Private airport transfers in Gran Canaria are controversial as the islands taxi drivers don't like them one bit. However, they are perfectly legal provided that the company offering the service is registered, insured and apply for permission for each pickup in advance. 

Are Gran Canaria airport transfers a good deal?

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your accommodation is to get a public bus and then walk or a taxi from the nearest stop or station. This works well if you are staying somewhere compact like Puerto Rico or  Taurito, but can be a pain if your hotel or apartment is a long way from the bus routes. 

Another option is to hop in a taxi just outside arrivals. They all run on meters and are amongst the cheapest taxis in Europe, although late-night, and fiesta day supplements do bump up the price. All taxi journeys in Gran Canaria are on the meter (unless you negotiate a day tour with a driver). 

Private transfer companies don't charge for extras and are often cheaper than a metered taxi. The best ones use posh cars and the driver waits for you right by the arrivals gate. You do have to walk from there to the car park but they are close by. 

As with everything in Gran Canaria, prices that are too good to be true normally involve someone cutting corners.

Choosing a good transfer service

You want an airport transfer company that meets you at the arrivals lounge (with a sign) rather than in the car park as this shows that they have registered your pickup and are above board.

Look for a company that guarantees that the driver will wait for you if your flight is delayed and provides a document with the conditions and a contact number in case of problems.

The best airport transfer companies don't ask for full payment in advance but let you pay once you arrive at your destination (remember to bring enough euros to pay for it).  

If you are travelling in a big group or have extra luggage such as golf clubs or boards, make sure that your transfer company knows in advance. Families with small children must make sure the transfer company has their weight and age in advance so that they can fit the right seats (most companies charge a small supplement for children's seats).

Prices

Here's a selection of reasonable airport transfer prices (2016) to the most popular areas in Gran Canaria.

Alex Says: If you find a price that is significantly cheaper than ones quoted here, you are probably dealing with an unlicensed car. While you are likely to be fine, we'd like everyone to travel from the airport to their resort in a legal and insured vehicle that is accountable if something happens.

Which service to use 

You'll find large brand names such as Resort Hoppa offering Gran Canaria transfers but they are middlemen that use local companies to do the actual driving. If you use a middleman, make sure that they work with a licensed local operator (ask them which transportista they work with). 

We recommend that you use a local company with a long-standing reputation to arrange your airport transfer. The best one we know of is organised by Owen from the veteran Canary Forum website. Their drivers meet you at arrivals with a quality saloon car and you pay when you arrive at your destination. 

Or, rent a car in Gran Canaria

If you choose to explore Gran Canaria by car, take all the hassle out of renting by using Mr Car Hire Gran Canaria...

Mr Car Hire, an idependent rental broker, offers a complete Gran Canaria hire car service with car-to-door delivery anywhere on the island, fully comprehensive insurance and 24/7/365 support. 

Best of all, he does it at great prices and offers top service, no queues, dirty cars or long waiting times.

Rent your car via Mr Car Hire and you'll get:

• A wide choice of cars at reasonable prices with absolutely no hidden extras
• Delivery to anywhere in Gran Canaria and car collection anywhere on the island
• Comprehensive insurance and 24/7/365 support and breakdown cover
• Personal service and a completely stress-free car rental experience

Contact him right here and Mr Car Hire be right back in touch.