Timanfaya Bus Tour: How the Route of the Volcanoes Works
How the Timanfaya bus tour works: where the Route of the Volcanoes coach leaves from, how long it takes, why you cannot drive it yourself and what your ticket covers.
The official Route of the Volcanoes coach is included in your standard Montañas del Fuego ticket, so you do not book it separately. Buy a timed entry online, get to Islote de Hilario and board there.
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At a glance
- Official name: Ruta de los Volcanes
- Departure: Islote de Hilario
- Route length: roughly 14 km, a circular route
- Journey: about 35 minutes
- Included with standard ticket: yes (€30 for adults, bought online for a set time)
- Can private cars drive it?: no
- Can you get off during the route?: no
Where does the bus leave from?
The coaches leave from Islote de Hilario, the main visitor area at Montañas del Fuego. They run continuously, more often on busy days, with departures between about 9:00 and 16:00; the times can change with the season.
If you are visiting independently, you drive your own car to this point and park before boarding the official coach. Our Timanfaya tickets guide covers the prices and booking steps.
Can you drive the route yourself?
No.
Private cars are banned on the protected Route of the Volcanoes.
The aim is to protect Timanfaya’s fragile volcanic landscape and to stop people pulling over and walking onto the lava.
Can you get off?
No. Passengers stay on board for the whole standard route.
If you want to walk among volcanoes, choose Volcán del Cuervo, Caldera Blanca or the ranger-led Tremesana walk inside the park instead. Our guide to the best volcano hikes in Lanzarote compares them.
What do you see?
The route passes:
- crater fields
- ʻaʻā lava
- smoother lava surfaces
- volcanic tubes
- cones
- pyroclastic landscapes
Recorded commentary in Spanish, English and German explains the geology as you go.
Public bus vs volcano bus
The internal Timanfaya coach is not public transport from your resort.
If you do not have a car, you still need an organised excursion, a taxi or another way to reach Montañas del Fuego. Our pick is the Lanzarote: Full-Day Island Highlights Tour (from $59, rated 4.7/5 from 3,368 reviews). It collects you from your hotel and rides the Ruta de los Volcanes as part of the day, and it has more reviews than any other tour that includes the coach. If you only want Timanfaya, the From Yaiza: Timanfaya Express Tour with No Queues costs from $72 and is rated 4.6/5 from 379 reviews. The volcano tours from your resort guide lists pickup options by area.
Is the bus worth it?
Yes. It is the central part of a standard Timanfaya visit, because it takes you into protected volcanic terrain that cars and walkers cannot enter. Pair it with a walk next door if you want time on the lava itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate bus ticket?
No. The coach is included in the standard Montañas del Fuego admission.
Can I reserve a specific coach?
No. You reserve your Timanfaya entry time when you buy the ticket online, not a particular coach departure.
Is the bus open-top?
No. It is an enclosed coach.
Can I photograph from the bus?
Yes, through the windows.
Can I walk the coach route?
No. The road is closed to walkers as well as private cars.
Planning the rest of the day? Our Timanfaya National Park guide covers the geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario, and the volcano tour comparison helps you pick a tour.
Stand on the Fire Mountains
Guided hikes across the lava fields, coach tours with Timanfaya park entry, and the lava tubes of the La Corona eruption. Free cancellation on every tour listed here.
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