How to get from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote?

If you’re on holiday in the Canaries or you’re planning a short break on this stunning archipelago, you need to organise yourself as best you can, especially if you intend to visit more than one island. One of the most common journeys made by visitors to the Canaries (and also the locals) is from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote and from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. This is hardly surprising though, as only 14 km separates these two islands which once upon a geological time, well in the distant past, were connected. The body of water that stands between them now is known as the Bocayna Strait. It is for this reason that many activity itineraries on the islands include excursions to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote and vice versa.

Below, we provide you all the information you need to ensure that travel between these two islands runs as smoothly as possible.

First off, how do you travel between the two islands?

Although it may seem obvious, the best (and almost the only) way to go from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote and from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura is by boat, whether it be privately-owned or one of the ferries run by the various maritime transport companies on the islands. One of the best known is Líneas Romero, which, as well as helping you get about, offers super interesting and fun itineraries and tours on both islands.

What are the Fuerteventura-Lanzarote ferry times?

Regardless of whether you travel on weekdays or at weekends, the ferry always leaves each island at the same time and takes (weather permitting) around 30 minutes.

The departure point on Fuerteventura is Corralejo, on the northern tip of the island, while, the departure point on Lanzarote is Playa Blanca, in the southernmost zone.

Times from Playa Blanca to Corralejo with Líneas Romero are:

9:30 am (arrival 10:00 am)
12:30 pm (arrival 1:00 pm)
4:30 pm (arrival 5:00 pm)
6:30 pm (arrival 7:00 pm)

And the ferry from Corralejo to Playa Blanca departs:

10:30 am (arrival 11:00 am)
1:30 pm (arrival 2:00 pm)
5:30 pm (arrival 6:00 pm)
7:30 pm (arrival 8:00 pm)

How much does the ferry from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote cost?

The standard fare with Líneas Romero for non-residents to travel between these two islands is €38 for adults and €20 for children return, and €20 for adults and €10 for children single.

Meanwhile, as is logical, Canary Island residents pay either €9,50 (adults) or €5 (children) for a Fuerteventura to Lanzarote return. For a single ticket, the price is €5/adults and €2.50 children.

These prices include a few things worth remembering: change of date and time without extra charge, cancellation of tickets up to 24 hours before departure without extra charge, luggage up to 20 kg, unlimited baggage allowance, sports equipment at no extra charge, pet transport and Wi-Fi on board.

What sort of thing can you do on these islands?

Although both islands are fairly small and easy to get around, we recommend that you stay several days on each one so you can get the most out of them and leave with a feeling that you’ve got to know them well. If you are only visiting for one day, you can explore them on one of the various scheduled trips either on your own or with a guide and organised by the maritime transport companies. Making an early start to give yourself around 7-9 hours would be sufficient time to see the highlights each island has to offer.

It’s handy to know that companies such as Líneas Romero provide a useful service that includes passengers being picked up and dropped off at the closest point to their hotel, their transfer to the ferry departure port (Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura), the return trip to the other island and some free time to go exploring. There is also an experienced, native English/ Spanish-speaking guide.

In the case of Lanzarote, as it is a highly volcanic island, a visit to the Timanfaya National Park and Playa de Papagayo are recommended, or check out Playa Blanca, a very famous fishing village. The Marina Rubicón Market is another favourite spot, with all manner of artisan products for sale.

Finally, don’t forget to visit El Cotillo in Fuerteventura, a picturesque fishing village and, of course, the Corralejo Natural Park, one of nature’s greatest wonders.