Car Hire Gran Canaria
Looking for reliable car hire in Gran Canaria? TravelON makes it easy to compare Gran Canaria car hire prices through our trusted partner comparison site, helping you find the right vehicle for your holiday, your budget and your travel plans.
Gran Canaria Airport car hire is the most popular option for visitors who want to collect their car as soon as they land. Gran Canaria is a diverse island with beach resorts, mountain villages, city areas, viewpoints, shopping centres and scenic inland routes, so hiring a car gives you the freedom to see much more than your resort.
Whether you are staying in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Puerto de Mogán, Meloneras, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz, Las Palmas or near the airport, car hire in Gran Canaria gives you flexibility from the moment you arrive.
Compare Gran Canaria Car Hire with Confidence
Use our trusted car hire comparison partner to compare live prices, vehicle types, collection points and rental conditions in one place.
- Compare Gran Canaria Airport and resort car hire
- Check insurance excess, deposit and fuel policy before booking
- Choose from economy cars, family cars, automatics, SUVs and larger vehicles
- Look for airport desk collection for the easiest arrival experience
- Book early for the best choice during busy holiday periods
TravelON tip: Gran Canaria has easy coastal motorways but also steep mountain roads inland. Choose a car that suits your route, luggage and confidence level, not just the cheapest headline price.
Compare Car Hire in Gran Canaria
Our partner comparison widget allows you to search available Gran Canaria car hire deals in one place. Instead of checking every rental company separately, you can compare prices, collection locations, car sizes, insurance options and booking conditions before choosing the right option for your holiday.
Car hire in Gran Canaria is popular all year round, especially during school holidays, Christmas, Easter, summer and winter sun periods. Booking in advance is strongly recommended if you need an automatic car, family car, 7-seater, larger boot space or direct Gran Canaria Airport collection.
Gran Canaria Airport Car Hire
Gran Canaria Airport car hire is the most convenient choice for many visitors. Gran Canaria Airport, also known as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport, is located on the east coast of the island, between Las Palmas and the main southern resorts.
Collecting a hire car at Gran Canaria Airport means you can land, pick up your vehicle and drive directly to your accommodation without waiting for taxis, buses or shared transfers. This is especially useful if you are staying in a villa, private apartment, rural property or a resort further away from the airport.
Approximate driving times from Gran Canaria Airport are:
- Bahía Feliz: around 15 to 20 minutes
- San Agustín: around 20 minutes
- Playa del Inglés: around 20 to 25 minutes
- Maspalomas: around 25 to 30 minutes
- Meloneras: around 25 to 35 minutes
- Puerto Rico: around 35 to 45 minutes
- Amadores: around 40 to 45 minutes
- Puerto de Mogán: around 45 to 55 minutes
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: around 20 to 25 minutes
- Agaete: around 55 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
Because Gran Canaria has both coastal resorts and dramatic inland scenery, a hire car is useful if you want to explore beyond the beach areas.
Car Hire Offices at Gran Canaria Airport
One of the most useful things to know before booking is whether the car hire company has a presence at the actual airport. This can make collection and return much easier, especially after a long flight.
Car hire companies and brands listed or commonly associated with Gran Canaria Airport include:
- Cicar / Cabrera Medina
- AutoReisen
- Avis / Budget
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Sixt
- TopCar
- OK Mobility
- Goldcar — may appear in airport comparison results, but TravelON does not usually recommend this as a preferred option
Cicar confirms its Gran Canaria Airport office is located in the arrivals area of the airport terminal. Aena also lists airport car hire desks around Floor 0 arrivals and airport parking areas, depending on supplier. Some companies may have desks inside the terminal, some may use airport car park collection and others may operate from outside the terminal building.
Always check your booking confirmation carefully to see exactly where your car is collected from. Look for wording such as terminal desk, arrivals hall, airport car park, meet and greet or shuttle bus.
Important TravelON note: Goldcar may appear in comparison results and may have an airport presence, but we do not usually recommend Goldcar as our preferred option. Always check recent reviews, fuel policies, deposit conditions, insurance excesses and any extra charges before booking with any supplier.
Why Hire a Car in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is one of the most varied Canary Islands. In one holiday you can visit beaches, dunes, mountain villages, shopping areas, ports, viewpoints, historic towns and the capital city. A hire car gives you much more flexibility than relying only on taxis, buses or organised excursions.
With a hire car in Gran Canaria, you can visit the Maspalomas Dunes, Puerto de Mogán, Amadores Beach, Las Palmas, Vegueta old town, Roque Nublo, Tejeda, Teror, Agaete, Guayadeque, Fataga, the mountain viewpoints and many smaller beaches and villages around the island.
A car is also useful if you want to visit different beaches, restaurants, shopping centres, golf courses, marinas, markets or inland attractions during your holiday.
How to Hire a Car in Gran Canaria
Hiring a car in Gran Canaria is simple. Choose your collection location, enter your travel dates, compare available cars and check the rental conditions carefully before booking.
Most visitors choose one of two options:
- Gran Canaria Airport car hire – collect your car when you land and return it before your flight home.
- Resort car hire in Gran Canaria – book a car from an office in your resort for a few days during your holiday.
Airport collection is usually the easiest option if you want a car for the whole holiday. Resort collection can be a good choice if you already have airport transfers included and only want a car for one or two days.
Where to Hire a Car in Gran Canaria
You can hire a car from Gran Canaria Airport, the main tourist resorts, Las Palmas and local car hire offices across the island.
Popular Gran Canaria car hire collection points include:
- Gran Canaria Airport
- Maspalomas
- Playa del Inglés
- Meloneras
- San Agustín
- Bahía Feliz
- Puerto Rico
- Amadores
- Puerto de Mogán
- Arguineguín
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
When comparing car hire in Gran Canaria, always check the exact collection point. Some suppliers are based inside the airport terminal, some use the airport car park and others may require a shuttle to an off-airport office.
Best Car Hire Companies in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has a mixture of Canary Islands car hire companies, international rental brands and local resort-based car hire offices.
Cicar Gran Canaria Car Hire
Cicar is one of the biggest and best-known car hire brands in the Canary Islands. Cicar has offices in Gran Canaria, including Gran Canaria Airport and major tourist areas, making it a popular option for visitors comparing airport and resort rental. Many travellers search for Cicar Gran Canaria car hire because of its strong Canary Islands presence.
Cabrera Medina Gran Canaria
Cabrera Medina is another well-known Canary Islands car hire company and is closely linked with the islands. It is often considered by visitors looking for straightforward rental conditions and local airport or resort collection.
AutoReisen Gran Canaria
AutoReisen is a popular Canary Islands car hire company and is often searched by visitors looking for value car hire at Gran Canaria Airport. It offers Gran Canaria Airport car hire and is often compared with Cicar, Cabrera Medina and other local brands.
PlusCar Gran Canaria
PlusCar is another Canary Islands rental company often searched by visitors looking for cheap Gran Canaria car hire. Availability and collection points can vary, so always check the details before booking.
TopCar Gran Canaria
TopCar is a Canary Islands car hire company with Gran Canaria Airport rental options. It can be a useful supplier to compare when looking for Gran Canaria airport car hire.
Sixt Gran Canaria
Sixt is an international car hire brand commonly searched for Gran Canaria car hire. It can be a good choice for visitors looking for specific vehicle categories, premium models or international brand familiarity.
Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Budget Gran Canaria
International brands such as Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Budget are commonly searched for Gran Canaria car hire. These brands may suit visitors who prefer booking with a global rental company or who have loyalty membership benefits.
OK Mobility Gran Canaria
OK Mobility is also listed at Gran Canaria Airport. It can appear in comparison results and may be worth checking depending on price, vehicle category, insurance conditions and collection details.
Car Hire Maspalomas
Car hire in Maspalomas is one of the most popular resort options in Gran Canaria. Maspalomas is famous for its dunes, beach, lighthouse, hotels, holiday villas, golf course and easy access to Meloneras and Playa del Inglés.
With a hire car from Maspalomas, you can visit Puerto de Mogán, Amadores, Puerto Rico, Fataga, Roque Nublo, Tejeda, Las Palmas and the mountain villages. It is also useful if you want to explore beaches and restaurants away from your hotel area.
If you want a car for the whole holiday, Gran Canaria Airport car hire is usually the easiest option. If you only want a car for one or two days, resort car hire in Maspalomas can work well.
Car Hire Playa del Inglés
Car hire in Playa del Inglés is ideal if you are staying in one of Gran Canaria’s busiest and best-known resorts. Playa del Inglés has hotels, apartments, nightlife, shopping centres, restaurants and access to the beach and dunes.
With a hire car from Playa del Inglés, you can easily explore Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Puerto de Mogán, Las Palmas, the mountains and inland villages.
Parking can be busy in the centre of Playa del Inglés, so check whether your accommodation has parking before booking a car for the full holiday.
Car Hire Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Car hire in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria is useful if you are staying on the south-west coast. Puerto Rico is a popular resort with beaches, a marina, shopping centres, apartments, hotels and boat trips.
With a hire car in Puerto Rico, you can visit Amadores, Puerto de Mogán, Anfi del Mar, Arguineguín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and inland viewpoints. A car is especially useful if your accommodation is located up the hill, as some areas of Puerto Rico are steep.
Car Hire Amadores
Car hire in Amadores is a good choice if you are staying near Amadores Beach or the surrounding hotels and apartments. Amadores is close to Puerto Rico and well placed for exploring the south-west coast.
A hire car makes it easy to visit Puerto de Mogán, Anfi del Mar, Maspalomas, Meloneras and inland areas without relying on taxis or buses.
Car Hire Puerto de Mogán
Car hire in Puerto de Mogán is ideal if you are staying in one of Gran Canaria’s prettiest resort areas. Puerto de Mogán is known for its marina, canals, restaurants, beach and relaxed atmosphere.
With a car, you can explore the west and south of the island, including Amadores, Puerto Rico, Maspalomas, Veneguera and the mountain roads. Puerto de Mogán is further from the airport than Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, so collecting a car at Gran Canaria Airport can also be a convenient option.
Car Hire Meloneras
Car hire in Meloneras is useful if you are staying in one of the hotels near the lighthouse, promenade or seafront. Meloneras is close to Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés but has a more relaxed, upmarket feel.
A hire car gives you easy access to golf courses, beaches, shopping, Puerto de Mogán, Las Palmas and the inland mountain routes.
Car Hire Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Car hire in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is useful if you are staying in the island’s capital or planning a city and beach break. Las Palmas has shopping, culture, restaurants, Las Canteras Beach, Vegueta old town and a busy port area.
If you are staying in Las Palmas, a car can be useful for day trips to Agaete, Teror, Arucas, Bandama, the mountains or the southern resorts. Parking in the city can be busy, so check parking options before hiring a car for every day of your stay.
Airport Car Hire vs Resort Car Hire in Gran Canaria
Choosing between airport car hire and resort car hire depends on your holiday plans.
Choose Gran Canaria Airport car hire if:
- You want a car for the full holiday
- You want to drive directly to your accommodation
- You are staying in Puerto Rico, Amadores, Puerto de Mogán, Maspalomas, Meloneras or Las Palmas
- You are travelling with children, luggage, golf clubs or mobility equipment
- You want the easiest collection point after landing
- You plan to explore the mountains, villages and different coastal areas
Choose resort car hire if:
- You only want a car for one or two days
- You already have airport transfers included
- You are staying centrally in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico or Las Palmas
- You want to explore Gran Canaria for a specific day trip
- You prefer to book after arriving in resort
Car Hire Insurance in Gran Canaria
Car hire insurance is one of the most important things to check before booking. The cheapest headline price is not always the best deal if the excess is high, the deposit is large or key cover is missing.
When comparing Gran Canaria car hire, check:
- Collision Damage Waiver
- The insurance excess amount
- Deposit requirements
- Windscreen, tyres and underbody cover
- Theft protection
- Breakdown assistance
- Additional driver charges
- Young driver charges
- Fuel policy
- Credit card requirements
- Mountain driving restrictions
- Ferry restrictions
Some companies offer zero excess or all-inclusive insurance, while others may require a large deposit on a credit card. Always read the rental conditions before confirming your booking.
Do You Need a Credit Card to Hire a Car in Gran Canaria?
Many Gran Canaria car hire companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name, especially if there is an insurance excess or security deposit. Some Canary Islands rental companies may offer more flexible payment options, but this depends on the supplier and booking conditions.
Before booking, check whether the supplier accepts debit cards, whether a deposit is required and whether the payment card must be in the main driver’s name.
Fuel Policies for Gran Canaria Car Hire
The best fuel policy for most visitors is usually full-to-full. This means you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. It is simple, fair and helps avoid unnecessary fuel charges.
Some suppliers may use different fuel policies, so always check before booking. When collecting your car, take a photo of the dashboard fuel level and mileage, especially if the fuel level does not match the paperwork.
Driving in Gran Canaria
Driving in Gran Canaria is generally straightforward on the main coastal roads and motorways. The GC-1 motorway connects the airport with the southern resorts, making airport collection simple for most visitors. Inland roads can be steep, narrow and winding, especially around the mountains and viewpoints.
Useful driving tips:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Seat belts are compulsory
- Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour
- Do not use a mobile phone while driving
- Allow extra time for mountain routes
- Use lower gears on steep downhill roads
- Check your fuel before driving into inland areas
- Parking can be busy in Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and Las Palmas
- Check hotel or apartment parking before booking a car for the full holiday
Best Places to Visit by Hire Car in Gran Canaria
A hire car gives you the freedom to see much more of Gran Canaria. Popular places to visit include:
- Maspalomas Dunes – one of Gran Canaria’s most famous natural sights
- Puerto de Mogán – marina, beach and restaurants
- Amadores Beach – popular beach near Puerto Rico
- Las Palmas – capital city, shopping, culture and Las Canteras Beach
- Vegueta – historic old town in Las Palmas
- Roque Nublo – iconic mountain landmark
- Tejeda – mountain village and scenic views
- Teror – traditional Canarian town
- Arucas – historic town and famous church
- Agaete – coastal village and natural scenery
- Fataga – mountain village near the southern resorts
- Guayadeque – ravine, cave houses and scenery
- Bandama Caldera – volcanic crater viewpoint near Las Palmas
Cheap Car Hire Gran Canaria
Cheap car hire in Gran Canaria is possible, especially when booking early and comparing different suppliers. Prices can change depending on the season, demand, vehicle type, collection location and insurance package.
To find the best Gran Canaria car hire deal:
- Book early for peak travel dates
- Compare Gran Canaria Airport and resort collection
- Check what insurance is included
- Look at the deposit and excess
- Choose a car size that suits your luggage and passengers
- Check fuel policy before booking
- Read recent customer reviews
- Check whether collection is in-terminal, airport car park or shuttle
- Consider a slightly stronger car if you plan to drive mountain routes
The cheapest car is not always the best option. A slightly higher price with better insurance, easier airport collection and clearer terms can often be better value.
Book Gran Canaria Car Hire with TravelON
TravelON works with a trusted car hire comparison partner to help you search and compare Gran Canaria car rental in one place. Use the widget on this page to check live prices, available vehicles and collection locations.
Whether you need Gran Canaria Airport car hire, car hire Maspalomas, car hire Playa del Inglés, car hire Puerto Rico Gran Canaria, car hire Amadores, car hire Puerto de Mogán, car hire Meloneras or car hire Las Palmas, you can compare options and choose the best car for your holiday.