Lanzarote Airport Terminals
Lanzarote Airport, officially César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), is the primary air gateway to the island, located just 5 km from Arrecife. Its origins trace back to the 1940s, when a basic airfield was established to connect Lanzarote with the rest of the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The airport saw significant expansion in the 1970s with the rise of tourism, and the current main terminal (T1) opened in 1999 to handle increasing passenger numbers. The original terminal now serves as an aviation museum, reflecting the airport’s historical significance in the region.
Terminal Layout and Description
Lanzarote Airport consists of two passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal, handling all international and most domestic flights. T1 is divided into two levels: the upper floor is for departures, with 42 check-in desks, security, and access to a wide range of shops and restaurants; the ground floor is for arrivals, featuring baggage claim, car rental, and passport control. The terminal is modern, spacious, and designed for efficient passenger flow.
- Terminal 2 (T2): A smaller terminal dedicated to inter-island flights within the Canary Islands, mainly served by Binter and Canaryfly. T2 is on a single level, offering a straightforward layout and quick transfers for regional travelers.
Both terminals are within walking distance, making connections between inter-island and international flights easy and hassle-free.
Shops and Restaurants
Lanzarote Airport offers a diverse selection of shops and eateries, especially in T1. Travelers can browse duty-free stores like Lanzarote Duty Free and Lanzarote Arrivalshop for perfumes, cosmetics, local products, and gifts. For fashion and accessories, shops such as Parfois and Sunglass Hut are available.
When it comes to dining, options range from international fast food to local flavors. Notable venues include:
- Burger King and KFC for quick bites
- Camden Food and Upper Crust for healthier options and sandwiches
- Gambrinus and La Isla Gourmet for tapas and local specialties
- Coffee Republic and Caffè Ritazza for coffee and pastries
- Pizza Hut and Wok Street for international cuisine
In T2, services are more limited, but you’ll find Caffè di Fiore for coffee and light snacks.
For gluten-free travelers, Burger King and Pans & Company in T1 offer some gluten-free menu items.
Services
Both terminals provide a range of passenger services designed for comfort and convenience:
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, making it easy to stay connected.
- ATMs and currency exchange can be found in both arrivals and departures areas.
- Children’s play area is located in T1, ideal for families traveling with kids.
- VIP Lounge: T1 offers a VIP lounge with business amenities, snacks, and a quiet space to relax before your flight. Economy passengers can access it for a fee.
- Medical services are available in T1 for emergencies.
- Information desks are located in both T1 and T2, with a tourist information center in T1 arrivals.
- Duty-free shopping is extensive in T1, with a smaller selection in T2.
- Baggage carts and luggage wrapping services are available for passenger convenience.
- Observation deck: Enjoy plane spotting and panoramic views of the airport from the observation area.
- Exhibition space: T2 hosts a Leisure and Culture Hall with rotating exhibitions.
Overnight stays inside the airport are not permitted, so plan to book a nearby hotel if you have a long layover or early flight.
Popular Flights and Airlines
The airport’s busiest routes connect Lanzarote with major UK cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham), Germany (Frankfurt, Düsseldorf), Madrid, Barcelona, and other Canary Islands. Typical flight durations are about 4 hours to the UK and Germany, 2.5 hours to Madrid, and under 1 hour to Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Leading airlines include Jet2.com, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI Airways, British Airways, Vueling, and Binter.
Book your car rental in advance and pick it up directly in the arrivals area for a smoother start to your trip.
Lanzarote Airport’s modern facilities, wide range of services, and diverse shopping and dining options make it a comfortable and efficient starting point for any journey to or from the island.