Gran Canaria is one of Europe's top family holiday destinations, and the airport handles a steady stream of families year-round. The good news is that LPA is modern, well-organized, and the journey to most resorts is straightforward. The less good news is that the ride to the southern resort area is 30-45 minutes, and tired children in the wrong vehicle make that feel much longer.
The airport with children
Terminal B (international) is modern with clear signage in English. After luggage collection, you walk out into the arrivals hall where transfer drivers, car rental counters, and taxi signs are all clearly visible. The terminal is air-conditioned — important in Gran Canaria, where temperatures can be warm even on arrival.
There are baby-changing facilities in the terminal restrooms. A few shops sell snacks and drinks in the arrivals area. Free Wi-Fi is available if you need to message your transfer driver or check details.
Child seats
Spanish law requires child restraint systems for children under 135 cm. However, taxis in the Canary Islands are legally exempt from this requirement. That means your children can ride in a taxi without a car seat, but whether you are comfortable with that is your call — especially on a 40-minute motorway journey.
Pre-booked transfers can provide child seats (infant, toddler, or booster) on request. Specify the type and your child's age when booking. This is the safest approach for the longer rides to Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, or Puerto Rico.
If you prefer to bring your own car seat, any taxi or transfer will allow you to install it.
Package holiday coaches
If you booked a package through a tour operator, a shared coach transfer may be included. These are free but involve waiting at the airport for other passengers (sometimes 30-60 minutes) and making multiple hotel stops before yours. With small children, this can turn a 40-minute drive into a 90-minute ordeal. Consider whether the savings are worth the extra time with tired kids.
Choosing the right vehicle
A family of four with suitcases and a stroller fits in a sedan, but it is snug. For anything more — a third child, a pushchair and a car seat, sports equipment — a minivan is the practical choice. The price difference (roughly 15-25 EUR more) is small compared to the comfort gain on a half-hour motorway drive.
The bus with children
The Global bus (line 66 to the south) costs only 4-5 EUR per person, but it is not easy with small children and luggage. Luggage goes in the hold, you board with hand items, and seating is first-come. There are no child seats. With cooperative older children and light luggage, it works. With toddlers and heavy bags, it does not.
Practical tips
Bring a sun hat and water for the walk from terminal to vehicle — the Canarian sun is strong even in winter. Have your accommodation address ready to show the driver. If heading to a resort complex, know the exact building name, not just the resort — many large complexes have multiple entrances.
The family recommendation
For the short ride to Las Palmas, a taxi works fine even with kids. For the longer trip south to the resort strip, a pre-booked transfer with a child seat and enough luggage space is the most comfortable option — and it lets the holiday start the moment you walk out of the airport.