Reader Neil contacted us recently to ask us to provide more information on our videos relating to using the bus service. We had to be honest with him – we don’t use the buses here, so we’re not experts. The reason is we live in a rural area that doesn’t have a great bus service, so we go everywhere by car or bike.
Neil very kindly agreed to write about his experiences on the buses, and it’s super helpful!
Guest article by Neil Luscombe
These are my observations, with a little knowledge, regarding buses in Lanzarote.
I have noticed lots of anxiety at bus stops and on board buses, partly I think due to people not using buses in their own country, let alone in another country with a different language.
I would suggest if you are going to any sort of trip and you fancy catching the bus download the APP (Intercity bus Lanzarote).
You can also download the Moovit App which will help with journey planning, especially if the journey requires a change of bus. (Contains painful pop up adverts.) Search “Moovit” on your relevant app store.
The inter city bus app has lots of features including routes and timetables from end stops only. It also allows you to track the next bus at any stop. You can get the iPhone app: iOS app and the Android app: Android app.
If you are going to use the bus regularly during your holiday you could buy a Bono General card which offers a 10% discount off the ticket price. These can be purchased on board from the driver with anything up to 50 euros. Most buses are now equipped with debit card readers or you can use cash but you cannot present any note over 10 euros for payment that requires change.
Timetables at the bus stops can be a bit confusing to start with, but are laid out differently that a standard UK one, but once you get the hang of them, they make sense.
Having said that if you are using one of the busier routes, like the No3 that runs from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise via Arrecife, in peak times the buses are very busy and I would use the timetable as a guide only because extra buses run, to try to shift the crowds. But is common for those buses to bunch so it is not unusual for there to be some gaps.
Expect the bus to be busy. Buses will normally stop at all bus stops, but if you want to be sure, put your hand out. Always check the destination screen, so you know you are getting on the right bus!! If the bus is already full the display will tell you and it may not stop. You may find yourself in an informal queue, we have always found letting older or less able people on first if you can earns you a smile, we tend to try and let workers on before us if that is possible, but there are no rules.
If you have suitcases or pushchairs they need to be stowed in the under floor lockers and not taken on board.
All buses have stepped entrances, so that may be something to consider if you are less mobile.
Once you approach the driver using the front door of the bus, he or she needs to know where you want to go and how many tickets you need (All tickets are singles) Most drivers have some English but it is good practice to make some attempt at saying Hello followed by requesting the destination you require and number of people travelling and saying please in Spanish it will be appreciated. If you are paying Cash you will be issued with a ticket.
Once on board, hold on tight, busses will move off quickly, then find a seat, the front row of seats is reserved for people with limited mobility. You may find locals sat on aisle seats while the window seat is left empty. One reason for this is it is hotter in the widow seats but also loan females do not want to get trapped in the inside seat, if you ask they are always happy for you to take the empty seat.
To get the bus to stop you will need to press the bell, to help you with this all the buses have an audio visual display which show next stop information. Once the bus stops use the centre door to exit.
I think that the buses are good value but some short journeys, especially with Children and bags are probably best taken by taxi, because they are also good value.
Thank you Neil!
