Shuttle, bus or transfer: from Larnaca airport to Ayia Napa
Larnaca Airport and Ayia Napa are separated by about forty-five kilometers along the highway.
The trip takes anywhere from forty minutes to an hour and a half, and the mode of transport you choose makes all the difference. The bus costs a few euros, a carrier shuttle around ten euros, and a taxi noticeably more.
Larnaca (LCA) is the main international gateway to Cyprus and the island's largest airport (as of 09/2026, Hermes Airports). In the west of the island there is a second, smaller airport in Paphos (PFO), which is also seeing more and more flights. This article focuses specifically on the route from Larnaca.
Below you'll find four ways to get to Ayia Napa: a direct shuttle, a cheap bus with a transfer, a taxi, and a rental car. For each one we've gathered the time, price, and potential pitfalls. We'll also cover what to do if you arrive late at night.
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How much it costs to get to Ayia Napa
💡 In short:
- The direct Kapnos shuttle gets you to Ayia Napa in 55 minutes and costs about 10 € (as of 09/2026, Kapnos schedule and tickets).
- The cheapest option: city bus 425 plus an intercity bus, about 90 minutes with a transfer in Larnaca (as of 08/2026, route 425 breakdown).
- Late at night, taxis and pre-booked transfers remain available.
- Prices and schedules: 09/2026, verified on the official Kapnos website and on the city bus operator's website.
Option | Travel time | Price per person | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
Kapnos shuttle | about 55 minutes | about 10 € (as of 09/2026, Kapnos Airport Shuttle) | none |
Bus 425 plus intercity bus | about 90 minutes | a few euros | in Larnaca |
Taxi or transfer | 40-45 minutes | highest | none |
Rental car | about 40 minutes | depends on the class | none |
Direct Kapnos shuttle from the airport
The direct Kapnos shuttle has been operating since 2008 and takes passengers from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa without transfers. The bus departs from a dedicated area on the station square, does not go into central Larnaca, and reaches the resort in about 55 minutes (as of 09/2026, Kapnos Airport Shuttle).
The shuttle stops at Agia Napa Square and along Nissi Avenue, meaning at the hotels on the first line from the sea. Services run roughly every hour throughout the day, so you don't need to fit around a single departure time. Check the exact schedule on the carrier's website before your trip.
A ticket costs about 10 € one way, children aged 2 to 12 travel free (as of 09/2026, buy a shuttle ticket). You can buy it from the driver, at the Kapnos desk at the airport, or online no later than one hour before departure.
Important: city buses and the shuttle stop at different areas a few meters apart. Check the stop name on your ticket, otherwise you'll end up going the wrong way.
Bus with a transfer in Larnaca
The cheapest route consists of two tickets. First you take city route 425 from the airport to Larnaca: the bus runs roughly every 20 minutes, and the trip to the Tassou Papadopoulou stop takes about 30 minutes (as of 08/2026, route 425 schedule).
On the same street you transfer to an Intercity bus with the AG.NAPA-PARALIMNI sign. It takes you to the square by the Ayia Napa monastery in about an hour. The Intercity ticket is bought separately from the driver: it costs a few euros, and the driver will tell you the exact amount when you board.
The city ticket costs 2.70 € in cash or 2.00 € with a Motion card during the day (as of 09/2026, official Motion fare). The night fare is higher, but this option doesn't work at night anyway.
The catch: route 425 stops running in the early evening, and the Intercity bus leaves even earlier. For a daytime arrival this is a great option, but it won't work for a night flight.
Car rental at the airport
If you're planning to explore the island, a car solves almost everything. Public transport in Cyprus is limited to buses: schedules are infrequent and trips take longer.
You can pick up a car right in the arrivals terminal and head straight to Ayia Napa. The distance along the A3 highway is short, you'll be on the road for about 40 minutes, and traffic here is calm.
Cyprus has left-hand traffic, and if you've arrived from the UK, it will feel familiar (as of 09/2026, Visit Cyprus). Roads are well maintained, and penalties for speeding and drink-driving are strict here.
It's better to book a car in advance: compare rental offers. In summer there are fewer available cars at the airport than people wanting them.
Taxi and private transfer
Licensed taxis wait for passengers right outside the arrivals area. A metered ride costs more than all the other options, and in high season a surcharge is added to the fare. In July and August you risk standing at the taxi stand longer than the drive itself would take.
© Bahnfrend · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsA pre-booked transfer removes these hassles. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign, tracks your flight, and takes you to your hotel without stops. Even if your flight is delayed, they'll monitor the landing and wait for you.
The cost depends on the vehicle class and season, so it's best to see the fixed price before confirming the booking. You can book a ride in advance: book a transfer from the airport to Ayia Napa.
Tours and tickets in Ayia Napa
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
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What to do if your flight arrives late
If you are arriving on a late flight, city bus 425 no longer runs, and the intercity bus left even earlier (as of 08/2026, evening bus schedule). The Kapnos shuttle runs later than the city buses, so check its schedule first.
If the carrier's departures do not work for you, take a taxi or book a transfer in advance. Renting a car is easier: many counters in the terminal operate around the clock and hand over the car at any time.
Internet and SIM card at the airport
Larnaca terminal has free Wi-Fi, but a local SIM card is more convenient for navigation and staying in touch on the road. Starter packs are sold at the Xpress Mart shop to the right of the arrivals area; it is open around the clock, and packages start from a few euros.
If you do not want to deal with Cypriot carriers on the spot, activate an eSIM before you fly: activate an eSIM for Cyprus. It activates on arrival, and you stay connected from your first step in the terminal.
Practical tips for LGBT travelers
Cyprus has been part of the European Union since 2004, anti-discrimination laws are in force here, and same-sex relationships are legally recognized (as of 09/2026, European Union).
Society on the island remains conservative, but the situation is changing: more and more friendly venues are opening in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos. Large chain hotels accept everyone without unnecessary questions. If you have booked a small guesthouse, write to the host before booking and clarify the details in advance.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa?
Yes, the direct Kapnos shuttle runs from the airport to the resort without transfers. It stops at Agia Napa Square and along Nissi Avenue.
How much is a taxi from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa?
A metered taxi costs more than all the other options, and in summer a surcharge is added to the fare. The exact amount will be quoted in the car. A fixed price for a pre-booked transfer is usually clearer: you see it before confirming the booking, and it does not change because of traffic.
How long does the trip to Ayia Napa take?
By car about 40 minutes on the A3 highway, by shuttle about 55 minutes, and on two buses with a change in Larnaca about 90 minutes (as of 08/2026, buscyprus.cy). Taxis and transfers fit into the same 40-45 minutes.
Does transport from the airport run at night?
At night the options are limited. City bus 425 stops running in the early evening, and the intercity bus leaves even earlier (as of 08/2026, buscyprus.cy). The Kapnos shuttle runs later than the city buses, and after its last departure you are left with taxis or a pre-booked transfer.
Do I need a car if I am staying in Ayia Napa?
For the beaches and the center, a car is not essential. But to see Protaras, Larnaca, or Nicosia, you will have to rely on infrequent buses. Renting a car at the airport makes those trips simple and predictable, and you pick up the car right after landing.
In short: what to book
The choice depends on your arrival time and your plans on the island. During the day, the cheapest option is two buses, while a direct shuttle is more convenient with luggage. At night and for groups, a transfer makes more sense, and for exploring the island you need a car.
- If you want minimum costs and arrive during the day, take bus 425 with a change in Larnaca.
- If you are traveling with luggage and do not want transfers, choose the Kapnos shuttle.
- If your arrival is late or you are traveling in a group, book a transfer in advance.
- If you plan to travel around Cyprus, book a car at the airport.
The easiest place to start is with a transfer: compare transfer options.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.