Travel Guide · Updated 2025
How to Get from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas
By Raquel · Local Gran Canaria driver since 2021
Quick Answer
The fastest and most convenient option is a private transfer — 45 minutes, Estimated ~€75 for up to 4 passengers, door-to-door. For solo budget travellers, the bus takes 90+ minutes with a change and costs ~€5.
All Transport Options Compared
🚗 Private Transfer
Recommended for families and couples
Time
~45 min
Per person (4 pax)
~€19
Direct
✅ Yes
Driver meets you at arrivals. Estimated price, no surprises. Door-to-door to any hotel or resort in Maspalomas.
Book Private Transfer →🚕 Airport Taxi (metered)
€70–90Time
~45 min
Booking
Queue at rank
Direct
✅ Yes
Metered fare — price depends on traffic. No advance booking. May not speak English. Queue at the taxi rank outside arrivals.
🚌 Public Bus (Guagua)
~€5Time
90–120 min
Changes
1 change
Direct
❌ No
Take bus 60 to San Telmo terminal, then change to a south-bound service. Cheap, but slow and complicated with luggage.
🚙 Rental Car
€30–60/dayTime
~45 min
Flexibility
✅ High
Parking
⚠️ Needed
Good if you plan to explore the island independently. Factor in insurance, fuel and parking at your hotel (not always included).
The Route: Airport to Maspalomas
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located on the east coast of the island, just south of Las Palmas. Maspalomas is at the southern tip, about 58 km along the GC-1 motorway. The route is straightforward — one main road, no complicated junctions, mostly motorway driving.
The journey takes around 45 minutes in normal traffic. In peak summer (July–August) or during public holidays, it can stretch to 55–65 minutes. The route passes through the industrial outskirts of Las Palmas, then opens up to coastal motorway with views of the Atlantic before descending into the resort area.
Which Option is Right for You?
Couple or family of 3–4 → Private transfer
At €75 total, this works out at €19–37 per person. Add the convenience, the English-speaking driver and the door-to-door service, and it is clearly the best value option for any group.
Solo budget traveller → Bus
If you are travelling alone with hand luggage and have 2 hours to spare, the bus is the cheapest option. Take the 60 to San Telmo, then connect to a south service.
Planning to explore the island → Rental car
If you want to visit different parts of Gran Canaria on multiple days, renting a car at the airport makes sense. Roads are good and the island is easy to navigate.
Why I Recommend Pre-Booking Your Transfer
As a local driver, I see the same situation every day at the airport: passengers arriving tired after a long flight, queuing for 20–30 minutes at the taxi rank, not knowing if the driver speaks English, and ending up in a taxi with a running meter on a route they do not know.
A pre-booked private transfer eliminates all of that. You already know the price before you land. Your driver is waiting when you arrive. You go directly to your hotel without any uncertainty.
For the first journey of your holiday, that peace of mind is worth far more than the small price difference between a pre-booked transfer and a metered taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas?+
Approximately 45 minutes by private transfer or taxi via the GC-1 motorway. By public bus, allow 90–120 minutes including a change.
Is there a direct bus from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas?+
No direct bus. You take line 60 to San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas, then connect to a south-bound service. Total journey 90–120 minutes.
What is the estimated price for a private transfer to Maspalomas?+
Raquel Taxi's estimated price is ~€75 for the whole vehicle (up to 4 passengers), confirmed before the journey. No hidden fees.
Is it worth renting a car in Gran Canaria?+
Yes if you plan to explore multiple areas independently. Roads are good, petrol is cheaper than mainland Spain, and the island is easy to navigate. Consider whether your hotel charges for parking.