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Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria - Local transport

Air: 

All of the seven Canary Islands have their own airports. Gran Canaria International airport is located 17km (10.5 miles) south of Las Palmas and 25km (15.5 miles) north of the southern tourist resorts. Most island connections are served by BinterCanarias (www.bintercanarias.com) and Islas Airways (www.islasairways.com).

Side of road: 
N/A
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.

Bike: 

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

Coach: 

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 Gran Canaria. The legal limit is just 0.25%, equivalent to less than one pint of beer or two glasses of wine.

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.

Getting around towns and cities: 

The main resorts are relatively flat, compact and easily navigable on foot, except for Puerto Rico, of which part is built on a steep hill. For longer journeys metered taxis are readily available and taxi ranks abound. The public bus service is a cheap and reliable way of getting around.

Rail: 

Currently there are no rail networks in Gran Canaria though plans are being developed to provide a rail link between Las Palmas and the southern resorts.

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). Gran Canaria's inter-island ferry terminals are in Las Palmas and Agaete.

A ferry service links Arguineguin, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán.

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