Gran Canaria Layover Guide (LPA)

What are you looking for in LPA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is an international airport located in Telde and Ingenio, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. It’s situated about 19 km (12 miles) from Las Palmas. The airport officially opened in 1930. Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands and is known for its mild climate, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. It’s a popular destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Can you leave Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers can exit Gran Canaria Airport during a layover provided they clear Schengen immigration. Non-visa-exempt travellers must hold a valid Schengen entry visa; visa-free nationals can enter up to 90 days. Ensure your passport validity meets Schengen requirements. Carry onward boarding passes and sufficient funds for transit during your stay. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Explore Vegueta in Las Palmas Explore historic Vegueta neighborhood with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and charming plazas. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana, Casa de Colón museum, and local cafes to sample traditional Canarian tapas. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus 60 min.)
• Relax at Playa de las Canteras Relax at Playa de las Canteras, a golden urban beach renowned for calm waters, scenic promenade, beachfront cafes, and snorkeling opportunities. Ideal spot to soak sun and vibrant atmosphere. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 30 min or Taxi 15 min.)
• Stroll Puerto de Mogán Stroll through picturesque Puerto de Mogán, ‘Little Venice’ with colorful canals, artisan shops, lively marina, and seafood restaurants. Don’t miss the Saturday market for local crafts, fresh produce, and delicacies. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 45 min or Bus 90 min.)
• Discover Maspalomas Dunes Discover Maspalomas Dunes, a UNESCO-protected desert landscape meeting the sea. Wander golden sand dunes, spot birds, and capture stunning coastal vistas before cooling off by the palm oasis and serenity. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or Bus 60 min.)
• Hike Bandama Caldera Hike the Bandama Caldera rim for panoramic island views. Explore volcanic crater floor, lush greenery, and historic Casa del Caminero. Ideal for photography and light adventure near Las Palmas city. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus to Santa Brígida then walk.)
• Tour Arucas Rum Distillery Tour the Arucas Rum Distillery to learn traditional distillation methods, sample premium Canarian rum, and admire neo-Gothic church architecture. Great cultural and local flavor experience in historic Arucas town atmosphere. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min or Bus 40 min.)
• Visit Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo Discover Gran Canaria’s Botanical Garden, featuring over 500 endemic plant species, thematic trails, and shaded picnic areas. Perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility and educational insight into island flora diversity. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min or Rental car.)
• Sample Mercado del Puerto Sample local seafood and gourmet tapas at Mercado del Puerto, a market hall with vibrant stalls, live music events, and oceanfront terrace. A foodie’s ideal quick taste of Gran Canaria. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Bus 60 min.)

Things to Do in Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Sala VIP Galdós in Area C departures offers 4-hour passes, complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, free Wi-Fi, digital newspapers and workstations. Economy passengers can purchase single-visit or membership access. Throughout the terminal you’ll find armrest-free benches and quiet seating zones, plus fast-track security lanes and Meet & Assist services. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near LPA provide free airport shuttles, including Elba Vecindario Aeropuerto and AC Hotel Gran Canaria. Options range from budget to luxury, featuring pools, fitness centers, on-site restaurants, business services and meeting rooms. Enjoy 24-hour reception, complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient late-check-in for early or red-eye flight arrivals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated rest pods or cots. Instead, padded, armrest-free seating is available landside and airside. Overnight between 00:00 and 04:00 lights and announcements are minimized for a quieter atmosphere. Shops and eateries close late night, so dress warmly or bring a blanket for added comfort during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is provided via the “Airport Free Wifi Aena” network. Connect as a guest with your email for 15 minutes, register or log in with an Aena Club account for extended access. Charging stations and USB ports are located throughout departures and arrivals for topping up devices while online.

SIM/eSIM Card: The Spar supermarket and newsstands landside sell Movistar and Vodafone prepaid SIMs (e.g., €13 for 1.5 GB). For eSIM, providers like Holafly, Airalo, Orange Travel and easySim offer data-only plans you can purchase and install before or upon arrival. Major Spanish carriers also enable instant online activation of eSIM bundles. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis queue outside the arrivals hall 24/7, accepting cash and cards. Flat rates run about €30 to Las Palmas and €50 to Maspalomas, with journey times of 20 minutes north and 30 minutes south. Luggage assistance is included; note extra surcharges may apply for late-night, holiday or extra-large luggage.

Train: There is currently no train service at Gran Canaria Airport, as the island lacks an operational rail network. The proposed Tren de Gran Canaria project includes an underground station at LPA in its first phase, with construction hoped to begin before end-2027 and initial operations thereafter. (more info)

Bus: Global’s buses depart landside from the departures exit. Line 60 runs twice hourly to Las Palmas (30 min journey), while lines 66 and 90 serve Faro de Maspalomas in about 40 minutes. Tickets (€4.05) are purchased onboard. Coaches feature luggage compartments, air conditioning and regular schedules. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to and from LPA; schedules vary by property. For private or shared transfers, pre-book via platforms like Jayride to secure fixed rates (€15–€30) and guaranteed pick-up landside. Vehicles run 24/7, often offer infant seats on request and deliver directly to resort or city-center accommodations.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) have desks in the arrivals hall. You can book online or on-site; requirements include a valid driver’s license, passport and credit card. Fleets range from compacts to SUVs, with 24-hour pick-up/return at both terminals, plus a range of insurance and upgrade options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-stay parking sits adjacent to the terminal, with the first 15 minutes free then €2 per 30 minutes. Long-stay lots with free shuttle service start at around €8/day, offering covered and uncovered bays. Online reservations secure discounted rates. EV charging points, disabled spaces and CCTV coverage are available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no luggage storage or lockers within the airport terminal. For secure baggage storage, use services in Las Palmas city such as Radical Storage, Eelway, LuggageHero or Stasher, with rates from about €1.49 per hour or €4–€5 per day. Book online to reserve space near transport hubs. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks