accommodation must be able to welcome you at the actual time of arrival. Self-check-in requires reliable instructions and a contact number in case of any issues. If you’re relying on mobile data for communication, save the access code and address offline before boarding the plane.

Car and route around the island

If you need a car for the whole holiday, compare the hire terms, excess, fuel and the option to return it to a different airport. A one-way surcharge may affect your choice of flight. Do not set off on a night-time drive on the left straight after a long flight if you can stay overnight nearby or book a transfer.

Check for child seats, additional drivers and territorial restrictions. The ability to drive the route shown on a map does not replace the rental agreement or insurance cover. All exceptions must be confirmed in writing before payment.

If you only need a car for part of your journey, a city-centre rental office may be more convenient than an airport one. Compare parking at your accommodation and days the car is left unused. Opting not to hire a car in the city sometimes saves more than the small difference in price between airports.

Border and aviation controls

When travelling to the Republic of Cyprus, use an authorised point of entry and check the current requirements regarding nationality and documentation. Airports in areas outside the government’s effective control should not be presented as interchangeable alternatives to Larnaca and Paphos without a legal explanation.

Check the terminal, baggage, carrier’s rules and transit requirements. A ticket to Cyprus may include a connecting flight where a separate document is required. The airline assesses eligibility for boarding, but the final decision on entry is made by the border control authority.

Before paying, confirm the following four points: why this airport was chosen, how to travel the final leg of the journey, what to do in the event of a delay, and whether the entire route complies with entry regulations. If even one of these points is based on an assumption, the booking is not yet finalised.

Official sources

• Hermes Airports: Larnaka and Pafos airports
• Visit Cyprus: entry requirements
• Visit Cyprus: transportation

Information checked on 8 September 2026. Recheck schedules, routes, fares and entry requirements before every trip.