Lanzarote Airport (ACE), located 5 kilometres southwest of Arrecife, serves as a bustling gateway to the Canary Islands, handling over 7.3 million passengers annually. The airport’s two terminals—Terminal 1 for international and select domestic flights, and Terminal 2 for inter-island travel—are modern and well-organised, with clear English and Spanish signage guiding passengers through check-in, security, and boarding areas.
Terminal 1, the larger of the two, spans multiple levels with arrivals and baggage claim on the ground floor and departures upstairs, while Terminal 2 is more compact, catering to regional flights. For passengers with mobility needs, the airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and lifts, though some report overly restrictive assistance protocols, requiring advance requests through airlines for seamless support.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options connecting to Arrecife and popular resorts like Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. Line 22 and 23 buses run every 25 minutes to Arrecife, taking about 10 minutes for €1.40 (£1.20), with tickets available onboard.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside both terminals, cost around €12 (£10) to Arrecife and €30 (£25) to Playa Blanca, while car rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Cicar operate from Terminal 1’s arrivals hall. The airport is easily reachable via the LZ-2 road, with 2,000 parking spaces across short- and long-term lots, including a free 10-minute drop-off zone. Passengers are advised to pre-book car rentals during peak seasons due to high demand.
The passenger experience is designed for efficiency, though high traffic can create challenges. Terminal 1’s 40 check-in desks open three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic, closing 40 minutes prior, with self-service kiosks available for airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.
Security screening averages 15 to 20 minutes but can extend to an hour during peak summer periods, particularly for non-Schengen flights requiring passport control. Travellers should arrive three hours early for international flights to account for potential queues. Free Wi-Fi is accessible via the “AenaWifi” network with a simple login, and charging stations are plentiful near gates and eateries. The Sala Guacimeta VIP Lounge in Terminal 1 offers snacks, drinks, and workspaces for around £30, accessible via Priority Pass, though seating can be limited during delays. Additional amenities include ATMs, a pharmacy, and children’s play areas.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of preferences, with over 15 eateries and shops across both terminals. In Terminal 1, Tropical near Gates 2 and 3 serves local and international dishes, while Burger King and Costa Coffee offer quick bites, with a coffee priced at €3 and meals up to €15. Some passengers note high prices, with sandwiches reaching €10. Duty-free stores in Terminal 1 sell perfumes, electronics, and Canarian souvenirs, while Terminal 2 has a smaller shop for snacks and gifts, open from 6 am. until the last flight. A smoking area is available on the observation deck, and currency exchange desks operate in both terminals.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with most flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule, supported by two runways and modern navigation systems. However, summer congestion and occasional strong winds can cause delays. Passengers should monitor flight statuses via the Aena app or terminal screens. For connections, the terminals’proximity simplifies transfers, with minimum connection times of 40 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights, often through Madrid or Gran Canaria. Fast-track services, available for purchase, reduce wait times at security and immigration.Potential delays may stem from high passenger volumes in summer, leading to crowded check-in and security areas. Passport control for non-Schengen flights can be slow, with waits of up to an hour, and baggage handling issues have been reported. Road traffic on the LZ-2 during peak hours may also delay arrivals, so extra travel time is advised.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates from Terminal 1 at Lanzarote Airport for flights to Dublin. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Zone A (desks 1–20 range), but exact desks vary. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure.
Departures are usually from Gates 1–10 iis available 30 hours to 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-20 (non-Schengen area in Terminal 1; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-45 minutes before boarding). Specific gates are assigned close to departure and displayed on airport screens. Lanzarote is a seasonal destination, so confirm flight schedules and arrive 90 minutes before departure.
Ryanair
Ryanair check-in is in terminal 1, check-in hall (dynamic desks 1-15; self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior.
Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from international gates in Terminal 1 gates B1– 1-20 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, announced ~30-40 minutes before departure). Gates are assigned dynamically and shown on departure boards
