ferry Buganvilla Express Fred Olsen
ferry Buganvilla Express
âš“ The Buganvilla Express is the newest catamaran mini-ferry in the Fred Olsen Express fleet and one of the most advanced of her kind in the Canary Islands. Built for foot passengers only, with no vehicle deck, she links Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) with Corralejo (Fuerteventura) in just 35 minutes, with up to 10 departures a day. She is the ideal ship for island-hopping day trips: more than 63% of her passengers use her for a quick getaway and come back the same day.
She was handed over in July 2024 after being built at the Rodman Polyships shipyard in Vigo (Pontevedra) at a cost of €3.5 million. She is a Rodman 80, the third in Fred Olsen Express's fleet of mini-ferries devoted exclusively to carrying passengers, and she joins the original Buganvilla — in service since 2022 — on the same route. Her arrival took the daily service from 8 to 12 crossings between the two easternmost islands of the Canary archipelago.
In her first year of service she completed 2,300 sailings and carried more than 103,000 passengers, confirming the Playa Blanca–Corralejo route as one of the busiest inter-island corridors in the Canaries for residents and holidaymakers alike.
A name with Canarian flowers behind it
The name Buganvilla refers to the bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), an ornamental climber with vivid flowers that fills the gardens and house fronts of the Canary Islands, and Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in particular. The word "Express" sums up what the ship is for: speed and frequency of service for tourism and inter-island travel. She takes back the name of the earlier catamaran the operator chartered on the same route, which became simply "Buganvilla" when the new ship arrived.
History and background of the ship
The Buganvilla Express is the second passenger-only mini-ferry run by Fred. Olsen Express on the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote)–Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route. She was built between 2023 and 2024 at the Rodman Polyships yard in Vigo (Galicia), her hull a Rodman 80 model in glass-reinforced polyester — materials that keep the weight down and cut fuel consumption. She is the second ship in the operator's fleet built entirely in Spain.
She left the Vigo yard on 16 July 2024, completing an Atlantic passage of more than 1,500 km to Lanzarote, and entered commercial service on 22 July 2024. She took over from the catamaran Benchi Express on this channel — which returned to its original route in La Gomera — and was given the name Buganvilla Express, bringing back the brand's historic name for the Bocaina corridor. Since her debut she has worked exclusively for Fred. Olsen Express, focusing on day-trip tourism and foot passengers and working in tandem with the Buganvilla to provide up to 12 sailings a day between the two ships.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Catamaran mini-ferry · passengers only |
| Model | Rodman 80 |
| Length overall | 26.2 m |
| Beam | 9.80 m |
| Depth | 3.40 m |
| Maximum draught | 1.57 m |
| Maximum speed | 20 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 250 people |
| Vehicle capacity | Passengers only (no vehicles) · room for 8 bicycles |
| Propulsion | 2 × Caterpillar C32 ACERT · 1,081 kW (1,470 hp) each at 2,300 rpm |
| Fuel capacity | 4 × 4,000 litres |
| Fresh water capacity | 2 × 400 litres |
| Passenger decks | 2 (inside deck + open deck) |
| Hull material | FRP (glass-reinforced plastic) |
| Shipyard | Rodman Polyships · Meira, Moaña (Pontevedra) |
| Year built | 2024 |
| Entered service | 22 July 2024 |
| Flag | Spain |
| MMSI | 225998459 |
| Investment | €3.5 million |
| Place in the fleet | 3rd passenger-only mini-ferry in the Fred Olsen Express fleet |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Departures* |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) → Corralejo (Fuerteventura) | 35 min | ~5 sailings/day |
| Corralejo (Fuerteventura) → Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) | 35 min | ~5 sailings/day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The Buganvilla Express currently offers up to 10 connections a day between the two islands. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
The ports: Playa Blanca and Corralejo
The Buganvilla Express works exclusively between two strategic ports in the eastern Canary Islands:
Port of Playa Blanca (Lanzarote): at the southern tip of Lanzarote, some 35 km from Arrecife (the island capital) and around 12 km from Lanzarote airport. It is the closest boarding point to the resort area in the south of the island. Right beside the port you will find the seafront promenade with its restaurants and shops. The ship uses the mini-ferry quay, separate from the terminal for the vehicle-carrying fast ferries.
Port of Corralejo (Fuerteventura): on the north coast of Fuerteventura, facing the islet of Lobos. Corralejo is about 26 km from Puerto del Rosario (the island capital) and around 40 km from the airport. It is one of the island's main resort towns, known for the Corralejo dunes and its beaches. The port mixes fishing boats with a lively promenade of restaurants and shops.
The distance between the two ports is a mere 13 kilometres (7 nautical miles), which makes the Buganvilla Express one of the shortest and most frequent crossings in the whole Canary archipelago. It is the perfect option if you want to visit the neighbouring island for the day without taking a car.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Buganvilla Express starts at roughly €20 each way on the standard fare. As this is a 35-minute crossing with no vehicles on board, it is one of the most affordable options anywhere on the Fred Olsen Express network.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Canary Islands. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a foreigner's identity number (NIE). This is the biggest discount of all and it applies to passenger tickets (not to vehicles, although this ship carries none in any case).
- Under-25s: reduced fare for young travellers. Check availability when you buy your ticket.
- Over-60s: special fare for senior passengers.
- Groups: dedicated group discounts. Check the conditions through the Fred Olsen Express sales channels.
- Saver packages: Fred Olsen Express offers discounted same-day return packages, put together with day trippers in mind.
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 seat on the inside deck |
| Keen to enjoy the views and the sunshine | Open deck |
| With family and children | Inside deck (children's area) + open deck |
| With a pet | Pet place (book when you buy your ticket) |
| With a bicycle | Standard ticket + bicycle place booked in advance (up to 8) |
ferry Buganvilla Express · Accommodations
Inside Deck
An air-conditioned passenger lounge with standard seats. The most comfortable choice if the weather turns or if you are travelling with small children, as it includes a children's area, a snack bar, a shop and personal entertainment systems.
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Wi-Fi on board
✓ USB ports for charging devices
✓ Snack bar and onboard shop
✓ Children's area with interactive projector
✓ Personal entertainment system on board
Open Deck
The most popular choice with holidaymakers when the weather is fine. It lets you take in the sea, the Corralejo dunes and Lanzarote's volcanic landscape as you cross. Very much in demand in summer.
✓ Panoramic views over the Atlantic
✓ Open-air area on the upper deck
✓ Free access for every passenger with a standard ticket
Bicycle Place
The Buganvilla Express has room for up to 8 bicycles on board. A perfect option for cycle tourists who want to explore Lanzarote and Fuerteventura on two wheels without depending on a vehicle ferry. You must book the bicycle place when you buy your ticket.
✓ Room for up to 8 bicycles
✓ Booking compulsory when you buy your ticket
✓ Ideal for inter-island cycling routes
ferry Buganvilla Express · On-board services
Snack bar, shop and entertainment
For all her compact size, the Buganvilla Express offers a full range of onboard services for the 35-minute crossing:
Open deck: the best views of the strait
The open deck of the Buganvilla Express is one of her great advantages over conventional vehicle ferries. From up there you get spectacular views of the Corralejo Dunes Nature Park, the islet of Lobos and Lanzarote's volcanic skyline. It is the space holidaymakers head for first on sunny days.
Children's area and games room
Travelling with a dog on board (pet-friendly)
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Buganvilla Express was designed from the outset to be accessible to every passenger, making it easier to move around on board. Fred Olsen Express complies with the accessibility rules that apply to passenger vessels. If you have particular mobility needs, we recommend contacting the operator when you book so that they can give you the best position on board and make boarding easier.
Connectivity on board — Wi-Fi and USB charging
Every indoor area of the Buganvilla Express offers:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the crossing
- USB ports at the seats for charging electronic devices
- A personal entertainment system on board (Fred Olsen Express's On Board Club): live TV, digital newspapers, films, series and music
- Journey information you can check from your phone
Sustainability: the "In Harmony with the Sea" programme
The Buganvilla Express forms part of Fred Olsen Express's environmental commitment through its "In Harmony with the Sea" programme, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands 2030 Agenda. The operator currently has more than 90 environmental projects and measures under way:
- FRP construction: resin-reinforced glass fibre reduces the weight of the hull, which lowers fuel consumption compared with equivalent steel hulls.
- Energy efficiency: high-efficiency Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, optimised for short, high-frequency routes.
- Work with universities: Fred Olsen Express works with the Canary Islands universities on marine wildlife protection, including projects using artificial intelligence to identify cetaceans.
- Coastal clean-up days: active involvement in shoreline clean-ups alongside Terramare Medioambiente.
- Pet accommodation design: developed together with the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Buganvilla Express vs Buganvilla: the differences
When the Buganvilla Express joined the fleet in July 2024, the earlier catamaran — until then also called "Buganvilla Express" — was renamed simply "Buganvilla". These are the main differences between the two vessels:
| Feature | Buganvilla Express | Buganvilla |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2024 (newbuild) | 2022 (in service since 2022) |
| Model | Rodman 80 (owned by Fred Olsen) | Chartered vessel |
| Capacity | 250 passengers | Smaller capacity |
| Children's area | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Personal entertainment | Yes | Not confirmed |
| USB ports | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Route | Playa Blanca ↔ Corralejo | Playa Blanca ↔ Corralejo |
Frequently asked questions about the Buganvilla Express
Which route does the Buganvilla Express operate?
She runs the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route for Fred Olsen Express, with up to 10 departures a day between the two ports (5 from each island).
How long does it take from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura?
The crossing takes roughly 35 minutes. The distance between the ports of Playa Blanca and Corralejo is only 13 km (7 nautical miles).
Does the Buganvilla Express carry cars?
No. She is a mini-ferry for foot passengers only, with no vehicles. She does take up to 8 bicycles if booked in advance. To take your car you will need the Bocaina Express or another vehicle-carrying fast ferry from Fred Olsen Express.
How much does a ticket cost?
Tickets start at roughly €20 each way on the standard fare. Canary Islands residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands get 75% off the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a foreigner's identity number (NIE). There are also discounts for under-25s, over-60s and groups.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, under the Pet Carrier, Pet Room and Pet Sofa options, subject to availability. Your pet needs a ticket of its own and must meet the health rules (microchip and vaccinations). Booking is compulsory.
Is there free Wi-Fi on board?
Yes. The Buganvilla Express has free Wi-Fi and USB ports for charging devices in every indoor area, along with the On Board Club entertainment system.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The ship was designed to guarantee accessibility for every passenger. If you have particular mobility needs, contact Fred Olsen Express when you book so they can give you the best position on board.
Can I take my bicycle?
Yes. The Buganvilla Express has room for up to 8 bicycles. Booking the bicycle place when you buy your ticket is compulsory, as space is limited.
How early should I get to the port?
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. As there is no vehicle loading, the process is very quick. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time on the busiest sailings.
Is there a children's area on the Buganvilla Express?
Yes. The ship has a children's area and a games room, as well as personal entertainment systems on board. Perfect for families taking a day trip between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
When did the Buganvilla Express start operating?
The Buganvilla Express entered service on 22 July 2024 on the Playa Blanca–Corralejo route. She was built at the Rodman Polyships yard in Moaña (Pontevedra) at a cost of €3.5 million.
What is the difference between the Buganvilla Express and the Fred Olsen vehicle-carrying fast ferries?
The Buganvilla Express is a mini-ferry that carries no cars (26 m, 250 passengers), ideal for day trips. Vehicle-carrying fast ferries such as the Bocaina Express or the Betancuria Express are far larger ships with room for hundreds of cars and more than a thousand passengers, designed for longer routes and for taking your vehicle with you.
