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TRANSPORT IN TENERIFE

The best ways to travel around the island

Don't Measure Tenerife in Kilometres

On Tenerife, the shortest route isn't always the most memorable one. A single road can cross lava fields, forests, mountain villages and coastal viewpoints in less than an hour—each with a story that most travellers never hear.

RENTING A CAR

  • Best option for flexibility
  • Recommended for visiting Teide National Park
  • Wide availability at airports and tourist resorts
Do I need an international driving licence?

• If your driving licence was issued in an EU or EEA country, you can drive in Tenerife without any additional permit.

• Visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can also normally drive with their valid domestic driving licence for short tourist stays. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally not required, although some rental companies may recommend it if your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet.

• If your licence is issued in another country, check the requirements with your rental company before travelling.

Is renting a car the best way to get around Tenerife?

Yes — if you want maximum freedom and efficiency.

A car is particularly useful for:

  • Visiting Teide National Park
  • Accessing remote beaches and hiking areas
  • Moving efficiently between North and South (approx. 1 hour by motorway)
Where can you rent a car in Tenerife?

Car rental offices are available at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and in all major tourist resorts, including Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz.

→ Popular rental companies include Cicar, AutoReisen, TopCar, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget and Goldcar.

Is street parking free in Tenerife?

Yes. Unlike many European destinations, Tenerife has no blue parking zones (paid on-street parking).

→ Street parking is free throughout Tenerife, so you don’t need to pay to park on public streets. Simply follow the road signs and avoid areas where parking is specifically prohibited.

 

Is parking easy in Tenerife?

Yes. Most towns and tourist areas offer plenty of parking options. Free on-street parking is widely available, and if the nearest spaces are occupied, you’ll usually find a paid public car park just a short walk away.

Are there toll roads in Tenerife?

No. Tenerife has no toll roads, so you can travel around the island without paying road fees.

How long does it take to drive around Tenerife?

Driving around the island without major stops takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the route.

Is driving in Tenerife safe?

Yes. Roads are well-maintained and signposted. Mountain roads are winding but paved and secure.

Good to know

  • Cars with automatic transmission should be booked in advance.
  • Fuel prices are usually lower than in mainland Spain.
  • Book early during holidays and the summer season for the best

RENTING A SCOOTER

Is renting a scooter a good alternative in Tenerife?

Yes — for short distances, coastal routes and urban areas.

Scooters are popular in:

  • Costa Adeje
  • Playa de las Américas
  • Puerto de la Cruz
What are the requirements to rent a scooter?

Under Spanish driving law:

  • Minimum age: typically 16–18, depending on engine capacity
  • AM or A1 licence (for 50cc–125cc) or equivalent EU licence
  • Helmet use is mandatory

Before booking, confirm insurance coverage and mileage policy.

A couple of travellers listening to an audio guide next to their car in Las Cañadas National Park, with Mount Teide in the background.
🎧 Teide National Park - The Volcano That Holds Up the Dome of Stars

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - GUAGUAS

  • Entire island covered by bus network
  • Operated by TITSA (public company)
  • Bono cards reduce fares up to 50%
How does the bus system work in Tenerife?

Buses — locally called guaguas — are operated by TITSA, a public company (Cabildo de Tenerife).

The fleet consists of modern green vehicles serving:

  • Urban routes
  • Intercity connections
  • Airport transfers
  • Teide National Park routes
Is public transport affordable?

Yes. Examples of standard fares:

  • Puerto de la Cruz – Santa Cruz: approx. €5.25
  • Puerto de la Cruz – Tenerife South Airport: approx. €13.55
  • Playa de las Américas – Santa Cruz: approx. €9.45

Using prepaid travel cards significantly reduces prices (TEN+ card).

Is the bus network reliable?

Yes, particularly between major hubs. However:

  • Rural routes have limited frequency
  • Travel time can double compared to car travel
  • Some natural areas have only 1–2 daily connections

For urban-only stays (e.g., Santa Cruz or Puerto de la Cruz), buses are practical.

For multi-destination holidays, car rental is usually more efficient.

The freedom to explore on your own, with the feeling that someone was quietly sharing the island’s secrets along the way.
A woman listening to an audio guide on Los Cristianos beach, Tenerife

DISCOVER TENERIFE AT YOUR OWN PACE

through immersive audio experiences

TRAM

Is there a Tram in Tenerife?

Yes. Tenerife has a modern light rail system operated by Metrotenerife.

What route does the tram cover?

The tram connects:

  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Why use the tram?
  • Avoids urban traffic congestion
  • High frequency service
  • Fully accessible
  • Integrated with TITSA bus network
Photo of the Tenerife tram, with the Auditorium in the background
🎧 Santa Cruz de Tenerife - The Port of a Thousand Stories

Most Roads in Tenerife Follow Ancient Paths

Long before modern highways existed, many of today's roads connected Guanche settlements, farming communities and ports. Travelling across the island often means following routes that have linked people for centuries.

TAXI

  • Official white taxis operate in every municipality
  • Mandatory taximeter use
  • Adapted vehicles (Eurotaxis) available
How do taxis work in Tenerife?

Taxis in Tenerife are white and regulated by municipal authorities under Canary Islands transport law.

Rules include:
  • Taximeter must start at the beginning of the trip
  • Maximum 4 passengers (except larger vehicles)
  • Optional pre-arranged fixed-price tours
  • Supplement may apply for airport services
Are accessible taxis available?

Yes. Eurotaxis equipped with ramps operate in municipalities such as:

    • Santa Cruz de Tenerife
    • La Laguna
    • La Orotava
    • Santiago del Teide
Is taxi transport expensive in Tenerife?

Compared to mainland European destinations, taxi fares are moderate due to regulated pricing and relatively short island distances.

Example (indicative, subject to official tariffs):

  • South Airport to Costa Adeje: approx. 25–35€
  • North Airport to Puerto de la Cruz: approx. 30€
Official taxi services in Tenerife (by municipality)
South Tenerife
  • Oficial Taxi Tenerife Oficina Aeropuerto Sur: (+34) 922 397 074 / Móvil: (+34) 653 916 278. Oficina de Reservas e incidencias: (+34) 922395969 / (+34) 922987238 / (+34) 674193745
  • Adeje: +34 922 97 92 93
  • Arona: +34 922 74 75 11
  • Granadilla de Abona: +34 922 397 475
  • Güímar: +34 922 378 999 / +34 902 205 002
  • Candelaria: +34 922 503 880 / +34 608 038 113
North Tenerife
  • La Laguna: +34 922 255 555
  • Puerto de la Cruz: +34 902 205 002 / +34 922 378 999
  • Puerto de la Cruz (San Telmo): +34 922 385 818 / Javier González +34 633 47 96 71
  • La Orotava: +34 922 378 999 / +34 902 205 002
  • Los Realejos: +34 616 65 31 91
  • Buenavista del Norte: +34 616 804 942 / +34 696 568 775
Eurotaxis (accessible taxis)
Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Eurotaxi services (adapted vehicles):

  • +34 609 867 581 / +34 607 612 816 / +34 629 132 269 / +34 644 165 449 / +34 663 423 650 / +34 600 557 025 / +34 615 452 335 / +34 686 460 789
La Laguna
  • +34 922 253 677 / +34 922 255 555 / +34 635 819 087 / +34 609 680 244
La Orotava
  • +34 646 369 214
Santiago del Teide
  • +34 922 860 840
  • Eurotaxis must be booked in advance whenever possible due to limited availability.
  • Some municipalities share dispatch centers (e.g., Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Los Realejos).
  • You can consult the official fare structure on the Canary Islands Government website: Official Taxi Tariffs
Are there boat-taxi services in Tenerife?

Yes — in specific protected and coastal areas.

Boat return from Masca to Los Gigantes

Hikers descending the Masca Gorge can return by boat to:

  • Los Gigantes

Official management and booking: caminobarrancodemasca.com

One Journey, Many Islands

Many visitors are surprised by how dramatically the scenery changes over short distances. Driving across Tenerife often feels like travelling through several different islands rather than one.
Anaga Massif at night-Tenerife
🎧 Anaga - The Pirate Coast

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

How many airports does Tenerife have?

Tenerife has two airports managed by AENA:

  • Tenerife South Airport – Main international tourist gateway
  • Tenerife North Airport – Inter-island and domestic flights
What are the transfer options from Tenerife airports?

1. Public Bus

TITSA. Most economical option.

Direct routes connect airports with:

  • Santa Cruz
  • Puerto de la Cruz
  • Costa Adeje
  • Playa de las Américas

2. Taxi

→ Available 24/7 at official airport ranks.

→ Regulated fares.

 

3. Private Airport Transfer

Pre-booked service with fixed price.

Don't Rush from Place to Place

The best memories rarely come from arriving first. They come from understanding the places in between.
A traveller enjoying an immersive audio experience in the bustling streets of La Laguna, Tenerife

Hear the Island

through stories that turn your visit into lasting memories

Start Exploring

Our favorite stays to experience Tenerife

Couples' Paradise – Studio with panoramic sea views – Costa Adeje – Tenerife
South Tenerife
OCEAN VIEW STUDIO
Oasis of Serenity – Suite with panoramic views of Mount Teide and the sea – North Tenerife
North Tenerife
TEIDE VIEW SUITE
TENERIFE WONDERS
by MIRUMITER
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