Ferries to the Canary Islands ▷ Compare 2027 Timetables, Prices & Offers

Ferries to the Canary Islands: Island Hopping, Mainland Routes & 2027 Timetables

Ferries to the Canary Islands offer both fast, frequent inter-island crossings for island hopping and day trips between Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as year-round Atlantic sailings from southern mainland Spain (Huelva and Cádiz). On Ferriesonline.com you can compare schedules, fares and availability across the official ferry operators – Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària – whether you are booking a foot-passenger day trip or driving your own car, motorhome, campervan or motorcycle for a winter sun stay.

Canary Islands Ferry Routes: Island Hopping & Sailings from Mainland Spain

Ferry Companies Operating in the Canary Islands

Maritime links between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as inter-island fast ferries, are operated by two leading companies:

• Fred. Olsen Express: the premier high-speed ferry operator in the archipelago, running a modern fleet of wave-piercing catamarans and trimarans (such as the Bajamar Express and Bañaderos Express) between the islands, alongside the joint mainland route from Huelva to Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
• Baleària: following the acquisition of Naviera Armas's Canary Islands network, Spain's leading ferry group connects the Andalusian ports of Huelva and Cádiz with Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma, and operates daily inter-island crossings with conventional car ferries, eco-friendly LNG vessels and fast ferries.

Cabins, Seating & Onboard Facilities

Whether you are taking a 30-minute hop between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura or a 35-hour ocean voyage from Huelva or Cádiz, ships offer tailored accommodation options:

Taking a Car, Motorhome or Hire Car: Customs, Post-Brexit & Travel Rules

All ferries serving the Canary Islands feature spacious vehicle decks for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, campervans and motorhomes. Here is what UK, Irish and international travellers need to know:

• Taking a Hire Car on Inter-Island Ferries: if you fly into Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura and rent a car locally, check your rental terms before booking a vehicle ticket. Regional companies such as Cicar / Cabrera Medina generally allow you to take hire cars on Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària ferries between islands provided you request prior authorisation when picking up the vehicle.
• Driving from the UK & Mainland Europe (Huelva & Cádiz Customs / IGIC Zone): many motorhome and car owners sail from the UK to Northern Spain (Santander or Bilbao) or drive through France down to Huelva or Cádiz. Although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are a special tax territory outside the EU VAT & customs area (IGIC). At Huelva and Cádiz ports, you must present your original vehicle registration document (UK V5C logbook or EU registration certificate) in your name and valid insurance. Foreign-registered vehicles can remain in the Canary Islands tax-free for up to 6 months per calendar year.
• Declare Exact Vehicle Dimensions (Roof Boxes, Bike Racks & Solar Panels): when booking a motorhome, campervan or car, always enter the true overall length and height including roof boxes, solar panels, satellite dishes or rear cycle carriers. Campervan LPG/gas bottles must be turned off during the crossing.
• Passports, ID & Pet Requirements (UK & EU Travellers): UK and non-EU citizens must carry a valid passport (even on domestic inter-island crossings, photo ID/passport is checked at boarding alongside your ticket). EU/EEA citizens may travel with a valid national ID card or passport. Dogs and cats require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an EU Pet Passport (or an official Animal Health Certificate – AHC for pets travelling from Great Britain).

Check-in Times & Port Arrival

For inter-island crossings you can complete online check-in and board directly using your digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Please arrive at the port terminal at least:

• Inter-island routes without a vehicle (foot passengers): at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
• Inter-island routes with a vehicle (car, hire car, campervan, motorbike): at least 60 minutes before departure.
• Mainland Spain departures (Huelva & Cádiz): due to customs clearance and vehicle loading, arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before departure when travelling with a vehicle, and 90–120 minutes before departure as a foot passenger.