Lanzarote Airport (ACE)

The basics

Lanzarote Airport (IATA: ACE, ICAO: GCRR) is the island's only airport, located 5 km southwest of Arrecife and about 10 km from Puerto del Carmen. It's the fifth busiest airport in the Canary Islands, handling around 3 million passengers a year. The airport is officially named after César Manrique — the artist who shaped Lanzarote's identity — and you'll see his influence in the terminal's clean, white architecture.

It's a single-terminal airport (Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights; Terminal 2 is used exclusively by Canary Islands regional carrier Binter Canarias). The terminal is small by international standards — you can walk from one end to the other in about 7 minutes. That's the good news: everything is close together, queues are usually manageable, and you won't get lost.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

By taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 from the rank directly outside arrivals. There's always a queue of taxis waiting — even at 3am for early flights. The taxis are white with a green light on the roof. Fixed rates apply to the main resort areas:

Fares are metered. There's a surcharge for night journeys (10pm–6am) and for luggage in the boot. A taxi is the best option if you're staying in Puerto del Carmen or Arrecife — it's cheap and fast.

By bus

Three bus lines connect the airport to the main resorts, operated by Lanzarote Bus (líneas urbanas e interurbanas):

• Line 22 (Airport ↔ Puerto del Carmen ↔ Arrecife): Runs every 30 min, €1.40. Journey time: 20 min to Puerto del Carmen.
• Line 23 (Airport ↔ Costa Teguise): Runs hourly, €1.40. Journey time: 25 min.
• Line 4 (Airport ↔ Arrecife): Runs every 20 min, €1.40. Journey time: 10 min.

Buses run from approximately 7am to 11pm. There is no night bus. Tickets are bought from the driver (exact change is appreciated) or with a contactless card. Bus stops are outside the terminal, to the right as you exit.

By rental car

The rental car desks are in the arrivals hall — you can see them all from one spot. The main companies present are: Autoreisen, Cabrera Medina, CICAR, Plus Car, Goldcar, Hertz, Avis, and DiscoverCars (broker). Most have their cars in the car park directly outside the terminal, a 2-minute walk.

Private transfer

Pre-booked private transfers cost €25–60 depending on destination. They meet you in arrivals with your name on a sign. Useful if you're arriving late at night with kids and don't want to queue for a taxi. Book through GetYourGuide or Suntransfers.

Airport facilities

Shops and restaurants

The airport has a surprisingly decent selection for its size:

• Dufry Duty Free (after security): alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics. Canary Islands tax regime means tobacco and alcohol are cheaper than mainland Spain.
• Restaurants and cafés: Both before and after security. The main restaurant is upstairs in departures — sandwiches, hot meals, coffee. Prices are airport-level (a coffee costs €3-4, a sandwich €7-9).
• Shop & Fly (before security): newspapers, magazines, snacks, souvenirs.
• Aena Shop: Lanzarote souvenirs, local wine, gofio, honey — if you forgot to buy gifts, this is your last chance.

Services

• Free WiFi: Connect to "Aena_WiFi" — 30 minutes free, premium available
• ATMs: Several in arrivals and departures. Most accept international cards.
• Pharmacy: Yes, in the departures area
• VIP lounge: The "Sala César Manrique" lounge is available for €25 (or free with Priority Pass). Includes drinks, snacks, WiFi, and quiet seating.
• Left luggage: No left luggage facility. Don't plan on storing bags.
• Showers: None available.
• Charging points: Plenty of USB and power outlets in the departure area.

Parking at the airport

If you're picking someone up or leaving your car:

• Express parking (P1): 15 minutes free, then €0.03/min. Best for pickups.
• General parking (P2): €0.02/min, €12/day maximum. Covered and open-air.
• Long-term parking: Same P2 rate. No separate long-term area — just park and pay at the machine.

Security and tips

Lanzarote Airport security is generally fast — 10-15 minutes during peak times, 2-3 minutes off-peak. The morning rush (6-9am) is the busiest because that's when most UK flights depart. If you're flying out in the morning, arrive 2 hours before, not 90 minutes.

• Liquids: standard EU rules (100ml max, in a clear bag)
• Electronic devices out of bags
• No belt or shoes removal (unlike UK airports)
• The security area is small — only 3-4 lanes

Arrivals — what to expect

Passport control for non-EU arrivals can take 15-30 minutes during peak season. EU/EEA citizens use the fast lane. Baggage claim has 3 carousels — check the screens for your flight. The arrivals hall is compact: car hire desks to the left, taxi rank outside the doors, bus stop to the right.

FAQ

Last updated: July 2026