Elephant Rent A Car

Overview

Elephant Rent A Car is the largest local car hire operator in Paphos, established in 1989 by the Touloupos family and operating from their compound on the airport road in Timi ever since. With a fleet exceeding 300 vehicles and a 24-hour operation running every day of the year, Elephant occupies a unique position — too large and professional to be called a small local, but too Cyprus-rooted to be grouped with international chains. Their 1,400+ verified reviews make them the most reviewed local operator in Paphos. The pattern across those reviews is consistent: reliable, professional, zero excess, good shuttle, and a deposit policy that catches non-Euro cardholders off guard.

WhatsApp & Communication

Phone and WhatsApp contact is available at +357 26 943333 and the team is responsive. Multiple reviewers specifically mention receiving a courtesy call before their flight to confirm the flight number and estimated arrival time — a professional touch that ensures the shuttle is ready. Communication is efficient and professional rather than personal in the intimate way Leo Opsimos or Simila are. Expect prompt, clear responses rather than extended WhatsApp conversations about local tips.

Pricing & Fees

Daily rates of €14–€50 are competitive, and full zero-excess insurance is included in every quoted price — no CDW upsell, no hidden charges. The key caveat: Elephant charges the deposit to your card rather than placing a pre-authorisation hold. For Euro cardholders this is straightforward. For GBP or USD cardholders, two currency conversion transactions are triggered — one at charge, one at refund — typically costing €20–€60 extra. Always use a Euro-denominated card with Elephant. The fuel policy is return-empty: pre-pay for a full tank at collection and return the car empty.

Family Features

The first child seat is always included free. Baby seats and booster seats are available on request — confirm when booking. The 300+ vehicle fleet includes 7-seaters for family groups. All cars are air-conditioned. The free 24-hour shuttle from PFO is a significant practical advantage for families with young children and heavy luggage arriving at any time.

Fleet & Vehicles

With over 300 vehicles, Elephant has the largest fleet of any local operator in Paphos. Economy hatchbacks, compact saloons, mid-range SUVs and crossovers, automatic saloons, 7-seater MPVs, and electric vehicles are all in the fleet. EV options make Elephant one of the few local operators with zero-emission choices. Vehicle age varies — newer models are available alongside older vehicles, so confirm the specific model if fleet age is important.

Booking Experience

Booking is via elephantrentacar.com or phone at +357 26 943333. Online booking is available with instant confirmation. On arrival at Paphos Airport, exit to Parking Area 5 for the Elephant shuttle — allow 5–10 minutes for the shuttle and 15–20 minutes for office check-in. Vehicle inspection photos are sent to customers via email before departure, providing useful documentation for the return.

Customer Experience

The Elephant customer experience is professional and reliable. The team is consistently described in reviews as friendly and efficient. Where the experience occasionally falters is the deposit charge issue — customers not warned in advance describe frustration at unexpected bank fees. The shuttle location at PFO can also be difficult to find without clear signage. These are fixable friction points, not fundamental failures, and the 9.0 Discovercars score from 1,400+ reviews confirms the vast majority have an excellent experience.

Our Verdict

The best choice for Sunday arrivals, late-night flights, and anyone needing guaranteed 24-hour availability. Elephant's scale, reliability, and zero-excess policy make them the strongest alternative when Leo Opsimos or Simila are unavailable. Use a Euro-denominated card for the deposit and you will have an excellent, professionally managed rental experience.