The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Larnaka Airport

Larnaka Airport (LAK) is the busiest airport in Cyprus, serving millions of passengers annually. It’s clean, modern, and compact — meaning less walking and faster processing times.

📍 Terminal Layout

• Single terminal for both arrivals and departures

• Easy signage in Greek and English

• 24/7 operation with free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, and baggage services

🧳 After You Land: What to Expect

• Passport Control: Can be quick or sluggish depending on time of day. EU/EEA passports use fast-track e-gates.

• Baggage Claim: Efficient, usually 15–25 minutes wait

• Customs: Very relaxed, unless you’re bringing in large amounts of alcohol or tobacco

🛍️ Airport Amenities & Shopping

• Duty-Free: Well-stocked, especially for alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, and Cypriot specialties

• Shops: Hermes, Victoria’s Secret, WHSmith, Swarovski, and more

• Food & Coffee: Costa, Burger King, Camden Food Co., and traditional Cypriot options

🧭 Transportation: To and From the Airport

Let’s break down the smartest (and laziest) ways to get in and out of LCA:

🚖 Taxis (The Lazy & Comfortable Option)

• Always available outside arrivals, even at 3 AM

• To Larnaka city center: ~15 minutes, €15–€20

• To Nicosia: ~40 minutes, €50–€60

• To Limassol: ~50 minutes, €60–€70

• To Ayia Napa/Protaras: ~45–60 minutes, €55–€75

• Tip: Ask for a fixed price in advance or confirm the meter is running

🚌 Public Buses (The Budget Travel Hack)

• Cheap and safe, but limited at night

• From LCA to Larnaka City Center:

  • Bus 425 runs ~every 30 minutes

  • Takes ~30 mins, costs €1.50–€2.50

• To Nicosia:

  • Kapnos Airport Shuttle: ~€9–€10, hourly service

  • Comfortable, Wi-Fi onboard

• To Limassol:

  • Limassol Airport Express: ~€9

  • Runs ~every hour

• To Ayia Napa/Protaras:

  • Intercity Buses (green or yellow) from Larnaka city or special shuttle services

👉 Pro Tip:
If you land late (after 23:00), buses thin out — pre-book a shuttle or taxi just to be safe.

🚘 Car Rentals (For Road Trip Types)

• Rental desks from all the big names: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget, etc.

• Open 24/7 and located just after baggage claim

• Driving in Cyprus is on the left, UK-style

• Roads are modern and well-marked (but roundabouts are everywhere!)

💼 Departures: What You Should Know

• Check-in opens 2–3 hours before flight

• Security is smooth, but liquids over 100ml? Still a no-no

• After security, you’ll find a solid variety of shops and cafes

• There’s also a business lounge (Aegean Business Lounge) and fast-track options

🔑 Bonus Tips from a Pro

• Check Kapnos Shuttle schedules before you fly — they change seasonally

• If flying back to Israel or the UK, prepare for tighter security checks

• If you’re a coffee lover: skip the chains and try a Cypriot coffee before you leave

• Airport gets busiest between 06:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 — arrive early during peak hours

Summary Table

✈️ Final Word

Larnaka Airport is a breeze — and with this guide in your digital pocket, you’re already 3 steps ahead of the jetlagged crowd. Whether you’re heading to the party beaches of Ayia Napa, the business streets of Nicosia, or the wineries of Limassol — your Cypriot adventure starts with a smooth touchdown.