Traveling as a Wheelchair User in Lanzarote

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands, is well-equipped for travellers with reduced mobility. Here’s a detailed guide on using buses, taxis, ferries, and the airport as a wheelchair user.

Airport Assistance

César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport offers comprehensive support for passengers with reduced mobility:

Pre-Book Assistance: Request assistance at least 48 hours before your flight via your airline, travel agency, the Aena website, or by calling (+34) 91 321 10 00.
Arrival at the Airport: Arrive at least two hours before your flight. Use designated meeting points which are clearly signposted. If you are able to make your way to the assistance desk (PMR) which is over to the right-hand side of the departures hall. You will need to show the staff your passport and flight details. From there an assistant will help you with check-in, security, and boarding【 (Aena)

Taxis

Adapted Taxis (Euro-Taxis): These taxis are specially designed for wheelchair users, featuring ramps, anchorage systems, and safety belts, allowing you to stay in your wheelchair during the ride.

Booking: It’s advisable to book in advance to ensure availability as there is a limited number in the fleet which services the airport. Contact LanzaroteTaxi.com for reservations. (LanzaroteTaxi)

It’s also possible to use a private transfer with an adapted minibus from the bus companies on the island – you can find the information for various companies here.

Each resort has it’s own taxi controller so to book in resort use the relevant number from the list below. At the moment (2024) Uber, Bolt, Freenow etc are not available on the island… one day!

Radio Taxi in Arrecife – 928803104, 928812710 or 928800806.

Playa Blanca – 928524222. This number covers all of Yaiza, so Femes, Playa Quemada, Costa Calero and Las Breñas.

Radio Taxi Haría – 928524223.

Radio Taxi Teguise – 928524223 This is the number for taxis in the Villa de Teguise AND Costa Teguise.

Playa Honda – 928524220 This is the same number for taxis in San Bartolome.

Radio Taxi Tías – 928524220.

Radio Taxi Tinajo – 928524223.

Buses

Lanzarote’s main bus network is run by Intercity Bus. The majority of the company’s fleet is accessible. If you follow this link you can watch a video of a wheelchair user being helped onto a bus by the driver. Look for the accessibility symbol on buses. Routes and Timetables: Check the latest information on the official Lanzarote public transport websites or apps Intercity Bus have an app, (google store or Apple App store) and you can also use Moovit (Google Store or Apple) It’s worth noting you can buy tickets on the bus but the driver will only accept 10 euro notes or less.

Timanfaya Buses

Until recently visiting the national park Timanfaya has been restricted for wheelchair users as the buses that take you round the lava fields weren’t accessible.

However, the attraction now has fully accessible buses!

There’s no need to book, the process couldn’t be easier. Simply speak to any of the guides on site and they will assist the bus drivers to get you and your chair onboard. We’d highly recommend it.

Ferries

Ferries in Lanzarote also cater to wheelchair users, particularly for trips to nearby islands such as Fuerteventura:

Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express: These are the main ferry operators. While they both say they provide accessible services, including ramps and elevators the only boat which is fully accessible to a wheelchair user is Fred. Olsen Bocayna Express. This boat has an internal lift so you go up and come out inside the ferry.

The smaller Buganvilla Express is not wheelchair accessible. Make sure you check this before booking.

With Armas you get an external lift and there are still steps to navigate to access the ferry which can be tricky
Booking: It’s recommended to inform the ferry company of your mobility needs when booking to ensure the best possible assistance. Contact the ferry operators directly for detailed accessibility information and reservations. (Armas or Fred Olsen)
TOP TIP – if you are taking a car and you have your wheelchair in the car you can request use of their wheelchair for the journey which makes it so much easier so you don’t have to keep getting your wheelchair out.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Plan Ahead: Whether using public transport, taxis, or ferries, booking in advance ensures availability and smooth travel.
Accessible Accommodation: Choose hotels or apartments that cater specifically to wheelchair users. you can see more in our posts for each resort – Puerto Del Carmen, Costa Teguise or Playa Blanca
Local Support: Utilise available local resources for accessible tours and mobility equipment if needed. Such as ourselves! Contact us here

By leveraging the accessible facilities at the airport, booking adapted taxis, using accessible public transport and ferries, you can comfortably explore the beautiful island of Lanzarote. Enjoy your trip!