Everything You Need To Know About Taking a Taxi in Gran Canaria

When it comes to getting around the island, taxis are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at taking a taxi in Gran Canaria, including fare structures, payment methods, and alternatives like ride-sharing services.

Taking a Taxi in Gran Canaria

Taxis are a reliable and cost-effective way to explore Gran Canaria. Here’s what you need to know:

Hailing a Taxi

Taxis in Gran Canaria are easily recognizable by their green lights. If you spot a taxi with a green light, simply wave at it, and if the driver sees you, they will pull over to pick you up. However, be aware that orange or red lights indicate that the taxi is already occupied and unavailable for new passengers.

I just walk out onto the street and flag one down. Or I go to a nearest taxi rank. Usually I never wait more than 5-10min.
Ciáran

Taxi Fare Structure

In 2023 the government agreed to increase the rates (for the first time in five years), you’ll find the updated rates below;

Daytime Rates (6 AM to 10 PM): The base fare is €2.95, with an additional charge of €0.80 per kilometer.
Nighttime Rates (10 PM to 6 AM): The base fare increases to €3.65 during nighttime, with a higher per-kilometer charge of €0.85.
Public Holidays: The fares during public holidays are the same as nighttime rates, with a base fare of €3.65 and a per-kilometer charge of €0.85.

Payment Options

You can settle your taxi fare using either cash or a credit card or debit card. It’s advisable to inform the taxi driver about your preferred payment method during the ride, as some drivers might not have their card machine activated, and connecting it can take time. It’s generally best to avoid surprising the driver with a card payment request upon arrival to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey. Importantly, taxi drivers are legally obligated to accept card payments, so you have the right to choose this option.

Ride-Sharing Services in Gran Canaria

No UBER or LYFT

Unlike some other destinations, Gran Canaria does not have ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. However, there is an alternative option available for travelers.

PideTaxi

For those who prefer the convenience of a ride-sharing experience, PideTaxi is the next best choice. This service is available on both Android and iOS platforms, and its registration process is quick and straightforward. If you’re unable to find a taxi or prefer the ease of mobile app-based transportation, consider downloading PideTaxi from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Website PideTaxi

I recommend using the PIDE Taxi app. Here in Gran Canaria it works well.
Carlo

Calling a Taxi

When you require a taxi service, especially if you’re in a less accessible area, it’s a good idea to have a reliable taxi company to call. In Gran Canaria, TARAGRANCA is one of the top choices for this purpose.

TARAGRANCA

To reach TARAGRANCA taxi service, call 928 46 00 00. This taxi company is known for its reliability and prompt service, making it a preferred option for visitors who want to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transportation experience on the island.

How to Get from Gran Canaria Airport to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is a small island and public transport is working very well. The guaguas, as they are called here, are fast and cheap and the bus is the recommended transport to go between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the airport. Outside of the operating hours of the buses and for extra convenience you can take a taxi.

The Cheap Option: by Bus

When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs for the Guaguas Global. You’ll find the buses close to the Departues. No worries, it’s a small airport so you don’t have to walk far!

You can take two different buses: 91 and 60. Make sure you take the bus that goes in the direction of Las Palmas, since the same bus numbers go to the south. You can ask the bus driver by asking if the bus goes to Santa Catalina or San Telmo, the two main bus stations in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Download the bus schedule for bus 60 here.

Download the bus schedule for bus 91 here.

The price of the bus from the airport to Las Palmas – San Telmo is €2,30 and takes about 20 minutes. The price of the bus from Gran Canaria airport to Las Palmas – Santa Catalina is €2,95 and takes about 30 minutes. Bus station San Telmo is the first underground bus station you will reach and about 10 minutes later you arrive at Santa Catalina. This is the bus station you will need if you stay in Las Canteras area.

Both buses go twice an hour and run between 6.15 in the morning and 23.15.

You can pay the busdriver with credit card, debit card or in cash. If you pay in cash, make sure you bring coins or small notes, since they usually don’t have a lot of change.

Most buses have AC and USB-chargers these days. You can safely put your luggage in the big luggage compartment of the bus.

The Comfortable Option: by Taxi

While the bus is cheap and fast, the taxi is also a good option, especially if you arrive late, have an early flight to catch or have a lot of luggage to carry.

There’s no such thing as Uber on the Canary Islands, so you will take a regular taxi. A taxi from Gran Canaria Airport to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will cost you around €35. It’s not a fixed price, the price will be calculated by their taxi meter.

Between 6AM and 10PM the fee is: €2,40 + €0,70 per kilometer.

Between 10PM and 6AM the fee is: €3,00 + €0,75 per kilometer.

During public holidays the fee is: €3,00 + €0,75 per kilometer.

You can pay the taxi driver in cash or with a credit card or debit card. It’s recommended to tell the taxi driver during the ride if you want to pay with card; some drivers don’t have their machine on and it takes some time for them to connect it. They can get pissed off if you tell them on arrival that you want to pay with card. They can not refuse your card payment, they are legally obliged to accept card payments.

There is no Uber on Gran Canaria

Keep in mind that on Gran Canaria, there are no Uber or similar ride-sharing services available. This means your options for transport from the airport to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are limited to taxis and public buses.