Gran Canaria airport (LPA) lies on the east coast of the island, between Telde and Ingenio, roughly 25 to 30 kilometres south of Las Palmas. The good news is that getting into the city is easy whatever your budget: a direct bus runs to the heart of Santa Catalina, taxis wait outside the terminal and the motorway takes you north in under half an hour. Here is how each option works, so you can choose the one that suits your arrival time and luggage.
By bus: Global line 60, direct to Santa Catalina
The most convenient public transport option is line 60, run by Global, the island's intercity bus company (in the Canaries buses are called guaguas). It is a direct service between the airport and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, stopping at the San Telmo bus station and ending at the Santa Catalina bus station, right next to Parque Santa Catalina.
The stop is outside the main national and international terminal, on the departures side. Buses run frequently during the day, from early morning until late evening, with fewer departures at night. The journey to Santa Catalina usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. A ticket costs just a few euros and you can buy it on board or from the ticket machine at the stop.
From Santa Catalina bus station it is a walk of just a few minutes to the guest entrance on Calle Secretario Artiles, so for most travellers line 60 is all you need.
- Timetables change with the seasons: check the current line 60 timetable on Global's website before you fly.
- Have a bank card or some small change ready for your ticket.
Arriving late at night
Line 60 does not run through the night. If your flight lands after the last departure, Global's night line 5 calls at the airport on its way to the San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas; from there a taxi to Santa Catalina is a short ride across the city. Night services are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance.
For very late arrivals, or if you simply prefer not to change, a taxi straight from the terminal is the easiest choice. Keep in mind that check-in at the studio is between 15:00 and 21:00: if you expect to arrive outside that window, please contact us before booking.
By taxi: the fastest door-to-door option
The taxi rank is just outside the terminal. Airport taxis run on the meter and the trip to Santa Catalina usually takes 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic on the GC-1 motorway. As a rough guide, expect to pay somewhere between 35 and 50 euros, a little more at night and on public holidays, when a higher tariff applies.
Give the driver the guest entrance address, Calle Secretario Artiles 83, so you are dropped right at the door. If you are travelling with lots of luggage or want certainty on price, booking a private transfer in advance is an alternative, usually at a fixed rate.
By rental car
The car-hire companies have their desks in the arrivals hall of the main terminal, and the drive to Las Palmas is straightforward: follow the GC-1 motorway north into the city and head towards the port and Santa Catalina. Outside rush hour the drive takes around 25 to 30 minutes.
A car is great for exploring the island, from mountain villages to the dunes of Maspalomas, but in the city itself you will rarely need it: the beach, restaurants, shops and bus station are all within walking distance of the studio. There is free street parking nearby, subject to availability, and several paid public car parks a few minutes away. Many guests hire a car only for the days they plan to explore.
- The GC-1 into Las Palmas can be slow during the weekday morning and evening rush hours, so leave some margin if you have to return the car before a flight.
Which option should you choose?
If you are travelling light and arriving during the day, line 60 is cheap, comfortable and drops you a few minutes from the door. Couples with heavy suitcases, families and anyone landing late will appreciate the speed of a taxi. And if you plan day trips around Gran Canaria, picking up a car at the airport makes sense, as long as you do not mind looking for parking in the city.
Whatever you choose, the journey is short: within an hour or so of landing you can be walking along Las Canteras, just 200 metres from Morada Mágica.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Gran Canaria airport to Santa Catalina?
Global bus line 60 runs directly from Gran Canaria airport to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, stopping at the San Telmo bus station and terminating at the Santa Catalina bus station next to Parque Santa Catalina. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
How much does a taxi from Gran Canaria airport to Las Palmas cost?
Airport taxis are metered. A ride to the Santa Catalina and Las Canteras area typically costs roughly 35 to 50 euros, depending on traffic and on night or holiday tariffs, and takes around 25 to 30 minutes.
Is there a night bus from the airport to Las Palmas?
Line 60 does not run overnight. Global's night line 5 calls at the airport and continues to the San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas, from where you can take a taxi. Check the current timetable on Global's website before travelling.
How far is Gran Canaria airport from Las Palmas?
Gran Canaria airport is on the east coast of the island, roughly 25 to 30 kilometres south of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. By car or taxi the drive along the GC-1 motorway takes about 25 to 30 minutes without heavy traffic.