🚗 Car Hire at LPA Gran Canaria Airport – Best Offers & Guide
Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s most vibrant Canary Islands, is a paradise of beaches, volcanoes, and endless sunshine. ✈️ Whether you’re here for a relaxing beach holiday or a scenic road trip across the island, renting a car at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) gives you the ultimate freedom to explore every corner at your own pace.
This guide covers everything you need — from prices and rental companies to driving tips and travel routes. Let’s hit the road! 🛣️
🌍 Why Rent a Car at Gran Canaria Airport?
Gran Canaria Airport (Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria) is located in Telde, about 25 minutes from Las Palmas and 30 minutes from Maspalomas. It’s the island’s main gateway, making it the perfect place to start your adventure.
Advantages:
✅ Save time and avoid expensive taxis.
✅ Pick up your car right at the terminal.
✅ Enjoy scenic drives — from dunes to mountain villages.
✅ Flexible drop-off points across the island.
🚙 Car Rental Companies at Gran Canaria Airport
You’ll find all major international and local rental brands inside the arrivals hall of Terminal A (Domestic & EU flights).
| Rental Company | Location | Open Hours | Payment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis / Budget | Terminal Arrivals | 07:00–23:00 | Credit / Debit |
| Hertz / Thrifty | Main Parking Area | 07:30–23:30 | Credit |
| Europcar | Terminal Level 0 | 06:30–23:30 | Credit / Debit |
| TopCar | Arrivals Zone | 07:00–22:00 | Credit / Cash Deposit |
| Cicar | Terminal Office | 07:00–23:59 | Credit / Debit |
| Goldcar | External Office (Shuttle) | 08:00–23:00 | Credit |
💡 Pro Tip: Compare prices and terms online before arrival to secure the best rates. Booking ahead also guarantees car availability — especially during winter months and holidays.
💰 Average Car Rental Prices in Gran Canaria
| Car Type | Daily Price (Low Season) | Daily Price (High Season) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat 500, VW Polo) | €15–25 | €30–40 | City trips, short distances |
| Compact (Seat Leon, Opel Astra) | €25–35 | €40–55 | Couples & families |
| SUV (Nissan Qashqai, Duster) | €40–60 | €65–90 | Mountain drives |
| Convertible (Mini Cabrio) | €50–70 | €80–120 | Coastal cruising |
| Van (7-seater) | €70–100 | €110–150 | Groups & large families |
Prices include basic insurance and unlimited mileage, but fuel and deposits vary.
💳 Renting a Car Without a Credit Card
Yes — you can rent a car at Gran Canaria Airport with a debit card, though not all companies allow it.
✅ Cicar, TopCar, and sometimes Europcar accept debit cards (with certain conditions):
- Card must show your name.
- Sufficient balance for deposit (€300–€900).
- Full insurance often required.
🚫 Most low-cost brands like Goldcar or Firefly require a credit card.
⛽ Fuel Policy Comparison
| Company | Fuel Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TopCar | Full to Full | No hidden charges |
| Cicar | Full to Full | Transparent and tourist-friendly |
| Goldcar | Full to Empty | Often includes refueling fee |
| Avis / Hertz | Full to Full | Standard for premium rentals |
💡 Tip: Always keep your fuel receipt when returning the car to avoid unnecessary charges.
🏝️ Best Places to Visit with Your Rental Car
Gran Canaria is more than beaches — it’s a miniature continent. Here are top driving destinations from the airport:
🚗 1. Las Palmas (25 min drive)
Capital city with a perfect mix of history, shopping, and the famous Las Canteras Beach.
🏖️ 2. Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés (30 min)
Golden dunes, palm oases, and beach resorts — ideal for relaxation.
🌋 3. Roque Nublo (1 h 15 min)
An iconic volcanic rock formation in the island’s center — breathtaking at sunset.
🌄 4. Agaete & Puerto de las Nieves (1 h)
Charming fishing village with ocean pools and mountain views.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🌿 5. Teror & Arucas (45 min)
Explore local culture, traditional Canarian houses, and rum distilleries.
🛣️ Driving Tips in Gran Canaria
🚘 Speed limits:
- City: 50 km/h
- Country roads: 90 km/h
- Highways: 120 km/h
⚠️ Parking:
- Blue lines = paid parking
- White = free
- Yellow = no parking zone
🅿️ Use public car parks in tourist areas like Maspalomas or Las Palmas.
🚦 Navigation:
Use Google Maps or Waze, both work well offline when pre-downloaded.
🕐 Rental Duration and Insurance
Most companies offer flexible durations from 1 day to several weeks.
| Duration | Discount |
|---|---|
| 1–3 days | Base rate |
| 4–7 days | 10–15% discount |
| 8+ days | Up to 25% discount |
📘 Insurance Options:
- Basic (included): covers third-party liability.
- Full Coverage: zero excess; highly recommended on mountain roads.
- Tire & Glass Protection: useful on rural routes.
🧭 Recommended Road Trips from Gran Canaria Airport
| Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| LPA → Maspalomas | 30 km | Dunes, beach resorts |
| LPA → Roque Nublo | 45 km | Volcano views, hiking |
| LPA → Agaete | 70 km | Ocean cliffs, natural pools |
| LPA → Tejeda | 50 km | Mountain village, almond trees |
| LPA → Puerto de Mogán | 60 km | Marina, colorful houses |
Each drive showcases the island’s unique contrast — from desert to rainforest in under an hour. 🌴⛰️
🏆 Why Book Online Before Flying
Booking online ensures:
✅ Lower rates
✅ Guaranteed vehicle class
✅ No last-minute queues
✅ Easy modification and free cancellation
Try comparing offers from trusted aggregators before your trip — many include DiscoverCars, Auto Europe, or Rentalcars.com, which show full insurance options upfront.
📅 Best Time to Rent a Car in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria enjoys year-round sunshine, but car prices fluctuate:
| Month | Demand | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | High (winter sun) | €45–60/day |
| April–June | Moderate | €25–35/day |
| July–August | Very high | €60–90/day |
| September–October | Medium | €30–40/day |
| November–December | High | €45–55/day |
🕶️ Pro Tip: Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best deals.
✈️ Returning Your Car at LPA Airport
The return process is simple:
- Follow “Car Rental Return” signs near departures.
- Refuel (if required).
- Check for damage and collect your receipt.
- Shuttle transfers (if applicable) are clearly marked.
📞 Keep the emergency number of your rental company handy in case of late drop-off.
⚡ Final Tips for Your Gran Canaria Road Trip
✅ Always inspect the car before leaving.
✅ Keep insurance and fuel receipts.
✅ Use paid parking in busy areas.
✅ Avoid narrow mountain roads at night.
✅ Enjoy the freedom — and drive safely!
🌟 Conclusion
Car rental at Gran Canaria Airport is the easiest and most flexible way to explore the island. Whether you’re cruising along coastal roads or venturing up volcanic trails, a rental car gives you total control over your trip.
From budget hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, you’ll find options for every traveler and budget. 🌞🚗
Book early, travel smart — and enjoy your Canary Islands adventure! 🌴
