Getting to La Palma 2026 – Flights, Ferry and Transfers
La Palma is well connected – better than many people think. Travellers from the UK and Ireland have seasonal direct flights, with connecting options via Madrid and Tenerife available year-round. Those with more time can travel by ferry. And anyone already in the Canaries can reach La Palma by fast ferry or inter-island flight.
By Plane: The Standard Route
La Palma Airport (IATA code: SPC) is located in the municipality of Breña Baja/Mazo on the east coast. It has been modernised and now offers free Wi-Fi and improved lounges. A direct flight from the UK takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Key airlines for direct flights from the UK (as of 2026): TUI Airways and Jet2. Seasonal departures from London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX). Flight schedules are highly seasonal, with significantly more options in winter than in summer.
Connecting Flights: Via Madrid or Tenerife
Anyone who can’t find a direct flight or wants to travel cheaper can reach La Palma easily via Madrid (Iberia) or Tenerife. The Tenerife connection is particularly popular: fly to Tenerife South (TFS), then take an onward flight with Binter Canarias or Canaryfly from Tenerife North (TFN) to La Palma.
Important: There is around 60 to 90 minutes’ travel time between the two airports. Allow at least 4 to 5 hours for the connection, including transfer, check-in and waiting time. A taxi between TFS and TFN costs around €80 to €100. This route is only worthwhile if the saving on flights is significantly higher.
Ferry: For Those with Time to Spare
Anyone with enough time can also reach La Palma by ferry. A regular service runs from Cádiz to La Palma. The crossing takes around 30 to 40 hours depending on the route.
This option is best suited to travellers bringing their own private vehicle.
Important Note: Most car hire companies strictly prohibit taking mainland rental cars on ferries. Anyone needing a hire car is best off renting one on arrival in La Palma.
Airport Transfers
| Transport | Destination & Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Line 500 | Airport → Los Cancajos → Santa Cruz · approx. €1.50 | Cheapest option, runs regularly |
| Taxi to Santa Cruz | approx. €15–20 | Quick and comfortable with luggage |
| Taxi to Los Llanos | approx. €60–70 | Only worth it for the west side on short stays |
| Hire Car | from approx. €20/day | Pick up at the airport – the best option for most visitors |
Inter-Island Connections
Anyone already in the Canary Islands has several options. Binter Canarias and Canaryfly fly inter-island – routes include Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife. Flights are often cheap and take 30 to 60 minutes.
Fred. Olsen also sails to La Gomera and El Hierro as well as Tenerife. Those wanting to explore the smaller western islands can combine the ferry with a flight to good effect.
| Airport SPC | Breña Baja/Mazo; IATA code SPC; free Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Direct Flights (UK) | TUI Airways, Jet2; from London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX) |
| Via Tenerife | Fly cheap to TFS, switch airports to TFN, then Binter to SPC |
| Ferry from Mainland | Cádiz → La Palma: 30–40h; Naviera Armas / Trasmediterránea |
| Fast Ferry | Santa Cruz ↔ Los Cristianos (Tenerife): 2.5–3h; Fred. Olsen / Naviera Armas |
| Airport Bus | Line 500 → Los Cancajos → Santa Cruz; €1.50; every 30 min |
Direct Flights from the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia
In winter, TUI Airways and Jet2 operate seasonal direct flights from UK airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. There are currently no year-round direct flights from Ireland or Scandinavia; the best options are connecting via Madrid (Iberia / Iberia Express) or flying to Tenerife South and taking the ferry. As schedules change regularly, always verify connections directly with the airlines.
Booking Tips
Anyone travelling in high season should book as early as possible – ideally four to six months ahead. Direct flights fill up quickly, especially over Christmas, Easter and during the winter months. As La Palma Airport is small and occasional weather-related delays can occur, build in a comfortable buffer if you have connecting flights or important plans the following day.
Ferry with a Hire Car: What’s Possible
Anyone wanting to bring their own car or a hire car to the island takes the ferry from Cádiz. Important: not all hire car contracts allow the vehicle on the ferry – check with your provider before booking. The ferry costs significantly more for a vehicle plus passenger than a flight plus a local hire car, but gives you the freedom of your own wheels from arrival to departure.
Anyone staying on the west side of La Palma and landing at the east coast airport has a transfer of 40 to 60 minutes. Collecting a hire car at the airport is the easiest option, allowing you to set off straight away without waiting for a bus or taxi. Those staying in Santa Cruz take the bus (Line 500, approx. €1.50) or a taxi (€15–20). Sorting out flights, accommodation and transfers in advance saves a lot of time and stress on arrival day.
Conclusion
Direct flights are the most convenient way to arrive, especially in winter.
Connecting via Tenerife can be cheaper, but allow plenty of time for the airport transfer.
The ferry is best suited to travellers with their own vehicle – not a hire car from the mainland.
For most visitors, a hire car picked up at the airport is the most convenient option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Direct Flights from the UK to La Palma?
How Do You Get to La Palma from the UK or Ireland?
How Long Does the Ferry from Cádiz to La Palma Take?
Can You Take the Bus from La Palma Airport?
Is Connecting via Tenerife Worth It?
Should I Book a Hire Car Before I Travel?
This article is based on the on-the-ground knowledge of the Gequo editorial team – publishers of the Reisezeit hiking guides and operators of Sunhikes.com. Last updated: May 2026
