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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), also known as Gando Airport, serves the island. It sits approximately 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Puerto de Mogán.

Flights to LPA

  • Many major European airlines (Ryanair, TUI, British Airways, Lufthansa) fly direct.
  • Inter-island flights by Binter Canarias and Canaryfly link to other Canary Islands.
  • Travelers outside Europe connect via hubs like Madrid, London, or Amsterdam.

Airport Facilities & Seasonality

LPA is a modern airport with full services. Flight availability varies with seasons.

Travel Insights

  • Facilities: Duty-free, restaurants, car rental desks, ATMs, Wi-Fi.
  • High Season: More frequent flights, higher prices. Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Potentially better prices, fewer direct flights from some locations. Look for Dollar Flight Club deals or use Skyscanner.

Bus Transfers

Most economical: Global Bus Line 91 direct to Puerto de Mogán (50-60 min).

Taxi Transfers

Convenient: Approx. €55-€70 from LPA to Puerto de Mogán (35-45 min).

Car Rental

Freedom to explore: Desks at LPA. Recommended for island-wide travel.

Land & Sea Travel

Self-Driving on Gran Canaria

  • Road Conditions: Excellent motorways (GC-1) along the coast. Mountain roads are narrow and winding.
  • Requirements: Valid driving license (and IDP if pertinent), vehicle registration, insurance. Book via DiscoverCars.com.
  • Parking: Often a challenge in popular areas. Paid underground parking is a resource near Puerto de Mogán marina.
  • Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

  • Inter-island Ferries: Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas link Gran Canaria to other Canary Islands.
  • Main Ferry Ports: Puerto de Las Palmas (major port) and Puerto de Agaete (faster to Tenerife).
  • Puerto de Mogán: Has a small harbor; does not serve large inter-island car ferries.
  • Cruise Ports: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a significant cruise port.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from Gran Canaria; these charges typically receive inclusion in the airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at LPA at least 2-3 hours prior to departure. For Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is typical. Online check-in is a good choice.

Airport Facilities

LPA furnishes similar facilities for departing passengers as for arrivals, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free shopping after security.

Internal Transportation

Public Transportation: Buses

Gran Canaria’s bus network is a convenient and economical way to travel. Global Bus (Guaguas Global) operates the island's comprehensive bus system.

Routes & Fares

  • Routes: Line 91 (direct to Las Palmas), Line 32 (to Faro de Maspalomas), Line 33 (coastal to Las Palmas).
  • Tickets: Purchase single tickets with cash from the driver. Fares relate to distance (€2-€7).
  • Hours: Generally 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (midnight). Frequent routes every 20-30 min.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis furnish a good alternative for shorter distances or with luggage. Ride-sharing apps are less prevalent in Puerto de Mogán specifically.

Availability & Costs

  • Taxis: White with a green "Libre" light. Hail on street, find at stands, or call. Metered fares.
  • Typical Fares: Puerto de Mogán to Puerto Rico approx. €10-€15. Airport approx. €55-€70.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber/Cabify are available in Las Palmas and major tourist areas, but not dominant in Mogán.

Rental Options: Cars & Bikes

Various rental options cater to different preferences for exploration.

Vehicle Choices

  • Car Rental: Valid license, credit card. Major (Avis, Hertz) & local (Cicar, Plus Car) companies. Book in advance.
  • Motorcycles/Scooters: Available in tourist areas. Valid license and helmet a mandate.
  • Bicycles: Available for rent, including electric bikes, for coastal rides or mountain cycling.

Walking & Specialized Transport

Explore Puerto de Mogán’s charm on foot or by unique methods.

On Foot & By Water

  • Walking: Marina area is pedestrian-friendly. Climb to Mirador for views. Coastal path to Playa del Cura.
  • Boat Taxis: Popular for travel between Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín.
  • Unique: The Yellow Submarine offers underwater tours for marine life and shipwrecks.

Driving & Safety Reminders

  • Safety: Always wear a Helmet when cycling; be aware of traffic on roads.
  • No-Go Areas: Avoid walking/cycling on motorways (GC-1). Exercise caution on busy roads without sidewalks.
  • Parking: Blue zones are paid, white zones are free but rare, yellow lines signify no parking. Fines for illegal parking are common.
  • Security: Ensure valuables stay secure regardless of transport method.
  • Road Cycling: Popular in mountains but calls for caution due to winding roads.
  • Accessibility: Marina area is flat and accessible. Some older parts involve steps. Modern buses generally accessible.

Transportation Comparison

Pros of Public Buses

The Global bus system is extensive and budget-friendly for exploring the island.

Benefits of Bus Travel

  • Cost-Effective: Most economical way to travel long distances.
  • Extensive Network: Connects almost all major towns and resorts.
  • App Support: The Global app furnishes real-time bus locations and schedules.

Pros of Taxis

Taxis furnish door-to-door service and more flexibility than buses for certain routes.

Benefits of Taxi Travel

  • Convenience: Door-to-door service, especially with luggage.
  • Speed: Generally faster for direct routes, avoiding multiple stops.
  • Availability: Easily hailed or found at stands in most tourist areas.

Car Rental Freedom

Explore the island at your own pace, access remote areas.

Ferry & Boat Travel

Scenic inter-island travel or coastal hops between resorts.

Walking & Cycling

Discover local charm on foot; scenic routes for cyclists.

Getting to Puerto de Mogán

From Gran Canaria Airport LPA

Travel from the airport is straightforward with multiple options.

Transfer Options

  • Global Bus Line 91: Direct express service. Approx. 50-60 minutes.
  • Taxi: Readily available. Approx. €55-€70, 35-45 minutes.
  • Pre-booked Private Transfer: Offers convenience upon arrival.

Inter-Resort Travel

Moving between Puerto de Mogán and other southern resorts is easy.

Coastal Connections

  • Global Bus Lines 32 & 33: Connect to Playa del Cura, Puerto Rico, Maspalomas.
  • Coastal Ferries: Popular water taxis link Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín.
  • Car Rental: Optimal for day trips to other island locations.

Travel Considerations

Book Flights Early

Especially for high season, early booking helps secure better fares.

Check Bus Schedules

The Global Bus website or app furnishes updated routes and times.

Consider Car Rental

For maximum flexibility in exploring Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes.