Save 60-80% with local companies like CICAR, AutoReisen & TopCar. Get insider pricing, insurance tips, and island-specific driving advice from a local expert.
Local companies like CICAR, AutoReisen, and TopCar offer 60-80% savings over international chains with superior service, comprehensive insurance included, and transparent pricing. Expect to pay €11-36 daily for economy cars with all-inclusive packages.
The Canary Islands offer some of Europe's best car rental experiences, with excellent local companies providing superior value compared to international chains. Each island presents unique landscapes and driving experiences, from Tenerife's dramatic volcanic routes to Fuerteventura's wind-swept coastal roads.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for 2025, including the best companies, current pricing, documentation requirements, and island-specific driving tips. We'll also show you how to avoid common tourist traps and save hundreds of euros on your rental.
Planning tip: Check current weather conditions before driving with our live webcams guide, and consider public transportation alternatives for resort-based stays.
The market leader with 15,000+ vehicles across 40+ locations on all seven islands. Founded in 1967 with 4-star Trustpilot rating from 26,000+ reviews.
Achieving 92% customer satisfaction in 2024 surveys, operating from five major airports with unique benefits.
40+ years of experience with transparent pricing and modern fleets including hybrid and electric options.
For Las Palmas: Autos Morenos - Excellent local company with competitive rates and personalized service in Gran Canaria's capital.
Budget-friendly option: TopCar.es - Often offers the best deals for longer rentals with reliable vehicles and straightforward booking.
While available, international chains often disappoint with:
Brands include: Hertz (71% satisfaction), Avis, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise. Recent reports include incorrect documentation requirements and service issues.
Book in June for 66% cheaper rates compared to December
Some major chains (notably Hertz) have incorrectly claimed universal IDP requirements for North American travelers, while other companies honor identical bookings immediately.
Tip: Always have IDP ready to avoid delays, but know your rights and consider local companies for consistent policy enforcement.
€70-150 annually
€3-12 daily
€15-40 daily (€183+ weekly)
CICAR, AutoReisen, and TopCar include comprehensive insurance in base pricing, eliminating excess charges that international chains use as profit centers.
Premium credit cards offer up to $50,000 coverage but typically as secondary insurance requiring upfront damage payments and lengthy reimbursement processes.
Best for: Experienced travelers comfortable with claim processes. Not ideal for: First-time renters or those wanting simple, immediate coverage.
Excellent highway infrastructure (TF-1, TF-5) covers 75% of perimeter, but includes dramatic mountain routes requiring skill and patience.
Features some of Europe's most winding mountain roads (GC-200, GC-210) through spectacular interior landscapes.
Ideal for international driving beginners with flat terrain and well-maintained roads.
Flat terrain ideal for beginners, but strong Sahara winds can affect high-sided vehicles.
These islands require advance booking due to smaller rental fleets and offer the most spectacular driving experiences.
Use metered systems, typically €1-3 hourly in urban areas
No payment required, but respect time limits
Swift enforcement with substantial fines
€80 fines for unclear violations near beach areas
€200 fines (€100 with early payment)
Follow blue "P" signs for reliable €1-3 hourly options
International chains charge €183+ weekly for coverage that third-party annual policies provide for €70-150 yearly.
Solution: Get annual third-party insurance or choose local companies with inclusive pricing.
Some companies incorrectly claim universal IDP requirements. Recent reports include Hertz denying rentals to properly licensed North Americans while other companies honor identical bookings.
Solution: Have IDP ready but know your rights. Consider local companies for consistent policy enforcement.
Rental companies charge premium rates for pre-purchase fuel options that local companies avoid through fair same-to-same policies.
Solution: Choose companies with transparent fuel policies. Avoid GoldCar and specific Thrifty locations known for scam attempts.
Failing to compare local versus international companies missing 60-80% savings and superior service quality.
Solution: Prioritize local companies (CICAR, AutoReisen, TopCar) for best value and service.
Airport pickup fees can be avoided by choosing off-site locations, while booking less than 4 days ahead consistently shows above-average pricing.
Solution: Book 4+ days in advance, consider off-airport locations accessible by short taxi rides.
While car rental offers the best flexibility for exploring the Canary Islands, public transportation provides viable alternatives for specific travel patterns and environmental considerations.
Detailed comparison: Check our comprehensive public transportation guide for routes, schedules, and cost comparisons across all islands.
Most comprehensive bus network with 100+ routes connecting major destinations. Excellent coverage for resort areas and main attractions.
Excellent tram service between Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Bus connections available but reliability issues reported in 2024 reviews.
Up to 16 daily crossings on popular routes. 25-minute Lanzarote-Fuerteventura connection. Operated by Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, Trasmediterranea.
Car rental becomes highly competitive with public transportation costs, especially for groups or travelers planning diverse itineraries across multiple island areas.
Public transport often cheaper for single destinations
Car rental competitive for multi-destination trips
Car rental almost always more economical
Remember: The Canary Islands reward vehicle-based exploration with access to experiences impossible through resort-based or public transportation travel. Choose wisely and explore freely!
Complete routes, schedules, and cost comparisons for buses, trams, and ferries across all Canary Islands.
Read the guide →Check real-time weather and road conditions before driving with our comprehensive webcam network.
View webcams →