Airport Transfer to Arguineguín: Taxi, Bus and Rental Car
Landing at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and heading for Arguineguín is simple once you know your options. The town sits on the sunny south coast, connected to the airport by the GC‑1 motorway. The drive usually takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and where you’re staying in or near Arguineguín. You can go by taxi, public bus, shared shuttle, or rent a car and drive yourself.
Quick comparison
| Option | Typical time | Typical cost | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30–40 min | €55–€75 (metered, supplements may apply) | Late arrivals, families, door‑to‑door ease | Official rank outside Arrivals; ask for a receipt |
| Public bus | 50–75 min | ~€7–€10 per adult | Budget travelers, solo travelers | Some services stop in Arguineguín; others require one change |
| Shared shuttle | 45–90 min | Mid‑range, per person | Hotel drop‑off without paying taxi rates | Pre‑book; extra stops add time |
| Rental car | 35–45 min (plus pick‑up time) | €20–€45/day + fuel & deposit | Exploring the island, flexible schedules | No toll roads; check parking near your stay |
Taxi from Gran Canaria Airport to Arguineguín
After you exit baggage claim, follow signs for taxis. The official rank is right outside Arrivals. Lines move quickly because cars queue in a steady stream. Fares are on a meter, with common supplements for airport pick‑up, luggage, nights, or holidays. You can ask for a rough estimate before you get in; drivers are used to the route and will tell you the approximate price.
Most taxis accept cards, but it is smart to carry some cash in case the terminal is down. If you need a larger car for a family or bulky luggage, tell the marshal at the front of the queue. Always ask for a receipt; it helps if you leave something in the car or need to claim expenses.
Traveling with small children? Request a child seat when you book a private taxi in advance. If you’re taking one from the rank, you may need to bring your own. Seat belts are required, and most drivers are careful on the motorway section.
Public bus: simple and good value
The public bus network on Gran Canaria is run by Global. Buses stop at the airport on the lower level, signed “Bus / Guaguas.” Lifts and escalators connect the terminal to the stop. Services run along the south coast with frequent departures during the day and reduced service late at night.
Some buses go directly to Arguineguín or stop at nearby Patalavaca. On other departures, you may need a quick change at Puerto Rico or at a junction stop on the GC‑1. Ask the driver when you board; they’ll tell you where to get off for Arguineguín and whether a change is needed. The ride is comfortable, with space for suitcases near the front. Keep an eye on your bags and press the stop button when your stop is announced.
Tickets are sold by the driver. Cards are widely accepted, but having small notes or coins helps if the machine is fussy. If you plan more bus trips during your stay, ask about travel cards and discounts. Buses display their destination on the front and announce major stops; if you’re unsure, sit near the middle doors and watch the stop screens.
Shared hotel shuttles and private transfers
Shared shuttles are a middle ground. You book online, choose your hotel, and meet the driver in the arrivals area. The cost is per person, and the vehicle may make a few stops along the resort towns before reaching Arguineguín. The upside is a guaranteed seat and a clear meeting point; the downside is extra time if your stop is last.
Private transfers work like a pre‑booked taxi, often with a fixed price quoted in advance. You’ll see your name on a sign in Arrivals. This is handy if you arrive late, carry sports gear, or want a child seat fitted. If your flight is delayed, reputable companies track arrivals and adjust pick‑up times automatically.
Renting a car at LPA
Renting a car makes sense if you want to explore the island’s mountains, dunes, and small coastal towns. The airport has desks for both international and local companies, with cars parked in a nearby garage. Bring your driving license, a credit card for the deposit, and your booking confirmation. Some desks are staffed 24/7; others keep daytime hours and hand out keys via a lockbox late at night.
Fuel policies vary. “Full‑to‑full” is straightforward: you pick up full, return full. Check the car for marks and take photos before leaving the garage. Ask about insurance excess and what’s covered for windscreens and wheels, as island roads can be windy and sandy in places. If you plan to drive into the mountains, choose a car with enough power for steep climbs.
Driving directions to Arguineguín
From the airport, follow signs for GC‑1 Sur (South). Stay on the motorway as it curves along the coast. After about half an hour, look for exits signed for Arguineguín, Patalavaca, or Anfi. Which exit you choose depends on your accommodation. Many hotels and apartments send a map with the best exit; save it on your phone in case mobile data is slow at the car park.
There are no toll roads on Gran Canaria. Speed limits are posted and often change near tunnels and junctions. In town, watch for zebra crossings and roundabouts. Parking is a mix of free street space, blue‑zone pay‑and‑display areas, and small car parks near beaches. If your stay includes parking, ask for the exact entrance, as one‑way streets can lead you around the block.
Which option suits you?
- Couple with two carry‑ons: Taxi is easy after a long flight. Bus is fine if you land by day and don’t mind a short walk at the end.
- Family of four with large bags: Private transfer or taxi from the rank is stress‑free door‑to‑door. Pre‑book a child seat if needed.
- Solo traveler on a budget: Take the bus. It’s cheap, safe, and runs often.
- Explorers planning day trips: Rent a car. You’ll appreciate the freedom once you’re settled.
Late‑night and early‑morning tips
After midnight, buses run less often. If your flight lands late, a taxi or pre‑booked transfer saves waiting time on the curb. If you must take the bus at night, check the timetable before you fly and keep a screenshot. For very early flights home, many hotels can book a taxi the day before and advise on pick‑up time based on traffic and road works.
Accessibility and mobility needs
Modern public buses are low‑floor with ramps, but not every departure uses the newest fleet. If you use a wheelchair or scooter, a pre‑booked accessible transfer is the safest bet. Taxis can request larger vehicles; ask at the rank marshal. When booking a private transfer, state the dimensions and weight of your device so the correct vehicle is sent.
Traveling with kids
Pack a small snack and water for the ride. The motorway stretch is smooth and can lull tired children to sleep. If you take the bus, fold strollers and keep them out of the aisle. On taxis and transfers, agree the need for a child seat in advance. Many companies provide them for a small fee when requested ahead of time.
Paying and practicalities
- Cards vs cash: Cards are widely accepted, but carry some euros for small extras or tips.
- Receipts: Keep taxi and transfer receipts with dates and times; helpful for expense claims.
- Luggage: Taxis fit two large suitcases and carry‑ons with ease. For more, request an estate or van.
- Safety: Use the official taxi rank and ignore unofficial offers in the arrivals hall.
- Navigation: Save your accommodation address offline. Mobile signal is fine on the motorway but can be patchy in garages.
Sample costs to help you choose
Prices change with season and demand, but a rough guide helps plan. A taxi for two or three people is usually the fastest and simplest route at a flat, shared cost. A bus is the best low‑cost option for solo travelers. A shared shuttle sits in the middle and works well if you don’t mind extra drop‑offs. Renting a car makes sense when you will drive most days and your accommodation includes easy parking.
- Two adults: Bus is cheapest. Taxi wins if you value time over savings.
- Four adults: Taxi or private transfer often beats four separate bus tickets.
- Family with gear: Private transfer with a pre‑booked child seat and a larger trunk keeps things simple.
If your bus does not go all the way
Sometimes the most frequent service may not stop exactly in Arguineguín on your arrival time. In that case, ride to the nearest hub (often Puerto Rico) and change to a coastal bus for the final short hop. Drivers are used to helping visitors; tell them “Arguineguín” and they’ll suggest the best connection. Connections are usually quick because routes along the south run in a steady loop.
What to expect on the road
The GC‑1 slides past low volcanic hills and blue water on your right as you head south. You’ll pass signs for Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, and later for Puerto Rico and Arguineguín. The motorway is well lit and well marked. On windy days you might feel a few gusts on exposed sections; drivers tend to slow a little and then speed back up once past the gaps.
A few simple steps for a smooth arrival
- Decide your transfer before you fly and take a screenshot of your plan.
- Save your accommodation name, full address, and phone number in your notes app.
- Carry a small amount of cash and a card that works contactless.
- If renting a car, photograph the car at pick‑up and again at return.
- If taking the bus, ask the driver to confirm the stop for Arguineguín.
Landing, warmth on your face, and the last leg south
After the cool air of the terminal, the first steps outside bring the island’s warmth. The taxi queue inches forward, a bus doors hiss open, and the road south waits. As the motorway unwinds, the light turns softer over the water. You might spot the white sand of nearby beaches and the curve of the harbour before the driver leaves the GC‑1 for the coast road. A few more minutes and the town opens up around you, streets lined with cafés and the smell of salt and grilled fish. Bags down, windows open, and the evening breeze as your first welcome to Arguineguín.