Nicosia bus fares are among the highest in the Mediterranean, despite the capital relying exclusively on buses and offering a less extensive public transport network than many other European cities. A comparison by SigmaLive highlights significant differences in ticket prices, transfer policies and the range of transport options available across Europe.
The findings come as concerns grow over the reliability and accessibility of public transport in Nicosia. A recent report by the Audit Office identified serious weaknesses in passenger information, bus stop infrastructure and service reliability. It also questioned whether the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works adequately monitors the bus service contract.
The report found that 63% of respondents would not choose to use the bus again, highlighting the challenge of attracting more passengers to public transport.
“The aim is for public transport to become genuinely attractive and competitive with the private car, through a reliable, user-friendly and cost-effective service,” Auditor-General Andreas Papakonstantinou said in the foreword to the special report.
Nicosia has one of the highest fares in the Mediterranean
A comparison of standard adult single tickets shows that Nicosia ranks second in the Mediterranean for daytime fares, at €2.70. Barcelona charges €2.90, just €0.20 more, but offers significantly greater flexibility.
In Barcelona, a €2.90 ticket is valid for 75 minutes and allows unlimited transfers between buses, the metro and trams without additional charges.
In Nicosia, the €2.70 ticket covers only one bus boarding. Passengers who need to change buses to reach their destination must buy another ticket, bringing the total cost to €5.40.
This means a journey involving two buses in Nicosia can cost more than twice as much as a comparable journey in Barcelona, where transfers are included in the ticket price.
| City | Daytime Single Fare | Nicosia (€2.70 cash) is… | Nicosia (€2.00 Motion card) is… |
| Nicosia | €2.70 | — | 35% cheaper |
| Athens | €1.20 | 125% more expensive | 67% more expensive |
| Rome | €1.50 | 80% more expensive | 33% more expensive |
| Lisbon | €1.90 | 42% more expensive | 5% more expensive |
| London | (£1.75) (≈ €2.00) | 30% more expensive | 3% cheaper |
| Milan | €2.20 | 23% more expensive | 9% cheaper |
| Barcelona | €2.90 | 7% cheaper | 31% cheaper |
| Amsterdam | €3.40 | 21% cheaper | 41% cheaper |
| Berlin | €4.00 | 33% cheaper | 50% (cheaper) |
Higher fares despite a more limited network
Nicosia’s public transport system relies entirely on buses, with a less extensive network and lower service frequency than those of many other European cities.
Despite these limitations, its fares are comparable to, or higher than, those in cities across northern and western Europe, where average wages are considerably higher than in Cyprus.
Night bus fares in Nicosia are also notably expensive, both compared with daytime tickets in the capital and with night fares in other European cities.
Amsterdam is the only city in the night-fare comparison with a higher price. However, its ticket allows unlimited transfers within 30 minutes of the journey starting.
As a result, Nicosia’s fares may no longer be cheaper when passengers need to change buses to reach their destination.
| City | Night Fare | Nicosia (€4.70 cash) is… | Nicosia (€3.50 Motion card) is… |
| Nicosia | €4.70 | — | — |
| Athens | €1.20 | 292% more expensive | 192% more expensive |
| Rome | €1.50 | 213% more expensive | 133% more expensive |
| Lisbon | €1.90 | 147% more expensive | 84% more expensive |
| London | (£1.75) (≈ €2.00) | 127% more expensive | 69% more expensive |
| Milan | €2.20 | 114% more expensive | 59% more expensive |
| Barcelona | €2.90 | 62% more expensive | 21% more expensive |
| Amsterdam | €5.70 | 18% cheaper | 39% cheaper |
| Berlin | €4.00 | 18% more expensive | 13% cheaper |
Nicosia records one of Europe’s sharpest fare increases
Nicosia has also recorded one of the steepest increases in bus fares in the European Union. Ticket prices have risen by around 67%, from €1.50 in 2023 to €2.50 or €2.70 more recently, depending on the fare cited.
Meanwhile, several European cities have introduced free public transport for residents and visitors, aiming to reduce car use and cut emissions.
Luxembourg, Belgrade and Dunkirk are examples of cities offering completely free public transport. In Tallinn and Montpellier, registered residents can also travel without purchasing tickets.
These policies provide an alternative approach to encouraging people to leave their cars at home.
The comparison raises questions about the value offered by Nicosia’s bus network, particularly when passengers face high fares, limited transfer options and service reliability concerns. Improving affordability and convenience could be crucial to making public transport a more attractive option for residents.
| City | Monthly Pass (Standard) | Nicosia is… | Annual Pass (Standard) | Nicosia is… |
| Nicosia | €66.90 | — | €668.50 | — |
| Barcelona | €22.80 | 193% more expensive | — | — |
| Athens | €27 | 158% more expensive | €300 | 123% more expensive |
| Rome | €35 | 91% more expensive | €250 | 167% more expensive |
| Milan | €39 | 72% more expensive | €330 | 103% more expensive |
| Lisbon | €30 | 123% more expensive | — | — |
| Berlin | €63 | 6.2% more expensive | €756 | 12% cheaper |
| Amsterdam | €129 | 48% cheaper | — | — |
| London | (£100.3) (≈ €119.00) | 44% cheaper | (£1044) (≈ €1235) | 46% cheaper |
Also read: Audit Office warns 63% would not use Nicosia buses again
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