🚗 Car Rental at Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
Landing at Lanzarote Airport (ACE) and ready to explore the volcanic beauty of the Canary Islands? 🌋
Renting a car is the best way to enjoy freedom and flexibility while visiting this unique island — from Timanfaya National Park to Papagayo Beach and Mirador del Río.
This complete 2026 guide will walk you through everything you need to know:
✅ How to rent a car at Lanzarote Airport
💶 Typical prices and insurance tips
📋 Required documents
🚦 Driving rules in Lanzarote
🗺️ Best routes & day trips
✈️ About Lanzarote Airport
Lanzarote Airport (ACE), officially called César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, is located just 5 km from Arrecife, the island’s capital.
It’s a modern, well-organized airport that serves millions of passengers every year, mostly from mainland Spain and northern Europe.
Airport Code: ACE
Official Name: Aeropuerto de César Manrique-Lanzarote
Location: San Bartolomé, Las Palmas, Spain
Terminals: T1 (international), T2 (domestic)
Distance to Arrecife: 5 km (10 min)
Distance to Playa Blanca: 30 km (25–30 min)
🚙 Why Rent a Car at Lanzarote Airport?
Public transport is limited on the island — buses don’t cover many rural or scenic routes.
Having your own car means you can explore volcanic landscapes, hidden beaches, and local vineyards 🍷 at your own pace.
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Save time | Go straight from the airport to your destination |
| 🏖️ Explore freely | Visit beaches and viewpoints unreachable by bus |
| 💸 Better deals | Airport rentals often have competitive online rates |
| 🚗 Variety | From compact cars to convertibles & EVs |
| 📦 Convenient return | Drop off at the same or different airport terminal |
🏢 Car Rental Companies at Lanzarote Airport
You’ll find all rental counters in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1, near the baggage claim area.
A few low-cost companies operate from outside the terminal but provide free shuttle transfers 🚐.
✨ Major Brands:
- Avis / Budget
- Hertz
- Europcar
- TopCar
- Cicar
- Enterprise
- Thrifty
💰 Budget Providers:
- Goldcar
- OK Mobility
- Orlando Rent a Car
- Autos Reisen
- Keddy by Europcar
🕒 Opening hours:
Usually from 07:00 to 23:00, with some companies offering 24-hour return boxes for late-night flights.
💶 Car Rental Prices in Lanzarote (2026)
Prices vary depending on the season, car category, and booking platform.
Here’s an overview based on average rates this year 👇
| Car Type | Example Model | Low Season (€/day) | High Season (€/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Economy | Fiat Panda, Seat Ibiza | €20–€30 | €40–€55 |
| 🚙 Compact SUV | Renault Captur, Dacia Duster | €35–€50 | €60–€80 |
| 🕶️ Convertible | Fiat 500 Cabrio | €45–€70 | €80–€100 |
| 👨👩👧 Family | VW Golf, Ford Focus | €35–€55 | €65–€85 |
| ⚡ Electric | Fiat 500e, Renault Zoe | €40–€60 | €75–€90 |
💡 Tip:
Booking in advance via comparison sites like DiscoverCars or Rentalcars can save up to 35% compared to booking at the counter.
🧾 Required Documents
To rent a car at Lanzarote Airport, prepare these essentials:
- Valid driver’s license (held for at least 12 months)
- ID card or passport
- Credit card (for security deposit)
- Booking confirmation (print or mobile version)
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — mandatory for non-EU drivers
💳 Debit card rentals are accepted by some providers (like Cicar or TopCar) if you purchase full insurance coverage.
🛡️ Deposit & Insurance Policy
Each rental company requires a deposit or pre-authorization on your card.
Below is a summary of typical deposit amounts and available insurance add-ons 👇
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
| Company | Deposit (€) | Insurance Option |
|---|---|---|
| Cicar | 0 (no deposit) | Full coverage included |
| TopCar | 300 | Optional zero-excess |
| Goldcar | 1000 | Requires Super Relax Cover |
| Avis | 250–500 | Full Protection |
| Europcar | 300–600 | Premium Protection |
| OK Mobility | 600 | Full Cover available |
✅ Tip: Always take photos during pick-up and drop-off. Keep all rental and fuel receipts until your deposit is refunded.
🚦 Driving in Lanzarote – Local Rules
Driving in Lanzarote is generally easy — roads are in great condition, and traffic is light.
Still, here are key things to remember:
- 🇪🇸 Drive on the right-hand side
- 👶 Child seats are mandatory for kids under 12
- 📵 No phone use while driving (unless hands-free)
- 🅿️ Blue lines = paid parking
- 🚫 Avoid parking near yellow lines
- 🚦 Speed limits:
- Urban: 50 km/h
- Main roads: 90 km/h
- Highways: 120 km/h
🏝️ Best Places to Visit by Car from Lanzarote Airport
Renting a car gives you access to Lanzarote’s most stunning spots 🌅
Here are the top destinations, distances, and highlights:
| Destination | Distance from Airport | Drive Time | What to See |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌋 Timanfaya National Park | 18 km | 20 min | Volcanoes, geothermal activity |
| 🏖️ Playa Blanca | 30 km | 30 min | Resorts, beaches, ferries to Fuerteventura |
| 🌇 Arrecife | 5 km | 10 min | Capital city, local markets |
| 🌿 La Geria | 15 km | 15 min | Unique volcanic vineyards |
| 🪸 Puerto del Carmen | 8 km | 10 min | Nightlife, shops, seaside promenade |
| 🌄 Mirador del Río | 35 km | 45 min | Cliff views over La Graciosa island |
⛽ Fuel Policies Explained
Most companies at Lanzarote Airport operate a Full-to-Full policy — you get the car with a full tank and return it the same way.
| Fuel Policy | What It Means | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| ⛽ Full-to-Full | Refuel before return; pay only for what you use | ✅ Yes |
| 🛢️ Full-to-Empty | Pay upfront for a full tank; no refund for leftovers | ❌ No |
| 🔁 Prepaid Fuel | Convenient but costs more | ⚠️ Optional |
Nearest gas station: Repsol Aeropuerto, 2 minutes from the terminal.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Rent a Car at Lanzarote Airport
1️⃣ Book Online in Advance
Visit your preferred platform (RomeAutoRent, DiscoverCars, etc.) and compare prices.
2️⃣ Arrive at Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
Go to the Arrivals area; rental counters are clearly marked.
3️⃣ Provide Documents
Show your driving license, ID, and credit/debit card.
4️⃣ Inspect the Car
Check for scratches, verify fuel level, and take photos.
5️⃣ Enjoy the Ride!
Explore Lanzarote freely — beaches, volcanoes, villages.
6️⃣ Return the Car
Refuel, drop the keys at the counter or box, and get your deposit refunded.
💡 Travel & Car Rental Tips
- 📅 Book early (especially from June to September)
- 🏖️ Avoid parking on soft volcanic sand near beaches
- 🧭 Use Google Maps – works perfectly offline
- 💳 Use a credit card to avoid large cash deposits
- 🛞 Choose a small car – narrow roads in villages
- 🌤️ Best months: March–June or September–November
🌍 Summary – Car Rental at Lanzarote Airport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Location | Inside Terminal 1, Arrivals Hall |
| ⏰ Hours | 07:00–23:00 (some 24h returns) |
| 💳 Payment | Credit or debit card |
| 💶 Price range | €20–€100/day |
| 🚘 Fleet | Economy, SUV, Convertible, Electric |
| 🗓️ Booking tip | Reserve online for lower rates |
| 🌋 Best for | Timanfaya, Playa Blanca, La Geria |
| 🔁 Fuel Policy | Full-to-Full |
🌴 Final Thoughts
Renting a car at Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is your gateway to discovering the island’s breathtaking mix of volcanic landscapes, beaches, and vineyards.
Skip waiting for buses — explore at your own rhythm and create your perfect Canary Islands adventure 🏝️🚗☀️
Whether it’s a compact car for city drives or an SUV for exploring the lava fields, a rental car gives you freedom, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
