All you need to know about the Port of Las Palmas 

Being located in the middle of the Atlantic, it connects Europe, Africa, and the Americas like a maritime crossroads. Every day, cargo flows in and out, travelers hop between islands, and huge vessels refuel before continuing their global journeys. Whether you’re arriving on a cruise or watching the ships from the waterfront, you can feel how vital and alive the port really is.

Getting from the port into town is easy because you’re basically already in the city once you step outside the gates. You can walk from the cruise terminal to nearby neighborhoods like La Isleta or the Santa Catalina area in a few minutes, hop on local buses that run frequently along the waterfront, or grab a taxi right at or near the terminals. It’s very easy to reach the beach, shopping streets, or older parts of town without any complicated transfers.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to the port is about 25km away, and you have three main ways to do it depending on your budget and how much luggage you’re lugging around.

1. The Smart Choice – Take the bus (Line 60) 

This is the fastest and cheapest way. The buses are operated by Global and have plenty of storage underneath for big suitcases.

Line 60 departs from the arrivals level every 30 minutes. Get off at the very last stop: Santa Catalina Interchange (Intercambiador Santa Catalina). The drive is about 25-30 minutes. You can pay with your phone or a contactless card.

Once you step off the bus at Santa Catalina, you are literally 5–10 minutes away from the cruise terminal on foot. Just follow the signs (or look for your giant cruise ship).

2. Don’t feel like waiting for the bus or walking 5-10 minutes at the port? Take a taxi!

Taxis are plentiful at the airport. Just follow the signs to the official taxi area outside the arrivals hall. 

The taxi ride is usually between €35 and €45 and takes about 20 minutes to the cruise terminal. Note that there are small supplements for airport pickups and weekend/night travel.

Tip: Ask the driver for “Puerto de la Luz – Muelle Santa Catalina” (for cruises/Fred Olsen) or “Muelle Nelson Mandela” (for Armas ferries). They are different docks, so knowing your ferry line saves you a long walk.

3. Rideshare / Apps – The Modern Way

Uber & Cabify: Both operate on the island. Prices are often competitive with taxis, but availability can fluctuate.

Local App: PideTaxi is the most reliable app if you want to book a standard taxi through your phone.

Because the Canary Islands are part of Spain and the EU, staying online is pretty straightforward.

EU travelers: your phone usually works just like at home, with the same data plan and no extra roaming charges (always double‑check with your operator).

Non‑EU travelers: roaming can get pricey, so it’s smart to check rates or buy a local/European eSIM or SIM card before you sail. Check out the eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE for your stay.

Wi‑Fi on land is easy to find in most cafés, many restaurants, and in some parts of the port and cruise terminals, though speeds and reliability can vary.

If you are going on a cruise and your cruise ship sails beyond the 12 nautical mile limit, you are no longer connected to Spain’s terrestrial mobile networks. At that point, you have to switch to a maritime package, data is available for €15 per GB while at sea.

Always follow your ship’s time rather than local time, as they don’t always match; this is the time your cruise uses for all‑aboard deadlines, so it’s the only clock that really matters.

A few things to keep in mind:

The islands are relaxed, but there are still a couple of practical things worth remembering.

The sun is strong all year, even on cloudy or breezy days, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are highly recommended.

Pickpocketing isn’t common, but it can happen in all busy areas, so keep an eye on your bag and pockets, especially around tourist spots and on public transport.

The city itself is a hub of history, especially in the Vegueta district, which is a common focus for guided walking tours. Here are some suggestions for places to visit:

• Poema del Mar Aquarium is a top-tier modern excursion located right in the port area, perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts. It features one of the world’s largest curved window exhibits, offering a deep-sea perspective. It also showcases 35 different freshwater and marine ecosystems across thematic zones like “The Jungle” and “The Deep Sea.”
• Casa de Colón is a must for history buffs, exploring the link between the Canary Islands and the voyages of Christopher Columbus. It is housed in a stunning former governor’s residence with intricate Canarian courtyards and contains maritime maps, navigation instruments, and exhibits on the “New World” expeditions.
• Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo is Spain’s largest botanical garden and a serene escape just 15 minutes from the city. It is home to over 500 plant species native to the Canary Islands, including prehistoric laurel forests and giant dragon trees. The terraced walkways lead through dramatic ravine landscapes filled with cacti and succulents.

If you are more of a beach person, visit Las Canteras Beach, which isn’t just for sunbathing; it’s a primary spot for guided snorkeling and kayaking excursions.

The area is protected by a natural lava reef (La Barra), making the waters exceptionally calm and clear for viewing parrotfish and rays.

It regularly serves as the starting point for sunset catamaran cruises that depart from the nearby bay.

Some of the cruise lines leaving from Port of Las Palmas are 

MSC Cruises

Costa Cruises

AIDA Cruises

TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)

Marella Cruises

P&O Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Cunard

Silversea / Azamara 

Peak season:
November through March is the best time for cruises with the warm weather = winter sun cruises

Secondary season:
April and some autumn departures

If you’re thinking of starting a cruise from Port of Las Palmas, you will find this is one of the easiest and least stressful embarkation ports in Europe.