Driving in Cyprus

💡 Local Driving Tips

→Drive on the LEFT — Cyprus inherited this from British rule. Roundabouts, overtaking lanes and road markings are all UK-style.
→English is widely spoken and many road signs appear in both Greek and English.
→Mountain roads in the Troodos range are narrow and winding — allow extra travel time and watch for coaches.
→Nicosia (Lefkosia) has a divided old city — the buffer zone between the Republic and Northern Cyprus is not open to regular tourist traffic.
→When emergency vehicles approach, pull to the left and stop — Cyprus drives on the left.

🗣️ Key Driving Words in Greek / English

You may not speak the language, but knowing these words on road signs and at toll booths can save you from confusion — or a fine.

Local English

Αυτοκινητόδρομος (Aftokinitodromos) Motorway

Έξοδος (Exodos) Exit

Απαγορεύεται η είσοδος (Apagoreuetai i eisodos) No entry

Απαγορεύεται η στάθμευση (Apagoreuetai i stathmefsi) No parking

Δώστε προτεραιότητα (Doste proteraiótita) Give way

Έργα (Erga) Roadworks

Βενζίνη / Πετρέλαιο (Venzini / Petrelaio) Petrol / Diesel

Αστυνομία (Astynomia) Police

Διατηρείτε αριστερά (Diatireite aristera) Keep left

KEEP LEFT Keep left (English signs used widely)

GIVE WAY Give way (English signs used at many junctions)

Κίνδυνος (Kindinos) Danger

🚦 Speed Limits

Urban

km/h

Rural

km/h

Motorway

km/h

Drive on the LEFT — inherited from British rule. 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on dual carriageways, 100 km/h on motorways. Some expressways 100 km/h.

⚡ EV & Environmental Zones

Speed differences No EV-specific speed differences in Cyprus.

Environmental zones No formal low emission zones in Cyprus. Nicosia and Limassol have discussed traffic restriction measures but none are currently in force.

EV benefits EVs are exempt from any future emission zone restrictions. Charging infrastructure is developing in major cities and at hotels along the coast.

💳 Toll Roads & Vignettes

No motorway tolls. Some expressways are toll-free.

🪧 Road Signs to Know

While most European road signs follow international standards, these are the signs you are most likely to encounter — and the ones that catch tourists off guard.

Must-Know Signs

⬅️

Keep Left

Cyprus drives on the LEFT — all road markings, roundabout directions, and lane rules follow the left-hand traffic system. This is the most important rule for US drivers to internalise before setting off.

🔵

GIVE WAY

Inverted red triangle — yield to traffic on the main road. Many signs appear in English as well as Greek throughout Cyprus.

🛑

STOP

Octagonal red sign — full stop required. Enforced at junctions throughout urban and rural areas.

🚫

No Entry

Red circle with white bar. Common at one-way entries in Nicosia and Limassol old town areas. Both Greek and English text sometimes used.

🅿️

Parking (P)

Blue P sign with permitted hours. Some paid parking areas in Nicosia and Limassol city centres.

Country-Specific Signs

⚠️

Buffer Zone Warning

Near Nicosia, signs mark the UN Buffer Zone between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. Do not cross this boundary — tourist crossings are only permitted at designated checkpoints.

🏔️

Steep Mountain Road Signs

Troodos mountain roads have gradient warning signs (steep descent/ascent). Use low gear on long descents and watch for coaches and slow-moving vehicles.

🌿

Nature Reserve Road Signs

Akamas Peninsula and some Troodos areas are national parks — specific access restrictions may apply. Follow posted signs regarding vehicle access and speed.

📷 Speed Cameras

Advance Warning

Yes

Fine Range

€85

ℹ️ Warning signs: Fixed cameras are preceded by warning signs. Speed camera detector apps are widely used and appear to be tolerated.

Camera Types in Cyprus

📷Fixed cameras on motorways and main roads — coverage increasing
📷Mobile units operated by Cyprus Police Traffic Department
📷Average speed control sections on some motorway stretches near Nicosia

Fine Details

€85 for minor excess up to €3,000 for extreme speeding. Licence suspension possible for serious offences.

Speed enforcement has increased in Cyprus following road safety campaigns. The A1 motorway between Nicosia and Limassol is frequently monitored. Police can stop and fine foreign drivers on the spot.

🅿️ Parking Signs & Zones

Understanding parking zones and road markings can save you a fine or a tow. Here is what each colour and sign means in Cyprus.

Parking Zones Explained

Paid Parking Zones

Pay at the machine in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos city centres. Display the ticket on the dashboard.

No Parking

Standard no-parking signs. Yellow kerb markings indicate no parking or no stopping. Enforcement is active in Nicosia.

Road Line Colours

Yellow kerb No parking or no stopping at any time

White road lines Parking permitted — check nearby vertical signs

📱 Parking apps: EasyPark

💡 Local tip: Parking in Nicosia's Walled City and Limassol's old town is very limited. Use the designated car parks near the main tourist areas. In smaller towns and resorts, free street parking is generally available with no time limit.

🗺️ Scenic Routes

🛣️ Troodos Mountain Drive
🛣️ Akamas Peninsula Road
🛣️ Limassol to Paphos Coastal Route

💡 Local Driving Tips

🗣️ Key Driving Words in Greek / English

🚦 Speed Limits

💳 Toll Roads & Vignettes

🪧 Road Signs to Know

Must-Know Signs

Country-Specific Signs

📷 Speed Cameras

Camera Types in Cyprus

🅿️ Parking Signs & Zones

Parking Zones Explained

Road Line Colours

🗺️ Scenic Routes

More Southern Europe guides