Travelling between the Canary Islands is a unique experience that allows you to discover the spectacular landscapes of this paradise. It is an archipelago made up of eight islands and has an extensive network of connections both by ferry and by plane, thus enabling any traveller to reach them comfortably and affordably.
What is the best way to get around? The ferry provides great views of the Atlantic Ocean and if you have a car, you can explore the islands at your leisure. However, flying is always the fastest option if you are pushed for time.
So choosing how to travel between the Canary Islands depends on your own needs: would you prefer to save time and get there fast, or would you rather enjoy a relaxing sea crossing while admiring the views?
To make it easier for you to decide, we've put together a complete guide with everything you need to know. It includes the most popular routes, frequency of travel, and the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transport. We'll also give you practical tips to help you organise your itinerary with ease.
Travelling by ferry between the Canary Islands
Travelling by ferry is one of the most popular ways to travel between the Canary Islands. Not only does it mean you can enjoy spectacular views, but it also allows you to bring your car or motorbike with you.
Most popular routes and travel frequency between the islands
The ferry system connects all the islands and is operated by companies such as Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas and Líneas Romero. Some of the busiest routes are:
- Tenerife - Gran Canaria: this route is one of the most frequent, with daily departures from the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Agaete in Gran Canaria.
- Lanzarote - Fuerteventura: from the port of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote you can reach the port of Corralejo in Fuerteventura.
- Tenerife - La Gomera: the ferry departs from the port of Los Cristianos and goes to San Sebastián de La Gomera.
- La Palma - Tenerife: it connects Santa Cruz de la Palma with Los Cristianos.
There are also other lesser known connections that are worth considering, such as those to the small island of El Hierro.
Approximate duration of ferry journeys
Journey times vary depending on the distance between the islands and the type of ferry you choose. For example:
- Tenerife - Gran Canaria: between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- Fuerteventura - Lanzarote: approximately 30 minutes.
- Gran Canaria - La Palma: can take up to 7 hours on a regular ferry.
However, it is important to note that weather conditions can affect journey times, especially during the winter months.
Advantages of ferry travel: vehicle transport and scenic views
One of the main attractions of the ferry is that you can bring your own car, motorbike or bicycle, which means you can explore each island at your leisure. Imagine driving through the stunning volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote or discovering the laurel forests of La Gomera in your own car.
But the ferry is also an experience in itself. The views of the ocean and islands that can be admired from the boat are spectacular. Some boats even have snack bars and outdoor areas to enjoy the journey.
Travelling by plane between the Canary Islands
If you're short on time, the best option is to fly. Although the ferry is quieter and certainly has its own charm, the plane is naturally quicker and connects almost all the islands in less than an hour.
Airlines offering inter-island flights
In the Canary Islands, there are two local airlines that usually operate inter-island flights: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly. They offer daily routes between the main airports of the archipelago. Their fares are usually quite reasonable if booked in advance.
Main air routes and schedules available
Timetables are usually very flexible, with departures from early morning to late evening, making it very easy to plan your itinerary. Some of the busiest routes are:
- Gran Canaria - Tenerife North: this is one of the busiest routes, with flights every 30 minutes at peak times.
- Lanzarote - Gran Canaria: ideal if you want to combine beaches and cultural visits.
- Tenerife North - La Palma: has several daily departures.
Flight times and waiting times at airports
The duration of inter-island flights varies between 30 to 50 minutes. For example, a flight from Gran Canaria to Tenerife takes approximately 35 minutes, while a flight from Lanzarote to El Hierro can take around 50 minutes.
However, it is important to bear in mind the waiting times at the airports. Although Canary Island airports are small, the total time (from check-in to boarding) can add between 1 and 2 hours to the travel time.
Benefits of flying: speed and comfort
The main advantage of travelling by plane is speed. So, if you have a tight schedule or you want to make the most of your time visiting the islands, flying is the best option. In addition, airlines often offer special fares for residents.
What about comfort? The planes used for these routes are small but modern, with spacious seats and on-board facilities. In addition, take-off and landing offer stunning views, especially if you're lucky enough to be travelling on clear days.
As you can see, there are a number of possibilities when it comes to travelling between the Canary Islands. But whatever mode of transport you choose, it's important to plan ahead to make the most of your time and budget.
This also includes finding accommodation close to the port or airport. In the case of Gran Canaria, one of the best options is the Hotel Elba Vecindario, located just 10 km from Gran Canaria International Airport and less than an hour's drive from the ferries to the islands of Tenerife and La Palma.
Ferry or plane? You decide how to experience this unforgettable adventure!
