Reaching it from Barcelona is an immense adventure by itself. You are departing from the hustle and bustle and excitement of Spain’s mainland to arrive at the relaxed atmosphere of the Canary Islands. The twist? To fly or take the boat. Both in theory are amazing, but they turn out to be very different when you reach down to the details.
Flying from Barcelona to Gran Canaria
If you’re the kind of traveler who just wants to get there and start your vacation, then flying is the obvious choice.
Time: Direct flights take about 3 hours and 30 minutes, give or take depending on the wind. That’s pretty quick considering it’s over 2,000 km of distance.
Airlines: Vueling, Ryanair, Iberia, and sometimes Binter Canarias cover the route. Vueling and Ryanair usually have the cheapest fares.
Cost: You usually get a ticket from as little as €50–€70 one way if you book in advance. Summer or holidays? Don’t even consider it, you’ll be looking at around €150+.
The Good
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Hands down the quickest way to get there.
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Multiple flights a day, so you can pick a time to suit.
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If you’re lucky with promotions, it can be really cheap.
The Not-So-Good
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Airports are stressful (security, queuing, waiting).
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Budget airlines adore to sock it to you with bag charges.
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Seriously, views are really not much other than ocean and clouds.
Taking the Ferry from Barcelona to Gran Canaria
This is the option for the holiday-makers, or perhaps the ones who enjoy the trip as much as the destination.
Time: Set your timer for a 2–3 day journey. Yes, that’s correct. You’re sailing across the Atlantic here, so no nighttime flying.
Trasmediterránea and Fred. Olsen occasionally operate this route, but there aren’t as frequent non-stop ferries from Barcelona. Some take it all the way to Cádiz or Huelva and then take a shorter hop from there.
Cost: Regular tickets are around €150–€250, and if you’re taking a car, it’s closer to €400–€500.
The Good
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Unique experience—you’ll actually feel like you’re getting somewhere.
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You are allowed to drive your car, which is great if you are taking a road trip in the Canary Islands.
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The Ferries typically have cabins, restaurants, and even entertainment on board.
The Not-So-Good
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Let’s be honest: it takes time, a lot of time.
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Limited schedules, so you cannot book whenever you want.
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Costly compared to flying except when shipping a car.
So, Flight or Ferry?
Honestly, if you’re only here for a week or two, fly. It’s quicker, more convenient, and typically less expensive. The majority of people opt for this method without hesitation.
However, if you would be so kind, driving here, or if you prefer to take the trip itself as part of a holiday activity, the ferry is an experience worth having once in a lifetime. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is a tale to tell.
Quick Tips
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Book early – flights and ferries become more expensive the later your booking is.
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Check for bag charges if taking a budget flight. That €50 ticket can set you back €120 at times.
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Look to Cádiz or Huelva for the ferry if Barcelona’s not in your plans.
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Organize buffer days if you catch the ferry—you never know with the sea.
Final Thoughts
It is simple enough to travel to Gran Canaria from Barcelona, but how you do it completely alters the vibe of your holiday. Flying is convenient and straightforward, while taking the ferry is slow and something to keep in mind. It is quite a holiday lifestyle decision. Do you turn up in good time and begin downing sangria on the beach, or do you make the crossing part of the experience?
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