How to Get to La Palma
- a small island in the Atlantic
Looking for information on flights and ferries to La Palma, Canary Islands?
Don't worry, we're here to help!
On this page, you'll find information about direct flights to La Palma, indirect flights, inter-island flights and information on ferries too.
Unfortunately we cannot book flights or ferries for you but we're happy to give you support in finding the best flights for you.
And just to mention that all information on this page is subject to change without notice and therefore might not be current.
FLIGHTS
DIRECT FLIGHTS to La Palma
We all love direct flights so you'll be pleased to know that you can fly direct to La Palma, Canary Islands from several international airports:
UK - London Gatwick and Manchester
UK - London Gatwick (winter only)
Spain - Madrid and Barcelona
Netherlands - Amsterdam Schiphol
Germany - Dusseldorf and others
* Some flights to La Palma are postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19.
** Make sure to use the airport code SPC for La Palma, Canary Islands!
Need a bit of help or advice about flights - contact us now!
INDIRECT FLIGHTS via Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Madrid
There are flights between La Palma and Tenerife north airport (25-minute flight), Tenerife south airport (40-minute flight) and Gran Canaria (50-minute flight).
From Gran Canaria, there are less flights per day than from Tenerife and they are usually more expensive as it's further to La Palma but you don't have to change airports.
Flights between the Canary Islands are with Binter and Canary Fly.
You can also fly to La Palma indirectly from any of the other Canary Islands, changing in Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Or Madrid can be used as a hub for many different countries and then onward to La Palma. For indirect inter-island flights, stay airside so you don't have to pass through security a second time.
FERRIES
FERRIES to La Palma from Tenerife - there are three ferry companies operating between the islands.
Fred Olsen Ferry
Naviera Armas Ferry
Trasmediterranea Acciona Ferry
The Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas ferry use the port of Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife which is 19km (20 minutes by taxi) to/from the Reina Sofia south airport. The Transmediterranea Acciona ferry uses the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north. Some of the Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas ferries briefly stop at La Gomera just long enough to pick up/drop off passengers.
Important Point: The ferries are usually very punctual so don't be late - if the ferry is scheduled to leave at 08.00 hrs, it's already moving away from the dock at that time!
However, don't be too surprised if it arrives later than the scheduled time due weather conditions which can slow it down.
FERRY or INTER-ISLAND FLIGHT?
The price of a ferry to La Palma or inter-island flight can be similar so this might not be the deciding factor. However do take into account the convenience of the departure point which is either the north or south and the departure time.
The Fred Olsen ferry is the fastest ferry at around 3 hours. The Naviera Armas ferry is cheaper but takes longer - there are also overnight crossings with Naviera which save you the cost of an overnight stay.
TRANSFERRING BETWEEN TENERIFE AIRPORTS
TRANSFERRING between Tenerife airports
There are two airports in Tenerife - the Reina Sofia International airport in the south and the smaller Los Rodeos airport in the north which is for inter-island flights and Spanish mainland flights. So if you arrive at the Reina Sofia airport from any country except Spain, you'll need to change airports for any of the other Canary Island airports including La Palma. As the two airports in Tenerife are 67km apart, it's quite significant!
However, it's fairly easy to travel between the two airports once you know how, although allow plenty of time.
Here are the options:
Taxi, either private hire booked in advance or a registered taxi from just outside the door
Express buses #343 which are non-stop between the two airports and take 50mins
Buse #111 from Reina Sofia south Airport to Santa Cruz main bus station, then buse #101 or #102 to Los Rodeos north airport.
Nearest Accommodations to La Palma Airport
Looking for accommodation near La Palma airport?
We have lots of great holiday homes and self-catering apartments within a 5 to 30-minute drive from the airport!
Or perhaps you prefer a quiet rural house, villa with pool or apartment by the beach or in the city?
We'd love to hear from you - just complete the booking form below and we'll get right back to you :)