Exploring Gran Canaria by bus is a terrific way for British and Dutch visitors to immerse yourselves in the island’s diverse landscapes, charming villages and sun-soaked beaches. The inter-urban network—locally known as “guaguas”—is operated by Global, the island’s main bus company formed in 2000 through the merger of Utinsa and Salcai. With a fleet of around 350 vehicles serving some 120 lines and carrying over 25 million passengers annually, Global connects every major resort and town on Gran Canaria .
The term “guagua” itself is unique to the Canaries, believed to derive either from “wagon” or simply the onomatopoeic sound of a bus horn .
The Bus Network in Gran Canaria
Aside from Global’s island-wide services, public transport in Gran Canaria includes Guaguas Municipales (for Las Palmas city routes) and Guaguas Guzmán (serving the north-west). This trio of operators ensures you can travel almost anywhere without a car.
Tickets, Fares and Passes
Single-ride fares vary by route but typically range from €2.30 to €4.05 on longer airport and coastal services; for example, line 60 (Las Palmas–Airport) costs €2.30 from San Telmo or €2.95 from Santa Catalina, while routes 66, 90 and 91 are €4.05 per trip . On shorter journeys, tickets may cost as little as €1.40 when using a prepaid travel card.
For frequent travellers, the TransGC card—a contactless electronic ticket issued by the Autoridad Única del Transporte de Gran Canaria—is valid across all operators and offers discounted fares on Global lines .
Timetables and Frequency
Major routes like 1 and 5 typically run every 30 minutes during peak daytime hours, while airport connections and less-busy lines may operate hourly, with reduced service in early mornings and late evenings . Night buses also serve the south coast, ensuring you can return after an evening out.
The operator Global presents a great guide for tourists who wants to go by bus.
Buying Tickets and Payment Options
You can purchase tickets on board with cash (exact change preferred), at staffed ticket offices in Las Palmas and Maspalomas, or at machines located at major interchanges. British contactless bank cards and mobile wallets are accepted on Global’s high-performance “SU” routes, while the TransGC card can be topped up at any transport office or via online portals .
Practical Tips for Bus Travel
- Plan Ahead: Use the Moovit app for real-time schedules, step-by-step navigation and stop alerts—essential for avoiding waits in the midday sun .
- Arrive Early: Buses in high season can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Tourist Offices: Gran Canaria Tourist Boards have 30 offices island-wide where friendly staff can provide printed timetables and route maps
Day Trip Suggestions
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Hop on route 5 north for a 45-minute ride to the vibrant capital, exploring Las Canteras beach and historic Vegueta.
- Maspalomas Dunes: Take route 5 or 66 south to the dunes for a surreal desert-by-the-sea experience; the Faro de Maspalomas bus station sits right by the lighthouse
- Puerto de Mogán: Enjoy an hourly coastal run on route 1 or the direct hourly service—ideal for a day of waterside cafés and colourful marina vistas .
Scenic Journeys and Hidden Gems
The 1 → Mogán route sweeps along the rugged south-western coast, offering window-seat views of sweeping bays and volcanic cliffs. For interior mountain villages like Tejeda or Roque Nublo, public buses are scarce, so consider renting a car or booking a guided tour for those unforgettable upland panoramas .
Bus Etiquette and Accessibility
Gran Canaria’s buses are modern, low-floor and accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Many vehicles feature USB charging ports, making it easy to keep phones powered for photos and route checks . Always allow disembarking passengers to leave before boarding, validate your ticket promptly, and respect quiet zones.
Gran Canaria’s bus network offers an eco-friendly, wallet-friendly and thoroughly enjoyable way to see the island. With frequent services, transparent fares and clear signage—plus friendly locals to point you in the right direction—catching the guagua from Playa del Inglés is the perfect start to your Canarian adventure.