You don’t need to hire a car to explore Gran Canaria. I travelled the entire island by bus during my solo trip, and it was brilliant. Comfortable, reliable and no parking stress.
Apart from the odd infrequent schedule and the occasional change of buses, I found public transport an easy and affordable way to see the island. Plus, in a small way, I did my bit for the planet.
Here’s everything you need to know to explore Gran Canaria by bus.
Gran Canaria Bus Travel at a Glance
- Main operator: Global (blue buses)
- Typical fares: €2-9 depending on distance
- Payment: Cash or contactless on board
- Best app: Moovit or Global app
- Airport to Las Palmas: €2.30-2.95 (Bus 60)
Public Transport in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria does not have a train service, but buses operated by Global reach most destinations on the island. Its modern fleet is wheelchair accessible.
There is no luggage limit on the island’s bus services, but bags and suitcases need to be placed in the hold. The driver unlocks this compartment on request. Bicycles and scooters can be carried in the baggage hold of Global’s buses.
Additionally, the yellow buses operated by Guaguas Municipales operate primarily in the island’s capital, Las Palmas.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price of your bus fare depends on the route and how far you are travelling. You can check the latest fares here.
For example, in 2026, it costs €4.15 to travel from Puerto de Mogán to Maspalomas Lighthouse and €8.75 to get from Puerto de Mogán to San Telmo Station in Las Palmas.
A day trip to Teror from Las Palmas or Arucas will set you back less than €5.
How to Buy Tickets
Buy your bus ticket for a one-way journey from the driver. Both cash and contactless card payments, including those by smartphone, are accepted.
Try to have the exact change if you are paying for your ticket with cash. The driver will not give change from notes larger than €20.
When you board the bus, just let the driver know your destination, and he/she will charge the corresponding fare. In return for handing over a small sum, you will be given a ticket that clearly states your destination.
A rechargeable TransGC Card exists but requires photo ID verification and has limited collection points, making it impractical for short visits.
Popular Tourist Bus Routes
These are the routes I used most and that you’ll likely need:
Buses to and from the airport
- 60 Las Palmas – Airport
- 1 Las Palmas – Airport – Puerto de Mogán
As this bus makes multiple stops, opt instead for the #91 if you are travelling between Las Palmas / Airport and Puerto de Mogán.
- 91 Las Palmas – Airport – Puerto de Mogán (express service)
- 5 Las Palmas – Airport– Bahia Feliz – Maspalomas
- 66 Airport – Bahia Feliz– Playa del Ingles– Maspalomas
- 11 Las Palmas – Airport – Aguimes
Other popular tourist bus routes
- 5 Las Palmas – Playa del Ingles – Maspalomas Lighthouse
- 30 Las Palmas – Maspalomas Lighthouse (direct service)
- 12 Las Palmas – Telde
- 21 Las Palmas – Aguimes
- 90 Telde – Maspalomas Lighthouse
You can look up Gran Canaria bus timetables here.
My Top Tips for Using Gran Canaria Buses
1. Plan your route with Google Maps or Moovit
Global’s website or app (Android devices here or via Apple Store here) is the place to check bus timetables, and it also has a route search function. However, in my experience, a combination of Google Maps and Moovit was more useful to plan journeys
2. Expect buses to be busy
It is not just tourists who use public transport in Gran Canaria. Bus services are also heavily used by locals.
Make sure that you arrive before the bus’s scheduled departure time to bag your place in the queue. On more than one occasion, I witnessed people standing for the length of their journey.
If possible, try to board the bus close to the beginning of the route
3. Enter the bus through the front door and exit through the rear door
4. Don’t place your faith in the information screen on the bus
Most (but not all) buses in Gran Canaria will have two information screens, one near the driver and a second by the exit door.
As much of the screen’s real estate is given over to rolling adverts, the next station and route information is squished into a small section of the screen. If you are unsure of the route, place yourself strategically near the screen or bring binoculars.
Also, pray that the information screen is working. I missed my stop on one journey because the screen was not in the best of health.
5. Pick the right station in Las Palmas
Las Palmas has two bus stations.
San Telmo – the busier and bleaker of the capital’s bus stations, this is close to Las Palmas Old Town (Vegueta and Triana). It reminded me of Luton bus station in the 1980s.
Santa Catalina – this shiny and modern terminus serves the marina and Playa de Canteras.
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria Without a Car
If you are not hiring a car in Gran Canaria, the best base is the island’s lovely capital, Las Palmas. As well as being Gran Canaria’s main public transport hub, Las Palmas has a charming old town and is close to the airport.
With fast and frequent bus services, one of the main resorts in the south of the island is also a good bet. For example; from Maspalomas, you can be in Las Palmas in under an hour.
I split my vacation in two, staying in Puerto de Mogán in the south for five days before moving to Las Palmas. This was a perfect combination
Exploring Gran Canaria by Bus: FAQs
How much does the bus cost in Gran Canaria?
Fares range from around €2 to €9, depending on how far you’re travelling. For example, Las Palmas to Teror costs less than €5 return, while Puerto de Mogán to Las Palmas is about €8.75. You can check current fares on the Global website.
Which bus goes from Gran Canaria airport to Las Palmas?
Bus 60 runs between the airport and Las Palmas. If you’re heading to the southern resorts like Maspalomas or Puerto de Mogán, take bus 1 or the faster express service, bus 91.
Do you need a car in Gran Canaria?
No. I explored the entire island without hiring a car. The bus network covers all major tourist destinations and most towns. The main limitation is flexibility and infrequent schedules on some routes, but with a bit of planning, it’s perfectly doable.
Can you pay by card on Gran Canaria buses?
Yes. Both cash and contactless card payments are accepted, including smartphone payments. Just tell the driver your destination when you board, and they’ll charge the correct fare.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
Great advice!! Thank you for sharing