Hire a Car in Lanzarote, Spain With Competitive Prices and a Practical UK Traveller’s Guide

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID and the payment card used for the booking. Some suppliers require a credit card for the deposit even if you prepaid.

Check insurance and excess terms carefully: Confirm what’s included (CDW/theft protection) and the excess amount. If you add excess cover, verify whether it’s supplier-provided (deducted at desk) or third‑party (claim-back).

Ask about unpaved/gravel road restrictions: Popular spots (e.g., some beach access tracks) may involve rough surfaces. Many hire contracts exclude damage on unsealed roads—check before driving onto gravel.

Plan fuel stops outside the smallest villages: Fuel stations are common around Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. In rural areas in the north/west, opening hours can be limited—top up before heading out.

Drive with extra care in strong winds: Lanzarote can be very windy, especially near Famara and open coastal roads. Keep both hands on the wheel and be cautious when overtaking or passing cyclists.

Start early for Timanfaya and major attractions: Timanfaya queues build quickly mid-morning. Arriving early can reduce waiting time and helps you avoid the busiest coach periods.

Use car parks and walk into historic centres: Old-town streets in places like Teguise and parts of Arrecife can be narrow. Parking on the edge and walking in is often quicker and less stressful.

Pre-book child seats and confirm fitting: If travelling with children, reserve seats in advance and check the condition and size on collection. Allow a few minutes at pickup to fit and test them properly.