Ferry from Spain to Gran Canaria

When traveling from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria, you can take advantage of fixed discounts of up to 50% available for specific traveler categories. While these discounts may vary from one company to another, you can get discount ferry tickets for:

• Children (4-11 years old)
• Young travelers (under 25-26 years old)
• Seniors (60+ years old)
• Large families (Spanish citizens)

Additionally, there are discounts for residents of the Canary Islands for ferry trips between the islands and mainland Spain.

Note: infants and children up to 3 years of age generally travel free of charge.

You can travel by ferry to Gran Canaria from the Spanish mainland ports of Huelva and Cádiz.

Itinerary from Cádiz

The ferry connection from Cádiz to Gran Canaria is served all year round, with 1-2 crossings per week, normally on Tuesday and Saturday. You can either stop at Arrecife in Lanzarote or change ferries in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and then continue to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The journey takes around 35 hr.

Itinerary from Huelva

The ferry connection from Huelva to Gran Canaria is active all year round, with up to 3 crossings per week. Ferries from the port in Andalusia take 33-40 hr to reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Note: schedules and connections may change, so we recommend checking the itinerary for your travel date before booking.

The conventional ferries serving the Huelva - Gran Canaria and Cádiz - Gran Canaria routes feature modern amenities that offer a comfortable and relaxed journey. Facilities usually vary from one company and from one vessel to another. However, you can typically find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious seating on deck, where you can enjoy the sea view
• Bars, cafés and restaurants, where you can get drinks, snacks and full meals with a variety of menus on offer (including for celiacs and children)
• Shops and kiosks with snacks, gift, essentials and last-minute purchases
• Children’s play areas, as well as entertainment events during the high season
• Outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and terrace bar
• High-speed Wi-Fi access with a range of data bundles to suit your needs

Cabins and accommodation

Can I sleep on the ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Huelva and Cádiz to Gran Canaria take 33 to 40 hr, so you will be spending 1-2 nights at sea, depending on the specific crossing.

Fred. Olsen and Baleària ferries have a range of overnight accommodations, such as cabins and VIP seats, so you can arrive fresh and rested in the Canary Islands.

What cabins can I book?

On the conventional cruise ferries, you can book a cabin that accommodates up to 4 passengers. Typically, your options include:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins with sea view and double bed
• Cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins with bedding and water bowl

All cabins have air conditioning, a wardrobe, TV and private bathroom and cabin prices start at around €459.

What happens to my cabin if my journey includes a transfer?

On crossings with a ferry change in Tenerife, you will be assigned a VIP seat for the second leg of the journey, as the high-speed catamarans do not have cabins.

What seats can I book?

On Huelva - Gran Canaria ferries, you can book standard reclining seats with prices starting at around €116. For extra comfort and privacy, you can book a business seat, costing around €170. All seats are equipped with device connectors.

On Cádiz - Gran Canaria ferries, standard airplane type seats start at €115. Alternatively, you can book a seat in the VIP lounge, which also includes priority boarding, costing around €140.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries?

On Baleària ferries you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board yourself, free of charge. The ferries have a dedicated luggage storage area, however it may not be accessible during the trip, so keep a bag with personal items with you. If you are traveling with a car or camper van, you can store your items in your vehicle.

With Fred. Olsen, you can bring as many bags as you can carry onboard yourself. You can store your bags in a luggage room, which remains accessible throughout the voyage.

Amenities for people with disabilities

The ferries from Cádiz and Huelva to Las Palmas are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts connecting the vehicle and passenger decks, adapted seating and toilets, as well as accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Both companies also offer free assistance during boarding, the crossing and disembarkation, provided you get in touch with the company at least 48 hr ahead of your departure.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are allowed on ferries from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria, provided you include them in your booking. If you want to stay close to your pet for the whole crossing, look for pet-friendly cabins, available by all companies operating from Huelva and Cádiz.

If your pet is small and comfortable in a carrier, pet-friendly seating is a practical option, but keep in mind your pet must remain inside the carrier during the journey. If outside the carrier, pets should be on a leash.

Depending on the vessel, you can find other accomodation options like Calm Houses (with Baleària) or on-board kennels (with Fred. Olsen), as well as walking areas for pets.

Don’t forget to bring along the necessary health documents and passports, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the journey.

Good to know: for more information, you can check out our guide on traveling with your pet in Spain.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from mainland Spain ports to Gran Canaria:

• To ensure a smooth boarding process, we recommend arriving at your port of departure at least 1 hr in advance if you are traveling as a foot passenger. If you are transporting a vehicle, we recommend arriving there 1.5-2 hr before your scheduled departure.
• Find detailed information (schedules, prices, amenities, etc) about each Spain - Gran Canaria ferry route on our dedicated pages: Huelva - Gran Canaria and Cádiz - Gran Canaria.
• Looking for activity ideas during your vacation on the vibrant Canary island? Check out our guide on a 7-day road trip in Gran Canaria.
• Gran Canaria is a perfect starting point for exploring the eastern side of the Canary Islands archipelago, including Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Take a look at all ferry routes for island hopping in the Canary Islands and plan your trip hassle-free!

Where to take the ferry from Spain to Gran Canaria

You can travel by ferry to Gran Canaria from the ports of Huelva and Cádiz in Andalusia (southern Spain).

• From Huelva port (Puerto de Huelva): ferries depart from the Outer Port (Puerto Exterior), located around 17 km from the centre Huelva. The ferry terminals are at the south pier (Puerto Exterior Muelle Sur). The closest major airport is Seville Airport (SVQ), about 105 km away.
• From Cádiz port: it is within walking distance from the center. The port is easily accessible by train or by car via the Cádiz - Seville highway. It is located 40 km south of Jerez de la Frontera airport, with the trip taking about 30 min by car or 1 hr by public transport.

How to reach the port of Huelva

• By car or taxi: from Huelva, follow the H-30 toward La Rábida/Puerto, then the N-442, following signs for Puerto Exterior and Terminal de contenedores-Ferry. 
• By train or bus: regional trains and buses connect Seville with the central Huelva, from where you will need to continue by taxi to Muelle Sur.
• By taxi: the taxi ride to the port usually takes around 30 min from central Huelva and 1.5 hr from the airport in Seville.

How to reach the port of Cádiz

The main train station of Cádiz is a 5-10 min walk from the port, with frequent services connecting to Seville, Jerez, and other Andalusian cities.

• Several city buses, including lines 1, 3 and 5, stop near the port along Avenida del Puerto or Plaza España.
• There are plenty of taxis, with the ride from the city central or the train station taking 5 min or less, while journeys from Jerez Airport take about 30 min.
• If you are arriving by car from out of town, follow the AP-4 / A-4 freeway toward Cádiz and as you approach the city, look out for signs to Puerto de la Bahía de Cádiz.

Where does the ferry arrive in Gran Canaria?

Ferries from mainland Spain ports normally arrive at the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of Gran Canaria, on the northeastern coast of the island. Outside the ferry terminal, there are buses to take to the city center and other areas of the island.

In the area around the port, you will find cafés, restaurants, bars, shops and a shopping mall, as well as hotels, ATMs, and banks.