Renting a Car in Paphos From Abroad
If you are visiting Cyprus from another country, there are a few things that differ from home: the licence you need, which side of the road you drive on, and how you get from the airport to your accommodation. This guide covers each, based on how CHMI Rentals works. CHMI Rentals has served Paphos for over 23 years from Tombs of the Kings Avenue.
Documents You Need
- A valid driving licence. Drivers must be over 21, or have at least 3 years of driving experience.
- Your passport or ID. The passport is left as security under our terms until the car is returned.
- Cash or a credit card. Debit cards are not accepted. See how renting without a credit card works.
- An International Driving Permit, if your licence needs one. EU and UK licences are generally accepted as they are. Licences from other countries may need an International Driving Permit alongside the national licence, so check your requirement before you travel.
Before You Fly: A Checklist
- Check your licence is valid for the whole trip.
- Check whether you need an International Driving Permit.
- Pack your passport, and cash or a credit card.
- Send us your flight number, arrival time and the number of people.
- Book at least 24 hours before if you want delivery or a handover at the airport.
- Tell us if you need baby seats, child seats or booster seats. We provide them on request.
Driving on the Left: The Basics
- Cyprus drives on the left, and your rental car has the steering wheel on the right.
- Roundabouts run clockwise, and traffic already on the roundabout has priority over cars entering it.
- Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, with a minimum of 65 km/h. Limits are in kilometres per hour.
- Speed cameras, both fixed and mobile, are common, and fines are issued automatically. The renter pays all traffic fines.
- Wearing a seat belt is the law, and that includes rear passengers.
- Keep to the left lane on the motorway except to overtake.
- Use a phone holder, not your hand, for navigation.
- If you feel tired after a flight, rest before you drive.
Why an Automatic Helps
If you are not used to driving on the left, an automatic removes one job: there is no gear stick to shift with your left hand, and no clutch on the hills. All our compact cars are automatics. So is our SUV, the Nissan X-Trail. See the Nissan Note, Suzuki Swift, Honda Fit and Toyota Vitz.
From the Airport to Your Accommodation
Paphos Airport (PFO). Our agent meets you outside the arrivals terminal with the paperwork ready. We track your flight, and airport delivery runs 24 hours. Returns are during shop hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm. See our Paphos airport car hire page.
| From Paphos Airport to | Approx. drive |
|---|---|
| Kato Paphos harbour | About 20 minutes |
| Our shop, Tombs of the Kings Avenue | About 25 minutes |
| Coral Bay and Peyia | About 35 to 40 minutes |
| Polis and Latchi | About 50 to 55 minutes |
| Limassol | About 45 to 50 minutes by motorway |
Larnaca Airport (LCA). Many international flights land at Larnaca even when the holiday is in Paphos. It is around 134 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes by motorway. When you rent with us, we can take you to your hotel, villa or home in Paphos, at a price agreed with the shop, and a minibus is available for groups on request. Please book 24 hours before. See Larnaca to Paphos and our airport transfer service guide. To drop the car at Larnaca Airport instead, call the shop; there is a charge.
How Booking and Handover Work
- Choose your car and dates on the fleet page.
- Book at least 24 hours before if you want delivery to your hotel, villa or home, or a handover at the airport.
- Bring your documents: a valid driving licence, your passport or ID, and cash or a credit card.
- Meet your agent at the airport arrivals terminal, at your accommodation, or collect from our shop.
- Sign, pay and leave your passport as security, as set out in our terms.
- Return the car on time with the same fuel level. Returns are during shop hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.
Where We Deliver
We deliver free in Paphos town (the city centre, Kato Paphos, Universal and Geroskipou), at Paphos Airport and in Chloraka, Kissonerga, Peyia, Coral Bay, Tala, Empa and Mesa Chorio, when you rent with us. It is not only the shop: we can also take you straight to your hotel, villa or home. Book 24 hours before.
| Area | What it is |
|---|---|
| Paphos city centre | Our shop on Tombs of the Kings Avenue, plus delivery across central Paphos. |
| Paphos Airport | Meet and greet at arrivals, with airport delivery around the clock. |
| Kato Paphos | Hotels, apartments and the harbour strip, with the car brought to your door. |
| Geroskipou | The town between Paphos and the airport, known for its loukoumi and beach hotels. |
| Chloraka and Kissonerga | Coastal villages north of Paphos, with villas, apartments and banana plantations. |
| Coral Bay | Villas, apartments and resorts around the beach on the coast north of Paphos. |
| Peyia | The hillside village above Coral Bay, and the harbour at Agios Georgios. |
| Tala | A hillside village above Paphos with sea views and the monastery of Agios Neophytos nearby. |
| Empa and Mesa Chorio | Quiet villages on the hillside inland from Paphos, minutes from town. |
Exploring With Unlimited Mileage
Mileage is unlimited on our rentals, so you can explore without watching the odometer. See our unlimited mileage guide for ideas and drive times. Fuel is not included. Return the car with the same fuel level you received, and fill up before long drives, because petrol stations can be spaced out.
Where You May Not Drive
Under our terms, the rental car may not be used in Northern Cyprus, the Akamas region or off-road. Damage in those areas voids cover and makes the renter fully liable. If the Akamas is on your list, a licensed jeep safari or a boat trip from Latchi is the safe alternative.
Staying for Longer
Visitors on a longer stay, including seasonal residents, digital nomads and expats, can arrange a monthly plan with simple documentation. See our long-term rental page. You can also compare the cars in our Paphos car rental guide.
What to Check at Handover
Two minutes at the start of the rental avoids disputes at the end.
- Confirm the fuel level matches your rental agreement.
- Photograph any existing scratches or dents before you leave the pickup area.
- Check that the insurance excess and your documents are as agreed.
- Adjust the seat, mirrors and steering position, and find the indicators and wipers.
- Set your satnav before you move off, not while driving.
Book Before You Fly
Send us your flight details, the airport you are landing at and the number of people, and we will confirm the handover. Call or WhatsApp +357 99 655104 (office +357 26 819880), or visit us at Shop 3, Royal Complex, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.