Pissouri to Paphos by Bus: A Low-Cost Coastal Link

Cyprus's intercity bus connects Pissouri Bay with Paphos for a few euros, running several times daily and taking about 45 minutes—here's how to use it.

The Route and Timetable

The intercity bus from Pissouri to Paphos is operated by Cyprus Public Transport (CPT) and runs roughly every hour from early morning until late evening, with a short break around midday. The journey takes about 45 minutes and covers 37 kilometres along the B6 and A6 roads. Buses are air-conditioned and have luggage space. A single ticket costs around €1.50 to €2.50, and you can buy it from the driver or via the CPT app. Time your trip to avoid the 7:30–8:30am school rush, when the bus fills with students.

Buses depart from two stops in Pissouri: the village centre (near the church) and Pissouri Bay (by the beach car park). The bay stop is more convenient if you're staying at one of the hotels along the waterfront. From Pissouri Bay, the bus climbs the hill to the village, then heads west on the B6. The first bus leaves Pissouri Bay around 6:30am, and the last returns from Paphos at about 10pm. On Sundays, the service is less frequent—every two hours—so plan ahead.

The route passes through the villages of Avdimou and Anarita before reaching Paphos. The final stop is Karavella station in central Paphos, near the old town. From there, local buses connect to Kato Paphos (the harbour and archaeological sites) and Coral Bay. If you're heading to the Tombs of the Kings or the Mosaics, take bus 615 from Karavella; it runs every 15 minutes and costs €1.50. The whole trip from Pissouri Bay to Kato Paphos takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Tickets are cheap, but buy a day pass if you plan to use local buses in Paphos—it costs €5 and covers all urban routes. The intercity bus doesn't accept contactless cards, so carry cash or use the app. The bus is rarely crowded outside commuter hours, and you can usually find a seat. In summer, the air-conditioning is a relief, but bring water as the bus can get warm when full.

What to See in Paphos

Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Start at the Archaeological Park in Kato Paphos, which contains Roman mosaics, the House of Dionysos, and the ancient odeon. Entry is €4.50, and you can easily spend two hours there. Nearby, the Tombs of the Kings (€2.50) are rock-cut tombs from the Hellenistic period. The site is exposed, so go early or late to avoid the midday heat. Both sites are a 10-minute walk from the Karavella bus station.

If you're travelling with children, the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a popular choice, but it's expensive (around €35 per adult) and can be crowded in August. Instead, consider the free Paphos Municipal Beach, which has sunbeds for hire and calm water. For a quieter swim, head to SODAP Beach, just north of the harbour. The Paphos Castle, a small fort at the harbour, charges €2.50 and offers views along the coast. Skip the Paphos Bird Park unless you're a keen ornithologist—it's a 20-minute drive from the centre and expensive for what it is.

The old town of Paphos, around Kennedy Square, has a lively market and several good-value tavernas. For lunch, try a meze at one of the family-run places on Agiou Antoniou Street—expect to pay €12–15 per person. The Paphos Archaeological Museum in the old town is small but has a fine collection of local finds, and entry is free. The bus from Pissouri drops you at Karavella, which is a five-minute walk from the market. If you're staying in Paphos, book a hotel in Kato Paphos for easy access to the sites, or in the old town for a more local feel.

Evening entertainment centres on the harbour, where you can take a boat trip to see the coastal caves or simply stroll along the promenade. The Paphos Aphrodite Festival takes place in early September at the castle, but check dates before you travel. For a low-key evening, the bars around Poseidonos Avenue are relaxed and reasonably priced. Just remember that the last bus back to Pissouri leaves Karavella at 10pm, so plan to eat early if you're returning the same day.

Where to Stay

Pissouri Bay is a small resort with a handful of hotels and self-catering apartments. The Columbia Beach Resort is the most established, with a spa and direct beach access, but it's pricey (expect €200+ per night in summer). For a mid-range option, the Ambelones Apartments are a five-minute walk from the beach and offer simple studios from around €80 per night. The village of Pissouri itself has a few guesthouses, but you'll need a car or taxi to reach the beach. There's no nightlife to speak of, so it suits families and couples who want a quiet base.

If you'd rather stay in Paphos, the options are broader. Kato Paphos has the highest concentration of hotels, from the five-star Elysium to budget-friendly apartments near the harbour. The old town is cheaper and more authentic, with boutique guesthouses in restored stone buildings. For a beach holiday, Coral Bay (15 minutes north of Kato Paphos) has a long sandy beach and several family hotels, but it's a bus ride from the centre. My pick would be a small hotel in Kato Paphos—you can walk to the main sites, and the bus to Pissouri is straightforward.

Prices vary by season: July and August are peak, with hotel rates doubling compared to May or October. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with temperatures in the mid-20s. Winter is mild but some hotels close. Book well in advance for the Paphos Aphrodite Festival in September. If you're arriving by bus from Pissouri, consider staying near Karavella station to minimise walking with luggage—though most hotels in Kato Paphos are a short taxi ride away (around €8–10).

For a budget stay, the area around the Tombs of the Kings has several self-catering complexes with pools. These are popular with longer-stay visitors and often offer weekly discounts. Avoid the strip along Poseidonos Avenue if you want peace and quiet—it's busy with traffic and bars. Instead, look at the side streets towards the archaeological park, which are quieter but still central. Wherever you stay, check that the hotel is on a bus route: the 615 connects Karavella to Kato Paphos, and the 631 goes to Coral Bay.

Questions, answered

How much does the bus from Pissouri to Paphos cost?

A single ticket on the intercity bus costs around €1.50 to €2.50. You can buy it from the driver or via the Cyprus Public Transport app. Day passes for local Paphos buses cost €5 and are worth it if you plan to explore.

How long does the bus take from Pissouri to Paphos?

The journey takes about 45 minutes from Pissouri village or Pissouri Bay to Karavella station in Paphos. Allow an extra 30 minutes if you're continuing to Kato Paphos by local bus.

Where does the bus stop in Pissouri?

There are two stops: one in Pissouri village centre near the church, and one at Pissouri Bay by the beach car park. The bay stop is convenient for beachfront hotels.

How often does the bus run?

Buses run roughly every hour from early morning until late evening, with a midday break. On Sundays, the frequency drops to every two hours, so check the timetable in advance.

Can I buy a ticket on the bus?

Yes, you can buy a single ticket from the driver. Card payments are not accepted on board, so carry cash or use the CPT app to purchase tickets in advance.

What is the best time of year to visit Paphos?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, while winter is quiet with some closures. September brings the Paphos Aphrodite Festival.

Where should I stay in Paphos if I arrive by bus?

Hotels in Kato Paphos are a short taxi ride from Karavella station and close to the main sites. The old town is cheaper and more atmospheric, but you'll need to walk or take a local bus to the beach.

Is the bus from Pissouri to Paphos scenic?

The route passes through countryside and villages like Avdimou and Anarita, with glimpses of the sea. It's not a coastal road, but the views of the hills are pleasant. Sit on the right side for the best vistas.

← Cyprus's page