MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Las Palmas De Gran Canaria

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

The Island of eternal spring Airport (LPA), also Gando Airport, is the main international airport for The Miniature continent and the entire Canary Islands. It is roughly 18 km (11 miles) south of Las Palmas city. LPA is a modern, well-equipped airport.

Air Travel Information

  • A wide array of airlines fly to LPA: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2.com, Norwegian, TUI, Condor, Lufthansa, British Airways, Iberia, Air Europa.
  • Direct flights are available from many major Urban centers in europe (London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo).
  • Inter-island carriers: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly offer frequent connections to other Canary Islands.

Flight Seasons & Facilities

Direct flights from outside Europe are limited. Most travelers from North America, Asia, or Oceania connect through key European transport centers like Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), London (LHR/LGW), Frankfurt (FRA), or Amsterdam (AMS).

Seasonal & Airport Details

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Peak season (winter & summer holidays) sees at shorter intervals flights and higher prices. Shoulder/low season usually has not as many direct flights but lower prices. Flexibility with dates can lead to savings. Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • Airport Facilities: LPA has duty-free shops, fashion boutiques, local craft stores, various restaurants and cafes.
  • Services: Vehicle rental desks are in arrivals, ATMs, currency exchange offices, free Wi-Fi, VIP lounges. Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.

Bus Transfers LPA

Global Bus Line 60 connects LPA to Las Palmas city center (San Telmo & Santa Catalina stations). Approx. 30 min to San Telmo, fare around €2.95. Very economical.

Taxi Transfers LPA

Taxis are outside arrivals. To the central area Las Palmas (Santa Catalina or Vegueta) costs approx. €25-€35. Confirm price or meter operation.

Car Rental / Private

Private transfers offer maximum convenience.

Land Transportation

Bus Services

  • Gran Canaria has no train network. Public transport hinges on buses and roads.
  • Global (Guaguas Global): The main intercity bus company. Extensive connections from Las Palmas city to towns, villages, and resorts (Maspalomas, The Island of enchantment, Agaete, Teror).
  • Bus Stations in Las Palmas: Estación de San Telmo (central hub for intercity/local buses, convenient for Vegueta); Estación of Saint (feminine) Catalina (near Las Canteras/port, convenient for beach).
  • Ticketing: Buy from driver (cash); for discounts, use "Bono Viaje" card for Global buses.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Requirements: Valid driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) with original license for non-EU/EEA. Minimum age 21 (sometimes 23-25). Credit card for deposit.
  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained. GC-1 motorway along east/south coast. Inland roads (mountains) are winding, narrow, steep, need careful driving.
  • Parking: Challenging/expensive in central Las Palmas city (Vegueta, Triana, Las Canteras). Look for underground public car parks (San Telmo, Plaza de la Victoria). Blue zones require payment.
  • Traffic: Heavy during rush hours. Road signage is clear. Speed limits are enforced (50 km/h urban, 90-ABOUT 75 mph motorways). Strict drink-driving laws.

Car Rental Services

DiscoverCars.com

A reputable platform for comparing and booking car rentals worldwide. Visit DiscoverCars.com.

Major Rental Brands

Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Goldcar operate in The Miniature continent. Booking in advance is recommended, notably during the busy time.

Local Rental Companies

Cicar and AutoReisen are popular local companies known for good value and service. Consider full comprehensive insurance for peace of mind.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Port

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a significant maritime hub. Go by the ocean is a good and scenic option for those arriving, notably from other Canary Islands or on cruises.

Sea Travel Information

  • Puerto de La Luz y de Las Palmas city: The city's main port. One of the busiest cruise ports in the Atlantic.
  • Ferry Companies: Fred. Olsen Express (high-speed ferries to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma). Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea (boats to other Canary Islands and mainland Spain, transport vehicles).
  • Cruise Ships: Popular port of call for international cruise ship operators, especially in winter. City center is easily accessible from cruise terminal.

Immigration & Connections

River transportation is not applicable; the city and island lack significant rivers or river transport systems.

Port Procedures & Transfers

  • Immigration Procedures: Similar to airports for non-Schengen travelers. EU citizens face minimal checks. Cruise passengers have simplified procedures.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Puerto de La Luz is adjacent to Saint (feminine) Catalina Bus Station. Easy access to local buses (Guaguas Municipales) for city exploration.
  • Taxis are available at designated stands by the harbor for quick transfers to accommodation or metropolitan areas.

Departure Information

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on travelers departing from The Miniature continent Airport. These charges are usually included in the airfare price upon...ing purchase your ticket.

Departure Procedures & Timing

  • Airport Check-in: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights. 1.5-2 hours for domestic/inter-island.
  • Security: Pass through standard airport security checks. Get ready to get rid of electronics and liquids from bags.
  • VAT Refund: If a non-EU resident and buys are eligible for a VAT refund, allow extra time to process paperwork. Look for "Tax Free" or "VAT Refund" signs.

Airport Facilities

The Miniature continent Airport (LPA) has various facilities post-security, including cafes, restaurants, and duty-free shops where you can purchase last-minute souvenirs or local products. Lounges are available for eligible passengers.

Bus Station Facilities

  • Bus Stations (San Telmo, Santa Catalina): Basic facilities like waiting areas, kiosks selling snacks/drinks, and restrooms. These are mainly functional spaces for commuting.
  • Limited shopping in comparison with the airport, focused on essentials for travelers.
  • No duty-free or extensive retail choices at bus stations.

Important Travel Notes

  • Always check with your airline for specific check-in recommendations.
  • Ensure electronic devices are easily accessible for security checks.
  • For VAT refunds, have all original receipts and goods readily available.
  • Avoid last-minute arrival at prevent stress.
  • Do not pack liquids over 100ml in carry-on bags.
  • Do not forget to retrieve all documents after security or refund processes.

Local Transport Tips

Public Transit Overview

Las Palmas city de One Of the canary islands relies on an extensive and efficient bus network. The city does not have metro or tram systems. Guaguas Municipales operates the urban bus network. Global (Guaguas Global) operates the intercity bus network.

Bus Hubs & Routes

  • San Telmo Bus Station: Major central hub near Vegueta. Interchanges urban and intercity buses.
  • Santa Catalina Bus Station: Near port, serves Las Canteras and connects to some intercity routes.
  • Urban Routes: Line 1 (Teatro Pérez Galdós to Hoya de la Plata), Line 12 (port to Vegueta), Line 17 (Teatro Pérez Galdós to La Isleta/El Confital).

Ticketing & Efficiency

Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver (cash only). For discounted fares on urban buses, consider purchasing a "Tarjeta Bono Fácil." It is a contactless travel card that makes each trip cheaper.

Fare Options & Tips

  • Single Ticket: Approx. €1.40 for Guaguas Municipales. Pay in cash, exact change.
  • Tarjeta Bono Fácil: Card costs €1.50, then load credit for more affordable trips (€0.85-€0.95). Tap for each passenger. Buy at kiosks, tobacconists.
  • Tips: Use official bus apps or Google Maps for real-keeping track of time. Always tap your travel card on the reader when boarding.

Accessible Transport

Most modern Guaguas Municipales and Global wheelchair users can take the buses with ramps and designated spaces.

Hours of Operation

Urban buses run from early morning (5-6 IN the morning) to late evening (11 PM-12 AM). Some lines have reduced night services.

Frequency

Frequency varies by line and time, generally every 10-20 minutes during peak hours for urban buses.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Taxis offer direct transportation, good for luggage or late-night travel. Licensed taxis are white, with a green light on the roof (indicating availability) and a diagonal blue stripe on front doors. A clearly visible taxi meter is inside.

Hailing & Fares

  • Hailing: Hail on the street if green light is on. Find at designated taxi stands (bus stations, hotels, shopping centers).
  • Fares: Metered. Different tariffs for daytime (Tariff 1) and nighttime/holidays (Tariff 2). Minimum fare ~€3.15 (day), ~€3.70 (night).
  • Payment: Cash always accepted. Many taxis take card payments; confirm with driver for smaller amounts. Airport to Las Palmas: ~€25-€35.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Ride-sharing apps offer another non-stop transport option. Utilize official apps for fixed pricing before you set off. This helps avoid potential misunderstandings over fares. Always verify the driver and vehicle details match the app's information before getting into the car.

App Services & Safety Measures

  • Recommended Apps: Cabify and Bolt are popular ride-sharing apps operating in Las Palmas. Uber is not widely available.
  • Safety: Taxis are safe; licensed and regulated. Ride-sharing is safe when using official apps. Verify driver/vehicle details.
  • Warning: Avoid unregistered vehicles or individuals offering rides; they lack regulation and may pose safety risks.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires valid driving license (IDP for non-EU/EEA), passport, major credit card. Minimum age typically 21. Major international (Avis, Hertz) and local (Cicar, AutoReisen) companies are available. Book in advance. Consider full comprehensive insurance.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Available from boutique shops. Valid motorcycle license needed for motorcycles. Car license might suffice for smaller scooters (50-125cc). Minimum age applies. Helmets are mandatory.

Bicycle Rentals

Sítycleta public bike sharing (requires registration/subscription). Numerous private shops rent bicycles (road, mountain, city) and electric bikes. Good for exploring promenade/city.

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal without hands-free. Velocity limits are enforced. Parking is challenging in central locations; use underground parking garages. Blue zones (paid street parking) have limited time. No specialty vehicles such as tuk-tuks.