Right, you are finally on holiday in Tenerife – how do you make the most of it? Getting around Tenerife efficiently is key to discovering this beautiful island. This article provides some key tips for travelling around the island that are sure to benefit your trip.
Travelling To and From Tenerife
The first thing to know is that there are two airports in Tenerife. Tenerife Norte Airport is in the north and links to Santa Cruz in 10 minutes by bus and Puerto de la Cruz in 25 minutes by bus. International Tenerife South Airport allows you to reach all popular locations in the west and south (Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) easily. Once arrived at your destination, you have basically two choices: using the very efficient network of public transportation or exploring the island by car. There is also the possibility to travel to the other Canary Island by ferry. From Los Cristianos on the west coast you can reach the eastern islands, while from Santa Cruz, on the east coast, it is easy to reach the eastern islands. Let’s delve into the transport options!
Los Gigantes, a popular holiday destination Tenerife, in the Spanish Canary Islands
Tenerife’s Outstanding Public Transportation Network
By Guaguas
Guaguas (pronounced wah-whas) is the name for buses in Tenerife. They are conditioned, green buses are run by a company called Titsa. They operate across the entire island and are a very cheap way to discover Tenerife. Visitors can a Bono card priced between €12 to €25 depending on the number of journeys. The whole family can use the card and it can be bought at any bus station or kiosk. Ask the driver for help with the card you when you board the bus. Once everyone is registered, the remaining amount of money will be printed on the card. If the card is running out of money, you can pay the balance in cash on the bus. Some Bono cards are also valid on trams but not for the Teide Park lines. You can get a bus map at any kiosk selling the card with their green circle logo.
By Tranvía
The Metrotenerife, or Tranvia de Tenerife, company is in charge of metropolitan transportation by tram and operates from the capital Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal de La Laguna and from La Cuesta to Taco and Tincer, which is an internal transversal line linking these districts. This is a very modern and practical mean of transportation (you can take your child’s stroller or your bike onboard). It is possible to use the Bono Card on both carriers. The card must have “guagua + tranvía” written on it. For longer stays n Santa Cruz for visitors under 30 years old, the application “ten+ móvil” (only available in Spanish for the time being). can be downloaded. Bear in mind that trams are limited to these two cities.
Tenerife – Puerto de la Cruz. Long exposure night scene showing the waterfront.
By Car or Motorbike
If you want more freedom in exploring each corner of the island, rent a car. The roads are in good shape and cars have a high turnover so the chances of getting a recent car is high. Moreover, except in some crowdy summer resorts like Los Cristianos or Las Americas, parking will never be an issue. To discover Teide Park, there is nothing better than a car or motorbike as you will be able to enjoy the different landscapes and stop wherever you wish to take a picture. Not to forget you will reach the Mount Teide Cable Car much freshener than after a long bus journey.
Most rental companies are represented on the island, such as Autoreisen, Hertz, Avis Europcar and a number of local ones. The cost will be around €100 to €150 for a 7-day rental for an economical car. Most of them offer online booking with a discount. Although the rental cost is really worth your money, watch out for high insurance cost. For the more adventurous, scooters and motorbikes are available.
Cooltra rents scooters and has four shops in Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz and Las Americas plus two in each airport. For one week, prices start at €150 for a Peugeot Tweet 125 cc. When renting a motorbike, choose Más que Motos (meaning “more than motorbikes”). Their shop is located in Puerto de la Cruz and a one-week rental starts at €190 for various brands of motorcycle. Both companies are professional and will provide you with everything you need, insurance and helmets included. They speak several languages and can arrange vehicles delivery.
By Taxi
If the other means of transportation don’t suit you, take a taxi. They are safe, reasonably priced and they accept pets! The white cars usually take 4 people but minivans are also available. You can book a taxi online on the Official Taxi Tenerife site. A round trip transfer from Tenerife South Airport Reina Sofia to Los Cristianos will cost you €65 for four people.
Teresitas beach with sunbeds and mountains on the background on the sunset on Tenerife island, Spain
By Ferry to Other Islands
Tenerife is the biggest of the seven Canary Islands but why not taking advantage and discover the others? There are three islands in the west: La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro and another three in the east: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. There are basically two companies operating these routes, Fred Olsen Lines and Naviera Armas. The starting point is from Los Cristianos for the western islands and Santa Cruz for the eastern ones. Both have similar prices but the first is slightly more expensive.
Fred Olsen is a modern express ferry; the Naviera Armas is an old-fashioned type but very comfortable and with the advantage of sitting on the deck and enjoying the sea. You might even be lucky enough to see dolphins! If you want to go to San Sebastián de La Gomera, you will depart from Los Cristianos and can choose from three schedules: morning, midday or at night. The crossing lasts 50 minutes and sets sail on the hour. The cost is from €34 to €40 for one adult, one way. If you have a car, from it is from €51 to €65 for a 2-metre high car. To go to Santa Cruz de La Palma, it will take you 4 hours and will cost you €65 with a free bus transfer and without a car. If you have a car, an extra €13 is requested. To go to Agaete, Gran Canaria, the trip lasts 80 minutes and there are 6 departures a day during the summer. The cost is €40 for one adult, one way, no car and €49 with a motorbike. Tickets can be bought online.
