Paphos Airport to City Centre — Complete Transfer Guide

Paphos International Airport (PFO) is one of the most convenient airports in the Mediterranean. It's small, efficient, and just 15km from the centre of Kato Paphos — meaning you can be in the apartment within 20-30 minutes of collecting your luggage. Here's every option for getting from the airport to the city, with honest costs and practical advice.

Option 1: Taxi — The Easiest Choice

Taxis are the most popular transfer option for good reason. They're fast, available 24/7 (even for late-night arrivals), and the fixed fare system means no surprises.

• Cost: EUR 30-35 from the airport to Kato Paphos (fixed fare set by the government). Night surcharge (21:00-06:00) adds approximately EUR 5-8.
• Journey time: 15-20 minutes in normal traffic.
• Where to find them: The taxi rank is immediately outside the arrivals hall. No need to pre-book — there are always taxis waiting, even for late flights.
• Payment: Cash (EUR) preferred. Some drivers accept cards, but don't count on it. There are ATMs inside the arrivals hall if you need cash.

Option 2: Airport Bus (Route 612) — The Budget Choice

The public bus from Paphos Airport is the cheapest option by a wide margin, and it's surprisingly comfortable. Route 612 runs between the airport and Kato Paphos harbour, with several stops along the way.

• Cost: EUR 1.50 per person (single ticket). Children under 6 travel free.
• Journey time: 25-35 minutes to Kato Paphos harbour, depending on stops.
• Schedule: Buses run approximately every 30-60 minutes. The first bus departs around 05:30, the last around 00:30. Check the Paphos Bus website for the current timetable.
• Where to catch it: The bus stop is outside the arrivals hall, well signposted. Buy your ticket from the driver (exact change helpful but not required).
• Luggage: There's space for suitcases, but the bus can get crowded in peak season. If you have very large luggage, a taxi is more practical.

The 612 bus stops at Kato Paphos harbour, which is about a 10-minute walk from the apartment. For a family of two adults and two children, the bus saves roughly EUR 25 compared to a taxi — worth it if you're travelling light and not arriving too late.

Option 3: Private Transfer — The Comfortable Choice

Private transfers offer the convenience of a taxi with a fixed, pre-booked price and a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Several companies operate from Paphos Airport.

• Cost: EUR 30-45 for a standard car, EUR 45-60 for a minivan (up to 8 passengers). Prices are per vehicle, not per person.
• Booking: Book online in advance. Companies like Kimonas, ACS Transport, and Cyprus Airport Transfers all have good reputations. Most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Advantages: Your driver monitors your flight for delays, meets you in the arrivals hall, and helps with luggage. Child seats are available on request (specify when booking).
• Payment: Usually online at booking or cash on arrival. Most accept cards.

Option 4: Car Rental — If You Plan to Explore

If you're planning day trips to the Akamas Peninsula, Troodos Mountains, or wine villages, renting a car at the airport makes sense. Several international and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall.

• Cost: EUR 25-50 per day depending on season and car class. Book online in advance for the best rates — walk-up prices at the airport desk are typically 30-50% higher.
• Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt (international) and local operators like Petsas, A.T. Cyprus, and Astra Car Rental (often cheaper).
• Driving in Cyprus: Cypriots drive on the left (British-style). If you're from a right-hand-drive country, it takes about 30 minutes to adjust. Roads are well-maintained and signposted in English and Greek.
• Insurance: Full collision damage waiver (CDW) is recommended. Basic CDW is usually included, but the excess can be EUR 500-1,000. Consider excess reduction insurance.
• Parking at apartment: Free street parking is available near the apartment. We'll send specific parking instructions when you book.

What to Know Before You Land

Paphos Airport is small and efficient — you'll typically clear immigration, collect luggage, and be outside within 20-40 minutes of landing. Here are the practical details:

• Immigration: EU/EEA citizens use the fast lane — passport scan, no questions, 2-3 minutes. Non-EU citizens join the regular queue — typically 10-20 minutes, sometimes longer in peak season.
• Luggage: Only two belts, but bags usually appear within 10-15 minutes.
• SIM cards: The airport has a small shop selling Cypriot SIM cards (Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel). A tourist SIM with 5-10GB data costs EUR 10-15. Alternatively, most modern phones support eSIM — check before you fly.
• Currency: Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are available in the arrivals hall. Card acceptance is widespread but carry some cash for taxis, markets, and small shops.
• WiFi: Free airport WiFi is available but slow. Don't rely on it for anything important.

Late Night Arrivals

Several budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) operate late-evening flights that arrive in Paphos between 22:00 and 01:00. Don't worry — getting to the apartment at night is straightforward.

• Taxis: Available 24/7. The taxi rank has cars waiting even for the latest arrivals. Night surcharge applies (approximately EUR 5-8 extra).
• Airport bus 612: Runs until approximately 00:30. Check the schedule for your specific arrival date — the last bus sometimes runs later in summer.
• Private transfer: The most stress-free option for late arrivals. Your driver monitors your flight and will be there regardless of delays.
• The apartment: Self check-in is available 24/7. We'll send you the access instructions before your arrival, so even if you land at midnight, you can let yourself in immediately.

Getting Back to the Airport — Departure Tips

• Check-in closes: Most airlines close check-in 45-60 minutes before departure. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
• Taxi from apartment: Same fare as arrival (EUR 30-35). Book through a local company or have us call one for you. Allow 20-25 minutes for the journey.
• Bus 612: Runs from Kato Paphos harbour to the airport. Catch it at the harbour stop and allow 35-40 minutes including waiting time.
• Duty free: Limited but decent. Commandaria wine, halloumi, olive oil, and zivania make good last-minute gifts. Prices are comparable to town.
• Lounge access: The Aspire Lounge is available for EUR 25-30 per person (or free with Priority Pass). Worth it if you have a long wait.