Getting around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria without a car is easy, affordable, and convenient. The city is compact, well-connected, and designed to be pedestrian- and public transport–friendly. Most of its main attractions — including the beach, historic districts, shopping areas, and parks — are within easy reach by foot, bus, or bicycle. Here’s a detailed guide on how to explore the city comfortably without needing to drive.
1. Walking – The Best Way to Explore the City Center
Las Palmas is one of the most walkable cities in Spain. Its mild climate, flat streets, and well-maintained pedestrian zones make walking both enjoyable and practical.
- Las Canteras Promenade: A long, scenic walkway that stretches over 3 kilometers along the famous beach, perfect for strolling, jogging, or cycling. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, and shops all along the route.
- Vegueta and Triana: The historic center and shopping district are best explored on foot. Their narrow streets, colonial buildings, and plazas are full of charm. Walking lets you discover small museums, cafés, and local shops that you might miss otherwise.
- Parque Doramas and Ciudad Jardín: Another great area for walking, with peaceful parks and elegant streets surrounded by traditional Canarian houses.
Since distances between major attractions are relatively short, many visitors spend entire days exploring by foot alone.
2. Guaguas Municipales (City Buses)
If you’re heading to areas farther apart — for example, from Las Canteras Beach to Vegueta — the Guaguas Municipales (local city buses) are the most convenient and affordable option.
- The buses are modern, frequent, and safe.
- They cover all major parts of the city, including the port, old town, and shopping districts.
- Routes 1, 2, and 12 are particularly useful for tourists, connecting Las Canteras, Santa Catalina, Triana, and Vegueta.
Fares and Tickets:
- A single ride costs about €1.40 if paid in cash to the driver.
- For multiple rides, get a BONO card (a rechargeable travel card) from kiosks or stations, which reduces the fare to around €0.85 per trip.
- Buses operate from early morning until around midnight, with reduced service at night.
Tip: The Guaguas app or website provides real-time route and schedule information, helping you plan trips easily.
3. Global Buses (for Travel Outside the City)
If you want to take day trips to other parts of Gran Canaria — such as Arucas, Teror, or Maspalomas — you can use Global buses (blue in color).
- They depart from the San Telmo Bus Station (near Triana and Vegueta).
- These buses are comfortable, inexpensive, and have routes covering the entire island.
- For example, bus number 30 takes you to Maspalomas in about an hour.
Even without a car, you can explore much of the island this way.
4. Taxis
Taxis in Las Palmas are safe, reliable, and reasonably priced. They’re white with a blue stripe and can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street.
- Short city rides (for example, from Las Canteras to Vegueta) typically cost between €5–€10.
- There’s no need to tip, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
- Most drivers are honest, but it’s still a good idea to check that the meter is on.
Taxis are especially useful if you’re out late at night or traveling with luggage.
5. Cycling
Cycling is an increasingly popular and eco-friendly way to get around Las Palmas. The city has been developing a strong network of bike lanes and shared paths, especially along the coast.
- The Las Canteras Promenade and the route connecting Las Alcaravaneras Beach to El Confital are ideal for cycling.
- There are bike rental shops near the beach offering both traditional and electric bikes by the hour or day.
- Electric scooters are also available through sharing apps for short rides around the city.
Tip: Always use the designated bike lanes and park your bike securely, especially in busy areas.
6. Tourist Bus (Hop-On Hop-Off)
If you prefer a guided but flexible way to see the main sights, consider the Las Palmas Hop-On Hop-Off Bus operated by City Sightseeing.
- The bus follows a circular route connecting major attractions such as Vegueta, Triana, Santa Catalina Park, and Las Canteras Beach.
- You can get off and explore, then rejoin later on the same ticket.
- Although it’s not free, it’s an efficient way to see the whole city in a day without worrying about transport connections.
7. Ferries and Boats
While not typically used for local transport, the Puerto de la Luz (Port of Light) offers ferry services to other Canary Islands and short leisure cruises around the coast. Even if you don’t travel, the port area is pleasant to explore on foot, with cafés and views of the harbor.
8. Renting Electric Scooters or E-Bikes
Las Palmas has joined many modern cities in offering electric scooter and e-bike sharing systems. These are available via apps like Link, Tier, or Bird, depending on availability.
They’re perfect for quick, inexpensive rides between nearby locations, such as from Las Canteras to Triana.
Tips for Safe Use:
- Always ride in bike lanes, not on sidewalks.
- Follow traffic rules and park only in designated spots.
9. Accessibility and Comfort
The city’s infrastructure is designed to be accessible for all travelers:
- Most pavements are wide and flat, with ramps for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Buses are modern and accessible.
- Signage in main tourist areas is available in both Spanish and English.
10. Combining Transport Methods
The best way to explore Las Palmas without a car is to combine walking, buses, and cycling:
- Morning: Walk through Vegueta and Triana to enjoy history and culture.
- Afternoon: Take a bus or taxi to Las Canteras Beach for relaxation.
- Evening: Use a bike or electric scooter to ride along the coastal promenade during sunset.
This mix allows you to see more of the city while still keeping your trip relaxing and eco-friendly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a car to enjoy Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city’s compact layout, efficient public transport, and pedestrian-friendly streets make it one of the easiest urban destinations to explore without driving.
Whether you’re walking through the historic streets of Vegueta, catching a bus to the beach, or cycling along the coast, getting around is simple, affordable, and enjoyable.
