In short: Neighbouring islands are best connected by ferry: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are 25 to 35 minutes apart, Tenerife and La Gomera 50 minutes. For long distances, for example from Lanzarote to La Palma, an inter-island flight makes more sense. Plan at least three to four nights per island, otherwise you’ll spend your holiday in the harbour.
At a glance
- Ferries: Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas
- Flights: Binter and Canaryfly
- Booking: in advance during the holidays and with a car, otherwise often possible at short notice
- Prices: vary a lot; current fares are listed by the companies
Ferries: how long does each route take?
Two shipping companies connect all the inhabited islands: Fred. Olsen Express with fast ferries, and Naviera Armas. The following crossing times are those given by Fred. Olsen for its routes (as of October 2026). Ferries from other companies may take longer.
| Route | Crossing time |
|---|---|
| Lanzarote to Fuerteventura | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Tenerife to La Gomera | 50 minutes |
| Tenerife to Gran Canaria | 80 minutes |
| Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura | 2 hours |
| Gran Canaria to La Gomera | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Tenerife to El Hierro | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Tenerife to La Palma | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Fuerteventura to Tenerife | 3 hours 20 minutes |
The ports are important for planning. For La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, you depart from Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife. The fast connection to Gran Canaria runs from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Agaete in the northwest of Gran Canaria. Between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the ships shuttle from Playa Blanca to Corralejo. On La Gomera there is also a coastal line from San Sebastián via Playa de Santiago to Valle Gran Rey.
You reach the small island of La Graciosa, north of Lanzarote, by passenger ferry from Órzola.
When is an inter-island flight worth it?
There are short propeller flights between all islands with an airport. Most are offered by Binter, which according to its own figures operates over 200 flights to 30 destinations. The second airline is called Canaryfly.
Flying is the better choice if the ferry takes more than two to three hours or you would have to change, for example from Lanzarote or Fuerteventura to the western islands. On Tenerife, check which of the two airports you arrive at: inter-island flights mainly use the North Airport near La Laguna, holiday flights mostly the South Airport.
Three routes that work well
The most relaxed approach is to combine neighbouring islands and book your return flight from the last island (open-jaw flight). That way you don’t travel any route twice.
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The west in 10 to 14 days
Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma. First Tenerife with Teide and Anaga, then by ferry from Los Cristianos to La Gomera for hiking, and finally La Palma.
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The east in 7 to 10 days
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with a day trip to La Graciosa. First volcanoes and César Manrique’s buildings on Lanzarote, then beach days on the beaches of Fuerteventura.
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The centre in 10 days
Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Two large islands with city, mountains and beach, connected in 80 minutes. Starting point: Gran Canaria sights.
Still unsure which islands suit you? The comparison is in Which Canary Island is right for me?
Hire car: take it with you or rent a new one?
Many rental companies don’t allow cars on the ferry, or only with written consent, and the insurance cover then often doesn’t apply on the other island. Clarify this before booking and get it confirmed.
It is usually easier, and no more expensive, to rent a separate car on each island and cross over as a foot passenger.
Booking, luggage and rough seas
Outside the holidays, as a foot passenger you can often still get a ticket the day before. During Holy Week, in summer, around Christmas and with a car, you should book early. In strong winds, fast ferries are cancelled: don’t schedule the crossing for the day of your flight home.
- On the Tenerife to La Gomera route, with a bit of luck you’ll see dolphins or pilot whales from the deck, see Whale and dolphin watching.
If you are registered as a resident in the Canary Islands, you get a large resident discount on ferries and inter-island flights. It does not apply to holidaymakers. More on living on the islands is in the guide Wintering in the Canary Islands.
Frequently asked questions
Ferry or flight?
The ferry between neighbouring islands, the flight for long distances. As a rule of thumb: if the ship takes more than two to three hours, it’s worth checking the flight schedule.
How many islands can I manage in two weeks?
Two comfortably, three with a good plan. Each change costs about half a day with packing, getting to the port and the crossing.
Do I need to book ferries in advance?
During the holidays and with a car, yes. As a foot passenger in the low season, the day before is usually enough.
How much does a crossing cost?
Prices depend on the route, season, fare and vehicle, and change constantly.
Sources
- Fred. Olsen Express: routes and crossing times
- Naviera Armas: ferry connections
- Binter: flights between the islands
As of: October 2026
As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.
Cover image: Felix König · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
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