Lanzarote Getting Around

By AirGetting Around by Air

All of the seven Canary Islands have their own airports. Lanzarote airport is located 5km (3 miles) south of Arrecife and is sometimes referred to as Arrecife airport. It's also known locally as Guacimeta. Most island connections are served by BinterCanarias (www.bintercanarias.com) and Islas Airways (www.islasairways.com).

By BoatGetting Around by Water

An alternative means of travelling from island to island is by ferry. Three companies operate the various routes: Trasmediterranea (www.trasmediterranea.es), Lineas Fred Olsen (www.fredolsen.es) and Naviera Armas (www.naviera-armas.com). In Lanzarote the ferry terminals are in Arrecife and Playa Blanca. 

There is also a ferry service operating between Orzola and the island of La Graciosa.

By TrainGetting Around by Rail

There is no rail network in Lanzarote.

By CarGetting Around by Road

Vehicles drive on the right. In general the island's roads are of a high standard with clear markings and adequate signposting. However, several roads through inland villages are narrow and extra caution must be employed. On roundabouts, drivers give way to the left.

Bus: Public buses on the island are called guaguas - pronounced ‘wah-wah.' The service provides an economical if somewhat limited means of getting to and from the main resorts and attractions.

Car hire: Several major car hire companies are represented at the two airports and in the main urban centres. Drivers must be over 21 to hire a car and you will need a passport, driving licence and credit card.

Motorcycles: Riders of motorcycles over 75cc must be at least 18. Crash helmets are compulsory.

Regulations: Two red hazard triangles and a reflective vest or jacket must be kept in all vehicles - the latter in the car, not in the boot. Parking laws are rigorously enforced and towing is prevalent. The speed limit for motorways is 120kph (80mph). In built-up areas it's 50kph (30mph) and on other roads it's 90kph (56mph). Front and rear safety belts are compulsory. Drink driving is a serious offence in Lanzarote. The legal limit is just 0.25%, equivalent to less than one pint of beer or two glasses of wine.

Emergency breakdown service: Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE) (tel: 902 404 545; www.race.es).

Documentation: Most foreign licences, including Canadian, EU and US, are accepted. Minimum third party insurance is compulsory. An original driving licence must be carried in the car at all times.

UrbanGetting Around Towns and Cities

The main resorts are relatively compact and easily navigable on foot. For longer journeys metered taxis are readily available and taxi ranks abound. The public bus service is a cheap way of getting around.

Travel TimesJourney Times

The following chart gives approximate driving times (in hours and minutes) from Arrecife airport to other parts of the island.

Arrecife                       0.10
Costa Teguise             0.15
Puerto del Carmen      0.20
Playa Blanca               0.45

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