How to get around Gran Canaria
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How to get from the airport
Getting from A to B on Gran Canaria is as easy as ABC.
If you prefer the freedom to take things at your own pace, a hire car is the perfect solution. However, there are plenty of other ways to get out and see the sights.
If you prefer the freedom to take things at your own pace, a hire car is the perfect solution. However, there are plenty of other ways to get out and see the sights.
Travel information
Language: Spanish | Currency: Euro (€) | Local time: (GMT) | Average flight time: 4 hours
Airport transfers: Hop on the bus
Throw yourself right into the Gran Canaria experience by following in the footsteps of the locals and hopping on the “guagua” (local bus) to your resort.
Pronounced “waa waa”, the public bus system in Gran Canaria is super-organised and satisfyingly cheap, with regular services connecting the airport and all of the main tourist hubs.
Global runs frequent services from the airport to Las Palmas, a journey that takes less than half an hour. From baggage reclaim, go up one floor to the entrance of the departure terminal and grab a Line 60 bus.
If you’re headed south to Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Playa Amadores or Puerto Mogán, you’ll need Lines 66, 90 or 91, so keep your eyes peeled at the bus stop. You can buy tickets on the bus, so keep some small change handy.
Just be aware that services stop around midnight and don’t kick in again until around 7am, so if you’re arriving late, you’ll need to find another solution.
Airport transfers: Take a taxi
The quickest way to get to your hotel is by taxi, so if you’re desperate to dump your luggage and get on a sun lounger, grab a cab.
Taxi fares from the airport are fairly reasonable and there’s usually no wait, making it perfect if your post-flight patience is beginning to wear thin.
A taxi to Playa del Inglés will cost somewhere around the €30 mark, while the longer journey to Playa Taurito is likely to set you back almost €60. However, if you scrabble around online in advance, you can find some very wallet-friendly return fares.
Airport transfers: Use the shuttle
If you’re keeping a close eye on your pennies but can’t be bothered to faff around with the public bus, try organising a shuttle bus from the airport in advance, either by booking through your accommodation or searching online.
Using a reliable shuttle service such as Hoppa, you can bag a seat on a shared bus to Playa Taurito for under £20 per person, which isn’t bad for a trip that takes nearly two hours.
Bear in mind that these shuttles will take you all around the houses, dropping off other passengers along the way. If you’re after a speedier arrival, pay a little more and book a service with limited stops.
Public buses: Travel like a local
Once you’ve unpacked, settled in and sunk a cold beer (or three), there are all kinds of ways to explore the island.
If you’re not planning to hire a car (and you’d better not after all those beers), public buses are by far your best bet.
Even though taxis aren’t prohibitively pricey and you’ll be offered organised excursions left, right and centre, the guaguas give you the chance to go wherever you like without a tour guide putting a timer on your fun.
The buses can take you to all the major tourist sites, while bringing you into contact with the locals and giving you a glimpse into the real Gran Canaria at the same time.
Car hire: Get around at your pace
For access to isolated beaches and to move at a timetable that suits you, cheap car rental is a winner. Find out more on our Gran Canaria car hire page.