Travelling to La Palma by ferry
By ferry from Tenerife to La Palma
Those who do not enjoy flying can take the route across the water. The direct service links Los Cristianos in southern Tenerife with Santa Cruz de La Palma. Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias carry passengers and vehicles across the Atlantic.
A fast ferry usually completes the crossing in about two and a half hours. Timetables and frequencies nevertheless vary with the season and day of travel.
As the ferry companies offer different fares, it is worth comparing and booking online. Check current departures directly with Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària. Early booking is advisable when taking a vehicle.
Incidentally, Los Cristianos port is close to Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Taxis and buses connect the two, but allow enough time to collect luggage, transfer and check in. The journey from Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is considerably longer.
From mainland Spain to La Palma
Long-stay visitors who want to bring their own vehicle often choose the ferry from Cádiz. Baleària Canarias links the Andalusian port with Santa Cruz de La Palma; the journey currently takes around 47 hours including intermediate calls. It is not a short trip, but it provides room for a car, plenty of luggage and a cabin.
From Huelva, Fred. Olsen Express sails to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Reaching La Palma then requires another inter-island connection, so check carefully whether the separate legs must be booked together or independently.
Book before leaving home whenever possible, and not only to secure vehicle space. Prices vary considerably with the travel date, cabin, passenger numbers, vehicle size and fare. Vessels and timetables can change; consult current details from Baleària and Fred. Olsen Express.
From the harbour to your accommodation
The port lies directly in the island capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. The onward journey is especially convenient for visitors who have reserved a rental car with La Palma 24. The current meeting point is shown in the confirmation, where the paperwork is handled quickly and without fuss. Remember your driving licence.
Buses also carry travellers onwards. They are known on La Palma as „Gua Guas“ and leave from Santa Cruz de La Palma bus station, a short walk from the ferry terminal. Passengers can connect there with the appropriate service for their destination.
Anyone planning to use buses throughout the holiday will find timetables, fares, travel cards and live information at TILP. If the ferry arrives late, check the final connection of the day carefully.
Taxis are, of course, available at the port. Fares are metered and a supplement may apply for journeys beginning within the port area. On longer trips it is worth doing the sums: depending on your holiday plans, a rental car may be more convenient and economical.