All-inclusive car rental in Nicosia
For Nicosia you collect at Larnaca Airport, about 45 minutes away. An all-inclusive rental includes full insurance with zero excess to explore the inland capital and the Troodos - on the left.
Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital, sits inland at the heart of Cyprus. A car makes it easy to combine the old city within its Venetian walls with day trips to the Troodos mountains and the rest of the island.
Rentals are picked up at Larnaca Airport, around 45 minutes south. A Cardamar all-inclusive booking includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation.
Good to know before you drive in Nicosia
| Pick-up point | Larnaca Airport (LCA), ~45 min away |
|---|---|
| Drives on | Left-hand side |
| Highlights | Old city, Venetian walls, Troodos |
| Tolls | None in Cyprus |
Nicosia and central Cyprus by car
Nicosia’s walled old city is best explored on foot - park outside and walk in. With a car, the Troodos mountains and their painted churches are about an hour southwest, and the coast is within easy reach in any direction.
Driving is on the left, roads are good and toll-free; zero-excess cover removes the worry of city parking and left-hand driving.
Practical tips
If you plan to cross to the northern part of the city or island, you will usually need extra insurance arranged at the crossing - confirm with your supplier.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Picking up your car for Nicosia
Nicosia is reached from Larnaca Airport (LCA), about 45 minutes south, with the rental area near the terminal so collection is quick. Remember that Cyprus drives on the left; the motorway to the capital is easy and toll-free.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence, and there is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Nicosia 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.
Nicosia car rental - FAQ
How far is Nicosia from Larnaca Airport?
About 45 minutes north - an easy drive to the inland capital.
Can I cross to the northern side?
Often yes, but it usually requires additional insurance arranged at the crossing. Confirm with your supplier first.
Are there tolls in Cyprus?
No - the roads are toll-free and distances are short.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Nicosia?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Is driving on the left difficult in Cyprus?
Cyprus drives on the left, but most visitors adapt within a day - roads are quiet outside the towns and distances short. Zero-excess cover removes the worry of a minor mistake while you adjust.