Why rent a car in Las Palmas?
Las Palmas is the vibrant capital of Gran Canaria, known for its long city beach, historic Vegueta quarter and lively cultural scene. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the rest of the island at your own pace, from the sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south to the mountain villages of the interior and the quieter beaches of the west coast.
Pick up your car in the city or directly at Gran Canaria Airport and start exploring immediately. For more destinations across the islands, see car rental in the Canary Islands.
Exploring Las Palmas and Gran Canaria by car
Routes and highlights from Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands and a lively base for exploring the northern half of Gran Canaria. The old quarter of Vegueta, with its colonial architecture and the Casa de Colon museum, is best explored on foot from the city. A rental car opens up the dramatic interior of the island: the road south from Las Palmas through Telde and into the mountains leads to Tejeda and the Roque Nublo volcanic plug, approximately 45 km from the city centre. Teror, a well-preserved colonial town with a famous basilica, is about 20 km southwest. The resort area of Maspalomas and its famous sand dunes is approximately 55 km south on the GC-1 motorway, around 45 minutes. Puerto de Mogan, sometimes called the Venice of the Canaries for its flower-draped canal, is about 75 km southwest. For more destinations, see car rental in Gran Canaria and car rental in the Canary Islands.
Driving and parking in Las Palmas
Gran Canaria Airport (IATA: LPA) is located approximately 18 km south of Las Palmas on the GC-1 motorway. The GC-1 connects the airport directly to the city and continues south toward Maspalomas, making it the main artery of the island. Driving in Las Palmas city centre can be congested, particularly in Vegueta and around the port area. Paid parking is available in several multi-storey car parks in the centre. The GC-1 motorway and the GC-3 ring road provide fast access around the city toward the interior mountain roads.
Best time to rent a car in Las Palmas
Gran Canaria has one of the most consistent climates in the world, with temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees year-round, making it a good driving destination in any month. The interior mountain roads are at their greenest in late winter and spring (February to April), when rainfall has brought the vegetation to life. Summer (June to September) is warm and dry across the island, though the north around Las Palmas can occasionally be cloudy while the south remains sunny. The carnival in Las Palmas in February is one of the largest in Spain and attracts significant numbers of visitors.
Car rental price in Las Palmas
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Las Palmas, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €197 |
| Mid-size car | from €239 |
| Large car / SUV | from €305 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
