Key Facts – Playa Blanca to Corralejo
- Crossing time
- ~25 minutes (Fred Olsen Express fast ferry); ~35 minutes on conventional ferries
- Operators
- Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, Balearia, Líneas Marítimas Romero (LMR)
- Frequency
- up to 30+ sailings a day combined; Fred Olsen Express alone runs around 12 crossings a day
- Foot passenger
- from ~€33 one way (Fred Olsen Express)
- Vehicles
- car, motorhome and motorcycle fares by length – check live search
- Ports
- Playa Blanca (south Lanzarote) ↔ Corralejo (north Fuerteventura)
Route Overview
Playa Blanca and Corralejo sit almost directly across the narrow strait known as La Bocaina, which separates Lanzarote from Fuerteventura. It is one of the shortest inter-island ferry hops anywhere in the Canaries, and by far the busiest: with four operators running boats throughout the day, this is less a fixed timetable and more a shuttle service.
That frequency makes it easy to treat the crossing as a day trip in either direction, or simply as the way you bring your rental car, motorhome or motorbike between the two islands. Because so many sailings run, most travellers do not need to plan much beyond checking today's fares before heading to the port.
| Operator | Vessel type | Crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Olsen Express | Fast ferry (catamaran) | ~25 min | Dominant operator, ~12 sailings/day |
| Naviera Armas | Conventional ferry | ~35 min | Largest Canary Islands operator |
| Balearia | Conventional ferry | ~35 min | Also sails Arrecife–Las Palmas |
| Líneas Marítimas Romero | Conventional ferry | ~35 min | Small local operator |
Crossing times are indicative. Always check the exact sailing time for your date when booking.
Operators on This Route
Fred Olsen Express runs the fast catamaran service and carries the bulk of traffic on this crossing, with roughly a dozen sailings a day. If speed matters, this is the obvious choice – the 25-minute crossing barely gives you time to settle into a seat.
Naviera Armas, the largest ferry operator in the Canary Islands, runs conventional (slightly slower) ferries on the same route, alongside its longer inter-island and mainland services.
Balearia also serves Playa Blanca–Corralejo with conventional ferries, in addition to its Arrecife–Las Palmas service to Gran Canaria.
Líneas Marítimas Romero (LMR) is a smaller, locally rooted operator that fills out the schedule on this route.
Fast ferry or conventional?
Fred Olsen Express's fast craft is roughly 10 minutes quicker, which matters little for a short hop but can matter if you are trying to catch a tight connection on the other side. For most travellers, whichever operator has the next convenient departure and the best fare is the right choice.
Prices & Booking
As a foot passenger, expect fares from around €33 one way with Fred Olsen Express, though exact prices depend on the date, time and fare class booked. Vehicle fares (car, motorhome, motorcycle) are quoted separately by length and are best checked live, since they vary by operator and season.
Given how many sailings run each day, most travellers on this route do not need to book weeks in advance – except in the busiest weeks of summer, when it is still worth reserving your preferred time slot, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
Playa Blanca & Corralejo
Playa Blanca is a purpose-built resort town on Lanzarote's south coast, with a long promenade, beaches and easy access to the island's south. The ferry terminal sits right at the harbour, a short walk from most hotels in town.
Corralejo occupies the northern tip of Fuerteventura, another lively resort town known for its beaches and the nearby dune landscapes. The ferry port is close to the town centre, making it a straightforward arrival point whether you are staying locally or continuing further south on the island.
A genuine day-trip route
Because sailings run so frequently in both directions, Playa Blanca–Corralejo is one of the few Canary Islands ferry routes genuinely suited to a same-day return trip – whether that's a day exploring Fuerteventura's dunes from Lanzarote, or the reverse.
Practical Travel Tips
- Check-in time: arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure for foot passengers, more with a vehicle in peak season.
- Compare operators: with four companies on the same route, fares and next-available departures can differ – it pays to compare before booking.
- Vehicles: book vehicle space ahead of time in July–August; foot-passenger space is rarely an issue given the frequency.
- Onward travel: both ports have direct road access into their respective islands, so no separate transfer is usually needed.
FAQ
How long does the Playa Blanca to Corralejo ferry take?
About 25 minutes on the Fred Olsen Express fast ferry. Conventional ferries on the same route take around 35 minutes.
Which companies operate this route?
Four operators: Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, Balearia and Líneas Marítimas Romero (LMR). Fred Olsen Express runs the fast catamaran service; the others run conventional ferries.
How many sailings run per day?
Very frequent – up to 30 or more sailings a day combined across all operators. Fred Olsen Express alone runs around 12 crossings a day, so there is rarely a long wait.
How much does it cost?
A foot passenger fare starts from around €33 one way with Fred Olsen Express, depending on date and fare type. Vehicle fares are quoted separately by length – check the live search for your exact dates.
Should I depart from Playa Blanca or Corralejo?
It depends on your trip direction. Playa Blanca is the port on Lanzarote's south coast; Corralejo is on Fuerteventura's north coast. Both are resort towns with frequent onward connections, so pick the port closest to where you are staying.
Find the best price for Playa Blanca → Corralejo
Compare live fares from all four operators – with or without a vehicle.
Search live prices See prices on DirectFerries