Lanzarote Considers Temporary Taxi Licences to Ease Summer Waiting Times
Visitors and residents in Lanzarote could soon benefit from shorter taxi waiting times during the busy summer season, after the Cabildo de Lanzarote and SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote called on local councils to consider introducing temporary taxi licences.
The proposal comes after reports of long queues in several popular tourist areas, particularly around Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca, where demand for taxis has regularly exceeded the number of vehicles available during peak holiday periods.
Why Are Temporary Taxi Licences Being Proposed?
Every summer, Lanzarote welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors, putting additional pressure on public transport services. While the island’s taxi drivers work extended hours during the busiest months, demand can still outstrip supply in tourist hotspots, marina areas, hotels and shopping districts.
The island government believes local councils already have legal options available that would allow them to issue temporary monthly taxi licences during periods of exceptionally high demand. These licences would provide additional vehicles and qualified drivers without permanently increasing the number of taxi licences issued on the island.
Helping Both Tourists and Residents
Officials say the proposal is intended to improve transport for everyone.
Long waits for taxis don’t only affect holidaymakers heading back to hotels after a day out—they can also make everyday journeys more difficult for residents travelling to work, appointments or other destinations.
The Cabildo has stressed that improving transport links is important for maintaining Lanzarote’s reputation as a welcoming holiday destination while also supporting local communities.
Focus on Peak Demand Rather Than Permanent Expansion
Rather than permanently increasing taxi numbers across the island, the proposal focuses on providing extra capacity only when it’s genuinely needed.
Temporary licences could be activated during the busiest parts of the summer or for major events, allowing municipalities to respond more flexibly to seasonal demand.
The Cabildo has also encouraged councils and the taxi sector to continue working together on additional measures that could improve coordination and the availability of vehicles during busy periods.
Part of a Wider Transport Strategy
The latest proposal follows recent changes aimed at improving taxi services across Lanzarote.
Earlier this month, new regulations introduced the concept of designated “Sensitive Areas”, allowing additional taxi resources to be deployed in locations such as César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport and Los Mármoles Port when passenger demand becomes exceptionally high. The temporary licence proposal would complement these measures by helping councils respond to seasonal pressure in other busy tourist locations.
What Happens Next?
At this stage, the proposal is a request from the Cabildo and SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote for the island’s municipalities to assess whether temporary licences should be introduced within their own areas.
Each local council will decide whether to adopt the measure, taking into account local demand, operational requirements and discussions with the taxi industry.
If approved, visitors travelling around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and other busy resorts could see improved taxi availability during the remainder of the summer season.
What This Means for Visitors
If you’re planning a holiday in Lanzarote, it’s still worth allowing extra time when booking taxis during busy evenings, weekends and peak holiday periods. However, if temporary licences are introduced, waiting times could improve significantly in the island’s busiest tourist areas.
