Canary Islands: Ferry Ticket Lanzarote/Fuerteventura

The best part of this island transfer is its sheer simplicity: Playa Blanca to Corralejo takes about 35 minutes, turning a two-island holiday into one easy trip. You exchange your booking for a boarding pass at the ticket office, then cross the Bocayna Strait on the Bungavilla ferry.

I like the six daily departure times and the choice of indoor, outdoor, or solarium seating. I also like that a return ticket does not have to be used on the same day, giving you room to plan a longer stay on either island. The main catch is the fixed boat and time: changing to another crossing at the harbor can cost extra, and rough seas may make the short ride uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• 35-minute crossing: The ferry links Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with Corralejo in Fuerteventura across the Bocayna Strait.
• Six departures each way: You can choose from several daily sailing times when booking.
• Bungavilla boat only: Your ticket is valid exclusively on the named boat and selected time.
• Three seating areas: Pick indoor seating, the outside deck, or the solarium for more sun.
• One-way or return choices: A return ticket can be used on a later day, not just for a same-day trip.
• No car transport: This is a passenger ferry ticket, with food and drinks also sold separately.

Why this short ferry ride is so useful

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura sit close together, yet they offer different holiday moods. A ferry ride lets you pair them without arranging a flight, changing airports, or spending much of your day in transit. The route from Playa Blanca to Corralejo is short enough to work as a day trip, but the return ticket also suits a longer stay.

At about $23 per person, the advertised price is attractive for a one-way crossing. The real value depends on how you use it. If you are already staying near Playa Blanca or Corralejo, the ferry can be a practical way to add another island without buying a separate transport package. If you need pickup from your hotel, a rental car, or help getting around after arrival, those costs are outside this booking.

The crossing itself is the experience, not a guided tour. There is no guide or island commentary included. Instead, you get a fast sea transfer with views across the narrow strait, a choice of seating, and the freedom to explore once you reach the other side.

Playa Blanca to Corralejo: what happens at the port

Your starting point depends on the option you book, but the usual route connects Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Allow time to find the correct ticket office and exchange your booking for a boarding pass before you board.

This step deserves more attention than it might seem. A booking confirmation is not the same thing as the boarding pass, so do not walk straight to the vessel without checking in at the ticket office. Bring your passport or ID card, as this is listed as required travel documentation.

The ticket office process can be smooth, but it is worth being clear about the operator and boat name. One passenger had an initial mix-up at the quayside after being directed to several offices before returning to the Fred. Olsen Express office and getting the tickets issued. My practical advice is simple: have your booking details ready, ask directly for Fred. Olsen Express and the Bungavilla service, and do not leave the port area until you have the correct boarding passes.

The meeting point may vary by booking option. Check the exact instructions attached to your reservation rather than relying on a general map pin.

A 35-minute crossing across the Bocayna Strait

Once aboard, you have around half an hour to settle in. The Bungavilla has about 250 seats, so this is a sizable passenger ferry rather than a tiny boat ride. You can sit inside for shelter, head outside for the sea breeze, or use the solarium if you want more sun.

The outside areas are the best choice for views. The Bocayna Strait is narrow enough that the crossing feels like a true link between two neighboring islands rather than a long open-sea voyage. You can watch the coastline recede, feel the wind, and take photographs as the ferry moves between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

The indoor deck makes more sense if the sun is strong, the wind picks up, or you prefer a steady seat away from the spray. The solarium suits passengers who want to spend the ride in the sun, though conditions can change quickly on the water.

An onboard cafeteria is available if you want a snack or drink. These purchases are not included, so bring your expectations down to a simple ferry café rather than a full meal service. The trip is short enough that many people will not need anything, but the option is useful if you arrive at the port without refreshments.

What rough water can feel like

A 35-minute crossing sounds easy, and it usually is, but the sea can change the mood of the trip. Rough water has made the boat rise and fall noticeably, turning a quick transfer into an uncomfortable ride for some passengers.

The crew has been praised for helping people feel at ease during choppy conditions and for explaining the transport arrangements clearly. That matters on a short crossing because there is little time to settle in before you arrive, and nervous passengers benefit from calm, practical assistance.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully about the day’s conditions and your preferred seat. The provided information does not specify seasickness facilities or medical support, so I would not treat this as a guaranteed smooth ride. The ferry is described as safe and comfortable, but comfort on the water depends partly on the weather.

On calm days, the ride is a pleasant part of the outing. On rough days, it is best viewed as a necessary transfer rather than a scenic cruise.

Choosing the right departure time

There are six daily departure times from each island. That gives you useful freedom, especially if you are planning a day trip from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura or the other way around.

For a day trip, choose an early outbound sailing and a later return. The exact departure times available to you appear during booking, so check the full schedule before committing to plans on shore. A crossing at the wrong time can leave you with too little time on the island, while a well-chosen schedule gives you a full afternoon to explore.

The return option is more flexible than many visitors expect. You do not have to return on the same day, so you can spend several nights on the second island if your accommodation is arranged there. This makes the ticket useful for island hopping, not just for a quick excursion.

Pay close attention to the selected time. The ticket is valid only on the Bungavilla at the time chosen during booking. If you decide at the harbor that you want an earlier crossing, an extra charge may apply. One reported change cost €8 per person, so I would not assume that a spare seat on another departure means a free change.

One-way or return ticket?

A one-way ticket works well if you are moving on to a separate accommodation booking or already know how you will return. It also keeps the initial cost lower, although you will need to arrange and pay for the opposite crossing separately.

The return ticket is the safer choice for a day trip because it secures both legs at once. It also gives you the option of returning on a different day, which is helpful if your plans include an overnight stay.

Do not confuse flexibility of date with unlimited flexibility of departure time. The return ticket can be used later than the outbound journey, but the selected crossing time still matters. Check the conditions before changing your plans at the port.

What you will not get with this ticket

This booking covers the ferry crossing only. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, no food or drink, and no car transportation.

That last point is important. You are booking a passenger ferry seat, not a vehicle ferry service. If you plan to bring a rental car, this option will not cover it. You will also need to make your own arrangements from Corralejo or Playa Blanca after arrival.

For a simple island transfer, that limited scope is reasonable. You pay for the crossing and handle the rest yourself. For a first-time visitor who wants a fully arranged excursion, the lack of transfers may feel less convenient.

How much value do you get for $23?

At the listed price of $23 per person, the ferry offers good value if you need a straightforward connection between the islands. The journey is short, several departures are available, and the return option can support either a day visit or a longer stay.

The price looks especially fair when you compare it with the time involved in alternative transport arrangements. You avoid airport procedures and can spend the crossing looking at the sea rather than sitting in a terminal. Still, the final cost may be higher if you buy food onboard, need local transport at either port, or change to another sailing.

The booking also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful if your island plans depend on weather or accommodation, but they do not remove the need to check the selected crossing time carefully.

Who should book this ferry?

I would choose this transfer if you want to visit both islands without overcomplicating the journey. It suits independent visitors who are happy to reach the port themselves, handle their own island plans, and travel with a passport or ID card.

It is also a good fit for:

• A day trip between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
• A longer island-hopping holiday
• Visitors who prefer a quick ferry to a flight
• Families or couples who want indoor and outdoor seating choices
• Passengers who value several departure times
• Anyone who wants to avoid booking a car transfer as part of the ferry ticket

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed smooth ride, hotel pickup, or car transport. I would also avoid a tight schedule that depends on changing boats at the last minute, since a time change can bring an extra fee.

Should you book the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura ferry?

Yes, if your priority is a fast and reasonably priced island connection. The 35-minute crossing, six daily departures, and flexible return ticket make it a practical choice, and the views across the Bocayna Strait add a pleasant touch.

Book with care: confirm the port, bring your passport or ID card, exchange your booking for a boarding pass, and note that the Bungavilla and selected time are fixed. If you can live with those rules and arrange your own transport on land, this ferry is an efficient way to add another Canary Island to your trip.

FAQ

How long is the ferry crossing?

The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura.

How many ferry departures are available?

There are six daily departure times from each island. Check availability during booking for the exact starting times.

Can I book a one-way ticket?

Yes. You can choose a one-way ferry ticket or a return ticket, depending on the option selected.

Can I return on a different day?

Yes. If you choose a return ticket, you do not have to return on the same day.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although an onboard cafeteria is available.

Can I take a car on this ferry ticket?

No. Car transportation is not included. This booking is for a passenger ferry ticket.

What documents should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card. You must also exchange your booking for a boarding pass at the ticket office before boarding.