Canary Islands Ferry
Tenerife - Gran Canaria Ferry
Two routes between the two largest islands - Agaete or Las Palmas, crossing time, check-in, ferry bus and car deck
- 80 minutes to Agaete with Fred Olsen Express, seven departures a day
- 100 minutes to Las Palmas with Baleària Canarias, four to five departures a day
- Check-in: Fred Olsen 20 minutes on foot and 40 with a car, Baleària 60 and 90 minutes
Route Guide
Tenerife - Gran Canaria Ferry at a Glance
Table of Contents
All about the Tenerife - Gran Canaria ferry connection: the two routes from Santa Cruz, check-in with Fred Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias, car and pets on board, arrival in Agaete or Las Palmas.
Getting There and the Santa Cruz Terminal
Both operators depart from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, at the Estación Marítima Puerto-Ciudad on the Muelle de Ribera, right by the city. Fred Olsen Express has its office in the Edificio Ciudad at the first pier. By car, follow the signs for Puerto and Estación Marítima in Santa Cruz, from the TF-1 from the south and the TF-5 from the north. The Intercambiador bus station and the tram stop are a few minutes away.
Check-in and Departure
Under Fred Olsen Express's conditions of carriage, you need to be ready to board 20 minutes before departure, or be at the quay 40 minutes beforehand with a vehicle. Baleària Canarias requires 60 minutes without and 90 minutes with a vehicle. Keep your ID or passport in your hand luggage; residents show proof of address for the discount.
On Board
Sailings to Agaete use the catamarans Bajamar Express, Bencomo Express and Banaderos Express with a lounge, cafeteria and outer deck. Sailings to Las Palmas run on Baleària Canarias's Volcán de Taidía, Volcán de Tagoro and Mercedes Pinto, with seating areas, a cafeteria and outer decks. You won't need a cabin on either route. Payment is in euros, by card.
Vehicles, Bicycles and Pets
Cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles are carried on both routes; the vehicle type and registration number need to go in the booking. With a rental car, check the rental terms beforehand, as many rental companies prohibit travel to another island. Register pets when booking; Fred Olsen Express offers a crate, Pet Rooms and the Pet Sofa, while Baleària Canarias offers Pet&You mats and quiet kennels. More in the guides Taking a Motorhome to the Canary Islands and Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.
Arrival in Agaete or Las Palmas and Onward Travel
Agaete is a small ferry port at the Puerto de Las Nieves with no town around it; the Fred Olsen Express ferry bus waits for the ferries and runs to the Parque Santa Catalina in Las Palmas, while drivers with their own car take the GC-2 along the north coast. Las Palmas welcomes you at the Puerto de la Luz, a ten-minute walk from the Parque Santa Catalina; from here island buses run in every direction and ferries continue on to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, with the airport around 25 kilometres away.
Tickets and Fares
Both operators sell tickets online and at the counter; Canary Islands residents get the official discount of 75 percent, and Fred Olsen Express also offers a large-family discount. Baleària Canarias offers a fare with free cancellation. Booking early pays off with a vehicle and in peak season; as a foot passenger you'll usually find a spot even at short notice. The current prices are shown in the booking window, and a comparison of both routes is in the price overview.
Tenerife - Gran Canaria
Agaete or Las Palmas - Two Ways to Gran Canaria
Two routes run between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Fred Olsen Express operates the catamarans Bajamar Express, Bencomo Express and Banaderos Express, reaching Agaete in the northwest in 80 minutes, seven departures a day; the operator's ferry bus takes you onward to Las Palmas. Baleària Canarias sails in around 100 minutes direct into the Puerto de la Luz in Las Palmas, four to five departures a day with Volcán de Taidía, Volcán de Tagoro or Mercedes Pinto.
Both routes run all year round and carry vehicles. Agaete is the faster crossing, while Las Palmas puts you right in the middle of the city.
- Crossing
- 80 min to Agaete, 100 min to Las Palmas
- Operators
- Fred Olsen Express, Baleària Canarias
- Frequency
- up to 12 departures a day
- From
- €38
- Balearia
- Naviera Armas
- Fred Olsen Express
Next Departures
FAQ Tenerife - Gran Canaria
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about the Tenerife - Gran Canaria ferry connection
Agaete or Las Palmas, which route is better?+
Agaete is the faster crossing at 80 minutes and has the tighter schedule with seven departures, but it arrives at a small port in the northwest; the operator's ferry bus continues to Las Palmas. The Baleària ferry takes 100 minutes and docks directly in the Puerto de la Luz, right in the middle of Las Palmas. If you're heading for the south of Gran Canaria, Agaete is usually faster; for the city of Las Palmas, take the direct route.
When do I need to be at the port?+
With Fred Olsen Express 20 minutes before departure, 40 minutes with a vehicle; with Baleària Canarias 60 minutes without and 90 minutes with a vehicle. The day's departures are shown in the timetable.
How much does the ferry from Tenerife to Gran Canaria cost?+
That depends on the route, operator, vehicle and booking time; residents pay significantly less with the official discount. The current price is shown in the booking window, and a comparison of both routes is in the price overview.
Can I bring my car?+
Yes, on both routes. Fred Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias carry cars, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles. With a rental car, check the rental terms beforehand. More in the guide Taking a Motorhome to the Canary Islands.
Can my dog come along?+
Yes, after registering when booking. Fred Olsen Express carries pets in their own crate, in Pet Rooms or on the Pet Sofa, while Baleària Canarias offers Pet&You mats or quiet kennels. Details in the guide Taking a Dog to the Canary Islands.
How do I get from Agaete to Las Palmas?+
With the Fred Olsen Express ferry bus, which waits for the ferries at the Puerto de Las Nieves and stops at the Parque Santa Catalina in Las Palmas. If you have your car with you, take the GC-2 along the north coast.