Yes, hiring a car in Lanzarote is highly worth it for most visitors, offering freedom to explore beyond resorts, saving money compared to taxis/coaches, and making travel easy due to good roads and light traffic, though booking good insurance (especially for tyres/off-road) and reputable companies like Autoreisen or Cabrera Medina is key.
We always hire a car and enjoy the freedom, but the island is completely manageable via taxis and public transport. Is it great to have a car, we say yes, does a lack of car prevent you enjoying and exploring the island, absolutely not.
If you are coming to Lanzarote without a car, the best thing to do is to choose somewhere to stay that is well located and has good communication links to get around by public transport, by bicycle or even on foot to the surrounding villages.
Driving in Lanzarote is generally very relaxed. The roads are well-maintained, traffic is light outside of the main towns, and there are no major motorways or complicated junctions. It's an ideal place for a driving holiday.
With volcanoes dotted all around the island and mile after mile of gorgeous coastline views, driving in Lanzarote is an amazing activity in itself. Just put on some banging choons, wind down the windows and let the good times roll.
Should You Rent a Car in Lanzarote? (Pro & Cons Explored)
Is car hire expensive in Lanzarote?
Hires in the Small category (Citroen C4 or similar) are the most popular option in Lanzarote, costing £19/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as £7/day.
How long does it take to drive from one side of Lanzarote to the other?
Lanzarote isn't a very big island (although the locals might ask you if you're crazy, when you want to cross the whole island in one day). From one tip to the other it takes you about 1,5 hours of (comfortable) driving. We therefore recommend to rent a car (Price for one week: we paid around 200 Euros, excl.
Wearing flip flops when driving on Lanzarote will result in an instant fine, so be sure to pack sensible shoes for driving. One of the benefits of driving on Lanzarote is that parking generally isn't an issue, with larger resorts like Playa Blanca often offering free parking areas.
These rules mean, if you stay at an all inclusive hotel in one of these resorts, you can have a maximum of 6 alcoholic drinks a day as part of your all inclusive package – 3 at lunch and 3 with evening meals. Soft drinks are unlimited at any time of day and you can buy additional alcoholic drinks if you wish.
To make the most of your time exploring the island, hiring a car in Lanzarote is highly recommended. However, before taking this step, it's important to familiarise yourself with the key tips and reviews from other tourists.
Teguise has plenty to offer, from historical sights to cultural attractions. You can visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched above the town with panoramic views and a pirate museum inside.
The poshest and most exclusive area in Lanzarote is generally considered Puerto Calero, known for its luxury marina, high-end villas, gourmet restaurants, and upscale boutiques, offering a cosmopolitan yet tranquil vibe for affluent visitors. Another popular, slightly more vibrant upscale choice is Playa Blanca, especially around its marina, with beautiful beaches, shops, and a lively atmosphere, attracting those seeking quality amenities.
Driving in Lanzarote is generally very easy, especially out on the main roads that link up the island's cities, coasts and points of interest. The roads are generally in good condition. There are two main highways to get from one end of Lanzarote to the other: LZ1 (Arrecife to Orzola), LZ2 (Arrecife to Playa Blanca).
A 7-day trip for a family, if you are on a mid-range budget, can cost €1800 – €3600, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. You can save money and expend less or go for a luxury trip and the budget can go up to more than €5000.
With so much to offer, the Lanzarote Market is definitely a must on your itinerary. What you see in the shops around the resort you can usually get a little cheaper at the Teguise market as you can haggle and barter which is lots of fun and is expected so don't be shy.
