Arrecife Airport Lanzarote
Lanzarote welcomes millions of visitors each year. The main gateway to this paradise is the Arrecife Airport, also known as the Lanzarote Airport.
It is a busy airport and is the third busiest in the Canary Islands, an essential link for Lanzarote bringing in vital tourism all the year round.
Index to page:
Where is Arrecife Airport on the island?
Arrecife Airport (San Bartolomé) is in a great position just 5 kilometres from the capital Arrecife. It's based pretty much near the middle of the island on the south side which gets slightly better weather than the north side. The Resort of Matagorda is right next door!
The airport's strategic location makes it easily accessible from popular tourist destinations across the island. Here are some approximate distances to key areas:
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Arrecife: 5 km (10-minute drive)
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Puerto del Carmen: 10 km (15-minute drive)
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Costa Teguise: 15 km (20-minute drive)
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Playa Blanca: 30 km (35-minute drive)
Arrecife Airport terminals
Arrecife Airport (IATA: ACE) handles both domestic and international flights.
In 2022, the airport reported a around 7,350,451 passengers, with the majority of the traffic coming from the EU, particularly the UK and Germany.
The Airport has 2 terminals
Terminal 1 is for international and select domestic flights. Both terminals are equipped with various amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience for passengers passing through.
Terminal 2 is for inter-island travel mainly.
The Arrecife Airport has good facilities and plenty to satisfy passengers' needs. We always like to get a bite to eat before flying home. However, be prepared for the costs of sandwiches and meals, I think they are pretty expensive. Here is a list of what to expect at the airport:
Arrecife Terminal 1 Overview
Primary terminal for international and select domestic flights
This is the busiest terminal at Lanzarote Airport.
Ground Level - Arrivals
As soon as you land at Lanzarote Airport (ACE), you'll find yourself in a lively, efficient arrivals area. The airport handles both international and domestic flights, linking Lanzarote with major European cities and other Canary Islands.
Arrival Procedures at Lanzarote Airport
Immigration and Passports
After you disembark, if you're coming from outside the Schengen area, you'll need to go through Passport Control.
This involves an automated system where you place your passport on a scanner at a barrier. The system scans both your passport and you, so have all your travel documents prepared for this process.
Baggage Reclaim
Once past passport control, (it can take some time) proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. The information screens will show which carousel is assigned to your flight.
Customs
With your baggage collected, you'll move on to customs. If you need to declare any items or are carrying goods over the allowed limits, head to the red channel.
Arrival Services
After clearing customs, you'll enter the arrivals hall. Here, you'll find essential services such as car rentals, currency exchange, and information desks. If you have arranged for a transfer, this is also where you'll meet your travel representatives. It's all pretty much straight forward and we always opt for Suntransfers as it saves time and they wait for you! Great service and we have used them for the last 10 years.
First Level - Departures
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Check-in and departure.
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Gates 1-12 post-security check.
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Key services include AENA info, ATMs, lost & found, and travel agency.
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Services Highlight:
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Dining options.
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Cash machines (ATMs).
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Baggage assistance.
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Medical assistance.
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Police presence.
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Designated meet-up spot.
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Tour guidance.
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Lost item retrieval.
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Travel arrangements.
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Lounge Info:
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Sala VIP Guacimeta
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Amenities: Snacks, TV, Wi-Fi, beverages, reading materials
For details: ace-salavip@aena.es
For a comprehensive list of services, please refer to the airport's official resources.
Check-In and Entry
Upon entering the large departure hall from the drop-off area, you're greeted by over 40 check-in desks. We found this process here can sometimes extend up to 45 minutes, but helpful signs clearly direct you to the correct desk for your flight.
After checking your luggage, ensure your passport and boarding pass are ready for inspection. The airport accommodates both printed and digital QR code boarding passes efficiently.
Security Process
The security check at Lanzarote Airport is commendably swift, typically taking between 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare for this by removing all electronics and metal items from your pockets and bags before screening.
Place these, along with other personal items like belts and jackets, into a tray for scanning. Walking through the body scanner should be hassle-free if you ensure nothing is left in your pockets. I always forget something!
Duty-Free and Shopping
Post-security, you'll pass through a duty-free zone stocked with loads of items including perfumes and alcohol, all available at discounted prices. This area is perfect for picking up last-minute gifts or travel essentials before the homeward flight. Feels like the perfect treat.
Departure Lounge
Once you've navigated the security and duty-free zones, the departure lounge offers a variety of services and amenities. It's not that big and can be hard to find a seat when it's busy. Here are the food facilities you can try out whilst getting bored waiting for your flight :
Food and Beverage Outlets:
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Burger King
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KFC
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Coffee Republic
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Upper Crust
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The Gambrinus
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Camden Food Co (we liked)
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Coffee CR
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Pret A Manger
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Wok Street
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Pans & Company
Retail Outlets:
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Lolly
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Victoria's Secret (I know)
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Superdry
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Tascon
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Love Me
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Sunglass Hut
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The Aloe Vera Health Store
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Parfois
The lounge is designed with ample seating primarily along the central area, ensuring comfort as you wait for your flight. I say ample, there isn't enough once a few flights get delayed. A VIP area is strategically placed near gate 1 for those seeking a bit more tranquillity and exclusivity.
Additional Facilities
Transportation options are readily available outside the terminal, including buses, taxis, and car rental services, facilitating easy access to and from the airport. For smokers, a designated area is available outside the lounge.
Additionally, between Gate 2 and Gate 3, Tropical offers a cosy spot to grab a bite and relax in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Contact Information
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Address: Arrecife Ciudad, s/n, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas, Lanzarote, Islas Canarias, SPAIN.
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Phone: +34 902 404 704
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General Inquiries: aeropuertolanzarote@aena.es
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Lost and Found: ace-op@aena.es
Arrecife Terminal 2 Overview
Main Features:
Exclusively caters to passengers travelling between the Canary Islands.
Known as the Inter-island Terminal.
Levels
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Single Level:
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Separated into Arrivals and Departures sections.
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Houses five boarding gates.
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Various amenities and services are available.
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Services Highlight:
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Dining options.
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Shopping outlets.
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Duty-free shopping.
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Relaxation zones with exhibitions.
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Dedicated area for children's activities.
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Lost item retrieval.
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Ticket purchasing.
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Law enforcement presence.
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Information kiosk.
For a detailed list of services, please consult the airport's official resources.
Which airlines use the airport?
Lanzarote Airport is served by a wide array of airline companies offering a plethora of destinations.
Ryanair, has a big contribution to the airport's traffic and as known by most, they offer low-cost flights. Other prominent airlines include Binter Canarias, NAYSA, Jet2 and Tui.
As I mentioned, the majority of the traffic at the Arrecife Airport comes from the European Union, with the UK and Germany accounting for up to 60% of traffic.
The airport also offers frequent flights to connect up with the other Canary Islands and Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. So it is ideal if you want to explore other islands in the area.
Transport Links
The Arrecife Airport is well-connected with various transport options for easy commute to and from the airport
Bus: There are several bus lines departing from the airport, offering transport throughout the island.
Taxi: Taxi ranks are available in front of Terminal 1 and 2. Taxis offer a quick and convenient way to reach Arrecife in just about 11 minutes.
Car Hire: For those preferring the freedom of self-drive, car rental services are also available at the airport.
Private Hire Taxi Transfers: For a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience, private hire taxi transfers can be opted for. These services offer door-to-door transport, making your journey hassle-free.
Parking and Accommodation
The airport offers two spacious car parks, located opposite the Terminal Buildings, with a capacity to accommodate over 1,200 cars.
For those looking to stay close to the airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity, catering to various budgets and requirements.
Contact Information
For any queries or assistance, passengers can contact the airport at:
Address: Arrecife Ciudad, s/n, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas, Lanzarote, Islas Canarias, SPAIN
Phone: +34 902 404 704
Email: aeropuertolanzarote@aena.es
For lost and found services:
Terminal T1, Level 1, Departures hall
Email: ace-op@aena.es
Arrecife Airport, with its modern facilities and efficient services, ensures a smooth and comfortable travel experience for all passengers. Whether you're visiting Lanzarote for its mesmerizing beauty or its rich culture, the Arrecife Airport serves as the perfect starting point for your journey.
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Conclusion on Arrecife Airport, Lanzarote
Arrecife Airport, situated in Lanzarote, is a pivotal gateway to the enchanting Canary Islands.
With two dedicated terminals, the airport proficiently handles both international and inter-island traffic.
Terminal 1, the more bustling of the two, manages international and some domestic flights, providing a plethora of services and amenities to cater to travellers' diverse needs.
Terminal 2, or the Inter-island Terminal, exclusively serves passengers travelling amongst the Canary Islands, offering a seamless experience in a compact yet well-equipped space.
From dining to shopping, the airport ensures passengers are provided with all the essentials for a comfortable journey.
As the primary hub on the island, Arrecife Airport stands as a testament to Lanzarote's commitment to providing world-class facilities to its visitors.
Questions and Answers
Some questions often asked in connection with Arrecife Airport Lanzarote.
Q: Does Arrecife Airport Have A Smoking Area?
A: There is an outside smoking area available at Terminal 1 Departure Lounge at Arrecife airport.
It is called the 'Tropical' area and can be found on the opposite side of the area between gates 2 and 3 in the departure lounge. There is an outside area where people can sit and a smoking area there.
Q: How Far Is Arrecife Airport From Costa Teguise?
A: The distance between Arrecife Airport and Costa Teguise is approximately 8.76 miles or 14.1 kilometers.
Q: What Shops Are In Arrecife Airport?
A: There are several shops available at Arrecife airport, including duty-free shops, newsagents, and souvenir shops. Some of the popular shops include Canariensis (duty-free shop), Buy Bye (duty-free shop), Relay (newsagents), and Sibarium (food and drink)
Q: Which is the main terminal at Lanzarote Airport?
A: The main terminal at Lanzarote airport is Terminal 1 (T1). It handles all international and domestic flights and has gates from 1 to 12. Terminal 2 (T2) operates as the inter-island terminal and cargo terminal and has three boarding gates
Q: Which Airlines Fly to Lanzarote?
A: There are several airlines that fly to Lanzarote including Jet2, Vueling, easyJet Norwegian 1, Ryanair, British Airways, Iberia and TUI Airways.