How to get to Gran Canaria: the complete guide

Gran Canaria is one of the two capitals of the Canaries, with a large population and plenty of things to see and do. Its subtropical climate and beautiful landscapes make it an ideal destination throughout the year, favored by travelers from all over the world.

Check out our Gran Canaria travel guide for useful information and tips to make the most of your stay there. But first, keep reading to find all the ways to get to Gran Canaria!

Flight or ferry to Gran Canaria?

Traveling to Gran Canaria is easier than ever, whether you are already in Spain or traveling to the Canaries from abroad. There are various domestic and international flights to the island’s airport. Alternatively, you can reach the island by ferry.

Even though the flight is shorter, traveling by ferry is surely more fun. Read below the key benefits of ferry trips to Gran Canaria: 

• Ferry traveling is much more comfortable as you can stroll around and breathe fresh air on the deck, enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Taking the ferry to Tenerife is a great way to bring your vehicle and easily explore every corner of the island. 
• Traveling by ferry with your pet is the most comfortable option for you and your little friend.
• Traveling by ferry to Tenerife is the most environmentally safe way to visit the Canaries. Read more information about sustainable ferry travel on Ferryhopper.

The amazing sandy Las Canteras beach with palm trees

How to get to Gran Canaria from the Canary Islands

Getting to Gran Canaria from the rest of the Canaries by ferry is one of the most convenient ways to visit the beautiful island. Continue reading below for more information about the most popular ferry connections and how long it takes to get to Gran Canaria from nearby ports.

How to get to Gran Canaria from Tenerife

The ferry route from Tenerife to Gran Canaria is very popular as it connects the two Canary capitals. There are at least 10 daily ferry crossings from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to both ports of Gran Canaria; that of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and that of Agaete.

The ferry companies that operate on this route are Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas with high-speed and conventional vessels. The duration of the trip depends on the ferry type and the arrival port, ranging from about 1.5 to 6 hr.

Usually, the fastest route is from Tenerife to the port of Agaete and the ride lasts around 1 hr 20 min.

A one-way Tenerife - Gran Canaria ferry ticket starts at €46. The overall price is determined by seat selection and available discounts/offers.

Note: there is one airport on the island if you wish to get to Gran Canaria by plane. Tenerife is also connected by plane to Gran Canaria, with multiple routes that last 30 min.

Traveling to Gran Canaria from Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the Canaries and is located close to Morocco. The island is often connected with Gran Canaria, with ferry crossings all year long. There are several weekly crossings from the port of Arrecife in Lanzarote to the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The ferry ride lasts around 5-9 hr, while the price of a single Lanzarote - Gran Canaria ferry ticket is approximately €98. 

Note: wondering if you can fly to Gran Canaria from Lanzarote? Yes, you can. There are many flights to Gran Canaria from Lanzarote, with a duration of around 45 min.

The magnificent Berrazales canyon in Gran Canaria

How to reach Gran Canaria from Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is located close to Gran Canaria and is an ideal destination for island hopping between the Canaries. Multiple ferries depart daily from the ports of Morro Jable and Puerto del Rosario to the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, operated by Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express.

The duration of the ferry trip depends on the port of arrival and the company. For instance, the trip from Morro Jable to Las Palmas lasts around 2 hr, while the Puerto del Rosario - Las Palmas ride lasts up to 6.5 hr. The cost of a standard Fuerteventura - Gran Canaria ferry ticket is approximately €48, though the final cost can vary greatly.

Note: there are frequent flights from the airport of Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria. The plane trip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lasts around 45 min.

Getting to Gran Canaria from La Palma

La Palma and Gran Canaria are connected by ferry with weekly crossings. Usually, the ferry companies Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express serve this route with high-speed and conventional vessels. Keep in mind that the ferry often makes a stop in Tenerife, with the total duration of the La Palma - Gran Canaria route ranging from 9 to 15 hr. 

Keep in mind that this route also includes several indirect connections as well, with an intermediate stop in Tenerife. Depending on the itinerary, you may have to switch ferries and/or ports before resuming your journey to Gran Canaria.

Note: La Palma also has an airport that serves flights to Gran Canaria. The trip by plane from La Palma to Gran Canaria lasts about 50 min.

Traveling to Gran Canaria from mainland Spain

So, is there a ferry from Spain to Gran Canaria? Yes, catching a ferry from mainland Spain to the Canaries is a great option for bringing along your vehicle or simply cruising the Atlantic! There are usually 3-4 weekly ferry crossings from the ports of Huelva and Cádiz to Gran Canaria, served by Fred. Olsen Express, FRS and Trasmediterránea.

Wondering how long is the ferry trip from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria? The ride from Huelva or Cádiz to Gran Canaria lasts around 37 hr. A single ferry ticket from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria costs around €125-€175 and the final price depends on discounts, offers, bed cabins and garage space.

Good to know: for cheaper crossings, take a look at the ferry discounts for Canary Islands residents.

Read more information on the ferry routes from Huelva to Gran Canaria and Cádiz to Gran Canaria on Ferryhopper.

Note: in case you want to travel by plane from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria, there are flights from Madrid, Seville and Malaga.

The Maspalomas Dunes Natural Reserve in Gran Canaria

Book ferry tickets to Gran Canaria

Get ready for once-in-a-lifetime holidays in the Canary Islands. On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes to Gran Canaria, along with the respective ferry schedules in Spain. Compare prices and companies, check timetables and book ferry tickets to Gran Canaria online, without hidden fees!

Tip: can’t wait to travel to the Canary Islands? On our Map of ferries, you can find all ferry connections between Gran Canaria and other Spanish ports. Don’t forget to check our island hopping guide for the Canaries and plan the getaway of your dreams!