Volcanoes, lava fields, natural pools, villages… would you like to discover the magic of Tenerife?
Here’s our advice on how to get around Tenerife, with or without a car, depending on your needs: rental cars, organized tours, cabs, buses and bicycles.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Getting around Tenerife – short answers
Travel time to Tenerife
The first thing is to understand the size of the island and the driving times required between the various towns.
The island is elongated, with two main highways: TF-1 along the south coast and TF-5 to the north. These fast roads provide easy access to the main coastal towns. But they don’t go all the way around the island. The western tip requires more travel time.
On the other hand, as soon as you climb up to Teide or the Anaga mountains, these are winding mountain roads, and you need to allow more time.
See our guide to choosing where to stay in Tenerife (coming soon).
Best option, depending on what you want to do
- If you want to explore as much of the island as possible, we recommend renting a car. Prices are reasonable and driving is fairly easy, except in mountainous areas where you need to be more careful. See car offers and prices
- If you’re planning to enjoy the beach and pool, and just see a few famous landmarks such as Mount Teide, we advise you to opt for organized tours.
- If you’re looking to travel as cheaply as possible and enjoy exploring the cities, the well-developed TITSA bus network may be just what you need.
How to get to your hotel in Tenerife from the airport
The first solution is to go to your hotel. Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS).
Car rental
If you choose to rent a car, we recommend you do so directly at the airport. Both airports have numerous rental companies, with generally more options on Tenerife South.
Hotel shuttle
If you don’t plan to rent a car, ask your hotel if they have an airport transfer shuttle.
This is particularly common in the tourist areas of the south.
Cab
Both airports have well-organized cab ranks. Rates are regulated and posted.
Public transport
The TITSA network serves both airports with several routes:
- From Tenerife South: line 40 to Los Cristianos/Costa Adeje, line 10 to Santa Cruz, line 11 between Santa Cruz, TFS and Costa Adeje.
- From Tenerife North: line 20 to Santa Cruz, line 30 to Puerto de la Cruz
- …
- See the site
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
Tenerife by car – tips for renting and driving
Our preferred option is to rent a car. This gives you the most freedom to discover Tenerife’s most beautiful landscapes.
Prices are reasonable for an island. Choose a car that’s not too big, because some roads are narrow, but with a n good engine, because there are mountains, and some roads are really steep.
The platform we personally use (since we discovered them) is Discovercars.
As soon as we decide on a destination and dates, we look at their offers and the types of cars available.
After research, they often have the best offers for our needs.
It is one of the highest rated comparison sites in the market.
See their current car rental offers in Tenerife.
And read all our tips for renting a car in Tenerife
Here’s one of our rental cars in an area inaccessible by bus:
Tenerife without a car: on organized tours
If you don’t feel like renting a car, as you’ll be spending a lot of time relaxing by the pool or on the beach, organized tours are the best option.
They allow you to visit the most famous places without worrying about organization.
Our favourite excursions include:
- Tour of Teide National Park, by day or at sunset with stargazing – see options
- Whale and dolphin watching boat trip, available from several marinas – see options
- Rail and bus excursion to neighbouring La Gomera – see options
Read our guide to the best excursions in Tenerife (coming soon).
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Tenerife by cab
Cabs are plentiful in tourist areas and major cities. Prices are regulated and reasonable for short trips.
As in Gran Canaria, some drivers offer sightseeing tours with predefined stops, a good alternative to organized tours.
This gives you a little more flexibility than organized tours, but without having to rent a car and drive. But the budget is higher and your stops are timed.
Tenerife by bike
Tenerife is a popular destination for cyclists, especially for its mythical passes such as the Teide, which offers several routes for ascent. The island offers a variety of routes, from coastal roads to demanding climbs.
The most popular areas for cycling are the south of the island and the Teide region. Many stores offer bike rentals, especially in tourist areas. You can also find eBikes.
Tenerife by bus / public transport
Tenerife’s TITSA bus network is highly developed. It serves most towns and villages, including Teide National Park.
The buses are modern, punctual and air-conditioned. You can buy a Ten+ rechargeable card for preferential daily or 7-day rates.
Prices vary between 2 and 15 euros depending on distance.
See all info (in English or Spanish).
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Frequently asked questions
Is there Uber in Tenerife?
Yes, Uber has been present in Tenerife since late 2024. The service will be gradually extended. However, the traditional cab system is well organized and fares are regulated.
How easy is it to get around Tenerife without a car?
Yes, it’s quite possible, thanks to the well-developed TITSA bus network and numerous organized tours. However, a car offers greater flexibility, especially for access to smaller villages and less touristy areas. And the frequency of buses in the most remote areas is not always ideal.
Getting around Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz has a modern tramway network linking it to La Laguna, as well as numerous city bus routes. The city center is a pleasant place to explore on foot. Cabs are also plentiful and affordable.
Getting around Southern Tenerife
The tourist south (Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje) is well served by bus. Many areas along the waterfront are within walking distance. Cabs are plentiful and there are shuttles between the main tourist attractions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
