Is There Uber in Cyprus? A Complete Guide
So, you’re planning a trip to Cyprus and wondering if there’s Uber to help you get around? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on…
Cyprus is a beautiful island, complete with warm, blue Mediterranean sea, rocky beaches and wonderful vineyards.
But before you can begin exploring, you’ll need to know how to get around. And one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is “Is there Uber in Cyprus?”
In this guide, we’ll first cover whether there’s Uber in Cyprus and then go through some alternative transport options for getting around.
Is there Uber in Cyprus?
Unfortunately, Uber does not operate in Cyprus. Also, in answer to the frequently asked question ‘Is there Uber in Paphos?’ the answer is also no.
Why is there no Uber in Cyprus?
Unfortunately, there are several countries in Europe where Uber does not exist and Cyprus is one of them. Cyprus has strict regulations concerning transportation services which led Uber to cease its operation in 2016. Since then, Uber hasn’t operated in Paphos or Cyprus at all.
Instead, locals and visitors alike rely on local taxi services and alternative taxi apps that cater explicitly to the region.
Alternatives to Uber in Cyprus
Even though Uber doesn’t operate in Cyprus, there are plenty of great alternatives to help you get around the island.
Bolt
Bolt works in a similar way to Uber. You order on the app and you’ll be quoted an estimated price before your ride arrives, which you can accept or decline.
In Cyprus, we found Bolt had similar to regular taxi fares. (we did find taxis generally quite expensive).
CABCY app
This app was developed by a Cyprus-based company. It has an easy-to-use interface, which provides an estimated fare, pick-up time, and arrival time.
It ensures two important things:
You pay standard government-set taxi tariffs,
They provide a modern new car that is comfortable and clean, every time you order.
You can also pre-book your car on the app, so if you need to get to the airport at a certain time you can pre-book using CABCY.
nTaxi taxi app
The nTaxi app is also nice and similar to Uber. It has a user-friendly interface, and you can track the progress of your driver on the map. Fares are calculated based on distance and traffic conditions. The drivers are usually friendly and knowledgeable about the local area. We didn’t use this app so don’t have any first-hand experience with it. But, we’ve heard good things!
iTaxi
Itaxi is one of the most popular Cyprus taxi services.
This company doesn’t have an app but they have an easy-to-use English language website where you can easily book airport transfers and taxis in Larnaca.
iTaxi vehicles are also regularly monitored for cleanliness and safety standards. The drivers are also very friendly and knowledgeable about Cyprus’s roads and main attractions.
Flag a taxi
Ahh the old-school way of getting around before apps made it so easy to get a taxi. When looking for Uber in Paphos, and realised that there wasn’t any we quickly opted to flag down a taxi. This worked well for us around the busy areas and we didn’t have any problems finding taxis or bartering the price down.
As we mentioned earlier, we did find taxis in Cyprus to be expensive. They all started from a minimum of €10 no matter the distance we were going. Buses in Cyprus were far cheaper (at €1.50 per journey) so, if you have some spare time and want to save on your budget then this is what we recommend.
What’s the best way to get from Paphos airport to the city centre?
As the airport is fairly close to Paphos City and most of the hotels around the area getting to and from Paphos airport to Paphos is fairly straightforward.
There are three options Paphos airport bus, a taxi or a hire car.
Is there Uber in Cyprus? FAQ’s:
Why doesn’t Uber operate in Cyprus, including in cities like Paphos?
Uber ceased its operations in Cyprus in 2016 due to strict regulations concerning transportation services in the country. These regulations have prevented Uber from functioning in Cyprus, including popular destinations like Paphos.
What are some alternative taxi services available in Cyprus, specifically in Paphos?
In the absence of Uber, there are several alternatives in Cyprus, such as Bolt, CABCY app, nTaxi taxi app, and iTaxi. These services operate similarly to Uber, offering easy booking through apps or websites and providing estimated fares.
How does Bolt work in Cyprus, and how does it compare to regular taxi fares?
Bolt operates similarly to Uber, allowing users to order a ride through the app with an estimated price quoted before the ride arrives. In Cyprus, Bolt fares were found to be similar to regular taxi fares, although taxis were generally considered expensive.
Is there a local taxi app developed in Cyprus, and what features does it offer?
Yes, the CABCY app is developed by a Cyprus-based company. It provides an easy-to-use interface, and offers estimated fares, pick-up time, and arrival time. The app ensures users pay standard government-set taxi tariffs and guarantees modern, comfortable, and clean cars for every ride.
Is there Uber in Cyprus: The Wrap Up
As you’ve gathered from this post, there isn’t Uber in Cyprus. But, no need to worry, there’s plenty of other ways to get around the city.
You can use Bolt, an app similar to Uber that allows you to order a taxi on demand. Or local taxi companies such as iTaxi or other local taxis.
