Getting here
Paphos Airport to Paphos Town
Short answer
Paphos International Airport is roughly 15 km south-east of Paphos town — about 20–25 minutes by road to Kato Paphos. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest option; public buses run between the airport and Paphos and are the cheapest; picking up a hire car at the airport makes sense if you will explore beyond the town.
Your options compared
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi from the rank | Most arrivals | No booking, direct to your door | Queues after big arrivals; agree or check the fare |
| Pre-booked transfer | Families, late arrivals | Driver waiting, fixed price, child seats on request | Must book ahead |
| Public bus | Budget travellers with light luggage | Cheapest | Less frequent, especially late; walk from the stop |
| Hire car | Anyone exploring beyond town | Freedom from day one | Driving on the left; parking in Kato Paphos |
Travel times from the airport
| Destination | Roughly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kato Paphos / the harbour | 20–25 min | About 15 km; most hotels are here |
| Paphos Old Town | 20–25 min | Up on the ridge inland from the harbour |
| Coral Bay | 35–40 min | Via Paphos and the coast road north |
| Peyia | 40–45 min | The village sits uphill above Coral Bay |
| Polis and Latchi | About 1 hour or a little more | Across the hills to the north coast |
| Limassol | About 45–60 min | East along the A6 motorway |
By bus
Public buses connect the airport with Paphos — typically with Kato Paphos/the harbour area and the town's main bus station. Route numbers, frequencies and fares change with the season, so check the current timetable on the Pafos Buses website before you fly rather than relying on figures from old blog posts.
The bus works best if you are travelling light and staying close to a stop in Kato Paphos. With suitcases, children or a destination outside town, the savings rarely justify the extra time.
By taxi
There is a taxi rank outside arrivals. The drive to Kato Paphos is around 20–25 minutes; Coral Bay is further, at roughly 35–40 minutes. We do not publish taxi fares until we have verified current rates — ask the driver for the expected fare before setting off.
If you need a child seat or have bulky luggage such as golf clubs or a pushchair, a pre-booked transfer is more reliable than hoping the next taxi in the queue has room.
Hire car
Most major and local rental companies have desks or meet-and-greet at the airport. Remember Cyprus drives on the left. If you are staying in Kato Paphos for the first couple of days, consider collecting the car later — you will not need it for the town, and hotel parking can be limited.
Check before you sign
- The excess: how much you are liable for if the car is damaged, and what the excess-reduction options actually cover — tyres, windscreen and underside are often excluded.
- Unpaved roads: many standard policies do not cover driving on dirt tracks, which rules out much of the Akamas in an ordinary car.
- Crossing to the north: if you plan to visit northern Cyprus, check whether your rental insurance is valid there. Many policies do not cover it.
- Fuel policy and condition: note the fuel level and photograph the car, including existing scratches, before you drive away.
- Child seats: reserve them when you book, not at the desk.
Arrival tips
- Cyprus is in the EU but not in the Schengen area, so expect passport control even if you are arriving from another EU country.
- There are cash machines in the terminal, but cards are widely accepted in Paphos, so there is no need to change much money in advance.
- Load your accommodation's address and check-in instructions on your phone before you fly; not every driver will know a small villa or apartment block by name.
- In summer, the walk from the terminal to a car or taxi is hot even in the evening. Keep water handy for children.
Arriving late at night
Plenty of flights land late in the evening or after midnight. By then buses may have stopped, so plan on a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Tell your accommodation your flight number: many smaller apartments and villas use key boxes or need someone to meet you, and reception desks at smaller hotels may not be staffed all night.
If you are hiring a car, think twice about driving to a rural villa for the first time in the dark, tired, on the left. Taking a taxi the first night and collecting the car the next day is a sensible compromise. Also buy water and breakfast basics before you leave town — village shops will be shut.
To other parts of Cyprus
Shuttle and bus services also run from Paphos Airport to Limassol and Nicosia. If you are flying into Larnaca instead, budget around 1h45 by road to Paphos. Once you have arrived, see getting around Paphos for buses, taxis and driving, or Paphos without a car if you would rather not drive at all.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Paphos Airport from Kato Paphos?
Around 15 km — roughly 20–25 minutes by road.
Is there a bus from Paphos Airport to Coral Bay?
Usually not directly; you would change in Paphos. A taxi or transfer is much simpler with luggage.
What is the airport code for Paphos?
PFO.
How long does it take to get from Paphos Airport to Coral Bay?
Roughly 35–40 minutes by car or taxi. By public bus it takes much longer because you will usually need to change in Paphos.
Are there taxis at Paphos Airport late at night?
There is a taxi rank outside arrivals, but queues can build after late flights. If you land late with children or are heading out of town, a pre-booked transfer removes the uncertainty.
Should I hire a car at Paphos Airport?
Only if you are staying outside Kato Paphos or plan to explore from day one. For a town-based stay, collect a car later for the days you need it.
How far is Paphos Airport from Limassol?
About 45–60 minutes by road along the A6 motorway. Shuttle and bus services also run between the airport and Limassol — check current timetables.
Keep planning
Transport
Getting Around Paphos
How to get around Paphos and the wider region: what is walkable, how the local buses work, when to hire a car, and the driving rules that catch visitors out.
Planning
Where to Stay in Paphos
Where to stay in Paphos by trip type: Kato Paphos for first-timers, Coral Bay for beaches, the Old Town for local life, Polis for quiet — and without a car.
Transport
Paphos Without a Car
Can you do Paphos without a car? Where to stay, what is walkable, what the buses cover, and which tours replace a car for the Akamas and day trips.