Getting to Polis Chrysochous: Buses, Transfers and Car Hire Costs

Buses, transfers and car hire for the 40-minute hop from Paphos to the laid-back north-west coast.

By bus: cheap and scenic, but slow

From Paphos, intercity bus 645 runs to Polis Chrysochous via the coast road, taking about 50 minutes and costing €1.50 each way. Buses leave roughly hourly from Kato Paphos and Paphos town, but not all stop at the airport – you may need to take a local bus or taxi into Paphos first if you land at Paphos International. The route passes Coral Bay and Agios Georgios, so it is a good option if you are staying along the way. From Polis, local buses connect to Latchi and the Akamas peninsula, but services are infrequent, especially at weekends.

From Larnaca, the journey is longer: take the airport shuttle to Larnaca station, then an intercity bus to Paphos (about 1 hour 45 minutes), then bus 645 to Polis. Total travel time can exceed three hours. Buses are modern and air-conditioned, but space for large luggage is limited. If you are travelling with family or lots of bags, consider a transfer instead. Also note that buses do not run late into the evening – the last bus from Paphos to Polis is usually around 7pm, so check the schedule on the Cyprus By Bus website before you travel.

Private transfers: door-to-door convenience

A pre-booked private transfer from Paphos Airport to Polis takes about 45 minutes and costs €50–70 for two people, or €70–90 for a larger vehicle. That is more than the bus, but it drops you at your hotel door and meets you in arrivals. From Larnaca Airport, expect 1 hour 45 minutes and €120–150. Shared shuttles are cheaper (around €15–20 per person) but involve waiting for other passengers and multiple stops. Book through a reputable local operator before you arrive – many hotels in Polis can arrange this for you, and it is worth asking when you book your room.

Transfers are the best choice if you arrive at night, have heavy luggage, or are travelling with children. For a couple, the price is comparable to a hire car for one day, but without the hassle of driving on unfamiliar roads after a flight. For groups of four or more, a private transfer often works out cheaper per person than the bus, especially when you factor in taxi fares to and from bus stations. If you are staying in Latchi or Argaka, confirm that your transfer includes those areas – some operators charge extra for the last few kilometres.

Car hire: freedom to explore, but watch the extras

Hiring a car at Paphos Airport costs from around €25–40 per day in low season (November–March) and €40–60 in high season (July–August), depending on the vehicle. A week’s rental for a small car might be €200–300. Fuel is extra; a full tank for a compact car is about €50–60. Parking in Polis is generally free, though spaces near the harbour fill up in summer. The drive to Polis takes about 45 minutes via the B7 and A7, mostly on good roads. Having a car lets you explore the Akamas peninsula, Latchi beaches and mountain villages like Kathikas at your own pace.

Book your car in advance online to compare prices – airport desks can be more expensive. Check the insurance excess and whether it covers the unpaved roads you might want to use (many policies exclude them). Also confirm whether the hire company offers a shuttle to your hotel if you pick up in Paphos town. For a couple staying a week, I would book a small car for three or four days rather than the whole trip, using buses or transfers for the airport run. For families or those planning to visit the Akamas, a car for the entire stay is worth it.

Which option to book?

For most travellers, the best balance is a private transfer from the airport and a hire car for part of the stay. That way you avoid driving after your flight but still have freedom to explore. If you are budget-conscious and travelling light, the bus is perfectly adequate – just plan around the limited timetable. I would skip the bus if I were arriving after 5pm or staying in Latchi, as connections become awkward. Families with young children should book a transfer with child seats in advance, and ensure the company is licensed.

Polis Chrysochous itself is compact and walkable, so you do not need a car every day. The beach at Chrysochous is within walking distance of most hotels, and Latchi is a short bus ride away. When you book your hotel, ask about airport transfer arrangements – many small hotels have partnerships with local drivers and can offer competitive rates. That personal touch is one reason to choose independent hotels in Polis over larger resorts, and it often costs less than you might expect.

Questions, answered

How long does it take to get from Paphos Airport to Polis Chrysochous?

By car or transfer, the journey takes about 45 minutes via the B7 and A7. By bus, you first need to get to Paphos town (15–20 minutes), then take bus 645 (50 minutes), so total travel time is around 1.5 hours.

Is it cheaper to hire a car or take taxis in Polis?

For short trips, taxis are scarce and can be expensive. Car hire from €25–40 per day gives you flexibility, and parking is free. For a couple, a car for a few days is usually cheaper than multiple taxi journeys.

Do I need a car in Polis Chrysochous?

Not necessarily. The town and beach are walkable, and buses connect to Latchi. However, a car is useful for exploring the Akamas peninsula and mountain villages. Many visitors hire a car for part of their stay.

← Cyprus's page