How do you get from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa?

It's about a 45-minute drive. Options include a pre-booked private transfer, an airport taxi, car hire, or a budget-friendly intercity bus. Confirm fares and timings when you book, especially for late arrivals.

Do buses run in Ayia Napa in winter?

Buses run, but much less frequently than in summer. Don't rely on a peak-season timetable — always check the current winter schedule before planning a journey.

Where can I buy a SIM card in Ayia Napa?

Cypriot operators sell prepaid tourist SIMs, usually available at the airport or in town, and eSIMs are widely available too. EU visitors may be able to use roaming on their existing plan — check first. Compare current plans rather than relying on a quoted deal.

Can you pay by card in Ayia Napa?

Yes, cards are widely accepted and the currency is the euro. It's still handy to carry some cash for smaller vendors, beach attendants and tips.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Cyprus?

On the left. Roads are good and well signposted. Check current licence and hire requirements with your car-hire company before you travel.

Getting here & around

Practical Ayia Napa Guide: Airport, Buses, Shops, Pharmacies & SIM Cards

Last updated 6 June 2026

This is the everyday-logistics page: how to get from the airport, how to get around, and where to find the essentials around Nissi Beach. Where details like prices, opening hours and timetables change often, this guide points you in the right direction rather than quoting figures that may be out of date — always confirm current details locally.

Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is the closest airport, roughly a 45-minute drive from the Nissi Beach area. Paphos International Airport (PFO) is further, around 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Most visitors to Ayia Napa arrive via Larnaca.

Taxi, transfer, bus or car rental

From the airport you have a few options, depending on budget and plans:

Pre-booked private transfer — the simplest door-to-door choice, arranged in advance.
Taxi — available at the airport; agree the fare or confirm it's metered before setting off.
Car hire — desks at the airport; best if you plan to explore beyond the resort.
Public bus — the most budget-friendly option via intercity services, though slower and with luggage limits.

Confirm fares, routes and timings when you book — especially for late-night arrivals, when public transport is limited.

Local buses (and a winter caveat)

Local buses run along the coast and into Ayia Napa town. They're a cheap way to get around in summer, when they run frequently. In winter they run far less often, so don't plan around a peak-season timetable.

Bus operators and schedules change seasonally — always check the current timetable rather than relying on an old one.

Supermarkets near Nissi Beach

There are supermarkets and smaller mini-markets within easy reach of the Nissi Beach area for groceries and beach supplies. Core supermarkets usually operate year-round, while smaller shops may vary by season. If you're self-catering, it's worth a first shop on arrival.

Bakeries and everyday shops

You'll find bakeries for fresh bread and pastries, plus the usual everyday shops for essentials. These are part of normal local life, though exact hours and winter opening can vary.

Pharmacies (and the duty-pharmacy system)

Pharmacies are easy to find in town for everyday health needs. For out-of-hours needs, Cyprus runs a duty-pharmacy rota so that some pharmacies are open outside standard hours on a rotating basis.

Duty-pharmacy schedules rotate — check the current duty pharmacy locally or online when you need one, rather than relying on a fixed list.

SIM cards and mobile data

Cypriot mobile operators offer prepaid tourist SIM cards, and eSIMs are widely available too. You can usually buy a SIM at the airport or in town. Visitors from the EU may be able to use their existing plan under roaming arrangements — check your own plan first.

Plans, prices and coverage change — compare current options rather than relying on a specific deal quoted online.

ATMs and payments

Cyprus uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted. ATMs are easy to find. It's still worth carrying some cash for smaller or seasonal vendors, beach attendants and tips.

Driving on the left

Driving in Cyprus is on the left, which is convenient for UK visitors and straightforward for everyone else. Roads are good and signposting is clear. Remember that parking near Nissi Beach fills quickly in peak summer, so arrive early.

Check current licence and hire requirements with your car-hire company before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa?: It's about a 45-minute drive. Options include a pre-booked private transfer, an airport taxi, car hire, or a budget-friendly intercity bus. Confirm fares and timings when you book, especially for late arrivals.
Do buses run in Ayia Napa in winter?: Buses run, but much less frequently than in summer. Don't rely on a peak-season timetable — always check the current winter schedule before planning a journey.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Ayia Napa?: Cypriot operators sell prepaid tourist SIMs, usually available at the airport or in town, and eSIMs are widely available too. EU visitors may be able to use roaming on their existing plan — check first. Compare current plans rather than relying on a quoted deal.
Can you pay by card in Ayia Napa?: Yes, cards are widely accepted and the currency is the euro. It's still handy to carry some cash for smaller vendors, beach attendants and tips.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Cyprus?: On the left. Roads are good and well signposted. Check current licence and hire requirements with your car-hire company before you travel.