Renting a Car at Larnaca Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is Cyprus's main airport, handling most international traffic to the island. Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and popular Cypriot operators Andy's, Petsas, and EasyCar occupy the counters. Cyprus is a compact island (240 km long) perfectly suited to self-drive exploration — you can reach any point in 2-3 hours.
🎯 Quick Tip
Cyprus drives on the LEFT (British colonial legacy), which surprises many visitors from mainland Europe. If you're not comfortable with left-hand driving, book an automatic — manuals with the stick on your left while driving on the left create double confusion.
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Airport Pickup Tips
LCA rental desks are immediately visible upon exiting customs. Present your passport, EU license or IDP, and credit card. Cypriot operators are relaxed and helpful — 10 minutes typical. Note: you cannot cross into Northern Cyprus (Turkish-occupied north) with a rental car from the south — the insurance is invalidated.
Cyprus roads are generally well-maintained, but unpaved tracks to beaches and archaeological sites damage undercarriages. Check the bottom of the car, the tire sidewalls, and the AC system (essential in Cyprus's 40°C summers). Look for dust residue in door seals — it indicates the previous renter used unpaved roads.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Larnaca by Car
Larnaca is one of Cyprus's two main airports. From here, drive into the Troodos Mountains for cool pine forests and Byzantine monasteries, or east to the ancient ruins of Famagusta and the wild Karpaz Peninsula.
Top drive from Larnaca: Troodos Mountains — Kykkos Monastery and Olympus peak
Getting from Larnaca Airport to the City
LCA is 7 km from Larnaca city center (10 min). The A1/A5 motorway connects LCA to Limassol (50 min), Paphos (1 hour 20 min), and Nicosia (40 min). For Ayia Napa, head east on the A3 (40 min). For the Troodos Mountains, take the A1 west to Limassol then B8 north (90 min). The motorway system is modern and well-signed.
Andy's and Petsas have large depots on the airport approach road. Andy's is Cyprus's most-reviewed rental operator (4.7★ on Google) and includes full CDW with zero excess at no extra charge. Their depot is walk-in accessible from the terminal — no shuttle needed.
What to Know Before Driving from LCA
Cyprus drives on the left. Motorway speed limit is 100 km/h, rural roads 80 km/h, and urban areas 50 km/h. Speed cameras operate on the A1 and A5 motorways. Crossing to Northern Cyprus in a rental car from the south voids your insurance and may result in car confiscation. Parking in Larnaca and Limassol is metered in the center — pay at the machines.
Remember: LEFT-HAND DRIVING. The biggest hazard is roundabouts — traffic flows clockwise (opposite to continental Europe). Take a few practice laps in the airport car park. Also note that Cypriot drivers are among Europe's most aggressive — tailgating and overtaking on blind corners is common. Drive defensively.
Fuel Stations Near LCA
Petrolina and EKO stations are on the A5 near LCA. Fuel prices: unleaded 95 approximately €1.40/L (cheaper than EU mainland). The Petrolina station on the airport approach road is 500m from the terminal. Fill up before heading to the Troodos Mountains — stations are sparse above 800m elevation.
Local Driving Tip
The A1 motorway from Larnaca to Nicosia is fast and free, but the mountain roads to Troodos ski station require winter tyres November through March. Petrol is roughly 15% cheaper at stations away from tourist coastal strips.