Ferries Gran Canaria

When traveling on Gran Canaria ferries, you can take advantage of regular discounts of up to 50% offered to specific traveler categories. Simply select the route that suits you, choose the applicable discount, and it will be automatically applied when you book your tickets on Ferryhopper.

While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can usually expect cheaper Gran Canaria ferry tickets for:

• Canary Islands residents (up to 75% discount for verified residents)
• Children and infants (infants under 4 usually travel free; children aged 4-11 get up to 50% off)
• Young travelers (under 26, depending on the operator)
• Seniors (60+ years old)
• Large families (Familia Numerosa special discount rates)

You can easily travel by ferry to Gran Canaria from the neighboring Canary Islands as well as from mainland Spain.

Routes from the Canary Islands

• Tenerife (Santa Cruz) - Gran Canaria (Agaete / Las Palmas): operated by Fred. Olsen Express (high-speed ferries to Agaete) and Baleària (high-speed and conventional ferries to Las Palmas). Sailings run up to 16 times per day, with crossing times ranging from 1 hour 20 minutes to 3.5 hours.
• Fuerteventura (Morro Jable / Puerto del Rosario) - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas): Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària operate high-speed and conventional options daily from Morro Jable (2 hours). Baleària also connects Puerto del Rosario to Las Palmas (6 hours). 
• Lanzarote (Arrecife) - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas): served by Baleària, offering 1-2 daily crossings that take approximately 6 to 6.5 hours.
• La Palma (Santa Cruz) - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas / Agaete): served by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària, this route includes an intermediate stopover in Tenerife (Los Cristianos or Santa Cruz), with overall travel times starting around 5.5 hours.

Routes from Mainland Spain

• Huelva - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas): operated jointly by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària (using conventional vessels), with around 3 sailings per week lasting approximately 28 to 40 hours.
• Cádiz - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas): Baleària runs weekly conventional ferry sailings connecting Cádiz to Gran Canaria, with journey times of around 35 to 39 hours.

The ferry routes to Gran Canaria are primarily operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària.

• Fred. Olsen Express: operates high-speed catamarans and fast ferries, offering quick connections mainly between Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
• Baleària: operates conventional and high-speed ferries, connecting Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) with neighboring Canary Islands and mainland Spain (Huelva and Cádiz).

Luggage Policies

Each ferry operator serving Gran Canaria has specific rules regarding baggage allowance:

• Fred. Olsen Express: allows up to 20 kg of luggage per passenger free of charge.
• Baleària: does not enforce a strict weight limit on luggage as long as you can carry it onboard yourself in one go.

The duration of the ferry ride to Gran Canaria depends on whether you are traveling from neighboring Canary Islands or mainland Spain:

• From the Canary Islands: sailings range from 1 hour 20 minutes (from Tenerife to Agaete) up to 6.5 hours (from Lanzarote or Fuerteventura to Las Palmas). Indirect connections from islands like La Palma or La Graciosa start around 5.5 to 6.5 hours total travel time.
• From mainland Spain: long-distance crossings from the ports of Huelva and Cádiz take between 28 hours and 40 hours, depending on vessel type and intermediate port stops.

Which is the fastest route?

The fastest ferry route to Gran Canaria is from Tenerife (Santa Cruz) to Agaete, with high-speed catamaran crossings taking just 1 hour 20 minutes.

What is the cheapest ferry route?

Standard adult passenger tickets start at around €60 for inter-island routes like Tenerife (Santa Cruz) and Fuerteventura (Morro Jable) to Las Palmas. If you are a Canary Islands resident, you can apply the 75% resident discount, bringing ticket prices down to as low as €15. 

You can bring your vehicle on most ferries traveling to Gran Canaria, as conventional and high-speed ferries operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària feature vehicle decks for cars, motorcycles, campervans, and motorhomes.

How much does it cost to bring my car?

Vehicle ticket prices vary based on the route, vessel type, and vehicle dimensions:

• Inter-island routes: car tickets from neighboring islands like Tenerife or Fuerteventura generally start at around €10, motorcycle tickets at about €5, and motorhome tickets at about €30.
• Mainland routes: bringing a standard car or motorhome on long-distance ferries from Huelva or Cádiz to Las Palmas typically starts at around €170 and motorcycle tickets at about €65.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry?

Yes, you can bring your campervan, motorhome, or caravan on ferries to Gran Canaria. Caravan and campervan travel is very popular across the Canary Islands, making ferry transport straightforward:

• Booking requirements: when booking, make sure to specify the exact dimensions (length, height, and width) of your campervan, including any bicycle racks or roof boxes.
• Onboard rules: gas cylinders must be turned off and secured for the duration of the crossing. Access to the vehicle deck is closed while the ferry is sailing, so ensure you take all necessary personal belongings with you before departure.

Important: spaces on the car decks are limited, especially in high season, so we recommend booking your vehicle tickets well in advance.

When taking a ferry to Gran Canaria, you can enjoy a comfortable journey with various amenities depending on whether you travel on a high-speed catamaran or a large conventional vessel.

High-speed ferries to Gran Canaria

The high-speed ferries connecting Gran Canaria with nearby islands in the Canaries are designed to prioritize speed and comfort, while ensuring a safe trip. On most catamarans, you will find:

• Air-conditioned lounges with comfortable seats and tables
• Seating on the deck, where you can enjoy the sea view
• Bars serving coffee, snacks, and beverages
• Car decks

Conventional ferries to Gran Canaria

Conventional ferries operate on the longer ferry connections between Gran Canaria and the Spanish mainland, as well as on crossings to some of the more distant Canary Islands. These vessels are designed for extended journeys, so you can expect a wider range of amenities and services, including:

• Air-conditioned lounges and seating on deck
• Cabins
• Restaurants and snack bars
• Play areas for children
• Entertainment
• Shops
• Dedicated pet-friendly areas
• Car decks

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, cabins are available on conventional ferries connecting mainland Spain (Huelva and Cádiz) to Gran Canaria as well as on select longer inter-island routes. You can choose from standard interior or exterior cabins (single, double, or 4-bed), deluxe cabins, cabins for people with disabilities, and pet-friendly cabins.

How much is a cabin?

On long-distance crossings from mainland Spain, private cabin fares typically start at around €150 to €250 per person or room, depending on the cabin type and seasonality. On inter-island routes where cabins are available, such as Lanzarote to Gran Canaria, prices generally start around €40 to €70.

What type of seats you can book

Depending on the vessel, you can choose from the following seating categories:

• Standard / Economy deck seats: unassigned seating in common indoor lounges, cafés, or open-deck areas.
• Numbered airplane-type seats: reserved, reclining seats located in quiet, air-conditioned passenger lounges.
• VIP / Premium seats: extra-spacious, premium reclining seats offering superior comfort and exclusive access to quieter lounge areas.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, ferries operating routes to Gran Canaria are designed to be accessible for travelers with reduced mobility. Vessels are equipped with step-free boarding ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, designated wheelchair anchor spaces, and specifically adapted wheelchair-accessible cabins. If you require assistance during embarkation or disembarkation, inform the ferry operator at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Gran Canaria?

Yes, pets are welcome on ferries to Gran Canaria. Operators like Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària offer well-equipped pet facilities onboard.

Where do pets stay?

Depending on the operator and vessel type, options for pets include:

• Pet-friendly cabins: private cabins designed with vinyl flooring where your pet can stay with you during the crossing.
• Pet kennels / Carrier lounges: dedicated, ventilated onboard kennel zones or designated seating areas where small pets in personal carriers can remain next to you.
• Pet-friendly seating zones: on select Fred. Olsen Express high-speed vessels, pets in approved carriers or on leashes can accompany you in designated passenger lounge sections.

Note: make sure to bring a valid pet passport or health card, as proof of vaccinations is required at check-in.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, most modern ferries operating to Gran Canaria offer Wi-Fi access. Many operators provide basic Wi-Fi for free in public lounges, while high-speed premium internet packages can be purchased onboard for streaming or working during long sailings.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, conventional and high-speed ferries feature several entertainment options to make your trip enjoyable. Onboard amenities include TV lounges, children's play areas, bars, restaurants, outdoor sun decks, and on long-haul vessels from the mainland, onboard duty-free shops and swimming pools.

What documents do I need? 

Since Gran Canaria is an autonomous community of Spain and part of the Schengen Area, travel documentation requirements depend on your nationality and origin:

• EU/EFTA citizens: you need a valid national ID card or passport to travel by ferry to Gran Canaria.
• Non-EU citizens: you require a valid passport. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a Schengen Visa for entry into Spain.
• Canary Islands residents: to claim the 75% resident discount, you must present a valid Spanish ID (DNI/NIE) and a valid certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento) during check-in or boarding.

How to book ferry tickets

Booking ferry tickets to Gran Canaria is simple and secure on Ferryhopper:

• Compare real-time schedules: enter your departure port and travel dates to view all available direct and indirect routes.
• Select discounts & options: apply eligible passenger discounts (e.g., resident, child, senior, large family), select vehicle types, or choose private cabins and pet accommodation.
• No hidden fees: book your ferry tickets directly with complete price transparency.

Check-in and boarding procedures

• Check-in timing: foot passengers should arrive at the port terminal at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure, while passengers traveling with vehicles should arrive 90 to 120 minutes prior.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, all major ferry operators serving Gran Canaria support mobile e-tickets. You can complete web check-in via the Ferryhopper App or website and show your digital boarding pass directly on your smartphone screen upon embarkation.

Gran Canaria is the third-largest and most populous island in the Canary Archipelago, known for its diverse microclimates, dramatic volcanic terrain, and the iconic golden sand dunes of Maspalomas. With pleasant temperatures year-round, the island is a major hub for island-hopping across the Canaries as well as a popular destination for both winter sun and summer getaways. Find more details and travel tips on our Gran Canaria travel guide.

Here are some helpful tips for a smooth ferry trip and a memorable stay in Gran Canaria: 

• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking suitable medication before boarding and choose a seat near the center of the ferry, where movement is usually less noticeable.
• Keep medication, travel documents and other essentials with you, as access to the vehicle deck is not permitted during the crossing.
• If you are traveling to Gran Canaria through Los Cristianos, leave enough time between ferries in case of schedule changes or delays.
• Can't decide between Gran Canaria and neighboring islands like Tenerife or Fuerteventura? You can easily combine both! Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your island-hopping itinerary, compare schedules, and book all your connections hassle-free. 

Best time to book

As with all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is blessed with year-round warm weather, making it a top getaway choice regardless of the season. For more information on weather conditions in Gran Canaria, take a look at our guide to the climate of the Canary Islands.

Ferry routes to Gran Canaria are available throughout the year, with ticket demand being noticeably higher during the summer and on holidays. If you plan to visit in the high season, from June to September, we recommend booking your ferry tickets at least 1 month in advance, as this is the peak season and Gran Canaria is at its most crowded.

During the rest of the year, the ferry connections are less frequent and crowds are thinner, so you can usually afford to book your Gran Canaria ferry tickets a few days before departure. Keep in mind, though, that ferries can still get busy on sunny weekends or major celebrations.

Important: the Gran Canaria ferry schedules may vary by season, so always double-check the latest ferry routes on Ferryhopper.

How many ports does Gran Canaria have?

Gran Canaria has 2 main ferry ports: Las Palmas (Puerto de La Luz) in the northeast and Agaete (Puerto de Las Nieves) in the northwest.

Where is Gran Canaria's port?

• Las Palmas port (Puerto de La Luz): located in the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the island's northeast. It serves primary ferry connections to mainland Spain, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife.
• Agaete port (Puerto de Las Nieves): located on the northwestern coast of the island in the coastal town of Agaete. It is primarily dedicated to high-speed ferry crossings connecting Gran Canaria directly with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

How to get to Gran Canaria port

To Las Palmas port:

• By bus (guagua): global buses connect Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) directly to the main bus stations in Las Palmas (Santa Catalina and San Telmo) via routes 60 and 91 (taking around 30 to 45 minutes). Local Guaguas Municipales buses connect the port area with other parts of the city.
• By car / taxi: the port is easily accessible via the GC-1 highway from the south and the airport (approx. 25-30 minutes by car or taxi).

To Agaete port:

• By bus: global bus route 103 connects Las Palmas city center (San Telmo station) directly to Agaete port in about 45-50 minutes.
• By operator transfer bus: Fred. Olsen Express provides a free shuttle bus service connecting Las Palmas (Santa Catalina station) directly to the port of Agaete for its foot passengers.
• By car / taxi: driving from Las Palmas takes about 30 to 40 minutes along the GC-2 highway.

Tip: head to our guide to the ports of the Canary Islands to pick the right one for your dream trip!

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Gran Canaria, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.