fast ferry Betancuria Express Fred Olsen
fast ferry Betancuria Express
âš“ The Betancuria Express is the high-speed fast ferry with which Fred Olsen Express links the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura on one of the shortest and most frequent inter-island crossings in the Canary archipelago. Running between Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura), the Betancuria Express crosses the channel that separates the two islands in around 25–35 minutes, making her the quickest and easiest link between the two most visited holiday destinations in the south of the archipelago.
The ship is named after Betancuria, the first town founded in the Canaries and the old capital of Fuerteventura, in tribute to the history and cultural identity of the islands she connects. Her design as a high-speed catamaran allows her to run several services a day thanks to the short crossing, making her a genuine sea bridge between the islands.
Fred Olsen Express has been operating in the Canaries for decades and is the leading ferry operator on the archipelago's inter-island routes. The Betancuria Express is part of a fleet of catamaran fast ferries designed specifically for conditions in the Canary Atlantic: relatively sheltered waters in the southern channel, but with steady wind and conditions that demand ships with excellent manoeuvrability and comfort.
A name rooted in Canary history
Betancuria is a town in the interior of Fuerteventura founded around 1404 by the Norman conquistador Jean de Béthencourt, who gave his name to the whole island. It was Fuerteventura's first capital and for centuries its administrative, religious and cultural centre. Today it is home to one of the oldest churches in the Canaries — the Church of Santa María de Betancuria — and is a must-see for anyone touring the island. The ship carries its name in recognition of that historic legacy.
History and background of the ship
The Betancuria Express (IMO 9557848) was built in 2011 at the Austal Ships yard in Fremantle (Western Australia), hull number 246, as one of the largest high-speed catamarans in the world able to carry roll-on freight. Delivered in May 2011 to the Danish company Færger A/S under the name Leonora Christina, she spent seven years working in the Baltic Sea, linking the Danish island of Bornholm (Rønne) with Ystad (Sweden) — a lifeline route for the island's residents even in harsh winter storms.
In April 2018 she was bought by Fred. Olsen Express, which brought her from Scandinavia to the Canaries. After her interiors were refitted and she was repainted in the company livery, she was renamed the Betancuria Express, in tribute to the historic first capital of Fuerteventura. Since her debut in October 2018 she has worked exclusively on the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Morro Jable (Fuerteventura) route, where her enormous vehicle hold transformed freight and lorry traffic between the two islands. With capacity for 1,598 passengers and 357 vehicles, she is the largest catamaran in active service in the Fred. Olsen Express fleet.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | High-speed catamaran fast ferry |
| Length overall | 86 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~35 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~900 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars |
| Propulsion | High-speed diesel engines + waterjets |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Propulsion system | Waterjets |
| Shipyard | Incat (Australia) |
| Flag | Spain |
| Main route | Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) |
| Crossing time | ~25–35 minutes |
* Some technical figures are indicative and based on the ship's class. Check the official Fred Olsen data sheet for exact specifications.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual sailings* |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) → Corralejo (Fuerteventura) | ~25–35 min | Several sailings a day |
| Corralejo (Fuerteventura) → Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) | ~25–35 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Fred Olsen runs several sailings a day on this route. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
Playa Blanca and Corralejo: two ports worth knowing about
The Port of Playa Blanca sits at the southern tip of Lanzarote, some 35 km from Arrecife (the capital), which works out at roughly 30–35 minutes by car. It is a well-equipped harbour with car parking, facilities and easy access from the main holiday resorts in the south of the island (Playa Blanca, Yaiza, Playa Dorada).
The Port of Corralejo lies in the north of Fuerteventura, some 38 km from Puerto del Rosario (the capital) and very close to one of the island's most important holiday areas. The town of Corralejo is a destination in its own right, with restaurants, shops and access to the famous Corralejo dunes. If you are heading for the south of Fuerteventura (Morro Jable, Jandia), you will need a further drive of about 1 hour.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving at the port at least 45–60 minutes beforehand for car boarding. If you are a foot passenger, 20–30 minutes before departure is enough, though in high season it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Betancuria Express are particularly competitive given how short the crossing is. A foot-passenger ticket starts at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season. If you are taking a car, the total price (passenger + vehicle) usually falls between €50–80, depending on the size of the vehicle and the season.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a discount on inter-island routes. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) at boarding.
- Children: reduced fare for under-4s (usually free if they do not take up a seat) and a special price for children aged 4 to 12.
- Return tickets: Fred Olsen usually offers better combined prices when you book the outward and return legs at the same time.
- Early booking: the lowest fares come from booking well in advance, especially in summer and at Easter.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard Tourist class seat |
| With family or with children | Standard seat (a short crossing — you need nothing more) |
| Looking for more comfort and privacy | Fred Class (Premium / Business) |
| With a pet | Pet place (book when you buy your ticket) |
| With a large vehicle or a van | Special high-vehicle / van ticket |
fast ferry Betancuria Express · Accommodations
Tourist class · Standard
The cheapest option on the Betancuria Express. Comfortable seats in the main passenger area, with access to the outside deck and the café. Right for most travellers, given that the crossing lasts barely 25–35 minutes.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to the café
✓ Access to the outside deck
✓ Access to all public areas
Fred Class · Premium
A restricted-access passenger area with greater comfort, roomier seats and more space between rows. It comes with priority service and, on some sailings, a drink included. Ideal for anyone who values peace and extra space even on short crossings.
✓ Exclusive-access area
✓ Roomier seats with more legroom
✓ Priority service on board
✓ Priority boarding and disembarkation
fast ferry Betancuria Express · On-board services
Onboard café
The Betancuria Express has an onboard café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches. As the crossing lasts between 25 and 35 minutes, the range is designed for quick, practical eating. There is easily time for a coffee or a soft drink while you take in the views across the channel between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Outside deck
One of the finest experiences on the Betancuria Express is watching the crossing from the outside deck. The channel between Playa Blanca and Corralejo offers spectacular views of the Volcanoes Nature Park in Lanzarote, the Corralejo dunes and, on clear days, Teide National Park in Tenerife on the horizon. It is one of the most characterful stretches of water in the archipelago.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Betancuria Express has accessibility arrangements to make boarding and the time on board easier for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. If you need special assistance when boarding or disembarking, we recommend telling Fred Olsen Express in advance when you book, so that the crew can give you the help you need.
Frequently asked questions about the Betancuria Express
Which route does the Betancuria Express operate?
She works the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route with several sailings a day in both directions. It is the most frequent sea link between the two islands of the southern Canary channel.
How long does the ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura take?
The crossing between Playa Blanca and Corralejo takes around 25 to 35 minutes. It is one of the shortest and quickest inter-island routes in the whole Canary archipelago.
Does the Betancuria Express carry cars?
Yes. The Betancuria Express has a vehicle hold. If you are travelling by car, book a vehicle ticket at the time of purchase and get to the port at least 45–60 minutes beforehand.
How many times a day does the ferry to Fuerteventura sail?
Fred Olsen Express runs several sailings a day in both directions, and can top 10 services a day at peak times. Check the exact timetables in our search engine.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a discount on inter-island routes, including Playa Blanca–Corralejo. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) when boarding.
How much does a Betancuria Express ticket cost?
A foot-passenger ticket starts at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season. With a car, the total price usually falls between €50–80 depending on the size of the vehicle and the season. Compare real-time prices here.
Are pets allowed on the Betancuria Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on board. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the specific conditions on weight, type of pet and documents required with the operator before you board.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Betancuria Express has accessibility arrangements in place. If you need special assistance, tell Fred Olsen Express when you book so that the crew can give you the help you need when boarding and disembarking.
Which port in Lanzarote does the Betancuria Express sail from?
From the Port of Playa Blanca, in the south of Lanzarote, some 35 km from Arrecife (the capital). Getting there from the holiday resorts in the south of the island (Playa Blanca, Yaiza) is very straightforward.
Is Corralejo close to Fuerteventura's main destinations?
The Port of Corralejo is in the north of Fuerteventura, very close to the holiday town of Corralejo and its famous dunes. If you are heading for the south of the island (Morro Jable, Jandia, Costa Calma), you will need roughly 1 hour more by car from Corralejo.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 45–60 minutes before departure. Foot passengers: 20–30 minutes is enough in mid season. In July, August and at Easter we recommend allowing extra time.
Why is she called the Betancuria Express?
The ship is named after Betancuria, the first town founded in the Canaries and the old capital of Fuerteventura, in tribute to the history of the island she connects. It was founded by the Norman explorer Jean de Béthencourt around 1404 and is home to the oldest church in the archipelago.
