Ferries La Palma

Ferry operators traveling to and from La Palma usually offer discounts for specific passenger categories, including:

• Infants and toddlers up to 3 years old (usually travel free of charge)
• Children up to 11-12 years old
• Young people under 26
• Passengers over 60
• Large families

Additionally, there are significant discounts for Canary Islands residents of up to 75% on standard ticket prices. 

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the discount you are eligible for, and it will be applied to your final ticket price.

You can travel by ferry to La Palma from neighboring Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria) as well as mainland Spain (Cádiz).

Routes from the Canary Islands

• Tenerife (Los Cristianos) - La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma): high-speed ferries operated daily by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària reach La Palma from Los Cristianos in about 2.5 hours.
• La Gomera (San Sebastián) - La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma): direct daily sailings are operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària, taking approximately 2 to 4.5 hours depending on the vessel. Note that some ferries include a stopover at the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife 
• Gran Canaria (Las Palmas / Agaete) - La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma): you can easily travel between the two islands via an indirect ferry connection with a quick stopover in Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The total journey duration starts around 5.5 to 6 hours.

Routes from Mainland Spain

• Cádiz - La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma): Baleària operates a long-distance weekly route linking Cádiz to Santa Cruz de La Palma. Crossing durations take approximately 50 to 56 hours, making intermediate stops in other Canary Islands ports along the way.

Ferries connecting to La Palma are primarily operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària.

• Fred. Olsen Express operates fast catamarans offering high-speed connections between La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma), Tenerife (Los Cristianos) and La Gomera (San Sebastián).
• Baleària operate conventional car ferries and fast vessels, serving inter-island routes from Tenerife and La Gomera as well as long-distance sailings from mainland Spain (Cádiz).

Luggage Policies

Each ferry operator has specific luggage allowance rules:

• Fred. Olsen Express: passengers can bring up to 20 kg of luggage per person. Hand luggage can be carried into the passenger lounges, while larger bags must be checked in or placed in onboard luggage trolleys.
• Baleària: has no weight limit on luggage, provided you can transport it onboard yourself in a single trip. Open luggage racks and lockers are available inside passenger lounges.

The ferry ride to La Palma ranges from 2.5 hours to around 56 hours, depending on your departure port, the vessel type and whether you travel from a neighboring Canary Island or mainland Spain:

• From Tenerife (Los Cristianos - Santa Cruz de La Palma): high-speed ferries connect the two islands in about 2.5 hours.
• From La Gomera (San Sebastián - Santa Cruz de La Palma): direct and indirect sailings take between 2 and 4.5 hours.
• From Gran Canaria (Las Palmas - Santa Cruz de La Palma): the voyage lasts around 5.5 to 6 hours.
• From Mainland Spain (Cádiz - Santa Cruz de La Palma): Long-distance crossings take approximately 50 to 56 hours.

Which is the fastest route?

The fastest ferry route to La Palma is from Tenerife (Los Cristianos), with high-speed catamarans making the crossing in just 2.5 hours.

What is the cheapest ferry route?

The cheapest route is also from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) or La Gomera (San Sebastián), with standard adult single tickets starting at around €50. For verified Canary Islands residents, ticket prices drop by 75% to as low as €10 to €12.

You can bring your vehicle on most ferries traveling to La Palma. Conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans 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 pricing depends on the route, ferry company, vehicle size, and resident status:

Inter-island routes:

• From Tenerife: bringing a standard car costs between €35 and €65 one-way. Motorcycle tickets start at around €15 to €25.
• From La Gomera: standard car fares start at around €20 and motorbike ones from €10.
• From Gran Canaria: bringing a standard car costs between €30 and €80 one-way, while motorcycle fares start at around €20. 
• Resident rates: if you qualify for the Canary Islands resident discount (75%), standard car fares from Tenerife drop to as low as €8.50 to €16.

Mainland routes (Cádiz - Santa Cruz de La Palma): bringing a standard car on the long-distance sailing from mainland Spain costs from approximately €100 one-way, while motorcycle fares start at around €80 to €110.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry?

Yes, taking a campervan or motorhome to La Palma is a popular way to explore the island's natural sights.

• Fares: on inter-island routes from Tenerife or La Gomera, motorhome tickets start at around €50 to €85 depending on length and height. On mainland routes from Cádiz, fares start at approximately €250 to €420.
• Booking details: specify the exact dimensions of your motorhome (including length, height, and any bike racks or roof boxes) when booking to guarantee a space on the car deck.
• Onboard rules: vehicle decks remain locked for safety while the vessel is at sea. Ensure you bring all personal items to the passenger lounges before departure, and verify that gas cylinders are shut off and properly secured.

When taking a ferry to La Palma, you can enjoy various onboard amenities, whether you are taking a short high-speed catamaran ride from Tenerife or La Gomera, or a long-haul voyage from mainland Spain.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, private cabins are available on conventional car ferries operating to La Palma, especially on long-distance routes from Cádiz and select inter-island sailings. You can choose from standard interior or exterior cabins (single, double, or 4-bed), deluxe suites, and pet-friendly cabins.

Note: short high-speed catamaran crossings (such as the 2.5-hour route from Los Cristianos to Santa Cruz de La Palma) do not offer cabins.

How much is a cabin?

Cabin prices vary based on the route duration and cabin category:

• Inter-island routes: on longer inter-island sailings where cabins are available (such as Gran Canaria to La Palma via Tenerife), private cabin fares generally start around €130.
• Mainland routes: on long-distance sailings from Cádiz to Santa Cruz de La Palma, cabin prices typically start at around €260 per bed or room, depending on season and layout.

What type of seats you can book

Depending on the vessel and ferry company, you can choose from the following seating options:

• Standard / Economy deck seats: unassigned seating in common indoor lounges, cafeterias, or open sun decks.
• Numbered airplane-type seats: reserved, reclining seats in quiet, air-conditioned lounges.
• VIP / Premium seats: extra-spacious reclining seats with access to exclusive lounge areas on select Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària fast ferries.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, all main ferry companies operating routes to La Palma provide full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility. Onboard facilities include step-free ramps, elevators, wheelchair anchor points, accessible restrooms, and specially adapted wheelchair-accessible cabins on long-haul vessels. If you require assistance during boarding or disembarkation, inform the ferry operator at least 48 hours before departure.

Can you take pets on the ferry to La Palma?

Yes, pets are welcome on ferries to La Palma. Operators like Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària provide dedicated pet accommodations.

Where do pets stay?

• Pet-friendly cabins: available on conventional car ferries, allowing your pet to stay in your private cabin.
• Pet kennels: secure, ventilated kennel facilities located on open or covered ship decks.
• Pet-friendly lounges / carriers: small pets in approved carriers can stay with you in designated lounge areas. On select Fred. Olsen Express vessels, leashed pets are also permitted in dedicated pet-friendly seating sections.

Note: make sure to carry a valid pet passport or health certificate with updated vaccination records when checking in.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, most ferries serving La Palma offer Wi-Fi access. Basic connection is usually provided free in passenger lounges, while premium high-speed packages can be purchased onboard on longer voyages.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, vessels feature several amenities to ensure a comfortable trip, including TV lounges, cafeterias, bars, outdoor sun decks, children's play areas, and duty-free shops on long-distance sailings from mainland Spain.

What documents do I need? 

Since La Palma is part of the Canary Islands (Spain) and within the Schengen Area, travel document requirements depend on your citizenship and origin:

• EU/EFTA citizens: a valid national identity card or passport is required to board the ferry.
• Non-EU citizens: you must present a valid passport. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a valid Schengen Visa.
• Canary Islands residents: to claim the 75% resident discount, you must present your valid Spanish ID (DNI or NIE) alongside an official certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento) at check-in or boarding.

How to book ferry tickets

Booking ferry tickets to La Palma is quick and simple on Ferryhopper:

• Compare real-time schedules: enter your departure port and travel dates to view all direct and connecting ferry routes across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
• Select discounts & options: choose applicable passenger discounts (such as resident, child, senior, or large family), add vehicles, and select your preferred onboard accommodation (cabins, numbered seats, or pet options).
• Transparent pricing: complete your reservation directly with no hidden fees.

Check-in and boarding procedures

• Arrival times: foot passengers are advised to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 45 minutes before departure. Passengers traveling with cars, motorcycles, or campervans should arrive 90 minutes prior to embarkation.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, major operators serving La Palma (Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, and Baleària) offer digital e-tickets. You can complete online check-in via the Ferryhopper App or website and show your digital boarding pass on your mobile device to board directly.

Known as "La Isla Bonita" ("The Beautiful Island"), La Palma is the north-westernmost island of the Canaries, famous for its dense pine forests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine star-filled night skies. Find more details and travel tips on our La Palma travel guide.

La Palma is one of the most well-connected and easily accessible Canary Islands, as there are plenty of ferry crossings from mainland Spain and most of the Canaries. Here are some helpful tips for a comfortable ferry trip to La Palma:

• If you want to get the whole Canary Islands experience, you can plan an island-hopping excursion or try our top 4 weekend getaways in the archipelago. Check out our Map of ferries for all potential combinations and plan your next trip.
• The local currency is the euro. Most places in La Palma accept cards, though it’s good to carry some cash in smaller towns.

Best time to book

The climate of the Canary Islands tends to be mild all year round, and La Palma is no exception, making it a fantastic destination in any season. Therefore, the best time to book your tickets depends on when you are planning to visit La Palma.

Ferry traffic and ticket demand increase during the summer months and around Christmas and Easter. If you're thinking of traveling during these periods, it's best to book your tickets 3-4 weeks in advance.

For the rest of the year, you can book your tickets even a few days before departure.

Please note that ferry schedules may vary by season, so always double-check the latest itineraries on Ferryhopper for the most up-to-date information.

How many ports does La Palma have?

La Palma has 1 primary commercial ferry port: Santa Cruz de La Palma. Located on the island's eastern coast, it handles all passenger ferry arrivals from neighboring Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria) as well as mainland Spain (Cádiz).

Where is La Palma's port?

The port of Santa Cruz de La Palma is situated on the eastern side of the island, right next to the historic capital city center. Its central location makes it exceptionally convenient, placing shops, restaurants, and historical sights within a short walking distance from the ferry terminal. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or on foot from downtown Santa Cruz. 

How to get to La Palma port

• By bus (guagua): TILP operates regular bus services connecting the port with the rest of the island. Bus line 500 links Santa Cruz de La Palma directly with La Palma Airport (SPC) in about 15 to 20 minutes. Line 300 connects the capital to Los Llanos de Aridane across the mountains in around 45 minutes.
• By car / taxi: drive along the main LP-1 or LP-2 highways, which connect Santa Cruz de La Palma directly with the rest of the island. The drive from La Palma Airport to the ferry port takes only 10 to 15 minutes by car or taxi.

Tip: there’s also a smaller harbor on the western coast of La Palma, Tazacorte, which does not serve ferry routes, but you can hop on a boat trip from there and explore the island’s coast. 

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to La Palma, 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.