Local Transport
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.
💡 Tipp
Be sure to book the rental car online and in advance — at the airport, you often pay double. Cicar is the most recommended local provider (no hidden costs, good service). A small car is sufficient for the mountain roads — you don't need an SUV. And: Parking in Las Palmas can be stressful — use public parking garages (1–2€/hour) instead of searching on the street.
