Larnaca International Airport

Larnaca International Airport "Glafcos Clerides" (LCA) is Cyprus's main international gateway, located 4 km southwest of Larnaca on the island's southeastern coast. Handling over 10 million passengers annually, it serves as the primary entry point for visitors to Cyprus's beach resorts, historic sites, and divided capital Nicosia.

The airport has a single terminal building with a straightforward layout:

• Arrivals: Ground floor (Level 0) with baggage claim, customs, and ground transportation
• Departures: Upper floor (Level 1) with check-in counters, security, and gates
• 67 check-in counters and 16 jet bridges serving all airlines
• Gates 1-16: All departures from the same terminal area post-security

The terminal opened in 2009 as part of Cyprus's largest-ever construction project. Its compact design makes navigation simple compared to multi-terminal airports.

Key context: Cyprus is a divided island. The Republic of Cyprus (where LCA is located) controls the southern two-thirds, while the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus occupies the north. Tourists can freely cross the border at designated checkpoints for day trips to Kyrenia or Famagusta.

Paphos International Airport (PFO)

Cyprus has a second international airport, Paphos International (PFO), located 106 km west of Larnaca on the island's western coast.

When to choose PFO over LCA:

• Visiting Paphos, Coral Bay, or the Akamas Peninsula
• Closer to Limassol (50 km vs 68 km from LCA)
• Often has different airline options and occasionally better fares

Connecting between LCA and PFO:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Limassol Airport Express bus	2 hours	€15-20	Via Limassol, indirect
Taxi	1.5 hours	€140 (~$150)	Direct, fixed price
Rental car	1.5 hours	Varies	A1 motorway, straightforward

Tip: Both airports are operated by Hermes Airports. If you need to travel between them, renting a car is often the most practical option.

LCA is located 4 km from Larnaca city center and serves as the primary gateway to Cyprus's main tourist destinations:

Destination	Distance	Travel Time	Best Option
Larnaca city	4 km	10-15 min	Taxi or bus
Ayia Napa	58 km	40-50 min	Shuttle bus or taxi
Protaras	68 km	45-55 min	Shuttle bus or taxi
Limassol	68 km	50-60 min	Express bus or taxi
Nicosia	50 km	40-50 min	Shuttle bus or taxi
Paphos	128 km	1.5-2 hours	Taxi or rental car

Traffic is generally light compared to major European cities, though summer weekends can see some congestion.

Important: Uber does not operate in Cyprus. Bolt is available and is the main rideshare option.

Taxis

Official taxis are available 24/7 from the designated rank outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are black or white and use fixed prices for airport transfers.

Fixed prices from Larnaca Airport (for up to 4 passengers):

Destination	Daytime Fare	Night Fare	Distance
Larnaca city center	€20 (~$22)	€25 (~$27)	4 km
Ayia Napa	€60 (~$65)	€70 (~$75)	58 km
Protaras	€70 (~$75)	€80 (~$87)	68 km
Limassol	€80 (~$87)	€90 (~$98)	68 km
Nicosia	€55-65 (~$60-70)	€65-75 (~$70-80)	50 km
Paphos	€140 (~$150)	€160 (~$175)	128 km

Important taxi tips:

• Confirm the fixed price before departure
• Night rates apply from 20:30 to 06:00
• Cash only - most Cyprus airport taxis do not accept cards
• Prices are per taxi, not per person (up to 4 passengers)
• Larger groups can book minivans (7-8 passengers) for higher fares

Bolt (Rideshare)

Bolt operates throughout Cyprus and is often cheaper than taxis.

• How it works: Download the Bolt app, enter pickup and destination, see fare estimate, book ride
• Pickup: Standard pickup at arrivals
• Payment: Through app (card) or cash
• Typical savings: 10-20% less than fixed taxi prices
• Availability: Good coverage in tourist areas and cities

Tip: Download Bolt before arrival and add a payment method. It provides transparent pricing and avoids cash-only issues.

Pre-booked Transfers

Several companies offer pre-booked transfers with meet-and-greet service:

• Welcome Pickups: Fixed prices, English-speaking drivers
• Kiwitaxi: Good for larger groups
• Hotel shuttles: Many resorts offer airport transfer packages

Kapnos Airport Shuttle (Recommended)

The Kapnos Airport Shuttle provides direct service to major destinations. Buses are air-conditioned with luggage space.

To Nicosia:

• Fare: €9 adult, children free
• Duration: 40 minutes (direct, no intermediate stops)
• Frequency: Approximately every hour
• Drop-off: Lemesou Avenue/Kyrenias Avenue junction (2.5 km from city center)
• Onward travel: Local bus 158 or 160 to Solomos Square, or taxi (~€10)

To Ayia Napa:

• Fare: €8 adult
• Duration: 50 minutes
• Frequency: Approximately every hour, from 04:30 to 00:05
• Drop-off: Ayia Napa central square

To Protaras:

• Fare: €11 adult
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Route: Via Ayia Napa

Tickets: Purchase at the Kapnos counter in arrivals (turn left after exiting) or online. Cash and cards accepted.

Limassol Airport Express

Direct bus service to Cyprus's second-largest city:

• Fare: €9 adult
• Duration: 45-60 minutes (depending on stop)
• Frequency: Approximately every hour
• Stops: Amathountos (Grand Resort) and Agios Georgios Havouzas Church

Local Buses (Budget Option)

Public buses connect LCA to Larnaca city center:

• Bus lines: 407, 425, 429, 430, 431, 432, 445
• Fare: €1.50
• Duration: 20-30 minutes to Finikoudes (Larnaca beach promenade)
• Night bus: Line 456
• Payment: Cash to driver or rechargeable Motion Bus Card

From Larnaca to other cities: Transfer at Larnaca station to intercity buses (€4-8 depending on destination).

Bus Stop Location

The bus stop is located on Level 1 (Departures level):

1. From arrivals, go up one floor via escalator or elevator
2. Exit the terminal on the departures level
3. Bus stops are to the left

LCA offers parking directly adjacent to the terminal.

Lot	Location	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 (Short Term)	Adjacent to terminal	€1.50/hour	€15/day	1-min walk, covered
P2 (Long Term)	Short walk from terminal	€1.00/hour	€8/day	3-min walk
P3 (Economy)	Further from terminal	—	€5/day	Shuttle service

Tips:

• Book online at Hermes Airports for discounts (up to 30% off)
• First 15 minutes free in P1 for drop-offs
• P3 offers the best value for stays over 2 days
• Electric vehicle charging available in P1

LCA has a good variety of dining options, primarily located airside (after security) on Level 1.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• AVLI Traditional Cuisine: Traditional Cypriot and Greek dishes. A good option for authentic local food before departure.
• Dao Dao: Asian restaurant featuring live cooking, BBQ lamb ribs, Peking duck. Runway views.
• Diner Onair: American-style diner with Cypriot options. Open 7 AM to 11 PM.
• Factory Kitchen & Bar: Burgers, beer, and sports screens. Modern industrial design with vegetarian options.
• TA.SH.BA Bistro Bar: Tapas and sushi concept with quick service guarantee.

Quick Service

• Burger King: Standard fast food
• Costa Coffee: Coffee and pastries
• Levito Pizza & Pasta: Freshly baked pizzas with Italian recipes
• Upper Crust: Sandwiches and baguettes
• Camden Food Co.: Healthier options including salads, artisan sandwiches, fresh juices

Grab-and-Go

• Food For Flight: Prepacked meals and sandwiches for onboard consumption
• Haven: Healthy smoothies from fresh fruit
• 24 Hours: Self-serve eatery with variety of options

Tips:

• AVLI is your best bet for authentic Cypriot food (try halloumi, souvlaki, or kleftiko)
• Prices are 40-60% higher than city restaurants
• Most outlets are airside - limited options before security

Free WiFi is available throughout LCA airport.

Network name: "Airport Free-Wifi" or "Larnaka International Airport Wi-Fi"

How to connect:

1. Select the airport WiFi network
2. Open browser - redirect to portal
3. Accept terms and connect

Details:

• Free duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and video calls
• Coverage: Throughout terminal, both airside and landside

Tips:

• Connection quality may slow during peak travel periods
• Lounge WiFi offers faster speeds
• Use a VPN for security on public networks

SIM cards are available at kiosks in the arrivals hall.

Main Carriers

• Cyta (Vodafone partner): Largest network, best overall coverage including rural areas
• Epic: Widest 4G/5G coverage, competitive prices
• Primetel: Budget-friendly option

Prices

Carrier	Package	Data	Validity	Price
Cyta (soeasy)	Combo 10	50 GB	30 days	€10 (~$11)
Cyta (soeasy)	Combo 15	100 GB	30 days	€15 (~$16)
Epic	Holiday SIM	100 GB	15 days	€20 (~$22)
Primetel	Tourist SIM	250 GB	20 days	€20 (~$22)

Required for purchase: Passport (ID registration mandatory in Cyprus)

Tips:

• Cyta has the best coverage island-wide
• Important: Cyprus SIM cards may not work in Northern Cyprus, which uses Turkish networks. If visiting the north, you may incur roaming charges or lose signal.
• Consider eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) if your phone supports them
• EU roaming included for travel to other EU countries

Currency: Euro (€)

ATMs are located throughout the terminal:

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs near exits
• Departures level: Near check-in and airside

Banks at LCA:

• Hellenic Bank
• Bank of Cyprus
• Eurobank

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change are available but offer poor rates. Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• Decline "dynamic currency conversion" at ATMs - always choose to be charged in euros
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in Cyprus
• Carry €50-100 cash for smaller businesses and tips
• If visiting Northern Cyprus: Turkish Lira is the official currency there, though euros are widely accepted. Consider withdrawing some lira at the border or using ATMs in the north.

Duty-Free

The main duty-free shopping area is located airside after security.

Notable purchases:

• Cypriot wines: Commandaria (sweet dessert wine), dry whites from indigenous grapes
• Zivania: Traditional Cypriot grape spirit (similar to grappa)
• Cypriot brandy: Local alternative to cognac
• Halloumi cheese: Cyprus's famous squeaky cheese (check import rules)
• Loukoumi (Cyprus delight): Traditional sweets
• Lace and embroidery: Lefkara lace is a UNESCO-recognized craft

Retail

• International brands (perfumes, cosmetics, fashion)
• Electronics
• Souvenirs and local products

Tips:

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50
• Halloumi and other food products must comply with your destination's import rules
• Commandaria wine makes an excellent gift - it's one of the world's oldest named wines

Priority Pass Lounges

Skala Lounge (Airside)

• Location: After security, near duty-free. Take the lift next to Chanel to 3rd floor.
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day passes available
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, bar, outdoor terrace with runway views, children's play area, iPads available
• Conditions: International flights only, 3-hour maximum stay, smart casual dress code
• Quality: Cyprus's first premium lounge - modern design, good food selection, the outdoor terrace is a highlight

Aspire Aphrodite Lounge (Airside)

• Location: Floor below Skala Lounge
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey
• Amenities: Basic refreshments, seating areas

Day Pass Access

Day passes can be purchased at lounge entrances or through LoungeBuddy (€35-45).

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: Included with many premium cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, etc.)
• LoungeKey: Included with various Mastercard and Visa premium cards

Hotels near LCA range from budget chains to resort-style properties. Given the airport's proximity to Larnaca beach (4 km), staying in town is often preferable to airport hotels.

Near the Airport:

• Several business hotels within 5-10 minutes of the terminal
• Good for early departures or late arrivals

Larnaca Town (4 km):

• Beach resort hotels along Finikoudes promenade
• Better restaurants and nightlife options
• Easy taxi or bus connection to airport

Tip: For long layovers, consider heading to Larnaca's beach promenade - it's only 15-20 minutes from the airport and offers restaurants, cafes, and Mediterranean swimming.

Cyprus combines ancient history, beautiful beaches, and a unique divided-island culture. From LCA:

Getting to Key Destinations

Destination	Travel Time	Route	Highlights
Larnaca	15 min	Taxi/bus	Finikoudes beach, St. Lazarus Church, salt lake
Ayia Napa	45 min	Shuttle bus	Beaches, nightlife, Sea Caves
Protaras	55 min	Shuttle bus	Family beaches, Fig Tree Bay
Limassol	50 min	Express bus	Old town, Kolossi Castle, wine villages
Nicosia	40 min	Shuttle bus	Divided capital, museums, Ledra Street crossing
Paphos	1.5 hrs	Taxi/car	Tombs of the Kings, mosaics, Petra tou Romiou
Troodos Mountains	1.5 hrs	Car only	Wine villages, Kykkos Monastery, hiking

Must-See Attractions

• Ayia Napa Sea Caves: Stunning coastal rock formations, best explored by kayak or boat
• Kourion: Ancient Greco-Roman city with impressive amphitheater, 75 km west
• Tombs of the Kings (Paphos): UNESCO World Heritage underground tombs
• Troodos Mountains: Cool escape from summer heat, traditional villages, Byzantine churches
• Larnaca Salt Lake: Flamingos in winter, Hala Sultan Tekke mosque

The Divided Island

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The Green Line separates the Republic of Cyprus (south) from Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.

Crossing the border:

• Easy for tourists: Just show your passport at checkpoint (no visa needed for most nationalities)
• Main crossings from the south: Ledra Street (pedestrian, Nicosia), Agios Dometios (vehicles, Nicosia), Deryneia (vehicles, near Ayia Napa)
• Processing time: Usually 5-10 minutes
• Day trips: Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazimagusa) are popular

Important notes:

• If driving, buy separate car insurance at the border (~€25-50)
• Most south Cyprus rental cars cannot be taken north
• Your Cyprus SIM may not work in the north (uses Turkish networks)
• Currency in the north is Turkish Lira (euros widely accepted)

Beach Guide

Beach	Best For	Distance from LCA
Finikoudes (Larnaca)	Convenience, promenade	5 km
Mackenzie Beach (Larnaca)	Plane spotting	3 km
Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)	Party atmosphere, crystal water	55 km
Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)	Families, calm water	65 km
Coral Bay (Paphos)	Western Cyprus base	135 km

Food & Drink Essentials

• Meze: Cypriot feast of 20+ small dishes - the essential Cyprus dining experience
• Souvlaki/Souvla: Grilled meat (pork or chicken) in pita or on skewers
• Halloumi: The squeaky cheese, grilled or fresh
• Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb, incredibly tender
• Commandaria: Ancient sweet wine, one of the world's oldest named wines
• Zivania: Strong grape spirit, served ice cold
• Cypriot coffee: Similar to Turkish/Greek coffee, served with loukoumi (sweets)

Practical Tips

• Driving: Left-hand traffic (British influence from colonial era)
• Summer heat: June-August can exceed 40°C (104°F) - visit archaeological sites early morning
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants if service charge not included
• English: Widely spoken throughout tourist areas
• Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds