Getting around the Canary Islands is surprisingly easy thanks to an excellent mix of buses, ferries, domestic flights, and scenic roads. Whether you’re island-hopping between Tenerife and Gran Canaria or exploring volcanic trails in Lanzarote, this transportation guide explains every option — from public transit to car rentals — to help you travel efficiently and affordably.
Air Travel Between Islands
Flying is the fastest way to move between islands. Each major island — Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro — has its own airport, and short flights take 30–50 minutes. Two regional airlines operate frequent daily routes:
- Binter Canarias: The largest and most reliable airline for inter-island flights.
- Canaryfly: A low-cost alternative with frequent routes to smaller islands.
Flights are affordable — usually between €30 and €80 one way — and residents enjoy up to 75% discounts. All islands have modern, easy-to-navigate airports with buses and taxis waiting at arrivals.
Ferry Connections
If you prefer scenic travel, ferries are a relaxing way to hop between islands while enjoying the Atlantic views. Modern vessels carry both passengers and cars, offering café services and outdoor decks.
- Fred. Olsen Express: Fast catamarans connecting Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera.
- Naviera Armas: Regular ferries serving Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Palma.
| Route | Travel Time | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife ⇄ Gran Canaria | 1.5–2.5 hrs | €35–€50 |
| Lanzarote ⇄ Fuerteventura | 30–45 min | €20–€35 |
| Tenerife ⇄ La Gomera | 1 hr | €25–€40 |
| Gran Canaria ⇄ La Palma | 6–7 hrs | €45–€60 |
Advance booking is recommended during weekends and holidays, especially if you’re bringing a car.
Public Transportation
Each island operates its own public bus network — reliable, clean, and inexpensive. Locals call them guaguas (pronounced “wah-wahs”). Buses run regularly between major towns, resorts, and beaches.
- TITSA (Tenerife): Green buses covering the entire island, including Teide National Park.
- Global (Gran Canaria): Blue buses linking Las Palmas, Maspalomas, and Puerto de Mogán.
- IntercityBus (Lanzarote): Affordable routes from Arrecife to major tourist zones.
Tickets can be bought directly from the driver (cash or contactless) or via transport cards such as Ten+ (Tenerife) and Global Card (Gran Canaria). Typical fares range from €1.50 to €5.
Car Rentals & Driving
Renting a car gives you the greatest flexibility to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages, and volcanic parks. Roads are generally well maintained, and signs are in both Spanish and English.
- Average daily rate: €25–€45 including insurance.
- Fuel price: Around €1.30 per liter (lower than mainland Spain).
- Driving side: Right-hand side.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Free parking is common outside major tourist zones, while blue-lined areas indicate paid parking. Traffic is light compared to mainland cities, though narrow mountain roads require cautious driving.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Taxis are widely available, metered, and reasonably priced. Short rides in towns cost about €4–€8, while airport transfers average €25–€40. Most towns also support mobile apps like Cabify or local taxi cooperatives.
Biking & Eco-Friendly Transport
Cycling has become popular across the islands thanks to mild weather and scenic coastal routes. Many resorts and towns, especially in Lanzarote and Tenerife, offer bike-rental shops with e-bikes for steep climbs. Urban areas like Las Palmas feature growing networks of bike lanes and public e-scooters.
Accessibility & Island-Hopping Tips
- All airports and ferry terminals have wheelchair-accessible facilities.
- Buy combined flight-ferry tickets for smoother island-to-island itineraries.
- In smaller islands like La Gomera or El Hierro, car rental or guided tours are the most efficient options.
- Download offline maps — rural zones may have limited signal coverage.
Sample Travel Times Between Main Islands
| Route | By Air | By Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife ⇄ Gran Canaria | 40 min | 2 hrs |
| Gran Canaria ⇄ Lanzarote | 45 min | 6 hrs |
| Fuerteventura ⇄ Lanzarote | 30 min | 40 min |
| Tenerife ⇄ La Gomera | 30 min | 1 hr |
Where to Go Next
Exploring the Canary Islands is part of the adventure itself — a blend of sea crossings, scenic drives, and friendly local transit. Whether by ferry, bus, or rental car, every route leads to unforgettable views and the freedom to discover these Atlantic gems at your own pace.
