Flights to Cyprus: Athens to Larnaca and Paphos

For flights from Athens to Cyprus, budget roughly €40–180 one way or €80–320 return in economy. During busy periods, return fares can reach around €250–450 or more. A direct flight usually takes 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Airlines connecting Athens with Larnaca include AEGEAN, SKY express and Cyprus Airways, but check the schedules for your travel dates. For Paphos, check Ryanair's availability. Lower fares are usually easier to find in winter, outside holiday periods, and when your travel dates are flexible.

The figures below are indicative budget ranges, not live offers or guaranteed fares. They are for one adult and may not include checked baggage, seat selection or other extras. Confirm the final price when searching and before paying.

At a glance

• Routes: Athens (ATH) to Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO), depending on available schedules.
• One-way fare: budget around €40–180 on typical travel dates, with checked baggage not necessarily included.
• Return fare: roughly €80–320, with higher prices during peak periods.
• Flight time: around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes non-stop.
• Airlines: AEGEAN, SKY express and Cyprus Airways for Larnaca. For direct flights to Paphos, check Ryanair's current schedule.
• Best-value periods: often January to March and November, outside public holidays, school holidays and major events.
• Which airport: Larnaca for Larnaca, Nicosia and the east coast; Paphos for Paphos and western Cyprus.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Cyprus?

Direct flights to Larnaca and Paphos

Larnaca is the Republic of Cyprus's largest airport and the main option for flights from Athens. AEGEAN, SKY express and Cyprus Airways serve the route. Frequencies, departure times and available fares vary by season. Do not assume that every airline flies on the day or at the time you need.

Paphos has a strong low-cost airline presence, particularly Ryanair. That does not mean every route operates year-round. For Athens to Paphos, confirm that a direct flight is available on your specific dates, as seasonal schedules change. If no suitable flight appears, compare flying into Larnaca, factoring in the cost of onward ground transport.

Connecting flights

You may find connections via Thessaloniki or other airports where airline schedules allow. For such a short route, a connecting flight is rarely the most practical choice. Consider it only if it offers substantial savings or fits your plans better.

Take particular care with options involving separate tickets. If your first flight is delayed, your onward connection may not be protected. When comparing flights, check the total journey time, connecting airports and change conditions, rather than just the headline price.

How much do flights cost by season?

Demand on your specific travel day has more influence on the price than any general rule for the month. The ranges below are intended to help with initial budgeting; they are not statistical averages or a record of today's fares.

• Winter outside holiday periods: around €40–100 one way and €80–180 return, when lower-priced seats are available.
• Spring and autumn outside public holidays: around €50–140 one way and €100–260 return.
• Summer: budget around €70–200 one way and €140–360 return.
• Easter, Christmas, popular long weekends and peak dates: around €120–250 one way and €250–450 return, though prices can exceed these ranges.

Special offers may fall below these ranges, while last-minute bookings can cost considerably more. Compare like-for-like fares: a ticket with checked baggage and the option to make changes is not equivalent to a basic fare covering only your flight.

When to book for a cheaper fare

For travel outside public and school holidays, a sensible starting point is to begin monitoring prices around one to three months ahead. For Easter and August, start looking earlier, as soon as your dates are confirmed. These are practical planning guidelines, not a guaranteed booking window for the lowest price.

Try moving your departure and return dates by a day or two either side of your original choice. A weekday flight may cost less than a Friday or Sunday departure, but not always. There is no fixed day of the week when buying tickets is necessarily cheaper.

Use a fare calendar and price alerts, as explained in our guide to searching with Skyscanner. For a more systematic comparison, see our 20 tips for cheap flights. The aim is not just to find the lowest fare, but also a flight time that does not add an expensive taxi ride or an unnecessary overnight stay.

How long is the flight, and which airport should you choose?

A direct flight from Athens to Larnaca usually takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. For Paphos, where a direct service is available, allow around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Scheduled flight times may vary depending on routing and operational conditions.

Greece and Cyprus are in the same time zone. A short flight does not necessarily mean a short overall journey, though: factor in getting to Athens airport, airport checks, baggage reclaim and travel to your accommodation. Follow your airline's guidance on when to arrive at the airport.

Larnaca Airport is around 5–8 kilometres from central parts of the city, depending on your destination. It is also a practical choice for Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Paphos Airport is around 15–20 kilometres from the main areas of the city and is convenient for the west coast. For Limassol, compare both airports along with the available transport options.

Getting from the airport to the city: transport, times and costs

Larnaca Airport

Public buses connect the airport with the city. For the Finikoudes area, allow around 20–40 minutes, depending on the route and traffic, and roughly €2–5 per passenger. Night fares and timetables may differ. Check the specific stop you need, rather than relying simply on a description such as “city centre”.

A taxi to centrally located accommodation usually takes around 10–20 minutes. Budget roughly €15–30 per vehicle, depending on the time of day, destination and any surcharges. Airport shuttle services also operate to Nicosia and Limassol, with their own timetables.

Paphos Airport

Bus services run to the tourist area and transport interchanges in Paphos. The journey usually takes around 30–50 minutes, with indicative fares of €2–5. Check whether the route serves Kato Paphos or the upper town, as choosing the wrong one could mean taking a second bus.

By taxi, allow around 20–30 minutes and €25–45 to the main areas of Paphos. All the costs above are indicative and should be confirmed. If you are planning daily excursions, read our guide to car hire in Larnaca before comparing rental companies, insurance and airport collection options.

What to see in Cyprus and when to go

For a first visit of three or four days, I prefer to choose one base and keep long journeys to a minimum. Cyprus looks easy to explore on a map, but daily trips between the east and west coasts eat into sightseeing time. Your choice of airport therefore matters: a slightly cheaper ticket is not necessarily better value if it adds hours of driving. For a week-long trip, you can split your stay between two areas.

Larnaca is a good starting point for a relaxed itinerary without a car for the first few days. Stroll along Finikoudes, visit the Church of Saint Lazarus and explore the nearby lanes for food and coffee. The Salt Lake is more rewarding for nature lovers during the wetter months, when flamingos may be present. Their presence depends on conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed on every winter visit. The Hala Sultan Tekke mosque is also nearby.

Nicosia deserves at least a full day, especially if you are interested in history. The Cyprus Museum provides valuable context for the island's ancient past, while the old town is ideal for walks around Ledra Street and the neighbourhoods within the walls. The Green Line is part of the city's present-day reality. If you intend to use a crossing point, check accepted travel documents and current procedures in advance.

In Paphos, allow plenty of time for the Kato Paphos archaeological site and its mosaics. The Tombs of the Kings are a separate visit, and you will need comfortable shoes, water and sun protection. The small harbour is best enjoyed on a late-afternoon stroll as temperatures ease. With a car, you can head towards Polis Chrysochous and Latchi. For the Akamas peninsula, check road conditions and do not assume every dirt road is suitable for a standard hire car.

For easily accessible beaches, Ayia Napa and Protaras offer plenty of choice, but are busier in July and August. Cape Greco is ideal for views and walks, best tackled early in the morning in hot weather. Limassol combines city sightseeing, a seafront promenade and a trip to Kourion. If you are visiting archaeological sites in summer, plan your stops for the start of the day and take a break around midday.

For mountains and villages, Troodos offers a complete change of pace. Kakopetria and Platres make good stops for walks, while the region's painted churches are of particular cultural interest. Mountain journeys take longer than the distances might suggest. In winter, check the weather and road conditions, as snow or access restrictions may affect your plans.

For sightseeing in mild temperatures, choose April to May or late September to October. The sea may still be cool in spring, while it often remains pleasant for swimming in autumn, though the weather is never guaranteed. Winter is better suited to cities, museums and food than a dedicated beach holiday. Leave room in your plans for a Cypriot meze, but ask how many dishes it includes before ordering anything extra.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

“Hand baggage included” does not mean the same thing on every ticket. It may cover only a small item that fits under the seat, or also include a larger cabin bag. Dimensions, weight and the number of items allowed depend on the airline and fare type.

• Small personal item: check the permitted dimensions, even for a backpack.
• Cabin suitcase: do not assume it is included in the basic fare.
• Checked baggage: compare the cost of adding it online with a fare bundle that already includes it.
• Check-in: read the deadlines and check for any airport service charges.

Compare costs for the whole trip and for everyone travelling. A cheaper basic fare may end up costing more once bags and seats are added. Before finishing your comparison of flights and total costs, read the change and cancellation conditions too.

Practical tips before departure

Greek citizens can travel to the Republic of Cyprus with a valid passport or an accepted, valid Greek identity card. Check the current requirements for your type of ID card and for children well in advance. The name on your booking must match your travel document.

The currency is the euro, and driving is on the left. Sockets are usually British-style Type G, so an adaptor is useful. EU mobile roaming rules apply on the relevant networks in the Republic of Cyprus, subject to your provider's terms. Near the Green Line, watch out for your phone automatically connecting to another network.

If you are departing soon, do not assume prices will fall. Explore your options for cheap last-minute flights, but stay flexible about flight times and airports. Save your booking, accommodation address and transfer instructions before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a flight from Athens to Cyprus?

As a guide, budget €40–180 one way or €80–320 return on typical travel dates. Prices may be higher during public holidays and peak season. Baggage may cost extra.

How long is the flight from Athens to Cyprus?

A direct flight takes around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the arrival airport and route. Greece and Cyprus are in the same time zone.

Which airline is cheapest for Cyprus?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. Compare available flights on the same day with the same baggage allowance and services. A low-cost airline does not always offer the lowest final price.

When can I find cheaper flights to Cyprus?

Often in winter outside holiday periods, and on dates with lower demand. Being flexible by a few days and monitoring prices early can help, but do not guarantee a particular fare.

Should I fly to Larnaca or Paphos?

Choose Larnaca for the east coast and Nicosia, or Paphos for the west. For Limassol, compare both, taking arrival times, transfers and the total cost into account.

Do I need a passport to travel to Cyprus?

Greek citizens can travel with a valid passport or an accepted, valid Greek identity card. Confirm current requirements before departure, particularly for older documents and children travelling.