The Canary Islands are on the verge of a major transport upgrade, with plans for a €2 billion (£1.75 billion) train line linking Las Palmas, the airport, and the island’s main tourist resorts. The new railway is aimed at reducing heavy congestion on the GC-1 motorway.
The Government of the Canary Islands, the Spanish State, and the Gran Canaria Cabildo have signed a framework agreement to develop a formal funding and construction plan. The ceremony brought together top officials, including Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo; Minister for Territorial Policy Angel Victor Torres; Secretary of State for Sustainable Transport Jose Antonio Santano; Minister for Public Works Pablo Rodriguez; and Cabildo President Antonio Morales.
Clavijo described the project as “more than infrastructure. It is an opportunity to transform the way we move, improve quality of life, and leave a greener, more connected island for future generations.”
Rodriguez called the agreement “a turning point in the history of mobility in the islands,” marking the first time the Spanish Ministry of Transport has fully backed a Canarian railway scheme.
The Cabildo has already set aside 16 million euros for compulsory land purchases, with plans to secure national budget funding for construction. “The train will bring order, capacity, and reduce cars on the roads,” said Morales.
The first phase of the project, focusing on the section between the airport and Vecindario, is projected to cost €390 million. This phase includes the construction of train depots and workshops in Vecindario, as well as a wind farm to generate energy for the trains.
The European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility is expected to contribute €190 million, with the remaining €200 million funded by state and local governments.
Despite these plans, the project has faced challenges in securing European Union funding. In July 2025, the EU General Court rejected an appeal by Ferrocarriles de Gran Canaria, ruling its funding bid inadmissible due to a missing consent letter from Spain’s government, which was later submitted but after the deadline.
Nevertheless, the Canary Islands government remains committed to advancing the project, with construction expected to commence before the end of 2027, contingent upon securing the necessary funding and agreements
The proposed line would run from Las Palmas through Telde and the airport to Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, targeting key tourist areas.
The project has passed economic and environmental checks and is considered vital for Gran Canaria’s future. Under the agreement, the Ministry of Transport will ensure the plans meet European standards, potentially opening the door to EU funding. The Cabildo will handle technical plans and permits, while the Canary Islands Government will coordinate integration with roads and public transport.
A special commission will monitor progress over the two-year agreement, with the option to extend if necessary. Officials say the train could transform mobility on the island and set a model for sustainable transport across the archipelago.
