Bus Travel In Lanzarote: Payment Methods Explored

If you're looking to get around Lanzarote by bus, you'll be pleased to know that the island's bus network is the main form of public transport and connects most towns, beaches, and some villages. Buses are clean, reliable, and affordable, with fares starting at €1.30 for shorter journeys and increasing with distance. You can pay in cash (notes no larger than €10) or with a rechargeable travel card, which offers a 10% discount on fares and can be bought at the main bus station or on most buses. While some sources indicate that contactless card payments are not accepted, others suggest that there are dedicated apps and cards for payments.

Bus fares and discounts

Bus fares in Lanzarote vary depending on the line and route. Fares start at €1.30 and go up as the distance increases. For example, the bus from the airport to Arrecife costs €1.40, while the fare from Costa Teguise to Teguise is €1.40, and from Arrecife to the Cactus Garden (Jardín de Cactus) is €1.90. The bus from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise is €2.95, while the fare from Playa Honda to Yaiza is €1.90.

When it comes to paying your bus fare, you have two options: buying a ticket from the driver or using a rechargeable travel card. Contactless bank cards are not accepted on Lanzarote buses. The only form of card payment accepted is rechargeable travel cards.

A rechargeable travel card is a good option if you plan to use buses frequently in Lanzarote. This Regular Passenger Public Transport Card offers non-residents a 10% discount on bus fares. You can buy and recharge this card at the bus station in Arrecife or on most buses. To use the travel card, tell the driver your destination and tap the card on the contactless reader. The fare will be deducted from your credit balance.

There are also discount cards available for residents, offering discounts of 20%, 30%, or 50% on bus fares. These cards can be obtained by applying at the bus station with proof of residency and a passport-sized photo. For residents who use the bus daily, the BONO RESIDENTE & BONO RESIDENTE CANARIO cards offer unlimited travel for €20 per month.

Payment methods

There are two ways to pay for your bus fare in Lanzarote:

• Cash: The price depends on the distance and route. Drivers will not give change from notes larger than €10.
• Rechargeable travel card: This is a reusable, top-up bus card that can be purchased on most buses or at the main bus station in Arrecife. It offers a 10% discount on bus fares for non-residents and 20% for residents. You can check the balance of the card in the automated machines on the buses or by asking the driver.

Contactless bank cards are not accepted on Lanzarote buses. The only form of card payment accepted is the rechargeable travel card.

Bus routes and timetables

Lanzarote's bus network is the main form of public transport on the island. Buses connect the main towns and beaches, as well as some small villages. The bus timetables generally run from 6 am to 11 pm, but this can vary depending on the area and time of year.

The public bus company on Lanzarote is called Intercity Bus (formerly Arrecife Bus). The full list of routes and timetables can be viewed on their website, arrecifebus.com. The site also has downloadable travel brochures and an FAQ section.

• Arrecife to Playa Blanca (línea 60): Buses leave Arrecife every hour from 7 am to 9 pm, with stops in Playa Honda, Tìas, Biosfera in PDC, Macher, Puerto Calero, Uga and Yaiza before reaching the bus station in Playa Blanca. There are fewer buses on weekends and holidays, with no service at 10 am, midday, 4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm.
• Airport to Playa Blanca (línea 61): This service connects the airport with Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, also stopping at Puerto Calero and Yaiza. It starts at 07:30 on weekdays and 08:00 on weekends, departing every hour until the last bus at 21:30 (weekdays) and 20:00 (weekends). The service costs €1.35 to Puerto del Carmen or €3.15 to Playa Blanca, with a 30% discount if you have a bono discount card.
• Arrecife to Costa Teguise (línea 01): Buses leave the station in Arrecife on the hour, 20 minutes past and 40 minutes past the hour from 8 am to 8 pm, with earlier and overnight services also available.
• Arrecife to Puerto del Carmen (línea 02): Buses run every hour, 20 minutes past and 40 minutes past the hour from 7 am to 9 pm, with hourly overnight services also available.
• Costa Teguise – Puerto del Carmen & Puerto del Carmen – Costa Teguise (línea 03): This route is the same as the Arrecife to Costa Teguise and Arrecife to Puerto del Carmen lines.

There are also several mobile apps that can help you navigate Lanzarote's bus system:

• The Moovit App: Enter the area you want to visit, and the app will find the appropriate bus lines and stops. It also lists bus times, but buses can often be late.
• The IntercityBus app: This app provides access to your bus card balance, next stops, bus routes, and lines and timetables.

Bus cleanliness and comfort

Lanzarote's buses are the main form of public transportation on the island and are considered clean, reliable, and good value for money. The bus network connects the main towns and beaches, as well as some small villages. The buses are also the cheapest option for getting around the island, with fares starting at US$1.60 and varying depending on the line and route.

The bus timetables generally run from 6 am to 11 pm, but this can vary depending on the area of the island and the time of year. For example, the frequency of buses in tourist areas is higher, with some lines running every 20 minutes during the week and every hour on weekends. In contrast, other lines run only a few times a day or a few times a week. It is recommended to check the timetable for a particular route on the official website or through a mobile app.

To enhance the convenience and accessibility of using buses in Lanzarote, the service offers a mobile app that tracks buses in real time. This app allows users to find their desired routes, see when the next bus is due at their stop, and check the balance on their discount cards. Additionally, there are a variety of discount cards available for frequent users, offering discounts ranging from 10% to 50% on bus fares. These cards are contactless and can be scanned on the bus when stating the destination. However, some cards need to be recharged at the main bus stations, and certain lines have different timetables on weekends and public holidays.

Overall, the buses in Lanzarote provide a clean, comfortable, and affordable means of transportation around the island. With a well-connected network, convenient apps, and discount options, it is a great option for those who haven't rented a car to explore the villages, towns, beaches, and coves that Lanzarote has to offer.

Apps for bus travel

Lanzarote's buses are the main form of public transport on the island. The bus network connects the main towns and beaches, as well as some small villages. The bus service in Lanzarote is known locally as 'guaguas' and they are the most convenient and economical means of transportation.

If you plan to make several bus trips on the island, it is best to buy a transport pass, whose price is cheaper than buying individual tickets. Bus fares start at €0.87 and go up as the distance increases.

There are a few apps that can help you navigate the island's bus system:

The Official Website and App of Arrecife Bus (IntercityBus Lanzarote)

The official website for the island's buses is www.arrecifebus.com. The website lists the many lines and timetables, shows a map of the lines, has downloadable travel brochures, and an FAQ section. The IntercityBus app is an all-in-one place to access your bus card balance, next stops, bus routes, and lines and timetables. The app can also show your remaining balance on your bus card and will open the appropriate webpages or apps when trying to find information on lines, timetables, and routes.

The Moovit App

The Moovit App is another essential for those that use the buses regularly. Simply enter the name of the area you wish to visit, and the app will find the appropriate bus lines to take and how to get to each stop. The app also lists bus times, however, do note that buses can often be late on Lanzarote.

The Arrecife Bus App

The Arrecife bus service also has an app, which tracks buses in real-time. The app allows you to find the route for your journey, see when the next bus is due at any stop, check the balance of any bono card you have, and change the language to English or German from Spanish.

Frequently asked questions