Lanzarote car hire is the best way to explore the island at your own pace. This guide covers the most trusted rental companies, prices, insurance and driving tips — written for visitors staying in Playa Blanca.
It depends on what you want to do. If you’re planning to stay in the resort, the answer is no. Playa Blanca is compact and walkable, with a good local bus service, taxis and the seafront promenade connecting most areas.
However, if you want to explore the wider island, Lanzarote car hire is hard to beat. Attractions like Timanfaya National Park, the La Geria wine region, the northern caves and viewpoints, and the quieter beaches are not easily reached by public transport. Lanzarote is small — just 60km by 25km — so you can cover the whole island in a day.
We recommend using local Canarian car hire companies rather than international brokers. They typically offer fully comprehensive insurance with no excess, no credit card deposit, a second driver included free of charge, and unlimited mileage — all as standard. This avoids the hidden charges and excess traps that some of the bigger international brands are known for.
The three companies our guests use most are:
The largest local car hire group in the Canary Islands. Cabrera Medina and Cicar are the same company — both names appear on their offices. They have multiple pick-up points across Lanzarote, including the airport, Playa Blanca and the ferry port. Well-maintained cars, friendly staff and straightforward terms. No excess, no deposit.
Another highly regarded local company with a loyal following among returning visitors. Autoreisen offers the same no-excess, no-deposit model. They also operate across the other Canary Islands, so if you’ve used them in Tenerife or Gran Canaria, you’ll know what to expect. Cars are generally well maintained. Book online and pay on collection.
A smaller, well-reviewed local company. PlusCar doesn’t have a desk at the airport, but they meet you in the airport car park, which is quick and easy. They also have an office in Playa Blanca for resort pick-up. Similar terms to the other local companies — fully comprehensive insurance included, no excess, free second driver.
Lanzarote car hire prices vary depending on the season, car type and how far in advance you book. As a rough guide, expect to pay between €15 and €25 per day for a standard car from a local company when booked in advance for a week or more. Peak season (Christmas, Easter and July–August) is more expensive. Last-minute bookings can also be pricier and availability may be limited.
Our tip: book early, compare prices directly on the company websites, and avoid third-party brokers where possible. You can also use DiscoverCars to compare local and international companies side by side.
This is where local companies really shine. With Cabrera Medina, Autoreisen and PlusCar, the following is typically included as standard:
Standard exceptions across all companies typically include misfuelling, damage to the underside of the car, tyre damage, and loss of keys. Some companies offer an optional upgrade (around €2/day) that covers key loss. Always read the terms when booking, but you’ll find local companies are refreshingly transparent compared to the international brands.
Driving on the island is easy and stress-free. Here are a few things to know:
For more detail on driving laws, see our driving in Lanzarote guide.
One common question about Lanzarote car hire is whether you can take the vehicle on the ferry to Fuerteventura. Some local companies — including Cabrera Medina and Autoreisen — do allow this, provided you notify them in advance and return the car to Lanzarote. However, policies can change, so check when booking. It can also be simpler and cheaper to travel as a foot passenger and hire a separate car in Corralejo for the day.
We hope this Lanzarote car hire guide has been useful. For more tips on getting around, browse our Lanzarote Travel Guide or visit our FAQs page.