Compare cheap car hire at Gran Canaria Airport with practical information on rental desks, vehicles available, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is the main international airport serving the island of Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands. The airport sits on the island’s east coast about 25km south of Las Palmas and around 30km from the main resort areas in the south of the island.
Hiring a car at the airport is one of the easiest ways to explore Gran Canaria. The island’s beaches, mountain villages and scenic viewpoints are spread across different regions, making a rental car useful for visitors who want to travel beyond their resort.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Gran Canaria Airport has direct flights from Ireland throughout much of the year.
- Dublin → Gran Canaria (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)
- Cork → Gran Canaria (seasonal services)
The flight from Dublin to Gran Canaria usually takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car hire desks at Gran Canaria Airport are located inside the arrivals hall of the main terminal building. After collecting luggage, travellers will find the rental counters in the public arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area located directly outside the terminal, only a short walk from the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information are available on the official Gran Canaria Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Gran Canaria Airport
A wide range of international and Spanish rental companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Vehicles are usually parked in the dedicated rental car parking area beside the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Gran Canaria Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | Larger Family Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €45 per day | €45 – €75 per day | €75 – €130 per day |
| April – June | €30 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €150 per day |
| July – August | €40 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day | €150 – €220 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €65 per day | €65 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €25 – €50 per day | €50 – €85 per day | €85 – €150 per day |
Popular Cars to Rent in Gran Canaria
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are the most commonly rented vehicles on the island and are ideal for driving between beach resorts.
Family Cars
Mid-size vehicles provide more comfort for longer drives across the island.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles offer additional luggage space and are useful for visitors travelling around different parts of Gran Canaria.
People Carriers
Families travelling together often choose larger vehicles.
- 7 Seater people carriers – suitable for families travelling together
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger groups
Driving from Gran Canaria Airport
The airport connects directly to the GC-1 motorway which runs along the eastern and southern coastline of the island.
- Las Palmas – about 25 minutes
- Maspalomas – around 25 minutes
- Playa del Inglés – roughly 25 minutes
- Puerto Rico – about 40 minutes
The GC-1 motorway links the airport with most major towns and resorts on the island.
Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands and many travellers visit more than one island during their trip. If you are planning to explore further across the archipelago, you can also compare rental options at Tenerife Airport, Fuerteventura Airport and Lanzarote Airport.
Driving Tips for Gran Canaria
Roads across Gran Canaria are modern and well maintained. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and distances are shown in kilometres.
Mountain roads in the interior of the island can be steep and winding, especially in the central highlands.
More visitor information can be found on the official Spain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Gran Canaria Airport
Hiring a car allows visitors to explore many parts of the island beyond the main resorts.
- Maspalomas Dunes – famous sand dunes and beaches
- Roque Nublo – dramatic volcanic rock formation in the mountains
- Puerto de Mogán – picturesque harbour town
- Tejeda – mountain village in the centre of the island
Many visitors explore several of these locations during a road trip across Gran Canaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Gran Canaria Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Gran Canaria Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Gran Canaria Airport from Maspalomas?
The drive usually takes about 25 minutes.
Is driving in Gran Canaria easy for visitors?
Yes. Most roads are modern and clearly signposted.
Do roads in Gran Canaria have tolls?
No. Roads across the island are generally toll-free.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Gran Canaria Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in Spain.
Should I book Gran Canaria Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive across Gran Canaria?
Driving from the north to the south of the island usually takes about one hour.
Which motorway connects Gran Canaria Airport with the main resorts?
The GC-1 motorway connects the airport with Las Palmas and the southern resorts.
