Driving in Lanzarote - 24 essentials tips (+ video + rules)

Let's start with a short video to give you a feel for what it is live to be driving in Lanzarote : on main the main roads, on side roads and in towns:

Essentials to know before driving in Lanzarote

If you don't want to read the entire article, here are the major points to be aware of about driving in Portugal:

Minimum age in 18
Driving in on the right side of the road
Roads are overall in very good conditions
Don't go on unpaved roads with a rental cars
Wearing flip-flops to drive is prohibited (like in many countries, but more enforced)
Locals can be impatient, don't forget to check your mirrors for locals overtaking you
In case of accident - emergency number: 112

Where I rent my cars

I always compare prices right away on Discovercars.com.
This is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites on the market.
I have found really great deals and I think the platform super easy to use. I can filter based on my criteria.

Plus, they have a practical coverage option at great price that will cover you in case of damage to the outside of the car.

Click to check out their current car rental deals in Portugal.

Need more help renting a car in Lanzarote? Read my 36 tips for a worry-free experience.

Getting around Lanzarote - by car or not?

Should you hire a car in Lanzarote?

No, if you mostly want to stay at a resort and go to the beach and just visit one or two places
Yes, if you you want to enjoy the variety of sceneries Lanzarote has to offer
Yes, if you want to have the freedom to adapt your program to the weather or avoid the crowded times, watch sunrises or sunset
Yes, if you want to enjoy the hidden gems off the beaten path
...

Overall, I think renting a car is the best way to explore the island and see all the best things to do, plus off the beaten path locations.
It will allow you to see the best landscapes Lanzarote offers.

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and tips) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Lanzarote road trip:

Plan your perfect trip around Lanzarote!

7 easy-to-plan maps
55 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
Planning tips + Best times
140+ large photos to decide where to go
GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

How is driving in Lanzarote? Is it difficult? It is safe?

Driving in Lanzarote is overall easy and safe.
Most roads are wide and in good condition. And visibility is usually very good.
There are a few narrower roads but these are the ones that go to non-touristy places, so you won't have any traffic on them.

Easy driving in Lanzarote

Getting around Lanzarote without a car

It is possible to get around Portugal without a car, to see some sights, but it is not flexible

Bus - There are buses between the main towns, however the frequency is not intense.
Organized tours - There is a large offering of day trips and half-day trips from the main resort town (Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen...) - see options or Check out my article about the best Lanzarote excursions

Cactus garden - famous attraction

Map with driving times - Lanzarote by car

Below is a map of the driving times you can expect around Lanzarote.

#1 to 6 - Lanzarote Driving Rules

Let's start with general rules and regulations you should be aware of:

#1 - License requirement / Age - Do I need an international driver's permit?

To drive in Portugal you need a valid driving licence from your country.

People with EU licenses can drive on their holidays with only their valid national licenses
All other nationalities must have an International Driving Permit (on top of their national license)

You must be 18 years of age (but know that many rental companies may have other age requirements).

It is also mandatory to always have the vehicle registration documents as well as a valid ID, such as your passport, with you.

Driving license international driving permit

#2 - Side of the road

Driving in Lanzarote is on the right side of the road.
It is very important to remember it on one lane roads when you have to give way!
It means roundabouts are taken anti-clockwise.

#3 - General behavior rules

Seatbelts are mandatory for all
No cell phone while driving
Headphones are illegal
Kids under 12 cannot seat in the front of the car
Do not wear flip-flops to drive

#4 - Alcohol and driving

The legal alcohol limit here is 0.05%. Driving under the influence is considered a serious offence.
I always recommend not drinking at all if you are driving.

#5 - Mandatory equipment to have in your car

In Lanzarote, the following pieces of equipment must be available in the car:

2 Warning triangles
Reflective vest or jacket
Spare wheel and tools to change it
First aid kit (advised, not mandatory)
Flashlight (advised, not mandatory)
Children under 18kg (39.7 pounds) in weight must be in child seats
Children under 135cm (4.4ft) tall should be in the rear seats on a booster.

#6 - Mandatory insurance

The only mandatory insurance in Lanzarote is: unlimited third-party liability insurance - it is automatically included in the price of all car rentals.
If you are visiting with your own car, don't forget to bring proof of insurance.

Compare car rental prices in Lanzarote

#7 to 12 - Roads conditions and Road Signs in Lanzarote

#7 - Conditions on fast roads

Lanzarote does not have any motorway.
But there are roads allowing to drive faster between town. They are in very good conditions, mostly one lane in each direction with beautiful pavement and clear lines:

#8 - Conditions of other roads to enjoy

Once outside the motorways, roads vary.
Most of them have at least one lane in each direction.

When you go off the beaten path, you may be driving on smaller roads. Those might have holes and bumps but also a lot less traffic. So take your time, it is easy if you don't speed.
And if locals arrive, slow down and give way.

Only 2 roads are a little bit more difficult than the others.

1. LZ-10 down to the town of Haria. It is a mountain side road, with 5 sharp bends. It is not that hard, but some people are not big fans. Just take your time

2. LZ-202 to Mirador del Rio. The inland part of the road to the mirador is very easy. But for those you want to loop on the scenic part along the cliff, note that the road is just large enough for 2 cars (with not much space to spare if the cars are large). My suggestion is to leave the car at the carpark and go enjoy this road on foot. This way you can really appreciate the views. And you drive back via the inland part of the road.

#9 - Driving in towns & villages

No major difficulties with driving in towns.
Some smaller villages have smaller streets where you might have to wait to engage. But generally it is quite easy.

What I don't recommend is driving inside the center of Arrecife.
You can drive around, and park in the South to explore on foot.
But the small very streets of the center with one-way roads everywhere is really a nightmare. I was really annoyed when I got stuck in.

#10 - Speed limit & signs

Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number
Speed limits are in kilometers per hour
National speed limits are - 50km/h in residential areas, up to 110km/h on main roads

#11 - Other road signs in Lanzarote

The road signs are classic in latin letters, nothing specific to know.
There are plenty of signs to indicate directions. Although sometimes in the countryside, they can be missing.

Points of interest are indicated on brown signs.

#12 - Tolls in Lanzarote

There are not toll roads.
The only "toll" is on the unpaved road that allow you to reach the Papagayo beaches. It is more of a gate.

#13 to 15 - How to drive safely

#13 - Know the potential dangers on the Lanzarote roads

Apart from you driving too fast, the main dangers on the Portugal roads are:

SCENERY - The main danger is for you to be distracted by the amazing scenery especially around volcanoes and lava. The solidified lava seas can be very impressive and you want to look better but there is no place to stop. This is when you become dangerous
LOCALS - because you want to look at the scenery, locals going to work can be impatient. There are sometimes a bit crazy when overtaking. So always look in your mirrors, particularly when turning left (to an accommodation for example) in the middle of a long straight road
CYCLISTS - During weekends cyclists take over the roads. Be really careful when overtaking.

Dangers on the roads of Lanzarote - cyclists

#14 - Specific driving tips

Some specifics to Lanzarote driving are:

None

#15 - What to do in case of accident

In case there are people hurt or there is a conflict, the emergency number in 112 is:
The best order of actions is:

contact emergency services
contact the police
contact your rental provider

Driving in Lanzarote off the beaten path

#16 to 17 - Parking in Lanzarote

#16 - Parking in towns

Parking in Arrecife can be very difficult. I recommend you choose an underground carpark and head there directly.

In the resort towns, it can also be difficult to find parking, especially close to the beaches.
If you are staying in one, don't forget to check if it includes a parking space or not.

#17 - Parking at attractions

Most attractions have large free carparks.
The main attractions have paved carparks, while off the beaten path places (such as start of volcano hikes) might be unpaved. Drive slowly on them.

Where to stay in Lanzarote?
My tips:

Most enjoyable Resort Town - Playa Blanca - see best rated accommodations
Main resort town (without car & nightlife) - Puerto del Carmen - see best rated accommodations
Best location to be able to explore Lanzarote - Costa Teguise - see best rated accommodations
Coastal Charm and Quiet - Punta Mujeres - see best rated accommodations
Scenic Views - Famara Beach - see best rated accommodations
Original & isolated - La Graciosa - see best rated accommodations

More tips on my article about where to stay in Lanzarote

#17 to 18 - Gas stations

#17 - Fuels and their names

Fuel is considered cheap compared to the rest of Europe
Petrol station in Spanish is "estación de servicio"
Petrol is on green pump - called "gasolina" and if unleaded "gasolina sin plomo"
Diesel is on Black pump called "gasoil"
See the concentration of electric car charging station, where you are going in Lanzarote on this website

Petrol station in Lanzarote

#17 - Management of gas stations

There are stations roughly everywhere, so don't worry
And most of them have fuel attendants to fill up your tank, which I love.
During night time you may have to prepay before being able to fill up

#19 - Most beautiful roads in Lanzarote

The island is not large.
You can drive almost all roads and admire the different sides of Lanzarote.

My favorite is to drive through the Los Volcanes Natural Park with volcanoes and lava fields all around. - LZ-56 and LZ-67
The coastal road from Janubio to El Golfo (with lava cliffs, salt pans...)
The road around the Mirador del Rio

Montana Cuervo

#20 to 23 - Renting a car in Lanzarote

Below is a snapshot with the main things to know.
You can learn more on my article about renting a car in Lanzarote.

#20 - Type of car to rent

Most cars in Lanzarote have manual transmission. You will pay more for automatic and they are fewer options.
No specific recommendations in terms of size and power

Compare car rental prices in Lanzarote

#21 - Where to rent

Car hire in Lanzarote is available from the airport, the port as well as all the main resort towns; Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and the capital Arrecife.

The largest car rental hubs in Lanzarote are:

Arrecife Aiport car rental - see deals
Arrecife port car rental - see deals
Playa Blanca car rental - see deals

I have personally used Cicar in Lanzarote and was very satisfied. It is available on Discovercars.com.

#22 - 4WD and going off-road in Lanzarote

As I said earlier, many rental companies don't even allow 4WD vehicles to go off road.
So your options are:

To book an off-road excursion - I did one day with Crazy David with a private tour organised to my interest and it was splendid - Contact here on his website
To hire a buggy and follow your guide - Voir options

#23 - General tips for worry-free experience

There is nothing special about renting a car in Portugal - no specific insurance or rules
As everywhere, I recommend a thorough examination of the car before taking it (and take pictures)
Book early to get the best prices and the choice of cars
Avoid driving in Lisbon and Porto - public transportation is excellent
See all my tips on my other article

#24 - Changing islands - ferry with rental car

Most of the companies do not allow you to change island with your car. And you will be in big trouble if you do go and have a technical issue or accident.
So best to do a comparison:

Cost of ferry for the entire party + car with company that allows it
Versus - Cost of ferry seat without car for the entire party + rental in Fuerteventura

Ferry prices available here

If renting with Discovercars.com, once you selected a car you can click on "Rental conditions" and then again "Rental conditions" or "Additional conditions" to find the "geographical restrictions".
If it is not documented, you can add the question to customer support.

Car hire - ferry ride Lanzarote to Fuerteventura

Plan your Lanzarote Itinerary

There is so many places to see in Lanzarote with

Volcanoes (such as Timanfaya National Park)
Volcanic features (such as Los Hervideros)
Beaches (Papagayo...)
Islands (La Graciosa...)
Wineries
Architecture & Art by César Manrique (Jameos del Agua, Cactus Garden...)

Check out my articles:

21 Best things to do in Lanzarote - read article
Best Lanzarote Photography Locations - read article
Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - read article
Best Beaches in Lanzarote - read article
Best Lanzarote Volcanoes - Tours & Photos - read article
10 hidden gems in Lanzarote - read article
Best places to stay in Lanzarote - read article
Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote - read article
Lanzarote in Winter - read article

Planning a trip to Lanzarote?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan: