La Palma Airport serves one of the greenest and least touristy of the Canary Islands, world-famous for the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the planet's finest stargazing locations.
It is located just kilometers from the capital Santa Cruz de la Palma, on an island also noted for hiking and volcanic landscapes.
How to get to La Palma Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SPC
Parking near La Palma Airport
The car park, modestly sized, is located within short reach of the terminal and rarely has availability issues.
Rates are among the most accessible in the Canary Islands archipelago.
Typically 1-2 euros per hour, among the most affordable in the Canaries.
How to get to La Palma from SPC
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at La Palma Airport
Car rental is the most common choice on La Palma, an island with varied terrain ranging from volcanic coasts to the peaks of the Observatory: some international companies have counters at the airport.
Advance booking is advisable given more limited availability compared to larger islands.
Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card, and, typically, an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near La Palma Airport
Los Cancajos
3 km from the airport, about 6 minutes by car or taxi
Best for: travellers with a dawn flight or who want the sea just steps from the airport
- Black-sand Blue Flag beach just steps away
- Closest area to the runway on the whole island
- Few shops and limited nightlife outside peak season
- Less architectural charm than the old town
Recommended hotels
Santa Cruz de la Palma and Breña
8 km from the airport, about 10 minutes by taxi or car
Best for: those who want the old town within easy reach and still a quick connection
- Old town with Canarian balconies just steps from the harbour
- The island's widest choice of restaurants and shops
- No sand beaches: only cliffs and natural rock pools
- The town empties early in the evening outside peak season
Recommended hotels
- Hotel San Telmo Seventeenth-century palace in the casco antiguo, a few minutes' walk from the harbour and the town hall. View availability
- Hotel Castillete On the seafront five minutes from the centre, rooms with a kitchen for longer stays. View availability
- Aparthotel El Galeón In Breña Alta, between the airport and the city, with apartments with a kitchen and free parking. View availability
The Parador and El Zumacal
about 10 minutes by car from both the airport and Santa Cruz
Best for: those seeking a panoramic view over the Atlantic and the capital, away from traffic
- Sheer cliff above the sea with views over the capital
- Quiet, secluded area with pool and garden
- A car is needed to reach restaurants and beaches
- No neighbourhood life nearby
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport features a small terminal, appropriately sized for the stable but modest passenger traffic the island experiences.
Internal movements are swift, thanks to the terminal's compact layout.
Map of La Palma Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is La Palma famous for astronomy?
It hosts the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the most important astronomical observation sites in the world thanks to its particularly clear and dark skies.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in La Palma?
Yes, it's the most common choice for exploring the island, including the mountain areas and the observatory.
Q. Is there a train in La Palma?
No, the island has no railway network: travel is by road.
Q. Is La Palma suited to mass tourism like Tenerife or Gran Canaria?
No, the island focuses on more nature-based, niche tourism, with more limited hotel capacity.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
