The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
Most of the international travelers are accommodated at Terminal 1 of Lanzarote airport, which is the main focus when it comes to dining. The food offerings are better than most airports of a similar size and include a mix of Spanish classics, international chains, coffee shops and fast food establishments.
Lanzarote's public bus system runs from the airport to Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and more. Routes are run by IntercityBus Lanzarote and are an affordable choice for passengers who are travelling with lighter suitcases.
The vast majority of bus services run from outside the terminal building. The distance from Arrecife is generally 10-20 minutes, depending on the traffic and the schedule for the routes.
Official airport taxis are waiting outside the arrival hall and they usually arrive at resorts throughout Lanzarote the quickest. Available at regular rates and times, licensed vehicles are available for the majority of flight arrival times.
The approximate travel time is as follows:
In busy periods around the main holidays, queues can sometimes build up, but turn-around is generally very fast.
Private transfers are popular with visitors, especially families, groups and those people visiting resort areas. Airport Assist can arrange private transport directly from the arrivals hall without having to look for a car after landing.
Lanzarote is one of the most car friendly holidays destinations in Spain. Most of the major rental car firms, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Goldcar, Cicar and TopCar, have offices at the airport.
It is common for visitors to rent cars on arrival as they are dispersed all over the island and public transport might not be available in all areas conveniently.
Traveller Tip
Rental cars are recommended for those arriving during the busy tourist season (October to April). During the hectic holiday weeks, demand may outpace supply at times.
The main retail hub of the airport is duty free shopping located after security screening, in Terminal 1. Lanzarote Duty Free is the main retail space, and it has a very wide variety of products given the size of this airport.
Visitors can sample fine perfumes of renowned international perfumery brands, luxury skin care products and cosmetics, spirits, wines, tobacco products, travel-only gift sets and confectionery. The range is generally geared towards products that are in demand with European holidaymakers, especially in the perfumery and cosmetics sections.
The airport also houses speciality shops like Aloe Plus Lanzarote, providing an opportunity to sample locally-made aloe vera products, one of the island's most popular exports. They are popular souvenirs as they have local identity along with functionality.
Fashion and accessories stores include Parfois, Sunglass Hut, Miramira and several travel retail concepts which sell handbags, sunglasses, jewellery and seasonal accessories. Last moment holiday shoppers and gift givers will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of options available.
Useful features include online duty-free pre-order services that enable passengers to place a pre-order for selected products before they travel and pick them up at the airport. This can be very handy when it comes to time of departure and if there is limited time to browse.
A handy hint: Fragrances, locally available aloe vera products, chocolates and high quality spirits generally provide the highest value. The electronics and high-ticket consumer goods tend to be less noticeable and may not offer much in terms of savings over buyers from the mainland.
For those wishing to enjoy a quieter environment before leaving the airport, the Guacimeta VIP Lounge will be the airport's main premium lounge. It sits airside in Terminal 1, and features comfortable seating, free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, charging points, workspaces and runway views.
Business class passengers on participating airlines, Priority Pass holders, LoungeKey holders and passengers who buy day access will generally have access.Access will generally be available to business class passengers on participating airlines, Priority Pass members, LoungeKey holders and passengers who purchase day access when it is available. Reserving access beforehand may be beneficial during busy holiday periods.
In fact, one of the benefits of Lanzarote Airport is that it is relatively small. The gate areas at the smaller European centres are often easier to navigate than at larger centres. The seats are scattered all over the terminal and most of the gates are within walking distance from restaurants and shops.
The new 'quiet corners' for quiet play have been installed.
Peaceful travellers may be able to find more peaceful seating areas towards the ends of some of the departure gate zones, often at the back of the gates outside the busy departure waves. The airport does not have its own sleep pods or transit hotel facilities, but the terminal tends to be laid back when compared with some of the big European airports.
There are some striking views from the departure lounge, as the airport is situated close to the Atlantic Ocean and Lanzarote's volcanic landscape. During sunny weather, those who observe the planes from the airport can see the aircraft taxi over lava fields, mountains and seas which is a unique experience on Lanzarote that is not available at any other mainland airport.
Spain is using the Euro, however there are currency exchange services and ATMs throughout Terminal 1 for international visitors coming from outside the Euro countries, such as the UK and North America. Many restaurants and stores are cashless, beyond the standard debit or credit cards.
Wireless Internet access is complimentary in the entire airport. Dedicated SIMs are less available than in other major international hubs, but it is possible to get a local SIM from shops in the near vicinity of Arrecife or use eSIMs before departing.
First aid is offered in the airport. If there are medical issues, the airport staff are able to promptly lead passengers to the place where they get help.
These baggage service desks are located in the arrival hall and are dedicated to handling the queries of the people who have lost their luggage. There is no luggage storage facility at the airport at this time, so travellers who intend to make their trip out for the day should make their luggage storage arrangements before showing up at the airport.
There are accessible toilets, lifts, ramps and designated parking areas at the airport, as well as pre-arranged mobility assistance services available. Please ensure the airline is notified at least 48 hours prior to travel if available if the traveller will need a wheelchair.
Although the airport at Lanzarote is just three hours long, it allows you to enjoy the terminal without rush. Once security, take some time to do some window shopping at the Lanzarote Duty Free stores or the local Aloe vera stores. At Enrique Tomás, eat Spanish tapas and/or a ham sandwich, and then have a coffee at Caffè Ritazza, sipping while watching the aircraft fly around against the backdrop of the volcanoes.
Guacimeta VIP Lounge provides a relaxed environment where guests can relax before boarding if they are allowed to access the lounge area.
Five to six hours' layover provides enough time to take a short break from the airport and explore Arrecife. The time taken for a taxi trip is about 10-15 mins each way.
Take a walk along the waterfront promenade, head down to Charco de San Ginés, order some fresh seafood at a local restaurant and wander into the small city centre. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, especially on busy travel days.
This tour offers you a half-day experience of Lanzarote with the possibility of a stopover at the hotel for the remainder of the day.
Lanzarote is small enough that, with eight hours of time, it's quite feasible to do a lot of exploring. You can use a hire car or private transfer service to get to Timanfaya National Park, one of the island's most popular parks.
Follow to the wine-growing area of La Geria where vineyards are cultivated in volcanic landscapes that can be found on the planet of Europe nowhere else. Eat lunch with a view of the Atlantic, and then make the long journey back to the airport with plenty of time for security and check-in.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | César Manrique–Lanzarote Airport |
| IATA Code | ACE |
| ICAO Code | GCRR |
| Location | Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Main Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Inter-Island Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| Distance from Arrecife | Approximately 5 km |
| Wi-Fi | Free |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Available |
| Airport Assistance Services | Available |
| Lounge Access | Available |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time Zone | Western European Time (WET/WEST) |
Many first-time visitors underestimate how quickly Lanzarote Airport can become busy when multiple UK, German, Irish, and mainland Spanish flights depart within the same two-hour window. Even though the airport feels compact and easy to navigate, arriving at least 2.5 hours before international departures gives you enough time to enjoy the duty-free area, grab a meal, and relax without watching the clock. The airport is efficient—but holiday traffic can build faster than many travellers expect.
