All-inclusive car rental in Cyprus
In Cyprus you drive on the left, and an all-inclusive rental gives you full insurance with zero excess in one price - a reassuring combination if you are not used to left-hand driving.
Cyprus is compact, sunny almost year-round and easy to explore by car, from the beaches of Ayia Napa to the Troodos mountains. Unusually for the region, traffic drives on the left, a legacy of British rule.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, which is reassuring while you adjust to left-hand driving and roundabouts. Roads are good and distances short.
Good to know before you drive in Cyprus
| Drives on | Left-hand side |
|---|---|
| Minimum rental age | Usually 21 (varies by supplier) |
| Speed limit (motorway) | 100 km/h |
| Toll roads | None |
| Best months to drive | Year-round; spring and autumn ideal |
Popular places to rent a car in Cyprus
Self-drive routes in Cyprus
Prefer to plan a drive? These scenic routes come with a full guide and where to pick up your all-inclusive car.
Driving tips for Cyprus
- Remember to drive on the left and give way to the right at roundabouts.
- Distances and speed limits are signposted in kilometres.
- Crossing to Northern Cyprus with a rental may require extra cover - ask the supplier.
Driving on the left in Cyprus
Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule - the main thing to remember at junctions and roundabouts (give way to the right). Most visitors adapt within a day, helped by quiet roads outside the towns and clear English-language signs.
Speeds and distances are signposted in kilometres. With zero-excess cover included, an early mistake while you adjust never becomes an expensive one.
No tolls, short distances
Cyprus has no road tolls and the island is compact, so almost everywhere is a comfortable day trip - the south coast, the Troodos mountains and the east-coast resorts are all within an hour or so of each other.
An all-inclusive Cardamar booking already includes full insurance, zero excess, unlimited mileage and airport fees, so only fuel is a routine extra.
Crossing to Northern Cyprus
Driving a rental car across to the northern part of the island is sometimes possible but usually requires additional insurance arranged at the crossing. Always confirm with your supplier before you travel, as standard cover may not apply.
For most visitors, the south offers more than enough to fill a trip without crossing.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Cyprus can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Cyprus car rental - FAQ
Is it hard to drive on the left in Cyprus?
Most visitors adapt within a day. Roads are quiet outside the cities, and zero-excess cover removes the worry of a minor mistake while you adjust.
Can I drive into Northern Cyprus?
It is sometimes possible but usually needs additional insurance arranged at the crossing. Confirm with your supplier before travelling.
Are deposits required?
All-inclusive bookings aim to avoid a deposit at most destinations - always check the conditions shown for your pick-up location.