Travelling to the Canary Islands with a Motorhome
Routes from Cádiz and Huelva, vehicle dimensions and tips for the crossing with a motorhome
- Cars, motorhomes and caravans on every Canary Islands route
- Long Atlantic crossing from Cádiz and Huelva with a cabin
- Measure and register your vehicle when booking
Route Map
All Ferry Routes at a Glance
Compare the ferry routes to the Canary Islands and between the islands for your motorhome.
- Naviera Armas
- Balearia
- Ferry Isla De Lobos
- Naviera Nortour
- Fred Olsen Express
- Lineas Romero
- Biosfera Express
Guide
Travelling to the Canary Islands with a Motorhome
Table of Contents
Travelling to the Canary Islands with a Motorhome
You can reach the Canary Islands with a motorhome in two ways: via the long Atlantic crossing from mainland Spain and, once you've arrived, by short inter-island ferry from island to island. Every ferry is a vehicle ferry and carries cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles. This guide sums up what to watch for with booking, dimensions and check-in.
Which routes take motorhomes?
From the mainland, the large Ro-Pax ferries sail from two ports: Baleària Canarias from Cádiz to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma, and Fred Olsen Express from Huelva to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. These ships are built for overnight travel and have large vehicle decks. Between the islands, every ferry carries your motorhome except those to La Graciosa and Lobos; with a camper, Baleària Canarias' overnight ferries to Puerto del Rosario and Arrecife are the relaxed choice. How to link the islands is covered in the guide Island Hopping.
Measuring your vehicle and the fare
The ferry price for your motorhome depends on the vehicle's length and, in some cases, its height: the larger the vehicle, the higher the fare category. Measure your vehicle precisely before booking, including all fittings such as a roof box, bike rack, awning and tow bar, and give these dimensions when booking. That way you avoid surprises at the terminal. You'll find an overview of the costs for every Canary Islands route in the fare overview.
Booking and registration
Book your motorhome together with everyone travelling with you well in advance, since vehicle spaces and large campers in particular sell out quickly in high season. If you're travelling with a pet, register it at the same time. If you choose a cabin for the long mainland crossing, you book it in the same step.
Check-in at the terminal
Deadlines differ by ferry company: Baleària Canarias requires you to be at the terminal 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle, and in Cádiz the desks open at least two hours before departure. With Fred Olsen Express you need to be at the quay 40 minutes before departure with a vehicle, and in Huelva the desk opens three hours before. With motorhomes and trailers, aim to arrive even earlier, as the loading order depends on vehicle size. Have valid ID or your passport ready, as the ferry company checks this at check-in. At the port, follow the signs to the vehicle lane and the staff's instructions when they direct you.
On board and the overnight crossing
The vehicle deck is closed during the crossing, so you can't access your motorhome. Take everything important with you on board. On the long mainland route, you'll spend at least one night on the ship and choose between a reclining seat and a cabin; on board there are restaurants, bars and outdoor decks. Gas cylinders must stay turned off and secured for the whole crossing. Once you arrive, you can head straight into your island adventure with your camper.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the ferry crossing to the Canary Islands with a motorhome
How much does the ferry to the Canary Islands cost with a motorhome?+
The price depends on the length and height of your vehicle, the route, the season and when you book. Larger vehicles fall into a higher fare category, and on the long mainland crossing you'll also pay for a cabin or a reclining seat. The booking on the relevant route page shows the confirmed price for your motorhome, and the fare overview compares all Canary Islands routes.
How big can my motorhome be?+
The permitted length and height depend on the ship and the ferry company. Large Ro-Pax ferries, such as on the mainland routes, take standard motorhomes without any trouble; for very tall or long vehicles, it's worth checking in advance. What matters is that you give the exact dimensions, including fittings such as a roof box, bike rack and awning, when booking, since the fare category depends on it.
Which routes can I take my motorhome on?+
Do I need to register my motorhome in advance?+
Yes. You book the vehicle together with everyone travelling with you and give the vehicle type and dimensions at the same time. Motorhome spaces and large vehicles in particular sell out quickly in high season, so book early and arrive at the terminal in good time for check-in.
Can I access my motorhome during the crossing?+
No, the vehicle deck is closed for safety reasons while the ferry is sailing. Before boarding, take everything important with you: ID and travel documents, clothing, medication, charging cables and food. Gas cylinders must be turned off and secured.