From taxis and transfers to buses and hire cars, here’s how to make your journey smooth.

Gran Canaria’s airport, officially Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), sometimes called Aeropuerto de Gando, sits neatly on the island’s east coast, about halfway between Las Palmas in the north and the resorts of the south. It’s modern, easy to navigate, and unlike some airports, rarely feels like a test of human endurance.

But once you’ve collected your luggage and adjusted to that first hit of warm, Atlantic air, the real question kicks in: how do you get where you’re going? Whether you’re heading for the dunes of Maspalomas, the beaches of Playa del Inglés or the cool cobbles of Vegueta, there’s a way to suit every traveller (and budget).
 
Taxis: Easy, Quick and Everywhere
If you’re after convenience, taxis are the airport’s VIP option. You’ll find the official rank right outside the arrivals hall - white cars with a green light on the roof and a small Ayuntamiento de Gran Canaria badge on the door.

Fares are metered, and while prices vary slightly depending on time of day and day of week, you can expect around €35–€45 to reach Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, and about €25 to Las Palmas. Late-night or Sunday rides cost a few euros more, but drivers are generally honest, friendly and used to sun-dazed tourists clutching half-zipped suitcases.
Tip: keep some cash handy - not every taxi takes cards, especially for shorter hops.
 
Buses: Cheap and Surprisingly Comfortable
The island’s public buses - known as Global and painted a cheerful turquoise - are reliable, air-conditioned, and cheap as chips. Route 60 runs between the airport and Las Palmas, while 66 connects to Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés roughly every 30 minutes.

Tickets are around €6–€7, and you can pay the driver in cash (small notes, please) or by contactless card. Luggage goes underneath, and seats are comfy enough to make you wonder why you ever considered a taxi in the first place.
For the budget-conscious or solo travellers, this is hands down the best value. Just don’t expect door-to-door service - bus stops are central, not resort-specific.
 
Car Hire: Freedom (and Roundabouts) Await
Hiring a car in Gran Canaria is a fantastic option if you plan to explore. The island’s roads are excellent, signage is clear, and parking is rarely a nightmare outside city centres.
Most of the big names - Cicar, AutoReisen, Hertz, Avis - have desks in the arrivals area, and many include free mileage and second driver options. Pre-booking online usually saves money, and car hire often works out cheaper than a week’s worth of taxis if you’re venturing beyond the beach.

Do, however, check your insurance, and take photos of the car before you drive off. The odd volcanic pebble does like to ping its way onto windscreens.
 
Holiday Transfers: The Stress-Free Middle Ground
For many, the simplest way is to let someone else handle it. Holiday companies and online transfer services (such as Hoppa or Suntransfers) offer shared or private rides that whisk you directly to your accommodation.
Shared shuttles are cost-effective but can mean a few scenic detours as other passengers get dropped off. Private transfers, meanwhile, are blissfully straightforward. Step out, find your driver or tour rep,’ and relax. If not already included in your package holiday, prices sit neatly between a bus fare and a taxi, making them ideal for couples or families.

Just make sure you book in advance, and keep a printed or digital confirmation handy. The pick-up area at the airport can get busy, and knowing who’s waiting for you saves a lot of ‘is that our 'tour rep/bus/driver?’ confusion.

Going Home (Sorry)
When it’s time to head back and you're not being collected by your tour operator, give yourself plenty of time. The island’s main motorway (GC-1) can get busy, especially on Sunday evenings when half of Las Palmas is driving home from the south. Allow at least two hours before departure if you’re returning a hire car, and check again your airline’s baggage limits before you realise your sand-filled trainers have tipped you over the weight allowance.

Gran Canaria’s airport is calm and efficient, with plenty of cafés and duty-free shops for one last coffee or a slightly regrettable bottle of banana liqueur.