Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): Everything You Need to Know
Check-in to kerbside: a clear overview for your arrival on Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) sits beside the GC-1 motorway, about 25 minutes from Las Palmas and 30 to 50 minutes from the southern resorts. This guide covers terminals, WiFi, parking and the quickest ways into town or south by bus, taxi or private transfer.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) sits right next to the GC-1 motorway, about 25 minutes from Las Palmas and 30 to 50 minutes from the holiday resorts in the south. This page brings together arrivals, departures, terminals, WiFi, parking and your transfer options in one place, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
One Airport, Three Names
On Gran Canaria, people often call the airport "Aeropuerto de Gando". The official IATA code is LPA, short for "Las Palmas Airport", while the operator AENA uses the official name "Gran Canaria Airport" (Aeropuerto de Gando) – named after Gando, a district of Telde, the island's second-largest town.
Right next to the civilian terminal is the military Telde Air Base, whose runway lies just east of the civilian one. Both runways are over 3,000 metres long, and take-offs and landings normally happen against the strong, prevailing north-easterly wind.
The airport is not inside the city of Las Palmas itself. It lies roughly halfway between the capital and the southern resorts of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, directly on the GC-1 motorway. You can reach Las Palmas by bus, taxi or transfer in about 25 minutes (roughly 22 km to the Santa Catalina area), and the southern resorts in 30 to 50 minutes.
Facts and Figures
Gran Canaria Airport handled around 15.8 million passengers in 2025 , making it one of the six busiest airports in Spain. Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Norwegian, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Air Baltic, SAS and Vueling connect LPA with destinations across the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Poland and the Baltic states, alongside routes from the rest of mainland Spain and Europe.
Within Spain, most domestic flights go to Madrid and Barcelona, with regular direct services from Málaga, Seville and Santiago de Compostela. Among the Canary Islands, Tenerife is the most frequent connection, followed by Fuerteventura and Lanzarote; flights to La Palma and El Hierro are less frequent. International routes also include Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, plus regular flights to Madeira and Cape Verde.
Terminal Orientation
The airport is a single, long, two-storey building. The ground floor handles check-in and departures, while arrivals are on the floor below. Domestic flights are handled in the northern section, and international flights in the southern section towards the control tower – with one exception: Ryanair checks in on the lower floor. For the full breakdown, see Airport Terminals.
WiFi at the Airport
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal on the network "Airport Free Wifi Aena". Once you select the network, a welcome portal opens automatically, where you can log in with an email address, a social media account, or an existing Aena Club account.
Parking at the Airport
Two official car parks are available: P1 is covered, right in front of the domestic departures terminal, and suits short stays; P2 is a little further away, near the control tower, with both covered and open spaces for longer stays. Payment is automated, and there is a height restriction of 2.1 metres on entry.
Money, Currency Exchange and SIM Cards
Inside the terminal you'll find cash machines and a currency exchange desk for your first cash after landing, as well as mobile phone shops where you can buy a Spanish SIM card for mobile internet during your stay. Prices on Gran Canaria are in euros, the local currency.
Lost Property
The lost property office (Objetos Perdidos) can be reached by phone on +34 928 579 096. For items left on board an aircraft, contact the relevant airline office first.
Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance
The airport offers free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility under the name "Sin Barreras". Booking is recommended through your airline in advance, and free-call points are also available at the terminal entrances. Full details: Wheelchair Service PRM.
Getting There / Transport Connections
| Destination | Bus | Taxi / Transfer | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas (Santa Catalina) | Line 60 | Taxi / private transfer | approx. 25–40 min |
| Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés | Line 66 | Taxi / private transfer | 40–50 min |
| Cruise Port Las Palmas | Line 60 + change | Port transfer | approx. 25–40 min |
Nearby Attractions
| Place | Distance from airport | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Las Canteras Beach, Las Palmas | approx. 25 min by car/bus | 3 km city beach, promenade, surfing |
| Vegueta Old Town, Las Palmas | approx. 25 min by car/bus | Historic quarter, cathedral, museums |
| Maspalomas Dunes | approx. 40–50 min by car | Protected dune landscape, lighthouse |
| Cruise Port Las Palmas | approx. 25–40 min | Cruise terminal, harbour views |
Frequently Asked Questions about Gran Canaria Airport
Is Gran Canaria Airport the same as Las Palmas Airport?
Yes. It’s the same airport. The official IATA code is LPA, for “Las Palmas Airport”, while operator AENA officially uses the name “Gran Canaria Airport” (Aeropuerto de Gando). On the island itself, people also use the name “Aeropuerto de Gando”, after the nearby district of Telde. All three names refer to the same airport.
How do I get from Gran Canaria Airport into town or to the resorts in the south?
You can reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in about 25 minutes by bus, taxi or transfer. To the southern resorts (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín), the journey takes 30 to 50 minutes depending on your destination. See all options: Airport Bus Las Palmas, Airport Bus Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés and Taxi & Private Transfer.
How is Gran Canaria Airport laid out – where do I find my terminal?
The airport is a single, long, two-storey building. Check-in and departures are on the ground floor, and arrivals on the floor below. Domestic flights are handled in the northern section, and international flights in the southern section towards the control tower. The exception is Ryanair: check-in is on the lower floor, in the middle of the domestic terminal area. Details: Airport Terminals.
Is there free WiFi at Gran Canaria Airport?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the terminal on the network “Airport Free Wifi Aena”. You log in through a welcome portal using an email address or an Aena Club account.
How do I contact lost property at Gran Canaria Airport?
The lost property office (Objetos Perdidos) can be reached by phone on +34 928 579 096. For items left on board an aircraft, contact the relevant airline first.
Is there a wheelchair service at Gran Canaria Airport?
Yes, under the name “Sin Barreras”, the airport offers free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including advance booking through your airline and free-call points at the terminal entrances. Full details: Wheelchair Service PRM.