Arrecife Ferry Port

Why Arrecife?

Arrecife is Lanzarote's capital and largest town, and its harbour is the island's main commercial port. Unlike the resort terminal at Playa Blanca, which handles only the short Fuerteventura hop, Arrecife is where the bigger vessels and longer routes are based: the link to Gran Canaria and the long weekly haul to and from mainland Spain. If your trip involves anything beyond the immediate island hop to Fuerteventura, Arrecife is your port.

Terminal & Location

The ferry terminal sits within Arrecife's harbour, part of the town's working port. As the island's capital, Arrecife has the full range of everyday amenities – shops, restaurants, banks – within the town itself, and is well connected by road to the rest of Lanzarote, including Playa Blanca in the south.

Route to Gran Canaria

Naviera Armas and Balearia both sail from Arrecife to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria, with a crossing time of roughly 5 to 6.5 hours depending on the operator and sailing. This is not a daily service – it runs around five times a week – so it is worth checking the sailing days before you build a trip around it, particularly if you need to be back on a specific date.

Route to Mainland Spain

The long-haul option from Arrecife is the crossing to Cádiz on the Spanish mainland, operated by Naviera Armas. At around 26 hours and roughly once a week, it is a significant undertaking rather than a quick hop – but it is the standard way to bring your own car or motorhome to Lanzarote instead of renting one on arrival, or to take your vehicle back to the mainland at the end of a stay. With only one sailing a week, dates need to be planned well ahead, especially if you are also booking a cabin.

Bringing a Vehicle

Arrecife is the port to use if you are travelling with a car or motorhome from mainland Spain via Cádiz, or taking a vehicle onward to Gran Canaria. Vehicle space on both routes is more limited than on the frequent Playa Blanca–Corralejo hop, so book ahead – particularly for the weekly Cádiz sailing, where vehicle space can be the first thing to sell out.

FAQ

Where do ferries from Arrecife go?

Arrecife serves the longer routes: to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria, and to Cádiz on mainland Spain. The short Fuerteventura hop departs from Playa Blanca instead.

How long is the ferry to Las Palmas?

Roughly 5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the operator and sailing.

How often does the Gran Canaria ferry run?

Around five times a week – not daily, so check the sailing days before planning.

How long is the ferry to Cádiz?

About 26 hours with Naviera Armas, roughly once a week.

Which operators sail from Arrecife?

Naviera Armas and Balearia serve Las Palmas; Naviera Armas operates the Cádiz crossing.