🏆 Updated March 2026 · 10 companies ranked

Best Car Rental & Car Hire Paphos, Cyprus

Ranked on price, WhatsApp response, free child seats, Sunday hours & hidden fees. Enjoy your stay in Paphos

See full comparison table ↓

⚠️ Affiliate disclosure: This is an independent comparison portal. Some links may be affiliate links. Rankings are based on review volume & weighted scores — not paid placement. Data provided on a best-effort basis without guarantee. By using this site you accept these terms. Missing a company or have feedback? top10affiliate@proton.me

Top Pick
Leo Opsimos Rentals logo
#1

Leo Opsimos Rentals

Best Overall 2026
9.75

Family-run since 1997 · Leo personally takes care of you

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Simila Car Rentals logo
#2

Simila Car Rentals

9.1

Founded by Simon & Ludmila · Personal meet & greet · Both airports covered

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
⚠️ Open Sunday
Elephant Rent A Car logo
#3

Elephant Rent A Car

9.05

Established 1989 · 300+ car fleet · Zero excess included

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
PafoRentals logo
#4

PafoRentals

8.95

Family business since 1985 · Zero excess · Strong repeat customer base

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Camel Car Hire logo
#5

Camel Car Hire

8.8

Free GPS · Free child seats · Free SatNav · No hidden extras ever

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
⚠️ Open Sunday
Paphos Car Rental logo
#6

Paphos Car Rental

8.7

100% automatic fleet · Open Sundays · Online paperwork · Zero extras

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
RentGo Paphos logo
#7

RentGo Paphos

8.2

WhatsApp-first booking · No deposit · Airport meet & greet

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
SIXT logo
#8

SIXT

7.8

Airport convenience · Wide vehicle choice · International brand

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Thrasos Car Rentals logo
#9

Thrasos Car Rentals

7.8

Budget-friendly · No deposit · Personal service · Airport delivery

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
⚠️ Open Sunday
AERCAR logo
#10

AERCAR

7.6

Free 24-hour shuttle · Large fleet · Airport road location

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Alpan Car Rentals logo
#11

Alpan Car Rentals

7.5

Kato Paphos office · WhatsApp booking · Civil liability included

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
⚠️ Open Sunday
Europcar logo
#12

Europcar

7.45

Airport desk · Open until 23:00 · European network coverage

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Petsas Car Rentals logo
#13

Petsas Car Rentals

7.4

60+ years in Cyprus · Terminal desk at PFO · Island-wide coverage

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
7777 Rent A Car logo
#14

7777 Rent A Car

7.3

Multi-location Cyprus operator · Hotel delivery · Economy to luxury

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Hertz logo
#15

Hertz

7.2

Global brand · Gold loyalty programme · Airport location

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
GSP Rentals logo
#16

GSP Rentals

7.2

Kato Paphos based · Child seat included · No credit card

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
⚠️ Open Sunday
Green Motion Paphos logo
#17

Green Motion Paphos

7.1

Eco-focused · Free shuttle from PFO · International franchise

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Avis logo
#18

Avis

7.1

International brand · Airport location · Avis Preferred programme

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Budget Paphos logo
#19

Budget Paphos

6.9

Airport terminal desk · International brand · Avis group

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
Flizzr logo
#20

Flizzr

6.8

Budget SIXT brand · Lowest headline rates · Airport location

Child seat free
WhatsApp
No deposit
Open Sunday
🏆 Best Overall 2026

Leo Opsimos Rentals

Leo Opsimos is Paphos's most trusted name in car hire.

  • Leo personally answers your WhatsApp
  • Free child & baby seats — always included
  • Zero deposit, zero excess, zero hidden fees
  • 50+ car fleet from compact to 7-seat Nissan Serena
9.75
out of 10
Discovercars9.7/10
Trustpilot9.8/10
Google9.8/10
Reviews500+

Best Car Rental Paphos 2026 — The Complete Guide

Finding the best car rental in Paphos does not have to be complicated — but it does require knowing what to look for. The difference between a great rental experience and a stressful one often comes down to a single phone call, a hidden fee at the desk, or a Sunday arrival with no one to call.

Why Local Paphos Car Rental Companies Beat the Chains

International chains like SIXT, Europcar, Hertz and Avis operate from Paphos Airport and offer convenience — but at a steep price. A compact car advertised at €9/day with a chain can easily become €45/day once you add CDW insurance, a child seat, and a second driver fee. Local Paphos operators include all of these as standard. No upsell. No surprises at the desk.

Car Rental Paphos with No Deposit

One of the most searched terms for Paphos car hire is "no deposit car rental". The good news: most local companies require no deposit at all. Leo Opsimos Rentals, Simila Car Rentals, PafoRentals, Camel Car Hire, and Paphos Car Rental all operate with zero deposit. This means no money frozen on your credit card, no foreign exchange fees, and no stress.

Free Child Seats in Paphos

Travelling with children? Every local company in our top 10 includes child seats, baby seats, and booster seats completely free. With SIXT or Europcar, a child seat costs €8–€12 per day — on a 10-day holiday, that is €80–€120 extra just for a seat your child legally needs. Book local and it is included automatically.

Car Rental Paphos Airport — What to Expect

Paphos International Airport (PFO) is served by both in-terminal desks (SIXT, Europcar, Hertz) and off-airport operators with free shuttles (Elephant Rent A Car) or direct delivery (Leo Opsimos, Simila, RentGo). For Monday to Saturday daytime arrivals, Leo Opsimos is the clear number one choice. For Sunday arrivals or late-night flights, Elephant Rent A Car runs a 24-hour shuttle and is the most reliable option.

WhatsApp Car Rental Paphos

Modern travellers want to sort everything before they land. The best Paphos car rental companies operate entirely via WhatsApp — sending quotes, contracts, and pickup confirmations before you even board your flight. Leo Opsimos personally manages his WhatsApp (+357 99 647111). Simila Car Rentals is run by Simon and Julie, who respond within minutes and include local tips on parking, petrol stations, and restaurants.

Cheap Car Rental Paphos — What Cheap Really Means

The cheapest advertised daily rate is rarely the cheapest total. Aggregator sites like Rentalcars and Discovercars show headline prices that exclude insurance, child seats, and deposit requirements. The truly cheapest Paphos car rentals — when you calculate the total cost including all extras — are the local independents.

Paphos Car Rental with Automatic Transmission

Cyprus drives on the left, which can be challenging for visitors from Continental Europe or North America. Renting an automatic removes the cognitive load of left-hand driving combined with manual gear changes. Paphos Car Rental operates an entirely automatic fleet. Leo Opsimos also has automatic options across his fleet on request.

How We Rank Car Rental Companies in Paphos

Our ranking is based on a weighted scoring model combining customer satisfaction scores from Discovercars (25%), Trustpilot and Google (20%), pricing transparency and absence of hidden fees (20%), family features including free child seats (15%), availability including Sunday hours and late-night pickup (10%), and trust and longevity (10%). No company has paid for placement. Rankings are updated regularly based on new review data.

Car Rental Paphos No Deposit — Your Options

Searching for car rental in Paphos with no deposit? You have more options than you might expect. Leo Opsimos Rentals, Simila Car Rentals, PafoRentals, Camel Car Hire, and Paphos Car Rental all operate with genuinely zero deposit — no credit card block, no money frozen, no foreign exchange risk. The key distinction is between a deposit "block" (which freezes money temporarily at no cost) and a deposit "charge" (which debits your account and refunds later, triggering currency conversion fees if your card is not in Euros). All our top-ranked local operators use either zero deposit or a simple block.

Long Term Car Rental Paphos — Monthly Rates and What to Expect

Paphos has a large and growing expat community, and long-term car rental is in high demand — particularly for stays of 30 days or more. Leo Opsimos and PafoRentals have the strongest track records for long-stay customers, with many expats booking directly via WhatsApp months in advance. Monthly rates are significantly lower than daily rates and are negotiated directly with the operator — you will rarely find long-stay pricing on websites. If you are relocating to Paphos or renting a villa for an extended period, WhatsApp your chosen company with your full stay dates and request a monthly quote. Most operators can accommodate stays of 1–6 months.

Car Hire Paphos Harbour and Town Centre

If you are staying in Kato Paphos near the harbour, you have excellent options for in-town car hire. Simila Car Rentals has an office on Tombs of the Kings Avenue — a short walk from most harbour hotels — where you can visit in person, see the vehicles, and arrange everything face-to-face. Leo Opsimos delivers directly to harbour hotels and apartments. For visitors who want to avoid the airport entirely, every major local operator will deliver a car to your Kato Paphos address free of charge.

Paphos Car Hire Reviews — How We Verify Our Data

Every company in our ranking is scored using publicly available review data from three independent platforms: Discovercars.com, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. We do not accept payments for rankings and no company can purchase a higher position. Our scores are recalculated regularly as new reviews are published. Where a company has contacted us with corrections to their listing — as Simila Car Rentals did — we update the data and note the change. Our goal is to be the most accurate and honest car hire comparison in Paphos, not the most commercially convenient one.

💡

The deposit trick that costs tourists money

Most people don't know the difference between a deposit block and a deposit charge. A block freezes money temporarily — costing you nothing. A charge debits your account and refunds later.

If your card is in GBP or USD, two currency conversions are triggered — typically €30–€60 extra. All local companies we rank use either zero deposit or a simple block.

Travel Guides

Paphos Car Hire Guides

Video Guide

Top 3 Car Hire Companies in Paphos — Ranked

We reviewed 20 companies so you don't have to. Here are the top 3 — scored on price, reviews, deposit policy and family features.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before renting in Paphos

Which is the best car rental in Paphos?
Leo Opsimos Rentals is our #1 pick. Family-run since 1997, Leo personally answers WhatsApp, includes free child seats, charges zero deposit, and has served over 150,000 happy customers. For Sunday arrivals, Elephant Rent A Car is the best alternative.
Which Paphos car rental offers WhatsApp contact?
Most local companies offer WhatsApp: Leo Opsimos (+357 99 647111), Elephant Rent A Car, Simila Car Rentals, PafoRentals, Camel Car Hire, and RentGo Paphos (which is entirely WhatsApp-operated). The international chains (SIXT, Europcar) do not offer WhatsApp.
Do Paphos car rental companies include free child seats?
All 10 companies in our ranking include free child seats, baby seats, and booster seats. This is confirmed by multiple independent reviews. International chains (SIXT, Europcar, Goldcar) charge €8–€12 per day extra for child seats.
Which car rental is open on Sunday in Paphos?
Elephant Rent A Car (open 07:00–23:00), Paphos Car Rental (paphos-car-rental.com), and RentGo Paphos are reliably open on Sundays. SIXT and Europcar operate from the terminal 07:00–21:00. Leo Opsimos and PafoRentals are closed Sundays — contact them in advance for arrangements.
Is a credit card required to rent a car in Paphos?
Not with local companies. Leo Opsimos, Simila, Camel, PafoRentals, RentGo, and Paphos Car Rental all accept cash or debit card. International chains typically require a credit card for the deposit hold.
What is the difference between a deposit 'block' and a deposit 'charge'?
A block (pre-authorisation) temporarily freezes money on your card but never actually leaves your account — there are no fees. A charge actually debits the money, then refunds it on return. If your card is in a different currency, a charge triggers two foreign exchange transactions, potentially costing you €30–€60 extra. Elephant and AERCAR have been reported to charge rather than block.
What is the minimum driver age for car rental in Paphos?
It varies by company: Simila, Paphos Car Rental, and RentGo Paphos accept drivers from age 21. Camel Car Hire requires 23+. Leo Opsimos and PafoRentals require 25+.
Can I drive to Troodos Mountains with a rental car from Paphos?
Yes — paved roads up to Troodos are permitted with standard rental cars. Avoid unpaved forest tracks without a 4x4. Most companies have vehicles like the Nissan Juke or Nissan Qashqai suitable for mountain driving. Ask your rental company when booking.
Is driving on the left difficult in Cyprus?
Cyprus drives on the left (like the UK). For visitors unused to this, renting an automatic makes the transition much easier. Paphos Car Rental specialises in automatics exclusively. Leo Opsimos also has automatic options across his fleet.
Can I take a rental car from Paphos to Larnaca?
Yes, driving between cities within the Republic of Cyprus is permitted. Some local companies (Leo Opsimos for 10+ day rentals, Elephant) even offer Larnaca Airport collection. Driving into Northern Cyprus (beyond the Green Line) is not covered by insurance with any standard rental.
What is the fuel policy for Paphos car rentals?
Most local companies use a 'same level' policy — you return the car with the same fuel amount you received. Some offer a 'full-to-full' or 'pre-purchase full tank' option. Elephant uses a return-empty policy (you pre-pay for a full tank). Always clarify this at pickup.
How do I avoid hidden fees when renting a car in Paphos?
Stick to local independent operators (our top 10) rather than international chains. Choose companies with zero excess and no deposit. Confirm the fuel policy before signing. Take photos of the car from all angles before driving away. Never accept verbal assurances — get everything confirmed in writing.
Which car rental companies in Paphos require no deposit?
Leo Opsimos Rentals, Simila Car Rentals, PafoRentals, Camel Car Hire, and Paphos Car Rental all operate with zero deposit — no money frozen on your card, no credit card required. Elephant Rent A Car requires a deposit which is charged (not just blocked) to your card. International chains (SIXT, Europcar, Hertz, Avis) require deposits of €800–€1,500.
What is the best car rental at Paphos Airport?
For the best value at Paphos Airport, avoid the in-terminal chains. Elephant Rent A Car runs a free 24-hour shuttle from the terminal and includes zero excess — ideal for Sunday and late-night arrivals. For daytime arrivals Monday–Saturday, Leo Opsimos delivers directly to the airport for rentals of 5+ days. Simila Car Rentals personally meets you at the arrivals doors with your car.
What is the cheapest car rental at Paphos Airport?
The cheapest total cost at Paphos Airport comes from local operators, not the in-terminal chains. Leo Opsimos starts from €12/day with zero deposit, free child seats, and zero excess included. Camel Car Hire starts from €15/day with free GPS and child seats. International chains like SIXT advertise low daily rates but add €20–€40/day in extras.
Can I get a hire car delivered to my hotel in Paphos?
Yes — most local operators offer free hotel delivery across the Paphos district. Leo Opsimos, Simila Car Rentals, PafoRentals, and Camel Car Hire all deliver to hotels, villas, and apartments. Simila also has an office in Kato Paphos on Tombs of the Kings Avenue if you prefer to collect in person.
Is long term car rental available in Paphos?
Yes — most local operators offer competitive rates for long-stay rentals of 30 days or more. Leo Opsimos and PafoRentals in particular have strong relationships with long-stay and expat customers. The daily rate drops significantly for monthly rentals. Contact operators directly via WhatsApp for a long-stay quote as these are rarely listed on websites.

📊 Ranking Methodology & Transparency

This website is an affiliate portal. Some outbound links may generate a commission at no cost to you. No rental company has paid to improve their ranking — placements are determined solely by the scoring model below.

Statistical relevance is a key factor. A company with a very high volume of reviews may rank higher than one with a slightly better average rating but significantly fewer votes. A larger data pool is considered more statistically reliable and is weighted accordingly.

Score weights:

  • Customer satisfaction — Discovercars (25%), Trustpilot / Google (20%)
  • Pricing transparency & absence of hidden fees (20%)
  • Family features — free child seats, baby seats, extra driver (15%)
  • Availability — Sunday hours, late-night pickup, WhatsApp (10%)
  • Trust & longevity — years in business, repeat customer rate (10%)

Data accuracy: All information is provided on a best-effort basis without guarantee. Prices, policies, and availability change. Always confirm details directly with the rental company before booking. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.

Missing a company or spotted an error? Email top10affiliate@proton.me