How to get around Lanzarote: Guide to Public Transport & More

Date: November 14, 2025 By Lanzarote Transfer Categories: News No comments

Lanzarote boasts unique volcanic landscapes, unparalleled beaches, and a vibrant cultural environment, making it one of Europe’s most popular destinations. When visiting the island, it’s important to understand how to get around Lanzarote so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Arrival in Lanzarote

You can reach Lanzarote by plane from major Spanish cities, with direct flights typically lasting between two and three hours. Flights are also available from other European cities. Travelling by plane is a simple, fast, and affordable way to explore the island.

Once you arrive, you can book a transfer from Lanzarote Airport to your accommodation — a convenient and hassle-free option.

If you’re travelling from the Iberian Peninsula, Fuerteventura, or La Graciosa, you can take a ferry to Lanzarote. This is a good option if you’re planning a long stay on the island, travelling with a lot of luggage, bringing your own car, or taking pets. However, the journey from mainland Spain takes more than 30 hours, and tickets can be expensive.

On the island of Fuerteventura, you’ll find ferry companies that operate routes to Lanzarote. You can also travel with your car; thanks to the short distance, crossings last only around 20 to 25 minutes. The journey from La Graciosa is similarly short, but in this case, the transfer is on foot, as no cars are allowed.

How to get around Lanzarote without a car​

Bus service (Guaguas)

IntercityBus Lanzarote (operated by Arrecife Bus S.L.) is the primary public bus service on the island, locally known as “guaguas”.

The bus service in Lanzarote is affordable (the cheapest alternative) and reliable, taking you to major towns, resorts, and tourist attractions. The bus service connects key tourist hubs like Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Playa Blanca, with Arrecife serving as the main transport hub.

The vehicles are in good condition, and most are wheelchair accessible. Depending on the bus, you can bring luggage and bikes. Although the bus service works well, they are punctual and have screens inside to know the next stops, it is difficult to travel the entire island in one of these, but if you are visiting. It is important to know about them in case you need it. 

Another of the disadvantages of the buses is that the routes and schedules are adapted more to the local rhythm than to the visitors.

Timetables (first/last departures)

• Line 03 – Costa Teguise – Arrecife – Puerto del Carmen: A coastal route frequently used by tourists, with a frequency of every 20–30 minutes. Notable stops include Playa Bastián, Arrecife Estación, and Biosfera.
• Line 06 – Arrecife – Puerto del Carmen – Uga – Yaiza – Playa Blanca: This route connects the main tourist centres in the south. It runs every 60–90 minutes. This route is ideal for those visiting Timanfaya or Playa Blanca.
• Line 60 – Arrecife – Playa Blanca (highway): This is a fast option with a direct route via LZ-2. Frequency: every 60 minutes.
• Line 01 – Arrecife – Tahiche – Teguise – Haría – Órzola: A long route through the north of the island. Ideal for visiting Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río.
• Line 07 / 7.1 – Arrecife – Máguez: Connects with inland towns in the north. Line 7.1 is direct with fewer stops.
• Line 09 – Arrecife – Órzola: You’ll have access to the La Graciosa ferry, making it very important for backpackers or travellers without a car.
• Lines 24 / 25 – Arrecife – Puerto Calero and Costa Teguise – Puerto Calero: Connection to the marina, making it highly useful for boat or catamaran excursions.
• Line 30 – Playa Blanca Interior: Runs within the urban centre. Frequent stops at resorts and residential areas.

Download the IntercityBus Lanzarote app or Moovit app for real-time schedules, routes, and bus tracking. Or visit their website https://arrecifebus.com/.

Airport connections

Line 22/23 (Airport – Arrecife): Connects to Arrecife (20–40 minutes). Line 22 operates weekdays, Line 23 on weekends/holidays. Stops include Intercambiador and Estación de Guaguas.

To get to Costa Teguise using this line, you will need to transfer to Line 01, the journey can be 40-60 minutes.

Line 161/261 (Airport – Puerto del Carmen – Playa Blanca): Connects to tourist areas from the airport. Direct service from Terminals 1 and 2, stopping at Matagorda, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, Yaiza, and Playa Blanca (main bus station and harbour). The frequency is hourly on weekends and every 30–60 minutes during the week. It is available every day, including holidays.

Reliability & frequency

Departures from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the line. There are no night buses on Lanzarote, so plan your evening travel with taxis, transfers, or VTC.

Frequencies vary, can be 20–40 minutes on main routes. Can be up to 90 minutes on other routes. But off-peak and on weekends, the frequency is hourly. And on holidays are less frequent.

Practical tips for riding the bus

The ticket price depends on the route, and can be between €1.40 and €3.30.

There is also a Bono Bus card, it is a rechargeable card that offers a 20–30 % discount on the standard ticket. It can be purchased at bus stations, tourist offices, and some authorised stores.

You can pay the tickets on cash or with the Bono Bus, cards are not allowed. Bring small notes or coins.

Taxis & VTC services

There is a regulated taxi service on the island, available in the main areas and at the airport. They use meters with regulated fares.

Taxis are expensive, since they use taximeters, which means they will charge the transfer with a rate per kilometre travelled. However, if renting a car is not among the possibilities, you can use the taxi as an alternative if you are going to a specific place, or if you were going to use the bus, but missed the departure time.

You can get a fixed rate for popular routes (e.g., airport–Playa Blanca: ~€45–50).

There is no Uber, but there are local, pre-licensed VTCs.

Obviously, these transports are more expensive than buses, especially for long distances. They also have limited capacity (maximum 5 passengers).

Bicycle rentals

Bicycles can also be your means of transport in Lanzarote. For those who like adventure and sports, touring the island on two wheels is an excellent idea. Because it has become common to ride a bike, there are companies all over the island that rent them by day. The cost depends on the type of bike and the days.

In Costa Teguise, Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen, you will find a good offer of bike rentals. This can cost around 10–25 euros per day.

There are good areas for bike routes in Lanzarote, like coastal paths from Costa Teguise to Arrecife, or the Puerto del Carmen promenade. You can also ride on rural routes like Teguise to Caleta de Famara.

Excursions

If you don’t want to drive on your holiday, you can pay for organized Lanzarote tours or excursions, which will take you to see the most touristic spots on the island. You can also hire private and personalized excursions. Both have the advantage of being accompanied by a group of people and specialized guides.

When you decide on any of these forms of transfer, also take into account your place of accommodation, if they are close or not from the places you want to visit.

Rental car & self-drive

In Lanzarote, you will find all kinds of companies for renting a car, the most popular, and others that only work on the island. Local ones sometimes offer better prices.

You will find all kinds of cars to rent, and any will help you explore and get to know the island, since the roads are in good condition. There are few places in which access is not paved. If you want to get there, take this into account before renting.

Renting a car is the most common way to move within Lanzarote. The cost of this alternative depends on the type of vehicle, the company, and the season. Due to the great demand, it is possible to find good rates worth paying if you want to tour all or a large part of the island.

Getting around in a rental car gives you the freedom to go where you want at the time you want. In addition, there are beaches and emblematic sites in the area that can only be reached by car.

You can rent a car to drive around Lanzarote. It is a popular option if you want to visit remote areas like El Golfo, La Geria, Caleta de Famara by yourself. You will need a valid licence.

This is an expensive option, it can cost daily €25–€50, the prize varies by season and car model. Keep in mind that parking can cost extra and is limited in some places.

Booking in advance and saving money

If renting a car is the way you decide to move around Lanzarote, we recommend you check prices and options in advance and reserve it before landing on the island. You will save time and money.

If you don’t do it this way, you will find yourself in a long line to rent a car at your arrival, since most tourists are looking for the same thing. It could even be more expensive.

At the exit of the airport, there are the counters of all the companies that rent cars. You must take the car at the airport and return it to it. If you arrive by ferry from another island, in the Port of Arrecife or in Playa Blanca, you can also rent a car there.

Driving rules, road conditions and main roads

Since it is an island, it has a network of modern and well-kept roads, and it is safe to move from one place to another, whether day or night. However, we can take these recommendations:

• Be careful on the roads, especially at night, if you are new to driving in this area.
• In places like Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife, you can find a bit of traffic congestion, but nothing like in big cities.
• Plan your routes before leaving, so that you can make the most of the time and know the places on the same route.
• Regarding fuel costs, we recommend having an extra budget. Since petrol does not have tax, getting to know the island will require travelling many kilometres.
• Most beaches are easily accessible by car. Only some, such as those of Papagayo, are not paved, and those of El Risco, that you will have to leave the car parked and walk approximately 1 kilometre to get there.

Parking, fuel and travel times between towns

In tourist places and beaches, you will find free parking. But in high season, it can get very crowded. So, you should plan ahead and get there early to find a spot.

When it comes to fuel, the prices vary, normally it costs around 1,1 – 1.2 euros.

Regarding travel time between towns, keep in mind that Lanzarote is a small island. Generally, it takes about an hour to drive around the entire island. Driving from north to south takes an hour or an hour and a half, for example.

 

Shuttle & guided excursions

You can also go around Lanzarote by shuttle services and organised excursions.

The excursions can be a perfect way to visit the island’s main attractions with guides on your language. You can book them, and they will pick you up at your accommodation and get you to tourist destinations like Timanfaya National Park, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río and more.

Transfers

Private transfers are a good option to get from the airport to your accommodation, and backwards. Private transfers can cost from €25 per vehicle to €65 from the airport to Lanzarote main towns.

This is a convenient option; a driver will meet you upon arrival at Lanzarote Airport and take you to your destination. You can book private transfers, shuttles, and buses, depending on your budget and time available.

Book your Lanzarote Airpor Transfers here, and start your trip to the island in the most comfortable and reliable way.

Best option by travel style and budget

The best option to travel around the island depends on your budget and taste. We recommend you combine different options.

• Arrival. Hiring an airport transfer in Lanzarote can be the best option to get to your accommodation from the airport.
• Exploring the island: if you are looking for freedom and flexibility, choose the car rental. But if you travel on a budget, you will find bus routes and excursions that can get you to the most popular places of Lanzarote.
• Budget & simplicity: If you are staying in one resort and moving little, you can choose to move around by taxi.
• Sustainability: if you want to be environmentally friendly, prefer buses, bikes and walking around.
• Families: for families, the best option can be renting a car or buses.
• Intercity transfers: buses are ideal.
• Best for rural routes or remote attractions: cars.

Summary and Recommended Transport Plan

Knowing how to get around Lanzarote gives you the ability to choose the best option depending on your plans for the island, whether you enjoy adventures or prefer a more relaxed experience.

Quick Decision Checklist: Which option suits you?

• Do you want more freedom and not to be tied to schedules? Select a car.
• Is your budget your priority, and do you want to save money? Choose buses.
• Will you stay in one of the main towns? Choose buses.
• Do you prefer comfort and organised tours? Opt for excursions.
• Are you travelling alone? Excursions and buses will be your best option.
• Are you travelling with family or in a group of 3 or 4? Rent a car.
• Do you want to visit tourist sites at your own pace? Opt for a car or bus.

Safety, rules, and fines

There are bus rules and penalties if you skip them. For example, no smoking, drinking alcohol, or riding shirtless. Fines for misbehaviour or not wearing a ticket: up to €6,000

On a taxi and road, safety regulations are important to follow. Mandatory seatbelt use and strict speed limits in urban and tourist areas.

With this information, you’ll have a better idea of how to get around Lanzarote, a guide to public transport, and other options, so you can save time and visit all the places you want to see without any problems.