Las Palmas to Maspalomas
Private taxi transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — city or cruise port — to Maspalomas, the golden sand dunes, Playa del Inglés and the south resorts. ~58 km, around 45 minutes via the GC-1, with a local female licensed driver and an official taximeter fare from ~€75.
Transfer Route Summary
From
Las Palmas (city or cruise port)
To
Maspalomas / South resorts
Distance
~58 km via GC-1
Journey time
~45 minutes
Official taximeter fare
from ~€75 (whole vehicle)
Passengers
Up to 4 people
Las Palmas to the South — Price & Journey Time
Maspalomas (Dunes / resorts)
~45 min · Official taximeter fare
Playa del Inglés
~45 min · Official taximeter fare
Meloneras (Lopesan & Casino)
~48 min · Official taximeter fare
Puerto de Mogán ("Little Venice")
~60 min · Official taximeter fare
Estimated prices per vehicle (up to 4 pax) from Las Palmas · official taximeter fare · luggage included · confirmed before you travel
Free AI Travel Assistant
Staying in Las Palmas or arriving by cruise and want to see the southern dunes? Ask Raquel's free AI assistant anything about your Maspalomas transfer or day trip — in English, German, Dutch or French, 24/7.
Las Palmas to Maspalomas: Transfer vs Bus vs Shuttle
Private transfer (Raquel)
from ~€75 / vehicleDirect, door-to-door, ~45 min
Public bus (Global)
per personCheapest, but ~75+ min, stops & possible change, ends at a station
Shared shuttle
per personWaiting for other passengers + multiple hotel drop-offs
The distance from Las Palmas to Maspalomas is approximately 58 km and the journey takes around 45 minutes down the GC-1 coastal motorway. A private door-to-door transfer gets your group to the dunes or your hotel fastest — no waiting, no changes, no dragging suitcases between bus stops.
Las Palmas to Maspalomas — What to Expect
Maspalomas is the iconic resort area at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, famous for its natural sand dune nature reserve, the Maspalomas lighthouse and the long beach of Playa del Inglés. For anyone based in Las Palmas — or arriving on a cruise at the Santa Catalina port — the south is the number-one day out, and a private transfer is the easiest way to get there.
Your driver is Raquel — a local, licensed female driver (licence LM-564) born and raised in Gran Canaria. Cruise passengers and families especially appreciate a friendly, trusted local at the wheel rather than an anonymous shuttle: she picks you up at your Las Palmas hotel or the cruise terminal and drives you straight to the dunes in the Renault Arkana SUV.
The route follows the GC-1 motorway — the main coastal autopista — south for about 58 km and 45 minutes, completely direct: no shared bus stops, no waiting at a taxi rank.
The estimated transfer price of ~€75 covers the whole vehicle, not per person. For a family of four that is under €19 each for a comfortable, direct, private service — and you can turn it into a full south day trip (dunes + Maspalomas lighthouse + Puerto de Mogán) with Raquel waiting for you. All prices follow the official taximeter fare and are confirmed before you travel.
What to See in Maspalomas
Once you reach the south, here is what is worth your time — including a quiet spot most visitors walk straight past:
The Dunes of Maspalomas
Nature ReserveAlmost 400 hectares of rolling golden sand, the Dunas de Maspalomas are a protected nature reserve — a little piece of the Sahara dropped onto the Atlantic. You can walk across them to the open beach, and at sunrise or sunset the light over the sand is unforgettable. Entry is free and they are open all year round.
And there is plenty to do around them once you step off the sand. The Meloneras seafront promenade runs along the edge with seafood restaurants, ice-cream spots and terraces looking straight out to sea; the streets by the lighthouse fill with bars and Canarian eateries serving fresh fish and papas arrugadas; and the resorts of Meloneras and Playa del Inglés — plus the Yumbo centre for shopping — are all a short hop away. Most families turn the dunes into a half-day: a walk in the sand, a long beach lunch and an easy afternoon by the sea.
Bring water, sunglasses and comfortable shoes — the sand gets hot at midday. Raquel times the drop-off for the cooler, quieter hours and comes back to pick you up whenever you say.
La Charca de Maspalomas
Hidden gemA calm saltwater lagoon at the western edge of the dunes, framed by a palm grove and the lighthouse. It is a refuge for herons, egrets and migratory birds, with a quiet boardwalk and viewpoint. Most tourists never notice it — and it is one of the most special, peaceful corners of the south.
Faro de Maspalomas
LandmarkThe 19th-century lighthouse marking the southern tip of the island. The Meloneras seafront promenade begins right here, perfect for a stroll at sunset.
Beaches & lunch
FoodPlaya de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés for the sand; the Meloneras boardwalk and the streets by the lighthouse for fresh fish, Canarian papas and terraces looking straight out over the ocean.
Tell Raquel which of these you want to see and she plans the route and the timing around your day — so you make the most of your hours in the south and skip the worst of the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Las Palmas to Maspalomas?+
A private transfer from Las Palmas to Maspalomas costs an estimated ~€75 for the whole vehicle (up to 4 passengers), charged on the official taximeter fare. No hidden charges.
What is the distance from Las Palmas to Maspalomas?+
About 58 km along the GC-1 motorway, heading south down the east coast from Las Palmas.
How long does the Las Palmas to Maspalomas transfer take?+
Approximately 45 minutes via the GC-1 motorway. In peak summer traffic it may be slightly longer. Raquel will plan pickup time accordingly.
Can you pick me up at the Las Palmas cruise port?+
Yes. Raquel picks up at the Santa Catalina cruise terminal and drives you to Maspalomas and the dunes — perfect for a day in port. She brings you back to the ship in good time.
Can I do a full south day trip instead of a one-way transfer?+
Yes. As well as a one-way transfer, Raquel offers a private south day trip from Las Palmas: Dunas de Maspalomas, the lighthouse and, if you wish, Puerto de Mogán ("Little Venice"). Fully customizable.
Does the transfer go door-to-door to my hotel?+
Yes. Raquel drives directly to your hotel entrance in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés or Meloneras. Unlike shared shuttles that drop off at multiple stops, you go straight to your accommodation.
Can Raquel wait and bring me back to Las Palmas?+
Yes. The popular choice is a round trip from Las Palmas: Raquel takes you to Maspalomas, waits while you enjoy the dunes, and brings you back the same day. Tell her your plan on WhatsApp for a round-trip quote.