The Motion card, demystified.
The contactless card for every public bus in the Republic. Where to get one, how to top it up, how to keep it safe.
What you actually pay.
From 3 August 2026. Transfers are free for 90 minutes after your first tap, on the same operator.
| Ticket | With Motion | Cash or paper | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, urban | €2.00 | €2.70 | Night (21:00-04:00) is €3.50 Motion or €4.70 cash. 90 minutes, free transfers on the same operator. |
| Single, intercity | Cash only | €5.00-€8.00 | By distance, to the driver. One ride, one direction, on the white coaches between the cities. |
| Day pass, urban | €6.00 | Not listed | On the issuing operator, until 03:00. |
| Student | 50% off | Full fare | Personalised Motion card with a valid Cypriot student ID. |
| Senior (65+) | 50% off | Full fare | Personalised Motion card with a passport or ID. Persons with disability ride free. |
Five-minute errand, then never again.
The same card works on every operator. You only need one.
Find a kiosk
Solomos Square (Nicosia), the New Port interchange (Limassol), Finikoudes (Larnaca), Karavella station (Paphos), most Kapnos counters, and corner shops with the Motion sticker.
Buy the card
The plastic card costs €5 and starts with zero credit. Add credit at the same counter.
Register it
Register the card at the issuing kiosk when you buy it. It's free, and it protects your balance.
Three ways to top up.
The driver doesn't top up. Use one of these instead.
In Pame
The official Motion app. Top up and manage your card from your phone.
On the Motion website
motionbuscard.org.cy: sign in, enter the card number on the back and top up with Visa or Mastercard.
At a kiosk
Cash or card, wherever you see the Motion logo on the door.
The recovery story most people don't know.
Register your card the moment you buy it, at the issuing kiosk, free of charge. A registered card has its balance backed up.
If it's lost or stolen, report it once and the balance moves to a fresh card issued at any kiosk.
Registered card
Balance backed up. Report the loss once and carry on with a new card.
Unregistered card
Treat it like cash. If it's gone, the balance goes with it.
Where to report
On the Motion website, in Pame, or at an operator's ticket office.
Common questions.
Anything else, write to help@aloya.cy.
What is the Motion card in Cyprus?
Motion is the official rechargeable transit card for the Republic of Cyprus. It works on every public bus operator: Cyprus Public Transport, EMEL, OSYPA, OSEA and Intercity Buses. From 3 August 2026 a Motion urban single is €2.00 (cash €2.70), night is €3.50 (cash €4.70), intercity is €5.00-€8.00 cash by distance and the urban day pass is €6. Transfers within 90 minutes are free on the same operator.
Where can I buy a Motion card?
At any operator kiosk, at the main stations of Nicosia (Solomos Square), Limassol (New Port), Larnaca (Finikoudes) and Paphos (Karavella), and at most Kapnos counters and corner shops with the Motion sticker. The plastic card costs €5 with €0 credit.
How do I top up the Motion card?
Three ways: in Pame, the official Motion app; on the Motion website with Visa or Mastercard; or at any operator kiosk with cash or card. Drivers don't top up.
What about reduced fares for students and seniors?
Students with a personalised Motion card and a valid Cypriot student ID pay 50% less. Seniors 65+ pay 50% less with a personalised card and ID. Persons with disability ride free with the state certificate. Children under 6 always ride free with a paying adult.
I lost my Motion card. Can I recover the balance?
Yes, if the card is registered. Report it on the Motion website, in Pame or at a ticket office, and the balance moves to a new card issued at any kiosk.
Can I use the Motion card on the Kapnos airport shuttle?
Not currently. Kapnos is a private operator with its own fare. Aloya puts the shuttle and the bus in one plan, but the Motion balance doesn't work on Kapnos.
Card in pocket. Plan in hand.
Top up and manage your card in Pame, the official Motion app, or at an operator's ticket office. Aloya plans the ride and shows the fare for each leg.