Arrival & Transport

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

The Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria (IATA: LPA) is located on the east coast of the island, about 25 km south of Las Palmas and about 30 km north of Maspalomas. It is one of the busiest airports in Spain and is excellently connected to Germany.

Direct Flights from Germany

Gran Canaria is one of the best-connected Canary Islands — there are direct flights from almost every German airport:

• Condor: From Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hanover, Leipzig. Flight time: 4.5–5 hours.
• Eurowings: From Düsseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin.
• Ryanair: From Berlin (BER), Cologne, Frankfurt-Hahn. Often the cheapest tickets (from 30€ one-way in the off-season!).
• TUI fly: From many German airports, especially in winter (charter flights).
• Lufthansa: From Frankfurt and Munich.
• Wizz Air: Seasonally from various German cities.

Prices: Return flights from 100–180€ in the off-season, 200–400€ in the peak season (December–February, Easter). Early bookers (3–4 months in advance) and flexible dates save the most.

From the Airport to the Hotel

Buses run regularly (every 20–30 minutes) and stop directly in front of the terminal. Taxis are available around the clock — prices are regulated and fair. Rental cars can be picked up directly at the airport (all major providers plus locals like Cicar and Goldcar).

Rental Car — the Best Choice

A rental car is by far the most flexible and affordable way to explore Gran Canaria — and at these prices, almost a no-brainer:

• Price: From 12–15€/day (small car, early booking online) to 30–50€/day (SUV, spontaneous on-site). Include full insurance via CHECK24 or billiger-mietwagen.de (often only 5–8€/day extra).
• Providers: Cicar (Canarian provider, good service, fair prices), Goldcar, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt. Cicar has the best reputation in the Canary Islands.
• Fuel: Gasoline is cheaper than in Germany on the Canary Islands (approx. 1.20–1.40€/liter) thanks to the lower tax rate.
• Roads: The highways (Autopistas GC-1, GC-2, GC-3) are well developed and connect the airport, Las Palmas, and the south. Mountain roads are narrow and winding — but well paved. Drive defensively and take your time on the switchbacks.

Buses (Guaguas)

The public bus network is surprisingly good for an island:

• Guaguas Municipales: City buses in Las Palmas. Single ride: 1.40€. Day pass: 5€.
• Global: Intercity buses that connect the entire island. Timetables and real-time info on guaguas.com or in the app.
• Important Lines: Line 01 (Las Palmas ↔ Maspalomas, express bus, 40 min., approx. 6€), Line 60 (Airport ↔ Las Palmas), Line 66 (Airport ↔ Maspalomas).
• TransGC Card: Rechargeable chip card, saves 30% on all bus rides. Available at the airport and bus stations (deposit: 2€).

Limitation: Mountain villages like Artenara, Tejeda, and Fataga are poorly or not at all accessible by bus — you need a rental car for that.

Taxi

Taxis on Gran Canaria have regulated rates (taximeter). Prices are fair and significantly cheaper than in Germany. A good option for short distances in Las Palmas or Maspalomas. Uber and Bolt do not operate in the Canary Islands.

Ferries

• Gran Canaria → Tenerife: Fred Olsen from Agaete (80 min., from 30€ per person, 65€ with car) or Naviera Armas from Las Palmas (2.5h).
• Gran Canaria → Fuerteventura: Naviera Armas from Las Palmas (approx. 3h).

Fred Olsen from Agaete to Tenerife is ideal for a day trip to Teide — early morning departure, return in the evening.