Car rental in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is an island of volcanic landscapes where main attractions are scattered across its territory. Roads here are of good quality, but wind between extensive fields of black volcanic sand, and many coves and viewpoints lie away from main tourist routes. Public transport connects major resorts but doesn't reach most interesting locations like the green crater of Charco de los Clicos or the vineyards of La Gería valley.

Renting a car in Lanzarote allows you to create an itinerary independent of bus schedules and tour routes. You can start your day at sunrise at the Mirador Punta Pechiguera lighthouse in the north and finish with a seafood dinner at Puerto del Carmen port, stopping at any beach that catches your eye along the way.

Why Rent a Car with Localrent

Dozens of rental companies operate in Lanzarote, but their offices are spread across the airport and resort areas. On arrival, you may find only unsuitable vehicle classes or expensive models available, with insurance terms requiring additional negotiation. Therefore, it's better to book your car through Localrent. This gives you several advantages:

1. With online booking on Localrent, you see the full price with no hidden additional charges later
2. Average deposit amount is 300-450 euros
3. Most of the fleet is under 5 years old
4. Many vehicles include comprehensive insurance in the price
5. Car rental without a credit card is possible

Searching for a car after arrival means spending several hours visiting offices and comparing terms. Localrent gathers current offers from local rental companies, allowing you to select a suitable vehicle with fixed pricing before flying to the island.

Requirements for Car Rental in Lanzarote

Standard documentation is required to rent a vehicle: valid passport and driver's license, plus a voucher confirming your booking. You'll receive this by email after completing the online process.

Most rental companies set minimum driver age at 22-25 years with at least 1 year of driving experience. However, the widest vehicle selection is available to drivers over 25 with 2-3 years of driving experience. We recommend using filters when selecting a car to immediately see options matching your parameters.

The best way to rent a car on Lanzarote

You can rent a car at the airport when you arrive, but if you want to save money and choose the best car for your money, book in advance. The earlier you book a car for your vacation, the more and better options you will have.

On our website, you will find cars from local rental companies sorted by price. Just enter the dates and cities where you want to pick up and drop off the car, and the website will find all suitable options.

Advantages of booking with us:

• Convenience and transparent in pricing. You see the car and the actual cost;
• No deposit or just a small deposit compared to the market;
• Advance payment of only 15-20% when booking;
• Website and support in several languages;
• Formal agreement with the rental company. 

Driving in Lanzarote

Coastal roads in Lanzarote are smooth and fairly wide, but mountain switchbacks require concentration—visibility on turns is often limited, and road width barely allows two cars to pass. Local drivers are accustomed to this and typically behave predictably, always maintaining maneuvering space.

In resort areas like Puerto del Carmen, traffic is busy, especially during peak season. Exercise particular attention here—pedestrians may appear unexpectedly, crossing roads at unmarked locations. Outside tourist centers, traffic is calmer, but other challenges arise. For instance, sudden ocean wind gusts that noticeably shake tall vehicles.

Essential regulations:

• Follow standard European speed limits—50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways, and 120 km/h on motorways
• Child seats are mandatory for children under 135 cm
• On roundabouts, priority goes to those already on the circle
• Dipped headlights are mandatory in tunnels even during daytime

Road Conditions and Weather Considerations

Windy days deserve special attention—on open road sections between volcanic fields, gusts can be unexpectedly strong. After rain, exercise caution on mountain roads—volcanic dust transforms into a slippery film.

Don't rely entirely on GPS navigation. Download offline maps beforehand—in some areas, signal drops out and road signs are infrequent.

Parking in Lanzarote

Resort zones like Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise have many equipped parking areas. Standard European system applies:

• Blue lines indicate paid zones
• White lines indicate free parking
• Yellow lines prohibit parking

During high season, beach parking spots fill by morning, so arrive early or use distant parking areas.

In the capital Arrecife, parking policy is stricter. The historic center with its narrow streets is almost entirely pedestrianized, with paid underground and multi-story car parks for vehicles. Street parking includes zones with time limits—pay attention to signs showing operating hours.

In rural areas, park on roadsides, but always ensure you don't block agricultural vehicle access. In Timanfaya National Park, leave vehicles only in designated pockets along paved roads—volcanic slag can damage tires.

Evening parking in resort towns allows careful use of free roadside spaces—just don't block traffic flow or obstruct exits. Many hotels offer guests free parking, but confirm this when booking.

Fuel Stations in Lanzarote

The island has a well-developed network of petrol stations, predominantly located along main roads and in major towns such as Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Stations operate on standard European format: most are open 24/7 and offer self-service. Many stations have convenience stores selling water, snacks, and basic automotive accessories. Note that in remote mountain areas and northern parts of the island, petrol stations are less common, so plan refueling in advance.

Most stations accept cards, but some small rural stations may only accept cash. Prepayment is often required—either at the cashier or through card authorization at the pump terminal. If the prepayment exceeds actual fuel volume, the difference is returned to your card.

How to Book a Car in Lanzarote

Start by selecting rental dates. If receiving the vehicle at a specific location matters—such as the airport—use the "Specify location" filter to show only relevant offers. Then:

1. Configure filters to find a suitable car. Select technical specifications, brand, payment methods, and other criteria
2. Open the card of your preferred vehicle and check insurance type and other details
3. Mark needed additional options
4. Specify pickup/return time and location
5. Enter driver details and contact information
6. Pay for the booking online with a bank card

After payment confirmation, you'll receive a voucher with order details. Show this document when collecting the vehicle—you can print it or save it on your smartphone.

What to See in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a volcanic island with well-developed road infrastructure. Visit geological monuments, works by artist César Manrique, and Canarian architecture. Best excursion spots in Lanzarote:

1. Timanfaya National Park. The park is known for its otherworldly landscapes formed by 18th-century eruptions. See geysers here, and at El Diablo grill restaurant, food is cooked over natural underground heat. En route, stop at Yaiza village to see the Molino de Yaiza tower built on solidified lava.
2. Cueva de los Verdes. This 6.1 km volcanic tunnel formed after the Corona volcano eruption approximately 5,000 years ago. The cave served as refuge from pirates for locals in the 16th-17th centuries. Today, a 1 km section is open to visitors with artificial lighting and musical accompaniment. Unique acoustics enabled creation of an underground concert hall, and you can see rare albino crabs in the underground lake.
3. Mirador del Río. This 400-meter-high viewpoint was designed by artist César Manrique and built into the cliff. It offers panoramic views of La Graciosa island and the Atlantic Ocean. Originally an artillery position due to strategic location. The complex includes a café with panoramic windows and a souvenir shop.
4. Jardín de Cactus—Cactus Garden. This botanical garden was César Manrique's final major project in Lanzarote. The artist transformed an abandoned quarry into a space growing over 4,500 cacti of 450 species from worldwide. Plants are arranged on former quarry terraces, forming concentric circles around an old windmill.
5. La Geria Wine Region. Grapes grow here in individual depressions surrounded by semicircular stone walls for wind protection. Volcanic ash acts as a natural water reservoir, condensing moisture from air. The technique enables grape cultivation without artificial irrigation even in arid climate. Local wine has a distinctive mineral taste thanks to volcanic soils.

Nature enthusiasts should visit the Janubio salt lakes in the island's south, where pink flamingos live seasonally. Culture lovers should see San José fortress in Arrecife with its contemporary art museum.

Where to Rent a Car in Lanzarote

Localrent allows you to choose the most convenient vehicle collection point. Available options:

• Lanzarote ACE airport
• Rental points in resort zones
• Delivery to specified address

Each vehicle has its own pickup locations. To narrow your search, use the "Specify location" filter—this displays only cars available at your required location.

Recommendations for Car Rental in Lanzarote

Driving on the island has specific characteristics—from narrow streets in old villages to mountain switchbacks with constant winds. These tips help you travel comfortably around the island and avoid common difficulties.

Choose Your Vehicle Based on Routes

For resort zones like Puerto del Carmen, a compact model works well—it simplifies beach parking. If planning trips to mountainous Timanfaya areas or northern viewpoints, rent a car with at least a 1.4-liter engine.

Account for Road Characteristics

At many intersections, right-of-way rules apply even without priority signs. In rural areas, single-lane roads with passing pockets exist—yield to vehicles traveling uphill. Road markings in tourist zones often fade—rely on signs.

Plan Trips Considering Wind Conditions

On roads between volcanic fields, wind gusts can be sudden—sections marked "Viento transversal" (crosswind) are particularly hazardous. During strong winds, reduce speed and keep both hands on the wheel.

Refuel Early for Long Trips

In the island's north and mountain areas, petrol stations are rare—fill up completely in Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen. Many small village stations close after 8:00 pm—factor this into evening travel plans. Airport petrol stations typically charge higher prices—use stations within town limits.

Questions and Answers About Car Rental in Lanzarote