Cyprus Railway: Where Did the Trains on the Island Disappear?

Today, Cyprus has no railway, but as recently as the first half of the 20th century, real trains regularly ran across the island. The Cyprus Government Railway connected the port of Famagusta with Nicosia, Morphou and the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. During its 46 years of existence, it carried more than 7 million passengers and over 3 million tonnes of freight, survived two world wars, transported mail, timber and ore, and then virtually disappeared from the island’s map. We explain why a railway was built in Cyprus, where its tracks ran, why the service ended and what can still be seen today.

• When the railway appeared in Cyprus
• Where the railway ran
• What trains ran in Cyprus
• Who travelled by train and why
• What the railway transported
• The railway during the world wars
• What the stations looked like
• Why the railway was closed
• Cyprus’s last train
• What remains of the railway
• The Railway Museum in Evrychou
• Why trains continued to run after 1951
• Could the railway return to Cyprus?
• Interesting facts
• Frequently asked questions

When the railway appeared in Cyprus

The idea of building a railway emerged during the period of British rule in Cyprus. At the end of the 19th century — beginning of the 20th century, travelling around the island was considerably more difficult than it is today: the road network remained poorly developed, while transporting large volumes of agricultural produce, timber and other goods required a great deal of time and money.

The port of Famagusta was of particular importance. The British administration was developing it as a major transport hub, but the port’s full operation required a reliable connection with the island’s inland areas.

Construction of the Cyprus Government Railway (CGR) began in 1904. The railway was state-owned and was built in stages — from the east coast towards Nicosia, Morphou and the foothills of the Troodos Mountains.

The first section between Famagusta and Nicosia opened in October 1905. This marked the beginning of the era of regular railway transport in Cyprus, which continued for almost half a century.

Where the railway ran

The railway was built in three main stages.

The first section was Famagusta — Nicosia. It began operating in 1905 and was approximately 60 km long. The route crossed the Mesaoria plain and connected the island’s principal developing port with its administrative centre.

The second section was Nicosia — Morphou. In December 1907, the line was extended by approximately 39 km in a westerly direction. The railway gained access to one of Cyprus’s important agricultural regions.

The third section was Morphou — Evrychou. In 1915, trains reached Evrychou in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. At the height of its development, the total length of the Cyprus Government Railway was approximately 122 km.

Thus, a train could travel almost across the island: from the port of Famagusta through Mesaoria and Nicosia to Morphou and onwards to the Troodos Mountains.

According to historical data, the line had 39 stations, stops and platforms. Among the most significant were Famagusta, Prastio, Angastina, Trachoni, Nicosia, Kokkinotrimithia, Morphou, Kalo Chorio and Evrychou.

What trains ran in Cyprus

The Cyprus railway differed considerably from modern European main lines. It was narrow-gauge: the track gauge was only 762 mm (2 feet 6 inches).

A narrow gauge was cheaper to build and made it possible to lay tracks where constructing a full-scale railway would have been too expensive.

Over the entire period of CGR’s existence, a total of 12 steam locomotives were used. The fleet also included 17 passenger carriages and around one hundred freight and special-purpose wagons.

The trains were small and slow by modern standards. Depending on the number of stops, the journey from Famagusta to Nicosia took approximately two to three hours, while the trip between Nicosia and Morphou took around two hours.

Nevertheless, the train gradually became part of everyday life on the island. Surviving passenger recollections describe the Cyprus railway as a noisy, inexpensive and fairly friendly way to travel.

Who travelled by train and why

At first, the railway itself was an attraction. For the island’s residents, the steam locomotive represented entirely new technology, and people came to watch trains pass by and see the railway bridges.

Gradually, the train became an ordinary means of transport. It was used by workers, merchants, farmers, schoolchildren, civil servants and villagers.

The railway was also used for special trips. Additional trains were scheduled during major religious holidays, fairs and festivals. School excursion trains also operated.

Famous visitors to the island travelled on the Cyprus trains as well. In particular, in 1907 the railway was used by Winston Churchill, who at the time held the position of Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Throughout its entire period of operation, the Cyprus Government Railway carried approximately 7.35 million passengers.

What the railway transported

Passenger transport was only one of the CGR’s functions. Freight was even more important to the island’s economy.

The railway transported agricultural produce, timber from the Troodos region, construction materials, goods, animals, ore and other raw materials.

The connection with the port of Famagusta was particularly important. Freight from the island’s inland areas could be delivered by rail directly to the port, from where it was shipped by sea.

The railway infrastructure was also used by the mining industry. The development of copper mining and the extraction of other minerals increased the need to transport heavy loads.

Over 46 years, the CGR transported approximately 3.2 million tonnes of commercial freight.

Trains instead of postal vehicles

The railway had another function that is easy to forget today: it was part of Cyprus’s postal system.

Some stations simultaneously served as post offices, telegraph stations and telephone exchanges. In this way, the railway connected settlements not only physically but also informationally.

This was particularly important between 1912 and 1939, when a maritime mail line passed through Famagusta. Correspondence arriving at the port was then distributed around the island partly by rail.

The railway during the world wars

During both world wars, the importance of the railway increased. Trains were used to transport military personnel, ammunition and various types of freight.

The CGR was used especially intensively during the Second World War. Trains carried people and supplies between the port of Famagusta and military facilities, including the airfield in the Nicosia area.

Military transport effectively extended the railway’s life: it once again became strategically necessary. At the same time, intensive use accelerated the wear of the tracks, locomotives and carriages.

A station was more than just a stop

Railway stations quickly became small centres of community life. Residents of neighbouring villages met there, goods and letters were exchanged, and railway employees worked there.

The stations were marked by large white signs. Their names were written in Greek, Turkish and English.

Some stations also served as postal and telegraph points. For a small settlement, the arrival of a railway stop meant a much more convenient connection with Nicosia, the port and neighbouring areas.

About 200 people usually worked on the railway: drivers, firemen, conductors, station employees, maintenance workers and other specialists.

Why the railway was closed

The main problem of the Cyprus Government Railway accompanied it for practically its entire existence: the railway did not become profitable.

Building and maintaining the infrastructure was expensive, while the island’s population was relatively small. As road transport developed, the railway’s situation became even more difficult.

New roads and bridges were being built in Cyprus, and the number of buses, lorries and private cars was increasing. A car could deliver a passenger or a load directly to the required destination, whereas a train was tied to a fixed route.

The closure took place gradually. As early as the 1930s, the railway began to withdraw from the western section. Service to Evrychou ended, and the western terminus moved closer to Lefka. After 1948, passenger trains no longer ran west of the Nicosia airport area.

After the Second World War, major investments were needed to repair the locomotives, carriages and tracks. The British administration concluded that modernising an unprofitable system against the backdrop of rapidly developing roads was not economically viable.

In November 1951, it was officially announced that the Cyprus Government Railway would cease operations at the end of the year.

Cyprus’s last train

The final journey symbolically marked the end of the island’s railway era.

On 31 December 1951 at 14:57, the last Cyprus Government Railway train departed from Nicosia station for Famagusta.

At 16:38, it arrived at Famagusta station.

After 46 years of operation, Cyprus’s regular state railway ceased to exist.

But it did not disappear overnight. The dismantling of the tracks continued until 1953. Rails, locomotives and other equipment were sold off and transferred to various government departments.

Ten of the twelve locomotives, together with the tracks and part of the rolling stock, were sold to Meyer Newman & Co for £65,626.

What remains of the Cyprus railway

After the railway closed, its infrastructure began to be used in entirely different ways.

Some stations were demolished. Others became warehouses, police stations and administrative buildings. The former Morphou station was used as a grain warehouse, while the premises of Evrychou station served at different times as a medical centre and accommodation for forestry workers.

Part of the old railway corridor was gradually absorbed by the modern road network. In particular, sections of the road between Famagusta and Nicosia were later built along or near the former railway line.

Nevertheless, individual elements of the infrastructure survived the liquidation of the CGR. Some station buildings, small bridges, fragments of track infrastructure and other traces of the railway remain.

A special place is occupied by locomotive No. 1 — the first Cyprus Government Railway locomotive. It was preserved as a historic monument near the former Famagusta railway station.

The Railway Museum in Evrychou

The best place in the Republic of Cyprus to learn about this history is the Cyprus Railways Museum in the village of Evrychou.

The museum is housed in the restored building of the former railway terminus. From 1915 onwards, trains from Famagusta via Nicosia and Morphou arrived here.

Inside, visitors can see historical photographs, documents, drawings, timetables, maps, railway artefacts and models of the main stations and rolling stock. The exhibition tells not only the story of the railway’s construction, but also of the people who worked on it, its passengers and the gradual closure of the line.

Outside, part of the platform and railway track has been restored using original rails. A freight wagon and a hand-operated rail trolley, which railway workers used to inspect the line, are also displayed here.

Museum opening hours

16 September — 15 April: daily from 08:30 to 16:00.
16 April — 15 September: daily from 09:30 to 17:00.

Opening hours may differ on public holidays, so it is worth checking them again before making a long journey.

Telephone: +357 22 933010

From Nicosia, Evrychou can be reached via the B9 road towards the Troodos Mountains. Brown tourist signs reading Railway Museum are installed in the village itself.

Where: Evrychou, Nicosia District
Admission: free

Before travelling, it is best to check the museum’s opening hours once again on the official website of the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus, as visiting hours may change.

Why trains in Cyprus ran after 1951

There is an interesting nuance here. The statement “the last train in Cyprus ran in 1951” is true only in relation to the Cyprus Government Railway.

The island also had separate industrial railway lines, connected primarily with mineral extraction. Cyprus Mines Corporation used rail transport to carry ore from the Skouriotissa area to loading facilities at Xeros.

Such industrial transport continued considerably longer than the state passenger railway — until 1974.

Therefore, the history of railway transport in Cyprus did not actually end on a single day: the state passenger system disappeared in 1951, while specialised industrial trains continued to exist until 1974.

Could the railway return to Cyprus?

After the Cyprus Government Railway closed in 1951, Cyprus had no further regular railway service. Over the following decades, the island shifted almost entirely to road transport, and much of the old railway infrastructure disappeared: the rails were removed, the land was used for other purposes, and some former stations were given new functions.

The idea of bringing rail transport back periodically appears in public and transport discussions, particularly in connection with population growth, traffic congestion in Nicosia and Limassol, and the need to develop more environmentally friendly public transport. Modern urban or intercity rail systems may be discussed, but this would not mean literally restoring the old Cyprus Government Railway.

As of 2026, there is no approved government project to build a new passenger railway that would connect the largest cities of the Republic of Cyprus. In the government’s 2026 programme, major transport projects continue to focus primarily on road infrastructure and the development of urban transport solutions.

At the same time, Cyprus participates in European programmes and studies related to modern rail and guided transport systems. Therefore, the emergence of railway transport in the future cannot be completely ruled out. If trains ever do return to the island, it will most likely be an entirely new transport system rather than a restoration of the narrow-gauge line from the beginning of the 20th century.

Interesting facts about the Cyprus railway

• The railway operated for 46 years. The first section of the Cyprus Government Railway opened in 1905, and the last train ran on 31 December 1951.
• The line reached a total length of approximately 122 km. It connected Famagusta, Nicosia and Morphou, while the western branch extended to Evrychou.
• The gauge was very narrow — 762 mm. Such a narrow-gauge railway was cheaper to build and made it possible to lay a line in conditions where constructing a conventional railway would have been considerably more expensive.
• The line had 39 stations, stops and halts. As a result, trains stopped quite frequently, especially on the main route between Famagusta and Nicosia.
• The trains were not fast. Their usual speed was approximately 32–48 km/h, and the journey between Famagusta and Nicosia took about two hours.
• During its existence, the CGR carried more than 7.3 million passengers. In addition, almost 3.2 million tonnes of commercial freight travelled by rail.
• The railway transported more than just passengers. Trains carried timber from the Troodos Mountains, agricultural produce, ore and other freight, and also served the port of Famagusta.
• Trains carried mail. Some stations simultaneously served as post offices, telegraph stations and telephone exchanges, making the railway an important part of the island’s communications infrastructure.
• Special holiday trains operated. Additional services were run during major religious holidays, fairs and festivals, when thousands of residents travelled to other parts of the island.
• The route included numerous engineering structures. Historical sources mention around 85 bridges needed to carry the line across rivers, ravines and uneven terrain.
• The western part of the railway disappeared before the main line. The section to Evrychou was closed as early as 1931, after which the rails on this part of the route were dismantled.
• The last train was hauled by a symbolic locomotive. On 31 December 1951, locomotive No. 1 took part in the final journey — the same locomotive that had been used when the railway opened in 1905.
• After its closure, the railway literally dissolved into the life of the island. The rails and rolling stock were largely sold, while former railway buildings were used as warehouses, police and fire stations, medical facilities and government institutions.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a railway in Cyprus today?

No. Cyprus does not currently have a regular passenger railway. The Cyprus Government Railway ceased operations on 31 December 1951.

When did the first railway appear in Cyprus?

The first section of the state railway opened on 21 October 1905. It connected the port of Famagusta with Nicosia.

Which cities did the Cyprus Government Railway connect?

The main line ran from Famagusta through Mesaoria to Nicosia, then continued towards Morphou. It was later extended to Evrychou in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. The network reached a maximum length of approximately 122 km.

Did the railway reach Limassol or Paphos?

No. The state railway network was not extended to Limassol or Paphos. Despite ideas for further expansion, the line ultimately connected Famagusta, Nicosia, the Morphou area and Evrychou.

Why was the railway in Cyprus closed?

One of the main reasons was economic. The railway faced financial difficulties, its infrastructure and rolling stock required modernisation, and the developing road network created increasingly serious competition. As a result, the authorities decided to end CGR operations.

How many passengers did the Cyprus railway carry?

During its 46 years of operation, the Cyprus Government Railway carried approximately 7.35 million passengers and nearly 3.2 million tonnes of commercial freight.

What remains of the railway today?

Most of the tracks were dismantled long ago, but individual station buildings and other traces of the former line have survived. The best place to learn about the railway’s history is the Cyprus Railways Museum in Evrychou, housed in the restored building of the former station.

What can be seen at the Evrychou Railway Museum?

The museum displays historical photographs, documents, drawings, items connected with railway operations, and models of the main stations and rolling stock. A platform and a small section of track made with original rails have been restored behind the building. A freight wagon and a hand-operated rail trolley are also located here.

How much does it cost to visit the Cyprus Railways Museum?

Admission is free. According to the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus, the museum is open daily. During the summer period, from 16 April to 15 September, opening hours are 09:30 to 17:00; during the winter period, from 16 September to 15 April, they are 08:30 to 16:00. Opening hours should be checked separately on public holidays.

Can you see a real old Cyprus train?

There is no fully preserved CGR passenger train at the Evrychou museum, but it displays an original freight wagon and a hand-operated rail trolley, and a section of railway track has been restored. Individual elements of the former railway have also survived in other parts of the island.

Will trains return to Cyprus?

Various ideas for modern rail transport are discussed periodically, but as of 2026 there is no approved project to restore an intercity passenger railway. If rail transport appears on the island in the future, it will be a new modern system rather than a restoration of the historic Cyprus Government Railway.