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Bus Services

There are several bus companies that offer services throughout the major resorts on the island. Each bus route is leased privately from the government. The vehicles are different shapes and sizes but most commonly white mini buses or bigger colourful old fashioned ones. The destination is usually shown in the front windscreen. In Northern Cyprus they are locally called kombos (from Turkish dolmus). Either stand at a bus stop or you can simply flag the vehicle down anywhere along the main road, which is very popular way of stopping the bus in North Cyprus. Details information on routes and timings can be obtained from the operator concerned, tourist offices or directly contacting the bus companies given further below.

Time frequency

Buses across Cyprus run frequently, but the schedules vary a bit according to the season. Tourist areas are well bus serviced during summer months however, in winter some destination especially mountain areas are hard to access by bus and thus car rental is recommended. Much of the buses run from Monday to Friday. In South Cyprus time schedule on Saturdays is shorter than during the weekdays and on Sundays there are very few buses operating. Service commence at different times depending on the journey to be undertaken. It is therefore recommended that you check with the company before planning a trip by bus to confirm departure and arrival times. Bear in mind that services cease at around 5 - 6pm during the week and at 2pm during weekends. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In North Cyprus there is not fixed timetable for the buses. They run frequently during the weekdays and weekends.

Costs

Bus service in Cyprus is efficient and cheap. Fares range from CY£0.50 to CY£3.00 in South Cyprus depending on journey taken (1 way). For long-distance buses the price is higher, up to CY£ 5.00. Urban buses charge between CY£0.40 and CY£0.80. In North Cyprus buses are cheap, the prices generally vary between YTL 3 and YTL 4 up to YTL 4.50 maximum. The fare is paid directly to the bus driver. Make sure to bring change.

Reservations

Bus reservations are not normally required in either South or Northern Cyprus. But you can still make some. In particular when you visit the Troodos Mountain resorts, phone reservations are required if you want to be picked from either Platres or Troodos in order to return to South Nicosia.

Types of bus service

Public transport in Cyprus is limited. There exist interurban buses that link major towns, rural buses that connect smaller villages to their nearest towns and urban buses which run in largest towns and tourist centres.

Bus services in South Cyprus

Bus companies in Cyprus link all major towns together, varied in daily routes at specified intervals. Most frequent services run from Monday to Friday. There is limited service on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. Rural Buses

Almost every village is connected with the nearest town by local buses. While travelling with these buses lots of stops are made and the service is limited to one or two routes a day.

3. Urban Buses

These operate frequently in larger towns and certain tourist centres on routes roughly every 30 minutes or less. The services end in the evenings at about 6pm daily, at weekends the buses are less regular. Timetables are extended until midnight during summer. Schedule times are available from tourist offices or directly from the bus companies. Because most of the major sites and hotels can be reached within walking distance, urban buses are of limited use.

Bus offices/terminals in South Cyprus

Bus companies in South Cyprus

There is mostly interurban and rural type of bus service in Northern Cyprus. Although there are public buses in North Nicosia, they tend to mainly service the suburbs outside the Old City. Buses leave from near Kyrenia Gate. In Kyrenia there exists the collective way of transport that is carried out on the main road. For reaching the areas around Kyrenia, however it is better to hire a car or take a taxi.

Bus services in North Cyprus

There is mostly interurban and rural type of bus service in Northern Cyprus. Although there are public buses in North Nicosia, they tend to mainly service the suburbs outside the Old City. Buses leave from near Kyrenia Gate. In Kyrenia there exists the collective way of transport that is carried out on the main road. For reaching the areas around Kyrenia, however it is better to hire a car or take a taxi.