Transport in Lanzarote: Top five ways to get around
Lanzarote is a much-loved holiday destination thanks to its warm and sunny weather, wide variety of resorts and accessibility from the UK.
Airlines such as TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2.com make it incredibly easy to get to from across the UK, while the four-hour flight and lack of time change on arrival, both add to its appeal.
To make sure you don't miss a thing while on holiday, we've pulled together this guide to transport in Lanzarote, covering everything from taxis and ferries to walking.
Transport in Lanzarote: on arrival at the airport
Those arriving into Lanzarote will most likely land at the island's international airport in San Bartolomé near Arrecife. While many will have transfers included, there are various other types of transport in Lanzarote which you can take to get you on your way from the airport.
Lanzarote Airport is located in the east of the island. There are two terminals, both served by public buses costing as little as 1.40 Euros to get you to the main resort of Puerto del Carmen.
Airport taxis are plentiful and there's a fixed price per kilometre for taxis operating out of the airport taxi rank. A taxi journey to Puerto del Carmen should take around 15 minutes and cost under 20 Euros.
Whether you opt for an airport transfer or use one of the public transport options available, once you've settled into your hotel you may feel like getting out and about to discover more of the island.
From brief and practical journeys, to day trips and enjoyable excursions, here we guide you through the various modes of transport in Lanzarote to help you get around.
1. Taxis
Taxis are a relatively cheap form of transport in Lanzarote, especially within resorts and for short hops, as they usually cost little more than a few euros.
The letters 'SP' on a number plate denotes that the vehicle is a licensed cab, and you'll notice a taxi displaying its green light if it's available for hire.
You can flag these down in the street as well as at taxi ranks throughout all of the main resorts and in key tourist centres. You can try to order a taxi by phone, but the operator may not speak English, so if you're not with a Spanish speaker it may help to ask your hotel or restaurant to call for you.
2. Car hire
If you plan to explore the island, leave your resort behind and check out some of the far flung beaches or sights, car hire is the most convenient form of transport in Lanzarote.
With your own set of wheels you'll find getting around Lanzarote is easy: you can visit sights such as Lanzarote-born artist Cesar Manrique's foundation, the popular market in the 15th century town of Teguise, the tranquil village of Yaiza or Timanfaya National Park all on your own schedule, and venture to other more remote parts of the island.
Remember good weather is all but guaranteed in Lanzarote, so if you have the budget and think you'll be zooming all over the island, it may be worth splashing out on a convertible so you can top up your tan whilst on the road enjoying your very own private form of transport in Lanzarote.
Petrol is notoriously cheap in the Canary Islands (not as cheap as it once was, but still in comparison to UK prices) and it's easy enough to find a petrol station.
Road rules are exactly as they are on mainland Spain and there's often plentiful free parking, or meters and paid parking lots in busier location such as the capital, or Teguise on market day.
3. Buses
Public transport in Lanzarote is relatively good, and the buses (also called guaguas) offer a decent service across the island, especially in the main cities and resorts, proving an economical way to get around the island, plus children under four years old can travel free of charge.
Be aware, buses don't always run on time, and during busier periods they can be full or crowded, but fares are cheap, although it's best to have correct change or a small note if possible.
If you're planning on making multiple journeys by bus it is worth buying a BBL (Bono Bus Lanzarote) which can be purchased on of all the buses, as well as at the Central Station in Arrecife.
The card costs a non-refundable 2 Euros (much like a London Oyster card), and can then be topped up with anything from 10 to 50 Euros in multiples of 5 Euros; the fare you pay will be 10% lower than the regular walk-on fare.
You'll find the latest information and bus times timetables for transport in Lanzarote at the tourist office, as well as from the bus company's website.
3. Bicycle
With its pleasant climate, quiet roads and delightful scenery, Lanzarote can be a paradise for cyclists, whether you prefer road biking or mountain biking. Ask your hotel or resort if they have bikes for hire and if not, they'll recommend a bike hire company you can use locally.
Remember, if you do take out a bicycle as a mode of transport in Lanzarote, you should ask for a helmet and lock with your rental. Worth also taking lots of water with you to stay hydrated on your ride as well as sun cream and a hat to stay protected.
4. Boat and ferry services
Getting from Lanzarote to one of the nearby Canary Islands, or even to Morocco and mainland Spain, can be done using one of the ferries, fast ferries and jetfoils operated by Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas and Trasmediterránea.
Fred Olsen runs a 25 minute fast service to neighbouring Fuerteventura, while Naviera Armas runs direct services to Tenerife and Fuerteventura, and Trasmediterránea runs a ferry to Gran Canaria and onwards to other islands as well as Cadiz.
Within the islands, journey times are between one and four hours, and in the case of boats leaving late in the evening, there are often sleeping cabins.
In addition to this Lineas Romero runs a service to Fuerteventura as well as to the tiny island of La Graciosa just off the north tip of Lanzarote.
There are no roads here but there are some incredible beaches, plus cycling and hiking trails, and it's a world away from the busy resorts of Lanzarote.
5. Walking
Within the resorts and towns it's perfectly possible to get around on foot, and indeed walking is generally quite a pleasant means of transport in Lanzarote provided it isn't during the height of summer or during the heat of the midday sun.
If you choose to walk in Lanzarote, it's a good idea to carry sun cream, water and a hat to protect you from the sun and possible dehydration.
It's clear to see that there's a wealth of ways to get around the island, as well as further afield. If you're tempted to test the transport in Lanzarote for yourself, check out the latest offers from Jet2holidays and TUI.
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