Ferry from La Gomera to La Palma
Tickets, prices & schedulesThe La Gomera - La Palma ferry route operates all year round, with up to 4 daily crossings. Ferries depart from the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera and arrive at the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma. The journey takes around 4 hours, and tickets start at € 18.88.
Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària serve the route with their high-speed ferries. The crossing includes a stop in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, but there is no need to change ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
Discounts on La Gomera - La Palma ferry tickets vary depending on the passenger's age and the ferry company. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària offer reduced fares for children and senior travelers, while Fred. Olsen Express also offers discounts for young travelers.
Fred. Olsen Express discounts
- Infants and children under 3 years old: travel free of charge
- Children 4-11 years old: 50% discount
- Young travelers 12-25 years old: 15% discount
- Passengers over 60 years old: 15% discount
Baleària discounts
- Infants under 1 year old: travel free of charge
- Children 1-13 years old: 50% discount
- Passengers over 60 years old: 20% discount
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount for La Gomera - La Palma ferries?
Yes. If you live in the Canary Islands, you can benefit from the Canary Islands resident discount on La Gomera - La Palma ferry tickets with Fred. Olsen Express.
When booking on Ferryhopper, enter your Spanish ID (DNI/NIE) to check the available discounted fare. With the resident discount, tickets for this route start at just €12.33.
Important: make sure to bring the necessary documentation to prove your resident status, as you may be asked to present it during boarding.
How to get from La Gomera to La Palma by ferry
You can travel by ferry from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Santa Cruz de La Palma. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària serve this connection with an intermediate stop in Los Cristianos, Tenerife.
The stop is only to drop off and pick up passengers. If you are traveling from La Gomera to La Palma, you do not need to get off the ferry. You remain on board and, after the stop, the ferry continues directly to Santa Cruz de La Palma.
This journey takes around 4 hr in total and follows this order:
- San Sebastián de La Gomera - Los Cristianos: around 50 min of sailing.
- Stop in Los Cristianos: around 40 min for passengers to board and disembark.
- Los Cristianos - Santa Cruz de La Palma: around 2.5 hr of sailing.
Good to know: on Ferryhopper, select San Sebastián de La Gomera as your departure port and Santa Cruz de La Palma as your destination. The connection appears as a single La Gomera - La Palma trip, so you can book it directly without having to purchase the two legs separately.
On-board services and amenities
The La Gomera - La Palma route is served by high-speed ferries operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària. Vessels that usually operate on this route include Fred. Olsen Express' Benchijigua Express and Bencomo Express, as well as Baleària's Pepita Castellví and Volcán de Tirajana.
As the journey takes around 3 hr 50 min and includes a stop in Los Cristianos, the ferries offer a range of spaces and amenities to make the crossing more comfortable. Depending on the vessel, you can normally find:
- Air-conditioned lounges with standard and upgraded seating
- Bars and cafés serving drinks, snacks and light meals
- Outdoor decks or terraces on selected ferries
- Onboard shops
- Children's areas and entertainment options
- Power outlets or USB ports for charging devices
Is there Wi-Fi on La Gomera - La Palma ferries?
Yes. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària offer Wi-Fi and digital entertainment services on the ferries serving this route, although the specific features depend on the vessel.
- With Fred. Olsen Express, you can connect to Wi-Fi and access On Board Club, with movies, series, music, games and other content from your phone, tablet or laptop.
- On some Baleària ferries, such as the Pepita Castellví, you can use Baleària's SmartB services, including Internet access, messaging and audiovisual content on mobile devices.
Cabins and accommodation
Are there cabins on La Gomera - La Palma ferries?
Dues to the short length of the trip, there are no cabins available to book on the La Gomera - La Palma ferries. Standard seating is included in the price and passengers can use the ferry's lounges and common areas throughout the journey.
What types of seats are available and how much do they cost?
Accommodation options depend on the ferry company and the vessel assigned to your sailing.
With Baleària:
- On the Pepita Castellví, a standard seat starts at around €56. You can also book a VIP seat from around €66.
- On the Volcán de Tirajana, a standard seat starts at around €56. Higher fares are also available from around €67.20.
With Fred. Olsen Express:
- Standard seat: from around €49.35.
- Standard seat with priority boarding: from around €74.08.
- VIP seat: from around €95.22, with access to the Clase Oro lounge and additional services.
Note: the benefits included in higher fares may vary depending on the ferry and fare selected, so make sure to check the details when comparing tickets.
How much luggage can I bring on the La Gomera - La Palma ferry?
Each ferry company has its own baggage policy:
- With Fred. Olsen Express, you can bring up to 20 kg of luggage per person. You may take 1 piece of luggage into the passenger lounge, in addition to your hand luggage, provided you can carry it yourself and it does not block passageways or occupy another seat.
- With Baleària, you do not need to check in your luggage. If you are traveling as a foot passenger, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry on board by yourself, without assistance and in one go.
Are La Gomera - La Palma ferries accessible?
Yes. Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària ferries offer facilities and services for passengers with reduced mobility, although the specific features may vary depending on the vessel.
Accessibility features available on board may include:
- Access ramps
- Wheelchairs
- Accessible restrooms
- Step-free routes on board
- Accessible seating or accommodation
- Designated wheelchair spaces
- Hearing loops on selected Fred. Olsen Express ferries
Both companies also offer an assistance service for passengers who need help during boarding or disembarkation. If you require specific assistance, it is recommended to request it when booking or at least 48 hr in advance.
Tip: as accessibility features may vary depending on the ferry assigned to your sailing, check the services available on your vessel before traveling if you require a specific facility.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària allow dogs, cats and other pets on board, as long as you include them in your booking and select a suitable accommodation option.
How do pets travel with Fred. Olsen Express?
Fred. Olsen Express offers several options:
- Pet Carrier: for pets weighing up to 10 kg that travel in a carrier with you in designated indoor areas of the ferry.
- Pet Sofa: allows your pet to travel next to your seat on a pet mat.
- Pet Room: ventilated kennels for pets, usually located in covered outdoor areas of the ferry.
How do pets travel with Baleària?
The available options depend on the vessel:
- On the Pepita Castellví, you can book a pet-friendly seat or choose Pet&You and Pet&You XL, which allow your pet to travel next to you on a pet mat.
- On the Volcán de Tirajana, available options normally include a pet-friendly seat and kennels in designated pet areas.
Can my pet stay with me in the passenger lounge?
Yes, there are options that allow your pet to stay with you inside the ferry. With Fred. Olsen Express, you can choose Pet Sofa or Pet Carrier, while Baleària offers pet-friendly seats and, on selected ferries, Pet&You accommodation.
What documents do I need to travel with a pet?
Remember to bring your pet's valid veterinary documentation and include your pet in the booking. Depending on the animal and the accommodation selected, you may also need to bring a carrier, leash or muzzle.
Tip: for more information about documentation and travel conditions, check out our guide on traveling by ferry with your dog to the Canary or Balearic Islands.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to La Palma from La Gomera
Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from La Gomera to La Palma:
- The port at San Sebastián can get busy, especially in the summer, so it’s best to be there at least 45 min ahead of departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it’s recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance.
- The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the journey. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Make sure you book your ticket on the La Palma - La Gomera ferry for your return trip well in advance, for peace of mind.
- Want to spend a few days in Tenerife along the way? You can first take the La Gomera - Tenerife ferry, explore the island, and then continue on the Tenerife - La Palma ferry.
- Before your trip, check out our La Palma travel guide for ideas on what to see, how to get around the island and what to add to your itinerary.
- La Palma is arguably the most picturesque Canary island, but there are many more gems to discover! To learn more, check out our guide on island hopping in the Canaries and then visualize and book your trip with our Map of ferries.
Where to take the ferry from La Gomera to La Palma
Ferries to La Palma, usually depart from the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, which is on the eastern side of La Gomera. The port town is also the island capital and serves most of the ferry routes to other destinations.
The port is a short walk from the center of San Sebastián and nearby you will find cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, as well as ATMs, hotels, and parking lots.
How to get to the port in La Gomera
- By car: if you’re coming from northern La Gomera, follow the GM-1 toward San Sebastián; from the south, use the GM-2. In town, follow signs for the port and continue via Avenida del Quinto Centenario, Avenida de los Descubridores and Paseo Fred Olsen.
- By bus: GuaguaGomera lines 1, 2 and 3 stop at Estación Marítima San Sebastián, directly serving the ferry terminal. Services are relatively infrequent compared with urban bus networks, so check the timetables before traveling.
- From La Gomera Airport: line 7 connects the airport with San Sebastián and operates around flight schedules. You can then continue to the port on foot, by taxi or using a local bus connection. A taxi or rental car is usually the quickest option from the airport.
- By taxi: taxis are readily available in San Sebastián, with the ride from the airport taking 35-40 min.
Where does the ferry arrive in La Palma?
Ferries from La Gomera usually dock at Santa Cruz de La Palma. The seaside town is located on the east coast of La Palma, about 9 km from La Palma Airport.
Around the port in La Palma you find cafés, restaurants, shops, ATMs, banks, and other useful traveler amenities.
How long is the ferry ride from La Gomera to La Palma?
The ferry trip from La Gomera to La Palma takes around 4 hr, including the stop in Los Cristianos (Tenerife).
Is there a direct ferry from La Gomera to La Palma?
There are no ferries sailing directly from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Santa Cruz de La Palma without a stop. Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària services make an intermediate stop in Los Cristianos, Tenerife.
However, the route is booked as a single La Gomera - La Palma trip, and you do not need to change ferries during the stop. You can remain on board while passengers get on and off in Los Cristianos.
What time does the first ferry from La Gomera to La Palma depart?
The first ferry from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Santa Cruz de La Palma usually departs at 06:00.
What time does the last ferry from La Gomera to La Palma depart?
The last ferry of the day usually departs from San Sebastián de La Gomera at 21:15.
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FAQs
Yes, the La Gomera - La Palma ferry route is served by high-speed ferries. In total, the fastest ferry takes around 4 hr, including the stop in Tenerife.
The distance between the ports of La Gomera and La Palma is around 51 nautical miles (95 km).
As the La Gomera - La Palma ferry makes a stop in Los Cristianos (Tenerife), the total sailing distance is around 93 nautical miles (172 km).
The first leg, between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos is around 25 nautical miles (47 km), while the crossing from Los Cristianos to Santa Cruz de La Palma covers approximately 68 nautical miles (125 km).
When booking your La Gomera - La Palma trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.
Yes. You can travel from La Gomera to La Palma with your car, motorbike, van or motorhome, as the Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària ferries serving this route have car decks.
As a reference, these are some starting prices for 1 adult with a standard seat + 1 vehicle:
- Car: from €62
- Motorbike: from €61
- Motorhome: from €62
You can also bring other types of vehicles on board, such as SUVs and vans. The final price depends on the ferry company, travel date and, above all, the type and dimensions of your vehicle.
What should I know when boarding the ferry with a vehicle in La Gomera?
When booking, make sure to enter the correct vehicle type, length and height. If you are carrying any accessories that increase its dimensions, such as a bike rack or roof box, make sure to include them as well.
On the day of your trip, head to the vehicle pre-boarding area at the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera and follow the crew's instructions to access the car deck and park your vehicle.
Important: with both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària, vehicle boarding closes 40 min before departure, unless a different time is stated on your ticket. Make sure to arrive at the port with enough time to spare.
Before leaving your vehicle, take your documents, valuables and anything else you may need during the crossing, as you will not be able to access the car deck while the ferry is sailing.
Can I take a rental car from La Gomera to La Palma?
It depends on the rental company. Some companies allow their vehicles to be taken between the islands, while others may require prior authorization or prohibit it in the rental agreement. Make sure to check the terms before booking your ferry.
Tip: car-deck spaces are limited, so it is best to book in advance, especially in summer, on weekends and public holidays, or if you are traveling with a motorhome, van or another large vehicle.
Yes, you can visit La Palma from La Gomera and return on the same day, as long as you take one of the first departures from San Sebastián de La Gomera and return on the last available ferry from Santa Cruz de La Palma. Depending on the departures, you may have around 6 hours on the island.
Keep in mind that, between the outbound and return crossings, you will spend close to 8 hr on board. So, while a same-day trip is possible, we recommend staying at least 1 night in La Palma if you want to explore the island at a more relaxed pace.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.
If your ferry trip is canceled, you usually have the following options:
- Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
- Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.
Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.
If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.