Lanzarote is one of those destinations that completely surprised me the first time I visited.
I’d expected sunshine, beaches and perhaps a few lazy days by the pool. What I wasn’t expecting was how much there was to explore beyond the main resorts. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and tiny whitewashed villages to hidden beaches and incredible viewpoints, it’s an island that rewards anyone willing to venture a little further.
And that’s exactly why I think hiring a car in Lanzarote is one of the best travel decisions you can make.
Not only that but it’s usually much better value to hire a car rather than getting taxis. Plus, it’s an extremely easy island to drive on as it’s relatively quiet and the roads are smooth and easy to navigate.
I’ve travelled to Lanzarote several times over the years, as a couple, as a family, with my entire family and even solo, and having a car has always transformed the trip. It gives you freedom, flexibility and the chance to see parts of the island that many visitors never experience.
That said, car hire can feel surprisingly complicated. Prices vary enormously, insurance policies can be confusing and there always seems to be some small print lurking somewhere.
So if you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote and wondering whether to hire a car, how much it costs and what you need to know before booking, this guide will walk you through everything.
Do you need to hire a car in Lanzarote?
The short answer is this; you don’t NEED to hire a car in Lanzarote but you absolutely should!
Could you visit Lanzarote without a car? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it? Probably not.
Lanzarote isn’t a huge island but its attractions are spread out. You’ll likely want to visit Timanfaya National Park, explore the vineyards of La Geria, spend time at Papagayo Beach and discover some of the island’s beautiful coastal villages. There are so many things to do in Lanzarote which would be so difficult without a car.
Without a car, you’ll spend a lot of time relying on organised excursions, taxis or buses.
The public transport system exists and it’s affordable, but it’s not particularly convenient for sightseeing. Buses mainly connect the larger towns and resorts rather than tourist attractions.
Taxis are easy enough to find in popular areas, but costs can quickly add up if you’re making multiple journeys every day.
For families especially, a hire car makes life much easier. You can travel at your own pace, carry everything you need for the beach and avoid waiting around in the heat with tired children.
Why Lanzarote is perfect for a road trip
Some destinations can feel stressful to drive around. Lanzarote isn’t one of them! And that’s coming from a self-confessed nervous driver.
The roads are generally excellent, traffic is relatively light and distances between attractions are short. You can drive from one side of the island to the other in little more than an hour.
One of my favourite things about driving in Lanzarote is that the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
The volcanic landscapes are unlike anywhere else in Europe. One minute you’re driving through black lava fields that look like another planet and the next you’re passing rows of vineyards growing in volcanic ash.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself pulling over every few miles to take photos.
How car hire works in Lanzarote
The process is actually very straightforward. First things first, I recommend picking up your car at the airport. Unless you have a transfer included with a package holiday, this is much much more convenient and it saves you forking out for a taxi.
Next, you’ll search for available vehicles online and you’ll compare prices, suppliers and rental conditions before making your booking.
When you arrive in Lanzarote, you’ll collect the vehicle from the rental desk, complete any paperwork and inspect the car before driving away.
Travel Hack Tip: Don’t forget to make a short video recording the whole car to show if there are any scratches or bumps. Hire cars are usually very new and in great condition but there may be a bump or scratch on the bodywork!
One thing that’s important to understand is the difference between comparison platforms and rental companies.
Comparison platforms allow you to search across multiple suppliers at once. Rental companies are the businesses that actually provide the vehicle. Using a comparison platform saves a huge amount of time because you don’t need to visit dozens of individual company websites.
Where to book your hire car
Years ago, I used to spend ages comparing individual rental companies.
I’d have multiple tabs open, different prices scribbled on a piece of paper and absolutely no idea which option was genuinely best.
Now I always use a comparison platform first.
A platform like EconomyBookings allows you to compare vehicles from multiple trusted suppliers in one place. You can see available pick-up locations, compare prices, check user ratings and review rental conditions without jumping between websites.
I particularly like being able to compare customer reviews before booking because the cheapest option isn’t always the best option.
A good comparison platform makes it much easier to spot value for money rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
How to find the best deals in Lanzarote
Hire car prices fluctuate constantly depending on demand, availability and seasonality. Generally, I find booking as early as possible provides the best prices so I book my car as soon as I’ve booked my flights.
Definitely don’t leave it until the last minute, particularly during school holidays, as the price can more than double.
What costs should you expect?
When you’re comparing prices online, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included.
The base rental price covers the vehicle itself and usually includes basic insurance.
You may also see optional extras such as additional drivers, child seats or upgraded insurance packages.
Fuel policies vary too. Most travellers prefer a full-to-full policy because it’s generally the most straightforward and cost-effective option. This is where the car is full on pick-up and you’ll need to refill it on your way back to the airport before dropping it off.
Then there are costs that may arise at the rental desk.
Most suppliers require a refundable security deposit, which is held on your credit card for the duration of the rental.
You may also be offered additional insurance products during collection. These are usually optional, although it’s important to understand exactly what protection you already have before declining anything.
What to watch out for
Most car hire experiences are completely straightforward.
However, there are a few common pitfalls worth knowing about.
Insurance upselling
This is probably the most common issue travellers encounter which can honestly be quite off putting and seriously made me nervous about hiring a car when it first happened to me.
You’ll often be offered additional insurance when collecting your vehicle. Sometimes the sales pitch can feel quite persuasive, even aggressive. There is also often a language barrier during this conversation and you’ll be tired and grumpy after your journey.
Before travelling, check what cover is included in your booking and whether you’ve already arranged additional protection elsewhere.
Supplier-specific conditions
Every supplier has slightly different rules.
Some have mileage restrictions while others have specific requirements regarding fuel policies, age limits or payment cards.
It isn’t the most exciting holiday reading but taking five minutes to review the terms and conditions can save a lot of stress later.
Unexpected fees
Reputable comparison platforms are generally transparent about pricing.
Unexpected charges are more commonly associated with individual local suppliers where rental conditions haven’t been reviewed carefully beforehand.
That’s another reason I prefer using established comparison platforms that clearly display fees, ratings and supplier information.
Choosing the right car for your trip
Bigger isn’t always better.
For most couples visiting Lanzarote, a small hatchback is absolutely fine.
Roads are well maintained, distances are short and parking is often easier with a smaller vehicle.
Families may prefer something with extra luggage space, particularly if you’re travelling with pushchairs, beach equipment and multiple suitcases.
If you’re planning lots of sightseeing and longer drives, comfort becomes more important too.
Think about how you’ll actually use the vehicle rather than automatically choosing the cheapest or largest option available.
Tips for a smooth collection experience
There are a few simple things I always do when collecting a hire car.
First, I make sure I have all the required documents ready.
You’ll usually need your:
- Driving licence
- Passport or identification
- Physical credit card for the main driver – not Apple/Google Pay
Credit card
This is a big one to remember because I see it so often. So many people either forget their physical credit card, think they can use Apple or Google Pay, only take a debit card or only have a credit card in a different person’s name – which happens a lot in couples where one person makes the booking but the other person is driving!
Some hire car companies will allow you to use a debit card and they’ll take a huge deposit from your account and return it when you return the car. But not all companies allow this and it’s much easier to use a credit card.
If you’re looking for a good travel credit card, I highly recommend Monzo for travel. I actually use it for my personal account, business account, credit card and travelling now.
Send your main driver through security and luggage claim without you!
Now this is a little tip I’ve picked up after years of hiring cars abroad.
Send your main driver off the plane, through security and through luggage claim ASAP – even if it means they whizz off without the rest of the family/group. There’s often a queue at the car hire desk and it can take 10-15 minutes for each person in the queue to be seen. If 10 people on your flight are using the same car hire company and you’re last in the queue then you could be waiting 2 hours to collect your car.
Even if you look like a nutter running through the airport, trust me, it’s well worth it!
Inspect the vehicle
Once I’ve got the keys I inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving the car park.
I take photos and videos of every side of the car, including any existing scratches or damage. It only takes a couple of minutes and provides valuable evidence if any disputes arise later.
I also double-check the fuel level and understand exactly what fuel policy applies before driving away.
My experience hiring a car in Lanzarote
Every time I’ve visited Lanzarote, hiring a car has enhanced the experience enormously.
One trip in particular stands out.
We spent several days exploring areas we would never have reached using public transport. We drove through Timanfaya’s volcanic landscapes, stopped at tiny viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic and discovered quiet beaches that were almost empty. Our favourite beach is Papagayo which you couldn’t visit without a car or an organised tour.
When travelling with children, it’s especially helpful because plans can change quickly. If someone’s tired, hungry or desperately needs a toilet stop, you can adapt without worrying about bus timetables.
In terms of costs, I’ve generally found Lanzarote to be extremely affordable compared to some European destinations, especially outside peak holiday periods. I’ve hired small cars for around £12 a day!
Local driving tips for Lanzarote
Driving in Lanzarote is refreshingly straightforward.
Unlike the UK, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. This feels strange initially but most people adapt surprisingly quickly.
Roads are generally in excellent condition and major routes are clearly signposted.
There are no toll roads on the island, which keeps costs down and makes driving much simpler.
Parking is usually easy outside the busiest tourist areas, although popular beaches and attractions can become busy during peak season.
The driving culture is generally relaxed compared to many other European destinations. Drivers tend to be patient and courteous, which makes Lanzarote a great place for anyone nervous about driving abroad.
The main thing I would highlight is that locals don’t really use roundabouts so well. Everyone sits in the outside lane of a roundabout, regardless of where they’re getting off! It’s not a big deal, it’s just something to be aware of!
The best platforms for booking car hire in Lanzarote
There are plenty of options available but these are the platforms I would consider first.
EconomyBookings
EconomyBookings is particularly useful because it combines competitive pricing with clear information and customer reviews.
I like the fact that you can compare suppliers easily and make decisions based on both price and user ratings.
The booking process feels straightforward and transparent.
Skyscanner
Many travellers already use Skyscanner for flights and hotels, so checking car hire prices there makes sense too.
It’s easy to use and provides a good overview of available options.
Local rental companies
Lanzarote also has several local providers with strong reputations.
Sometimes they offer excellent value, but I still prefer starting with a comparison platform because it allows me to see multiple suppliers side by side.
Final verdict
Hiring a car in Lanzarote is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your holiday.
The island is compact, easy to drive around and packed with places that are much easier to reach when you have your own transport.
Like any travel booking, it’s worth paying attention to the details. Read the rental conditions, understand the insurance options and take a few minutes to compare suppliers properly.
For me, using a reliable comparison platform is the easiest way to simplify the process. It saves time, helps you compare prices and gives you a clearer picture of what you’re actually booking.
And once that’s sorted, you can focus on the fun part.
Because Lanzarote is an island that deserves to be explored, and having the freedom to do that on your own schedule is what makes a great holiday even better.
