César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport
San Bartolomé, ES · 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Arrecife
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi Rank Taxi · On demand during airport operating hours | ≈10 min to Puerto del Carmen · 15-20 min to Costa Teguise · ≈30 min to Playa Blanca | ≈€12-18 to Puerto del Carmen · ≈€20-25 to Costa Teguise · ≈€40-50 to Playa Blanca |
| Bus Line 161 Bus · About every 30-60 min · roughly 06:00–22:00 | 25-30 min to Puerto del Carmen · 70-90 min to Playa Blanca | ≈€3-4 to Puerto del Carmen, ≈€4-5 to Playa Blanca |
| Bus Line 22 Bus · Every 20-30 min · weekdays only, roughly 07:00–22:00 | 10-20 min | €1.40-1.60 |
| Bus Line 23 Bus · Every 30-40 min · mainly weekends/holidays | 15-20 min | €1.40-1.60 |
Insider notes
Binter inter-island flights operate from Terminal 2. Allow extra time for security as there's no airside connection between T1 and T2.
Local car hire companies like Cicar and Cabrera Medina offer more competitive prices and straightforward policies than big brands.
No luggage storage at ACE, so pack light if exploring Arrecife during a long layover.
Welcome
César Manrique–Lanzarote Airport (ACE) stands out with its distinctively relaxed, almost beach-town vibe. Located just 5 km southwest of Arrecife, this airport is compact and primarily serves the sun-seeking holiday crowd from the UK and Germany, operating more like a charter hub with most of its facilities imbued with the artistic essence of César Manrique. Surrounded by a picturesque backdrop, the airport offers visitors the unique juxtaposition of an aviation museum and scenic views of surfers from its runway approaches. It's not just a transport stop, but a microcosm of island life.
At a glance
Handling approximately 7.35 million passengers annually, this modest yet functional airport operates with a single runway and two terminals: T1 and T2. It's a short hop of 3.1 miles (5 km) from Arrecife, making transportation straightforward and inexpensive. Buses, taxis, and car rentals provide ample options for reaching various parts of the island, whether you're heading into the local city or out to the more distant beaches and resorts.
Terminals & layout
Terminal T1, the larger of the two, features 17 gates and accommodates major carriers like Air Europa, Iberia, and Vueling. Meanwhile, Terminal T2 caters primarily to regional flights with Binter Canarias and Armas. Note that there is no airside transfer between these terminals; travelers must re-clear security when moving from one terminal to the other. T2’s more peaceful atmosphere is a noted reprieve from the bustling holiday traffic of T1.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation options from the airport are diverse. Bus Line 22 and Line 23 provide quick and low-cost connections to Arrecife within 10 to 20 minutes for €1.40-1.60. For longer journeys, Bus Line 161 and 261 connect travelers to popular vacation spots like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca at prices ranging from €3 to €5 depending on your destination. Taxis are another convenient possibility, with fares to Puerto del Carmen falling between €12-18 and rides to Playa Blanca typically costing €40-50. Ride-sharing taxis and shuttles offer further flexibility, especially for groups.
Traveller essentials
One downside here is the absence of luggage storage, leaving travelers to manage their own bags during layovers. However, car hires are readily available, with competitive rates from local names like Cicar and Cabrera Medina situated in both terminals' arrivals halls. Many tourists favor these firms for their friendly service and avoidance of hard-sell tactics. Seating can be sparse during peak times, so arriving early and heading to the quieter far-end gates might be prudent during busy periods.
Dining & shopping highlights
While Terminal T1 boasts a selection of eateries, such as Burger King, Cafe Terraza, and Upper Crust, the airside dining is limited and on the pricier side. Despite this, dedicated shoppers can take advantage of 15 retail outlets ranging from Canariensis Duty Free to local brands like The Ocean Company and La Casa de los Volcanes, all located conveniently within T1.
Lounges
For passengers seeking a more tranquil environment or just wanting to escape the crowds, the Sala VIP Guacimeta is your go-to lounge in T1. For a fee of €44.60, you can unwind before your flight and enjoy the comforts it provides, though it's wise to assess your layover duration as the charge is flat regardless of time spent inside.
Insider tips
Maximize your time here by exploring not just the terminal facilities but the surrounding area. Take note of the seasonal crowd dynamics and adjust your airport strategy accordingly, focusing on less crowded spaces and efficient use of services.