Europe > Spain > La Palma (SPC)
The Car or no Car advice for La Palma can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in La Palma ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in La Palma ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in La Palma?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
La Palma without a car 🚶♀️🚌
It is possible to get around La Palma without renting a car, especially if you base yourself in Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Llanos de Aridane. Local buses cover most towns and connect with the airport, but services are infrequent and journeys are slow.
Distances are short in kilometres but long in time. Roads climb steeply and descend sharply, which makes bus travel indirect. If your plans focus on towns, coastal walks, or organised excursions, public transport can work, but flexibility is limited.
Why a rental car is so useful 🚗⛰️
La Palma is one of the most rewarding Canary Islands to explore by car. A rental vehicle makes it easy to reach Caldera de Taburiente National Park, high-altitude viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and remote villages that buses rarely serve.
Driving here is generally relaxed. Roads are well engineered, traffic is light, and although some routes are winding, they are rarely stressful. A car also allows you to follow weather patterns, moving above cloud cover or around the island to find sunshine.
Airport access and touring ✈️
La Palma Airport is close to Santa Cruz, but onward travel by bus adds time and complexity. Car rental at the airport is straightforward and often the most efficient option, especially for shorter stays.
Conclusion – should you rent a car in La Palma?
Yes, for most visitors. While buses exist, La Palma’s landscapes are its greatest asset, and a rental car gives you the freedom to experience them fully, at your own pace 🌋✨
