Canary Islands Ferry
Huelva - Gran Canaria
By ferry from the Spanish mainland to the Canary Islands, year-round across the Atlantic to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Up to 3 departures a week from Huelva, usually on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
- Direct crossing in around 34 to 40 hours with Fred. Olsen Express from the Puerto Exterior (Muelle Sur)
- Car, motorhome, bike and pets on board, cabin or seat for the overnight crossing
Route Guide
Ferry Huelva - Gran Canaria at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Huelva - Gran Canaria ferry route: getting to the Puerto Exterior in Huelva, check-in for the long Atlantic crossing, facilities on board with Fred. Olsen Express, vehicle and pet rules, and arrival in Las Palmas.
Getting there and the Huelva terminal The ferry to the Canary Islands departs from the Puerto Exterior in Huelva, at the Muelle Sur in Palos de la Frontera. The outer harbour lies a few kilometres outside the centre. By car, you reach it via the access road from the greater Huelva area, which is signposted. Without your own vehicle, you can usually reach the terminal comfortably by the ferry bus that Fred. Olsen runs from the city centre to the port. ## Check-in and departure Because this is a long crossing involving vehicle loading, you should arrive at the terminal early, usually around two hours before departure, and a little earlier still if you have a vehicle. Have a valid ID card or passport ready, which the shipping company checks at check-in. If you're travelling with a vehicle or pet, allow extra time to register at the counter. ## On board Fred. Olsen Express operates a conventional ro-pax ferry such as the Buenavista Express on the Huelva - Canary Islands line, designed for the overnight crossing. On board you'll find restaurants, bars and lounge areas, and outdoor decks with sea views. For the night, you can choose between seats, a Sleep Lounge with berths, and cabins in various categories, including pet-friendly cabins. Payment on board is cashless, in euros. ## Vehicle, bike and pets You can bring cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles; larger vehicles and high season fill up quickly, so early booking pays off. Vehicles are kept on the lower deck, which is not accessible during the crossing. If you're travelling by motorhome, you'll find the details in the guide Travelling to the Canary Islands by motorhome. Pets must be registered when booking and travel, depending on the ship, in pet-friendly cabins or supervised pet cabins; everything about this is in the guide Travelling to the Canary Islands with a dog. ## Arrival in Las Palmas and onward travel In Gran Canaria, the ferry docks at the port of Las Palmas (Puerto de la Luz). From the terminal it's just a few minutes to Parque Santa Catalina and the beach promenade; by car you can reach Gran Canaria Airport in around half an hour. The port is close to the city, so onward travel by bus, taxi or your own vehicle is straightforward.
Tickets and fares Fred. Olsen Express offers the route at a standard fare as well as reduced fares for Canary Islands residents and for children, young people and seniors. You'll get the best price by booking early and being flexible with your travel date and accommodation. An overview of all Canary Islands routes is in the price overview.
Huelva - Gran Canaria
From the Spanish mainland to the Canary Islands
Next departures
FAQ Huelva - Gran Canaria
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Huelva - Gran Canaria ferry route
Which shipping company operates the Huelva - Gran Canaria ferry?+
The Huelva - Gran Canaria route is operated by Fred. Olsen Express. The Atlantic crossing is served by a conventional ro-pax ferry such as the Buenavista Express, designed for the long overnight crossing with seats and cabins, rather than a high-speed catamaran as used on the short inter-island routes.
How often does the ferry run from Huelva to Gran Canaria?+
There are up to 3 departures a week, usually on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The service runs year-round, though departure days can shift slightly by season. The exact times for your travel day are shown in the timetable.
How long does the crossing take, and are there any stops?+
The direct crossing takes around 34 to 40 hours, depending on the timetable and weather conditions. You'll typically spend two nights on board. Some departures make a stop in Tenerife en route, which extends the crossing time accordingly. You don't need to change ferries.
How much does the ferry from Huelva to Gran Canaria cost?+
The price depends on the fare, accommodation, vehicle and time of booking. Fred. Olsen Express offers a standard fare as well as reduced fares for Canary Islands residents and for children, young people and seniors. You'll get the best price by booking early and travelling in low season. A comparison of all Canary Islands routes is in the price overview.
What accommodation options are available on board?+
On board you'll find seats (standard and superior), a Sleep Lounge with berths, and standard and superior cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plus pet-friendly cabins. Catering is available in the onboard restaurants and bars, with cashless payment in euros.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, you can bring a car, motorhome, caravan or motorbike. Vehicles are loaded on the lower deck, which is not accessible during the crossing, so you can't stay overnight in your motorhome. Larger vehicles and high season fill up quickly, so book early. Details on travelling by motorhome are in the guide Travelling to the Canary Islands by motorhome.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
Yes, pets are welcome on board and must be registered when booking. Depending on the ship, animals travel in a pet-friendly cabin or in a supervised pet cabin on board. Bring the necessary health and vaccination documents. Everything about the rules and practicalities is in the guide Travelling to the Canary Islands with a dog.
Where do the ferries depart from and arrive, and how do I get to the port?+
The ferries depart from the Puerto Exterior (Muelle Sur) in Huelva, a few kilometres outside the centre in Palos de la Frontera. Fred. Olsen usually offers a ferry bus from the city centre to the port. In Gran Canaria you arrive at the port of Las Palmas (Puerto de la Luz), close to the city near Parque Santa Catalina and around 25 km from the airport.