Gran Canaria Airport - Flight Information and Guide (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport is the primary air hub of the Canary Islands archipelago, a central interchange both for direct connections from mainland Europe and for inter-island flights to other islands.

Located approximately 18 km south of the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria along the east coast, it is strategically positioned relative to both the island's north and to the southern tourist zones such as Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

Official source: www.aena.es/en/gran-canaria.html

How to get to Gran Canaria Airport

Gran Canaria is the main inter-island hub of the Canaries: in addition to connections with Las Palmas, frequent use of the airport for traveling to the other islands of the archipelago.

By Car

Those arriving by car follow the GC-1 motorway, which connects the airport both to Las Palmas to the north and to the tourist zones of the south such as Maspalomas.

By Train

Gran Canaria island has no railway network: transportation is exclusively by road.

By Bus

The Global network connects the airport to both Las Palmas (line 60, 30-40 minutes) and the main tourist areas of the south of the island (line 66 to Maspalomas/Playa del Ingles); line 60 is approximately 2.30 euros for San Telmo, 2.95 euros for Santa Catalina, more economical with the reloadable Tarjeta Insular card.

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Tips Those in transit between two inter-island flights and not leaving the airport have no need to consider transportation to the city: directions for connecting flights are well signposted within the terminal.

Average travel time to LPA

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus30-40 minutes

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes

Parking near Gran Canaria Airport

The main multi-storey car park is located within easy walking distance of the terminal and offers tiered pricing based on stay duration, with progressive discounts for longer stays.

Given the airport's role as an inter-island hub, short-term parking of just a few hours is common for those traveling between islands: dedicated short-stay parking areas are available near the entrances.

Typically 1.02 euros the first hour, then 2 euros/hour; maximum 13 euros/day (11 euros/day from the fifth day); weekly rate 85 euros (54 euros when booking online).

How to get to Gran Canaria from LPA

The Global bus network connects the airport both with Las Palmas (line 60) and directly with major southern tourist zones such as Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés (line 66), with regular service throughout the day.

By Train

The island lacks a railway network: taxis and buses remain your options for getting around.

By Bus

The Global bus stops are located in the terminal arrivals area, with tickets available for purchase onboard or at automated ticket machines.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; the meter is standard for trips to downtown, typically 25-35€ during the day, 30-40€ at night or on holidays.

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Car rental at Gran Canaria Airport

Given the island's expanse and the range of landscapes between north and south, car rental is widely popular: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Goldcar all have dedicated counters at the airport.

Booking online in advance, especially during the winter high season, typically secures better rates.

Bring your driver's license, identification document, and credit card in the driver's name for the damage deposit; photograph the vehicle's condition upon pickup. Spanish citizens and those from other EU/EEA countries drive with just their national license; all others typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Hotels near Gran Canaria Airport

Gran Canaria Airport is 21 kilometres from Las Palmas, reached in 20 minutes by car or half an hour on line 1 to San Telmo station, a few minutes' walk from Vegueta and Triana. With a dawn flight or a late-night arrival, staying closer to the terminal avoids the trip to the capital: Telde, the municipality that hosts the airport, is a few minutes away by taxi and is the most practical base for those who just want to sleep and move on, even though it stays outside the tourist circuits of Las Palmas.

Airport area

Telde

about 10-15 minutes by taxi from the airport; line 90 connects Telde to the terminal once an hour

Best for: those with a short layover or a dawn flight who want to stay a few minutes from the terminal

Pros

A few minutes from the terminal, handy for dawn flights or short layovers
More affordable prices than Las Palmas

Cons

Outside the tourist circuits of Las Palmas and the south of the island
Few evening options, better to have a car

Recommended hotels

SAHERA HOTEL Boutique In the centre of Telde a few minutes from the airport, with a small breakfast area already open early in the morning. View availability

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City centre

Vegueta and Triana, the old town

about 20 minutes by car or taxi from the airport, or line 1 (30 minutes) to San Telmo and a few minutes' walk

Best for: those who want to visit the old town of Las Palmas and the Pérez Galdós House-Museum on foot

Pros

In the heart of Vegueta-Triana, among museums and shopping streets
Inner courtyard with pool, rare in the old town

Cons

Far from Las Canteras beach, a bus or taxi is needed
Few rooms, book ahead in high season

Recommended hotels

Boutique Hotel Cordial Galdós Jardín Hotel of the Cordial chain in a historic building in Vegueta, with an inner garden and pool. View availability

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Airport services

As the archipelago's central hub, the airport offers a comprehensive range of services designed to handle substantial transfer passenger traffic between islands.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area provides an extensive selection of fragrances, alcoholic beverages, and Canary Islands specialties including ron miel, gofio, and jarred mojo (the local spicy sauce).

Lounges & relaxation

A VIP lounge located beyond security screening offers pay-per-visit access via daily pass or major travel credit cards. Priority Pass and frequent flyer status holders enjoy complimentary access. The lounge offers standard business-level amenities and operates according to terminal flight schedules.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free WiFi managed by Aena covers the entire terminal area. For a local SIM, national carriers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) often have a counter or ATM at the airport—convenient if you'd rather not search the city. All offer eSIM activation with an ID document.

Families & Children

Dedicated points for changing diapers and breastfeeding are available in the transit zones.

Terminal guide

The airport features a single large terminal divided into multiple modules that separately handle domestic flights, Schengen international flights, and extra-Schengen flights.

Given its role as a hub for inter-island connections, it is common to encounter passengers in simple transit: internal signage for connecting flights is nonetheless well-marked.

From check-in to gate typically takes 8–10 minutes.

Map of Gran Canaria Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Gran Canaria airport used only for international flights?

No, it's also the main hub for inter-island connections to the other Canary Islands.

Q. How do you get to Maspalomas from the airport?

With the Global 66 bus line, which directly connects the airport to the main tourist areas in the south of the island.

Q. Is there a train connecting the airport to Las Palmas?

No, the island has no railway network: the options are bus, taxi, or rental car.

Q. Is it worth renting a car to visit Gran Canaria?

Yes, the island offers very different landscapes between north and south, and it can realistically only be explored with your own vehicle or an organized tour.