Car rental in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)

The resort areas of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria stretch along dozens of kilometers of coastline, while the most scenic beaches like Güigüi or the desert dunes of Maspalomas are located on the opposite side of the island. Renting a car in Las Palmas gives you easy access to these locations, combining beach relaxation with exploring volcanic landscapes and authentic Canarian villages in the island's interior.

Why Choose Localrent

Localrent partners with local rental companies across Gran Canaria, bringing their offers together in one place. Here's why travelers choose Localrent:

1. You see the final price immediately, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges when collecting your keys.
2. The fleet consists of modern vehicles, most under 5 years old.
3. Credit cards are often not required for booking.
4. Comprehensive insurance is typically included in the rental price.
5. Most vehicles come with unlimited mileage.

While the island has many local rental agencies, booking your car online through Localrent saves time comparing individual providers' terms and conditions.

Requirements for Car Rental in Las Palmas

You'll need a valid driver's license and passport to complete your rental. After booking and payment, you'll receive a voucher via email—present this when collecting your vehicle.

Rental terms and driver requirements vary by vehicle and are always specified in the car's listing. Minimum age is typically 22-25 years with 1-2 years of driving experience. The widest vehicle selection is available for drivers over 26 with 2-3 years of experience.

Use the search filters when selecting your car—this quickly identifies options matching your age and driving experience.

Driving in Las Palmas: What to Expect

Traffic in Gran Canaria's capital is busy but more manageable than many other tourist destinations on the island. Local drivers are accustomed to tourists behind the wheel, though be prepared for frequent horn use—here it's not aggression but a way to signal maneuvering intentions. The historic center features very narrow one-way streets where vehicle dimensions matter.

Speed limits:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Outside urban areas: 90 km/h
• Highways: 120 km/h

Beyond the city, road conditions differ significantly. Mountain roads leading to scenic villages like Tejeda or Artenara have many blind corners. Road surfaces are generally good quality, but after occasional rain, slippery sections may appear. Strong coastal winds are noticeable on open stretches of highway.

Las Palmas has numerous roundabouts—vehicles already in the circle always have priority. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and transporting children without appropriate car seats is prohibited.

Parking in Las Palmas

The city's parking system uses color-coded zones that determine conditions and duration limits. Main parking types:

• Blue zones. Paid short-term parking up to 2 hours with payment via parking meter. Blue zones are typically free on Sundays and public holidays.
• Green and orange zones. Reserved for residents—local inhabitants. Non-residents may park here for limited periods, usually 1-2 hours, and only during daytime. Resident rates are significantly lower with longer permitted durations.
• Yellow markings indicate a complete parking ban at all times.

Free parking is mainly found outside the historic center, such as near beaches or in less busy districts. Spaces typically fill quickly during peak hours.

In the historic center with its narrow cobbled streets, parking is challenging. If you find a curbside space in Vegueta or Triana, first check markings and signs. Even in blue zones, parking may be prohibited during certain hours for street cleaning or events. Free spaces near Las Canteras beach fill rapidly. Alternative: paid parking lots near the promenade.

In residential areas, be particularly attentive. Many spaces are reserved exclusively for local residents. For extended parking, secured lots on the outskirts are more practical—avoiding stress and potential towing issues.

Gas Stations in Las Palmas

City gas stations in Las Palmas are concentrated along major roads: GC-1, GC-23, GC-3, and Escaleritas Avenue. Unlike rural areas, modern stations from major chains like Repsol, Cepsa, and BP predominate—easily recognized by their bright signage. Nearly all urban stations feature self-service terminals.

Most stations have a minimum card payment of €5. Exceptions are automated stations without cashiers, where any amount can be charged. 24-hour stations have prepayment systems; at night, payment at the terminal is required before fueling.

How to Book a Car in Las Palmas

Start booking on the Localrent website by entering your desired rental dates. The "Pick-up" field will show Las Palmas; refine your specific location in the "Specify location" field if needed. Then:

1. Use filters to select transmission type, vehicle class, preferred make, and other criteria.
2. Review mileage limits, insurance, and other details in the vehicle listing.
3. Add necessary options—child seats, additional insurance, or an extra driver to the contract.
4. Proceed to checkout by clicking "Continue."

After selecting your vehicle, specify exact pick-up and return times, enter driver details and contact information. Booking confirmation requires an advance payment by bank card. A voucher will arrive at the provided email—show this when collecting your car.

When meeting the rental company representative, thoroughly inspect the vehicle together. All existing damage must be documented in the handover report. Before signing the contract, ensure you receive complete documentation: insurance policy, emergency contact details, and deposit refund procedures.

Day Trips from Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria—the island's capital—blends modern urban life with rich historical heritage. The city stretches along the coast, allowing you to spend mornings on the golden sands of Las Canteras, dedicate afternoons to exploring colonial architecture in Vegueta, and evenings at oceanview terrace bars. Here are worthwhile destinations:

1. Caldera de Bandama. This volcanic crater, 1 km in diameter and 200 meters deep, sits just 20 km from the city. Ancient farms at the crater's base still cultivate grapes. A viewing platform at the rim provides panoramic views into the volcano's interior.
2. Arucas. This historic town is known for its neo-Gothic San Juan Bautista Cathedral, built from dark basalt stone. The center preserves traditional Canarian architecture with carved balconies and interior courtyards. Visit the local Destilerías Arehucas rum factory, which offers production facility tours.
3. Teror. A colonial mountain town whose main street features characteristic Canarian-style houses with wooden balconies. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino houses the island's patron saint statue. On Saturdays, the main square hosts the island's largest farmers' market. The drive reveals Canarian pine plantations and almond groves.
4. Cenobio de Valerón. An archaeological site with ancient Guanche granaries carved into volcanic rock. This complex of 300 cave chambers was used by indigenous people to preserve grain before Spanish conquest. The upper viewpoint overlooks the northern coast and Atlantic Ocean. A nearby visitor center features exhibits on Guanche life. En route, observe traditional Canarian villages with characteristic stone architecture.
5. Jardín Canario. This botanical garden 7 km from Las Palmas center showcases Canary Islands flora. Over 500 endemic species are collected here, including dragon trees and Canary palms. The grounds are divided into thematic zones recreating different archipelago ecosystems.

The city's location makes island exploration convenient—most attractions are within an hour's drive. Las Palmas serves as an ideal starting point for routes to volcanic landscapes in the island's interior, colonial mountain towns, or southern coast beaches. The capital itself deserves at least a couple of days for unhurried exploration.

Where to Rent a Car in Las Palmas

The best approach is selecting and booking your car online through Localrent in advance. During booking, you specify your vehicle pick-up location:

• Las Palmas Airport (LPA).
• Rental company offices in the city.
• Delivery to your hotel or specified address.

Not all vehicles are available at each location. Specific options for each car are shown in its Localrent listing. Use the "Specify location" filter during search—this displays only vehicles available at your preferred pick-up point.

Tips and Recommendations for Car Rental in Las Palmas

Car rental in Las Palmas has specific characteristics related to urban infrastructure and local regulations. These tips help avoid common tourist challenges and ensure a comfortable journey.

Urban Traffic Considerations

Historic center streets often narrow to single-vehicle width. When selecting your car, prefer compact models—they simplify parking and maneuvering. During peak hours, avoid routes through Avenida Marítima and the Las Canteras promenade—congestion forms due to tourist buses and taxis.

Key traffic periods to consider:

• Morning rush typically affects main thoroughfares heading into the city center
• Evening congestion builds around harbor areas and major commercial zones
• Plan alternative routes using side streets during known busy periods

Navigation

Mobile network coverage frequently drops in mountainous areas around Las Palmas. Download offline maps in advance using Maps.me or Google Maps.

Pedestrians and Large Vehicles

Along the Las Canteras promenade, watch for unsignaled pedestrian crossings—they're common. Local residents and tourists often cross at unmarked locations, so stay alert even without signs or signals. The port area has numerous trucks requiring significant maneuvering space.

Spend your first driving days in Las Palmas observing local driver behavior. Turn signals are rarely used, but horns signal presence actively. You'll quickly adapt to the city's rhythm—ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

FAQ About Car Rental in Las Palmas