César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport

César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), commonly known as Lanzarote Airport or Arrecife Airport, is the gateway to Lanzarote, the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands. Located in San Bartolomé, just 5 km southwest of the capital Arrecife, the airport handles over 8 million passengers annually, predominantly from the UK and Germany.

Named after the island's most famous artist, César Manrique, who championed sustainable tourism and left an indelible mark on Lanzarote's landscape, the airport connects visitors to an island of dramatic volcanic scenery, year-round sunshine, and unique artistic attractions.

The airport has two terminals in separate but adjacent buildings:

• Terminal 1: Main terminal handling international and most domestic flights. Contains 42 check-in desks, gates 1-12, and all major facilities
• Terminal 2: Smaller terminal for inter-island flights operated by Binter Canarias and Canaryfly

The terminals are a short walk apart. T1 handles the vast majority of traffic from European carriers, while T2 serves frequent connections to other Canary Islands.

Key carriers: Jet2.com, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI Airways, British Airways, Vueling, and Binter Canarias dominate operations, with approximately 40 airlines serving around 85 destinations, mostly in Europe.

Nearby Canary Island Airports

Lanzarote is part of the eastern Canary Islands, with frequent connections to neighboring islands by air and sea.

Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) — 60 km south (by air)

• Just 30 minutes by ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo
• Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate inter-island flights
• Best for: Reaching Fuerteventura's beaches without the long ferry from Arrecife

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) — 228 km southwest

• Direct flights take 45 minutes with Binter or Canaryfly
• Ferry takes 6-10 hours from Arrecife
• Best for: Connections to other Canary Islands, more flight options to mainland Spain

Connecting between islands:

Method	To Fuerteventura	To Gran Canaria
Flight	30 min, EUR 50-100	45 min, EUR 45-110
Ferry (fast)	25-35 min from Playa Blanca	6-10 hours from Arrecife
Ferry cost	EUR 17-50	EUR 110+

Ferry operators: Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas, Lineas Romero

Lanzarote Airport is centrally located, making it accessible to all the island's main resort areas.

Distances to key destinations:

• Arrecife (capital): 5 km (10-15 minutes)
• Puerto del Carmen: 10 km (15-20 minutes)
• Costa Teguise: 15 km (20-25 minutes)
• Playa Blanca: 33 km (35-45 minutes)
• Teguise (market town): 15 km (20 minutes)

Lanzarote enjoys year-round warm weather with minimal rainfall, making it a popular winter sun destination. The island is compact enough to explore entirely from any resort base.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals. Fares to/from the airport are fixed rates based on destination.

Destination	Fare (EUR)	Fare (USD)	Time
Arrecife	EUR 12	~$13	10-15 min
Puerto del Carmen	EUR 12-18	~$13-20	15-20 min
Costa Teguise	EUR 20-24	~$22-26	20-25 min
Playa Blanca	EUR 45-50	~$49-55	35-45 min
Teguise	EUR 25-30	~$27-33	20-25 min

Tips:

• Fares are higher at night (22:00-06:00) and on holidays
• Airport supplement of approximately EUR 1.65 applies
• Most taxis accept cash only; confirm card payment before departing
• Request a receipt ("recibo") for complaints or lost items

Taxi phone numbers:

• Puerto del Carmen: +34 928 524 220
• Playa Blanca: +34 928 524 222
• Costa Teguise/Teguise: +34 928 524 223

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft do not operate in Lanzarote. Local taxi services are the primary option for on-demand transport.

Cabify: Limited availability; download the app but don't rely on it.

Hotel Transfers

Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-booked airport transfers:

• Shared shuttle: EUR 10-20 per person
• Private transfer: EUR 30-50 (comparable to taxi)
• Book through your hotel or operators like Shuttle Direct or Welcome Pickups

IntercityBus Lanzarote

IntercityBus (formerly Arrecife Bus) operates the public bus network in Lanzarote. Several routes connect the airport to main resort areas.

Line 22: Airport - Arrecife

• Frequency: Every 25 minutes (weekdays), less frequent weekends
• Journey time: 15 minutes to Arrecife bus station
• Fare: EUR 1.40 (~$1.55)
• Operating hours: 07:00-22:40 (no service 01:00-06:00)

Line 161/261: Airport - Puerto del Carmen - Playa Blanca

• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Journey time: 20 min to Puerto del Carmen, 60 min to Playa Blanca
• Fare: EUR 1.70 to Puerto del Carmen, EUR 3.50 to Playa Blanca
• Stops: Matagorda, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, Yaiza, Playa Blanca

Line 23: Airport - Playa Honda - Arrecife

• Availability: Weekends only
• Journey time: 15 minutes

Bus Tickets

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single ticket (on bus)	Varies by distance	Pay driver, cash preferred
Bono General card	EUR 2.00	Rechargeable, 10% discount

Tips:

• Buy a Bono General card for savings if taking multiple journeys
• Bus stop is located outside arrivals
• No bus service between 01:00 and 06:00; use taxis for late/early flights
• For Costa Teguise, take Line 22 to Arrecife and transfer
• Check arrecifebus.com for current schedules

Lanzarote Airport offers parking facilities adjacent to both terminals.

Parking Options

Facility	Location	Rate
AENA General T1	Terminal 1, 3 min walk	~EUR 18/day
AENA General T2	Terminal 2, adjacent	~EUR 18/day

Tips:

• Book online at aena.es for discounts up to 25%
• First 15 minutes free for drop-off/pickup
• Covered parking with 24/7 video surveillance
• Car rental return areas are separate from public parking

Car Rental

Renting a car is recommended for exploring Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes and beaches. Major companies operate at the airport:

Arrivals hall (T1): Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt Off-airport: Cicar, Goldcar, Autoreisen (shuttle service)

Tips:

• Local company Cicar often offers competitive rates
• Book in advance during peak season (winter, Easter, UK school holidays)
• Full insurance recommended for peace of mind
• Most rentals include unlimited mileage
• Lanzarote is compact; a small car is sufficient

Lanzarote Airport has a moderate selection of dining options, concentrated in Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)

Landside (Before Security):

• Cafes and bars with coffee, sandwiches, and basic Spanish fare
• Vending machines for snacks and drinks

Airside (After Security):

• Restaurants and cafes: Spanish tapas, sandwiches, salads
• Fast food: Burger King, grab-and-go options
• La Dehesa: Spanish ham and cheese specialties
• Relay: Snacks, drinks, travel essentials

Terminal 2

• Single cafe in departures area
• Limited options; eat before clearing security

Budget tip: Airport prices are 20-40% higher than in town. Eat in Arrecife or your resort before arriving at the airport.

Canarian specialties to try:

• Papas arrugadas: Wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce
• Queso de cabra: Local goat cheese
• Mojo verde/rojo: Green and red pepper sauces

Free WiFi is available throughout Lanzarote Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA
Registration	Email or Aena Club login required
Time limit	Unlimited (with initial 15-minute verification)
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

For faster connections, the Guacimeta VIP Lounge offers premium WiFi.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, though options are limited.

Airport Locations

• Press/Relay shops: Basic prepaid SIM cards
• Limited selection: Better variety in Arrecife or resort areas

Spanish Carriers

Provider	Tourist SIM	Data
Vodafone	From EUR 15	5-10 GB
Orange	From EUR 10	5 GB
Movistar	From EUR 15	5-10 GB
Lycamobile	From EUR 10	Budget option

Tips:

• EU roaming is free for EU/EEA residents; no local SIM needed
• Better prices at phone shops in Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen
• Supermarkets (HiperDino) sell prepaid SIM cards
• Passport/ID required for purchase

ATMs are located in the arrivals hall and throughout Terminal 1.

Currency

• Spain/Canary Islands: Euro (EUR)
• ATM networks: Servired, 4B, Euro 6000

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs near exit
• Departures (T1): ATMs before security
• Airside: Limited options

Currency Exchange

Exchange bureaus operate in the terminal but offer poor rates compared to ATMs.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw euros from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Spain is card-friendly; Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
• Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Cash useful for small purchases, beach vendors, and some taxis

Tip: The Canary Islands use the Euro like mainland Spain. There is no separate currency.

Lanzarote Airport offers duty-free shopping and local products.

Duty-Free

• Dufry/World Duty Free: Main operator
• Alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics
• Electronics and accessories
• Spanish and Canarian food products

Note: The Canary Islands have a special tax status within the EU with lower VAT (IGIC at 7% vs mainland Spain's 21%). Prices on many goods are already competitive.

Other Shops

• Canarian products: Mojo sauce, local wines, ron miel (honey rum), aloe vera
• Spanish souvenirs: Ceramics, fans, local crafts
• Press/Relay: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Fashion: Limited options

Tips

• Canarian wines (especially Malvasia) make excellent gifts
• Ron Miel: Traditional honey rum, unique to the Canaries
• Aloe Vera products: Lanzarote grows high-quality aloe
• Non-EU residents can claim tax refunds on purchases over EUR 90.15

Lounge options at Lanzarote Airport are limited to one facility.

Sala Guacimeta VIP Lounge

• Location: Terminal 1, airside, near Gates 1-2, 2nd floor
• Hours: 06:00 until last flight departure
• Access: Priority Pass, certain credit cards, paid entry
• Size: 192 m² interior plus 56 m² outdoor terrace

Amenities:

• Hot and cold snacks, pastries
• Beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee
• High-speed WiFi
• Daily newspapers (Spanish and international)
• Television
• Smoking terrace with views

Pricing (walk-in):

Category	Price (EUR)	Price (USD)
Adults	EUR 41-45	~$45-49
Children 6-10	EUR 19-21	~$21-23
Under 6	Free	Free

Access Methods

• Priority Pass: Accepted (may have restrictions during peak times)
• American Express Platinum: May provide access
• Business Class: Often included with ticket
• Diners Club: Accepted

Tips:

• Can be crowded during peak departure times (morning UK flights)
• Access limited to 4 hours before scheduled departure
• The terrace offers pleasant views of the runway and island
• Consider arriving later and using terminal restaurants if lounge is full

Most visitors to Lanzarote head directly to resort areas rather than staying near the airport. The island is small enough that all accommodations are within 45 minutes of ACE.

Near the Airport

Arrecife Gran Hotel (Arrecife)

• 10 minutes from airport
• City hotel near Playa del Reducto beach
• From EUR 80/night

Main Resort Areas

Resort	From Airport	Character
Puerto del Carmen	15-20 min	Main tourist hub, beaches, nightlife
Costa Teguise	20-25 min	Family-friendly, golf, windsurfing
Playa Blanca	35-45 min	Upscale, Papagayo beaches, ferries to Fuerteventura

Budget Options

• Airbnb: Widely available throughout Lanzarote
• Arrecife: More affordable than resort areas, local atmosphere

Early/Late Flight Options

• No hotels directly at the airport
• Puerto del Carmen is closest resort (15-20 min)
• Most hotels can arrange early/late transfers

Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its volcanic landscapes, the artistic legacy of César Manrique, year-round sunshine, and beautiful beaches. The island offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural attractions.

Getting Around Lanzarote

Destination	From Airport	Transport
Puerto del Carmen	15-20 min	Taxi/Bus 161
Costa Teguise	20-25 min	Taxi/Bus 22+transfer
Playa Blanca	35-45 min	Taxi/Bus 161
Timanfaya National Park	25-35 min	Rental car recommended
Jameos del Agua	25-30 min	Rental car recommended
Papagayo Beaches	40-50 min	Rental car/Taxi

Timanfaya National Park

The Fire Mountains (Montanas del Fuego) are Lanzarote's most dramatic attraction, a UNESCO-protected volcanic landscape created by eruptions from 1720-1736 and 1824.

• Entry: EUR 12 adults, EUR 6 children
• Highlights: Bus tour through volcanic craters, geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario
• El Diablo Restaurant: César Manrique-designed restaurant where food is cooked using volcanic heat
• Camel rides: Available at Echadero de los Camellos near the park entrance
• Best time: Morning for fewer crowds; book online in peak season
• Tip: You cannot walk freely in the park; the bus tour is mandatory

César Manrique Attractions

César Manrique (1919-1992) transformed Lanzarote through his unique fusion of art, architecture, and nature. His attractions are unmissable:

Jameos del Agua

• Underground volcanic cave system with a subterranean lake
• Home to unique blind albino crabs found nowhere else on Earth
• Concert venue and restaurant
• Entry: EUR 10

Mirador del Rio

• Viewpoint 474 m above sea level with panoramic views of La Graciosa island
• Built into the cliff face, classic Manrique design
• Entry: EUR 5

Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden)

• Over 4,500 cacti in a former quarry
• Windmill and cafe on site
• Entry: EUR 6.50

César Manrique Foundation (Tahiche)

• The artist's former home built into volcanic bubbles
• Connected by lava tunnels
• Entry: EUR 10

Museo del Campesino (Farmer's Museum)

• Free entry
• Traditional Canarian architecture and crafts

Multi-attraction tickets: Available at visitors' centers; save 15-25% on combined entry.

Best Beaches

Papagayo Beaches (Playa Blanca area)

• Lanzarote's most beautiful beaches
• Golden sand coves with turquoise waters
• Natural reserve; EUR 3 parking fee
• Calm waters ideal for snorkeling and families
• 40-50 min from airport

Famara Beach (northwest coast)

• 6 km of golden sand beneath dramatic cliffs
• Surfing and kitesurfing capital of Lanzarote
• Strong currents; not ideal for swimming
• Views of La Graciosa island
• 30 min from airport

Playa del Reducto (Arrecife)

• City beach, Blue Flag certified
• Calm waters, good for families
• 10 min from airport

Puerto del Carmen beaches

• Playa Grande: Main beach, all facilities
• Playa Chica: Small cove, good snorkeling
• 15-20 min from airport

La Graciosa

The smallest inhabited island of the Canary Islands lies just off Lanzarote's northern tip:

• Ferry from Orzola (30 minutes, EUR 25-30 return)
• No paved roads; sandy tracks only
• Beautiful unspoiled beaches
• Day trip possible from anywhere on Lanzarote

Canary Island Hopping

Island	How to Reach	Journey Time
Fuerteventura	Ferry from Playa Blanca	25-35 min
Fuerteventura	Flight from ACE	30 min
Gran Canaria	Flight from ACE	45 min
Gran Canaria	Ferry from Arrecife	6-10 hours
Tenerife	Flight from ACE	1 hour

Ferry operators: Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas

Travel Tips

• Climate: Warm and sunny year-round; average 20-28°C, minimal rain
• Driving: Renting a car is the best way to explore; roads are excellent
• Water: Desalinated tap water is safe but tastes mineral; buy bottled
• Tipping: Not mandatory in Spain, but 5-10% appreciated for good service
• Siesta: Some shops close 14:00-17:00, especially outside tourist areas
• Language: Spanish; English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Time zone: Same as UK/Portugal (1 hour behind mainland Spain)

Lanzarote Specialties

• Papas arrugadas con mojo: Salty potatoes with red/green pepper sauce
• Gofio: Traditional toasted grain, used in many dishes
• Fresh fish: Vieja, sama, cherne (local catch)
• Canarian wines: Malvasia whites from volcanic soil
• Ron Miel: Honey-infused rum, served cold as digestif
• Queso de Lanzarote: Local goat cheese (PDO protected)

Layover Ideas

• 4-hour layover: Limited; stay at airport or quick taxi to Arrecife's Playa del Reducto
• 8-hour layover: Visit Timanfaya National Park or Jameos del Agua
• Full day: Combine Timanfaya, César Manrique Foundation, and Papagayo beaches