Cyprus - Travel by Road

There are about 30 000 km of roads throughout the island, around a fifth of which are paved. All towns are connected by asphalted roads but minor roads are sometimes poorly surfaced, narrow and winding. The island has motorways connecting Nicosia with Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos.

Traffic drives on the left. International road signs are in use and signposts are in Greek and English. Distances are given in km. Speeds limits are 100 kmh on dual carriageways, 80 kmh on other roads (unless otherwise indicated) and 50 kmh in built-up areas. Speed traps are common.

Front seat belts are compulsory and children under 5 may not sit in front; children aged 5-10 may only sit in the front If a child's seat belt has been fitted. Drink-drive laws are strict. There are parking meters in town centres. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless it is fitted with a hands free kit.

Petrol and diesel are available but unleaded is available only in the Republic. Petrol stations are open 06.0018.00 Monday to Friday; 06.00-15.00 Saturday and Sunday. Some petrol stations in Nicosia and Limassol are equipped with petrol vending machines which operate 24 hours a day.

Rush hours are: 07.30-08.00, 13.00-13.30 and 7.00-18.0O in winter, 18.00-19.00 in summer. Much use is made of the car horn.

There are emergency telephones on the motorway.