Getting There & Away: Santa Cruz De La Palma

Air Travel

La Palma Airport SPC

La Palma Airport (SPC) serves as the main entry point by air, located approximately 8 km south of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Airlines and Routes

Domestic/Inter-island: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly connect to other Canary Islands.
Mainland Spain: Iberia Express, Vueling, and Ryanair connect to various Spanish cities.
International: Condor, TUI, easyJet, Eurowings (seasonal European routes).

Flight Considerations

No direct flights originate from North America or Asia. Expect connections, typically through Madrid, Barcelona, or major European hubs.

Availability & Pricing

More direct international flights operate during the winter sun season (October to March).
Prices tend to be higher during peak seasons, like summer, Christmas, and Easter.
Use Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Airport Facilities

A small, modern airport offering car rental desks, cafes, shops, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Bus Transfers

Line 500 connects SPC Airport to Santa Cruz de La Palma and south to Los Cancajos (fare around €2.60).

Taxi Transfers

Taxis readily available outside the terminal. A taxi to Santa Cruz de La Palma approximately €12-€18.

Car Rental Services

Requirements

Minimum age 21 (some companies 25).
Valid driving license; International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU licenses.
Credit card needed for the rental.
Pre-booking recommended, especially during peak season.

Companies

Major international companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt).
Local companies (Cicar, AutoReisen, Plus Car) operate at airport and city.
Cicar is a popular local choice with a good reputation.
Use DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees apply for departing passengers from Spain.

Airport Timing

Arrive at La Palma Airport (SPC) at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic, 2-3 hours before international flights.

Facilities

La Palma Airport offers basic amenities including cafes, duty-free shops, and ATMs.

Sea Travel

Ferry Services

Ferries connections to La Palma from other Canary Islands. Santa Cruz de La Palma is the main ferry port, also popular for cruise ships.

Ferry Companies

Fred. Olsen Express: Connects La Palma with Los Cristianos (Tenerife) and La Gomera.
Naviera Armas: Connects La Palma with Los Cristianos (Tenerife), La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria.
Ferry Port: Santa Cruz de La Palma a main hub for inter-island connections.

Typical Routes & Duration

Journey times vary depending on the destination and ferry service.

Routes

Santa Cruz de La Palma to Los Cristianos (Tenerife): Approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Santa Cruz de La Palma to San Sebastián de La Gomera: Approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Santa Cruz de La Palma to Valverde (El Hierro): Approximately 2.5 hours.

Port Procedures

Standard procedures for Schengen Area entry apply upon arrival at the seaport.

Arrival Info

Immigration checks occur upon arrival.
Ensure passport validity beyond your planned stay.
No specific entry fees at the ferry port.

Port Connections

The ferry terminal in Santa Cruz de La Palma easy access to land transportation.

Onward Travel

Within walking distance of the city center.
Public bus stops are conveniently located nearby.
Taxis are also available directly at the port.

Land Travel Note

Land transportation not applicable for reaching La Palma directly.
La Palma is an island destination.
No bridges connect it to other islands or the mainland.

Inter-island travel happens via air or sea.
Once on the island, internal land transport is robust.
Rental cars and buses for internal island mobility.

Local Mobility

Public Bus System Guaguas

The "guaguas" system provides island-wide connections, run by Transportes Insular La Palma (TILP).

Routes & Hubs

Santa Cruz de La Palma: The main bus station (Estación de Guaguas) is near the port.
Los Llanos de Aridane: The main hub on the western side of the island.
Routes connect major towns, villages, and some popular hiking starting points.

Ticketing & Usage

Fares can be paid directly to the driver in cash. Consider a BonoBus card for discounts.

Practicalities

Purchase a "BonoBus" card for discounts on fares at bus stations.
Hours of operation and frequency vary by route; major routes run frequently.
Use the official TILP website (tplapalma.com) for up-to-date timetables.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are white with a green roof light. Hail them or find at designated stands. Payment usually cash.

Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are not available on La Palma. Taxis offer the main private transport option.

Taxi Fares

Fares use a meter. A short ride within Santa Cruz de La Palma typically costs €5-€10. Confirm fare or use meter.

Exploring by Foot & Wheels

Walking Routes

Santa Cruz de La Palma's historic center is pedestrian-friendly with charming narrow streets and a promenade along the seafront.

Paths & Tours

Numerous marked hiking trails across the island, ranging from easy to challenging.
Trails cover volcanic, coastal, and mountain terrains.
Guided walking tours of Santa Cruz historic center are available. Self-guided walks easy with maps.

Cycling on the Island

Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited. Cyclists share roads with cars. Be aware of winding roads and traffic.

Bike Info

Helmets are mandatory for cycling on the island.
La Palma popular for challenging road cycling and mountain biking.
Bicycle rentals available in Santa Cruz de La Palma and other towns.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

No formal hop-on-hop-off bus. Organized coach tours for island excursions.

Water Taxis

Not common for general transport. Boat excursions depart from ports.

Accessibility

Infrastructure improves. Some historic areas and hiking trails may present difficulties.

Navigating La Palma

A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the island's diverse landscapes and reaching various trailheads.

Getting There & Away