HOW TO NAVIGATE TENERIFE
We will assume that we have decided on a place in Tenerife, arrived safely on the island and found a roof over our heads. Now let's talk about how you can move around Tenerife and the entire Canary archipelago.
It should be noted that there are options for every taste.
BUS TENERIFE
Buses are the hallmark of public transport in Tenerife. Although there is also a tram that connects Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz with its old capital, La Laguna, this is an exception to the rule. In general, buses are the easiest and most convenient way to get around the island. With a minimum of transfers, you can get from one point of Tenerife to another. It's worth noting that the buses are not only convenient but also charming. They are decorated in bright green colors, which makes the trip a pleasant experience.
The bus route schedules can be viewed on the carrier's website – TITSA, and the fare can be found on the same website. However, the most convenient way to plan a route on the island is to use Google Maps. If you enter the starting and ending points, the goal is reached – the route is built. It's that simple.
Payment for the bus is quite simple: you can pay in cash, by bank card, with a Ten+ transport card, or using an application on your phone. However, there is a nuance: you can save money if you don't pay in cash, especially on long distances. In fact, paying in cash can make your trip 40% more expensive. According to the rules of TITSA, drivers are not required to accept bills over 10 euros, so the easiest and most cost-effective option is to purchase a Ten+ card. You can read about the different options for the card here.
The cost of the card itself is 2 euros, and it can be purchased at bus stations. You can also replenish it at various points - a link to the replenishment points is available here. Don't hesitate to purchase a Ten+ card, as it works very simply. Just board the bus through the front door and attach the card to the validator. When exiting, attach the card to the validator at any door. Remember to attach the card when exiting, as the cost of the trip to the last point of the route will be deducted if you don't. Sometimes the cost is the same, but sometimes it is different, depending on the route.
If you are not alone, you can safely pay for the trip with one card. At the entrance to the bus, tell the driver the number of people and the name of the final stop. The driver will determine the cost, you will attach the card to the validator and the required amount will be deducted from it. In this case (if there are two or more of you), it is no longer necessary to attach the card at the exit.
It is also important that if there is not enough money on the card for full payment, the driver will still accept the card, write off the balance, and you will pay the remaining amount in cash based on the cost of ten+. A trifle, but pleasant.
There are several bus stations on the island, with Estacion de Guaguas Costa Adeje being a prominent one. This is the central transport hub in the south, where you can catch a bus to any part of Tenerife. If you want, you can grab a cup of coffee there with the bus drivers. There is also a bus station in Los Cristianos, although it's not as special and lacks coffee. However, you don't necessarily have to go to the bus station to catch your bus. You can use any stop along your route. Google Maps is still there to help you.
There are a few nuances to keep in mind when taking the bus. First, use the special buttons located throughout the bus to signal the driver about your stop in advance. If you don't press the button, there is a risk of missing your stop, which can be especially inconvenient on longer trips or in the evening.
Secondly, if you're waiting at a bus stop and you see your bus number, raise your hand to signal to the driver to stop. If you're not sure if it's the right bus, raise your hand and ask the driver where they're headed. Bus stops often have special buttons (on the highway) that you can press to signal the nearest bus to stop. If you're waiting at a stop in the evening, make sure to press the button, as the bus may not stop if it doesn't see any signal from you.
Thirdly, be prepared for fast and aggressive driving, as the roads on the island have sharp turns and the drivers can be quite speedy. If you're prone to motion sickness, you may experience some discomfort. However, drivers are generally very professional and accidents on the island are rare.
Fourth, the schedule. In theory, buses run strictly on schedule, but in practice, this is often not the case. They may be on time only at the starting point of their route, but not always. Along the way, they may arrive at intermediate stops, causing delays. The good thing is that they run regularly, so the delays are not usually critical. In general, it's best to be flexible and patient.
Fifth, for children, those under 4 years old can travel for free, but only when accompanied by their parents. A child over 4 years old is considered an adult for fare purposes.
And sixth, luggage. Passengers are responsible for placing their own luggage in the luggage compartment of the bus. The driver will not assist with this. For special shuttles No. 10, No. 20, and No. 40, which connect resorts with airports, passengers may bring their luggage into the cabin and place it on special shelves in the center of the bus.
Overall, buses on the island provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel, with routes connecting all the settlements of Tenerife. Just remember to use Ten+ for payment and be prepared to be flexible with the schedule.
TAXI TENERIFE
When taking a taxi in Tenerife, it's important to be able to distinguish between an official taxi and an illegal one. Look for a white vehicle with a brand name on the roof, a blue number, and an "SP" plate on the bumper to identify an official taxi. Keep in mind that online ride-hailing services like Uber are not available on the island. Apparently, local taxi drivers have a strong trade union:)
Regarding the tariffs, of course, we can provide some figures, but everything is subject to change and the prices we give today may be different tomorrow. Therefore, the easiest way to find out the current prices is to go to the official taxi website and calculate the cost of the trip online. You can also order a taxi through the website, whether online or by phone.
Regarding taxi scams, of course they can happen. Not very often, but it's still worth being cautious. Drivers may not blatantly deceive you, but they may take a longer route or make it seem like they don't know where to go. To combat this, you should have a general idea of your destination and the approximate cost of the trip, and don't hesitate to ask for an estimated fare beforehand. However, the best way to avoid scams is to only ride in official taxis, which are safer and more reliable.
CAR ON TENERIFE
Luxury or necessity?
While we prefer buses, it may be difficult to see all of Tenerife's treasures without a car, especially if you have limited time. Renting a car is an obvious choice for many, as the roads in Tenerife are excellent and the expressway covers the entire island, with the exception of a 15 km segment in the northwest. This section is expected to be completed soon, creating an expressway around the entire perimeter of Tenerife. Additionally, drivers can benefit from slightly cheaper gasoline prices than on the mainland of Spain.
Where to rent?
Car rental companies are plentiful on the island, with options ranging from the airport to your place of residence, unless you plan to spend the night at the top of Teide. However, it's best to arrange for a rental car in advance. In this day and age, much can be accomplished online, saving time and money. Additionally, it doesn't make sense to individually compare offers from different rental companies. Special online aggregators can help you not only compare different options but also rent the car itself.
Who should I rent from directly?
If you don't have time to make a reservation online, you can rent a car upon arrival at the airport or at your place of residence. There are many car rental companies on the island, both large and small, well-known and less so. The main advice when choosing is simple: either rent from a well-known company with experience and extensive services, or consider companies that have been successfully operating in the local market for a long time. Among the local companies, Canarias.com stands out for its level of service and price availability, and a general list of companies operating on the island can be found in the table below.
What are the car rental terms?
To rent a car, you only need a driver's license and a passport. The rental conditions are generally universal, although they may differ in some details. For instance, some companies may require a minimum of two years of driving experience. The excess amount, which is blocked on your account to compensate for possible damage, may also vary. The higher the excess, the lower the rental cost. Sometimes there may be no excess at all, and all possible damage is paid by the insurer. Be sure to read the terms carefully. Also, keep in mind that advertisements with low prices may have hidden commissions that appear only when you sign the contract. To make the task easier, use online aggregators to compare the conditions of different companies.
Car rental check-in essentials?
Of course her condition. Carefully inspect the car and reflect all the shortcomings in the contract.
How much is it?
Everyone's pricing policy is different and depends on a number of parameters that differ from company to company: the condition of the car, mileage, the size of the franchise, the availability of service, and the same brand value, after all. In general, prices start from 25-35 euros per day, and end in the same place as your fantasies about the best car in the world. Well, or almost there.
Top 10 companies
car rental in Tenerife
2. Hertz: www.hertz.com
3. Sixt: www.sixt.com
4. Canarias.com: www.canarias.com
5. BvCar: www.bvcartenerife.com
6. CICAR: www.cicar.com
7. Enterprise: www.enterprise.com
8. Europcar: www.europcar.com
9. Orlando: www.orlandorc.com
10. SurPrice: www.surpricecars.com
How to drive?
Better follow the rules: 1) Read road signs, as they are in abundance. 2) Don't exceed speed limits, as fines for speeding in Spain are very high. 3) Give way to pedestrians. 4) Avoid using radar detectors, as the fines are severe. 5) Look out for radars and cameras on the roads. 6) Don't litter, as this is a serious offense. 7) Park only in permitted areas, avoiding yellow marked sidewalks. Street parking meters are not common in Tenerife. 8) If stopped for traffic violations, be polite and confused. 9) Pay fines on the spot or within 20 days to get a 50% discount.
Returning the car:
Return it on time with the amount of fuel specified in the contract to avoid fines. Safe travels, and drive responsibly!
BIKES ON TENERIFE
A little bit about alternative modes of transportation if you don't feel like walking or driving. First, there are bicycles. You can rent one for an hour or a day, for less than 10 euros per day. Second, there are scooters and motorcycles, with prices starting from 20 euros for a scooter and 35-40 euros for a motorcycle. Age and driving experience restrictions usually apply (minimum age of 23 years and 2 years of driving experience). Mini scooters are also available, which may be suitable for older people or those with mobility issues, with rental prices starting at 15 euros per day. This way, anyone can get around the island, regardless of age or physical condition.
As you can see, it's not difficult to find alternative transportation that suits your preferences. You can find them on the spot, as there are many such companies on the island, or you can use the online service BikesBooking to book motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles, where you can compare different options and choose the best one.
TENERIFE ON FOOT
Tenerife is a real mecca for hiking. There are many routes on the island, ranging from easy walks to difficult climbs to the peaks.
One of the most popular hiking routes is climbing to the top of Mount Teide. The route starts from the cable car station and takes about 5-6 hours (round trip). To pass this route, a permit is required, which must be obtained in advance, and the route itself is open only at certain hours and days of the week. At the top, you will enjoy spectacular views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
Another popular place for hiking is the Anaga Rural Park, located in the northeastern part of the island. The park offers many trails that meander through the subtropical forest and offer stunning views of the coast.
In addition, there are many other routes with pine forests, wild beaches, cliffs, and coves. Many of them pass through small settlements where you can get to know the history and traditions of the island, as well as see the real Canarian architecture.
And if more recently it was necessary to collect information about the walking routes of Tenerife bit by bit from various sources on the Internet, today everything has changed. A special Internet portal has been created where you will receive comprehensive information. In the upper right corner, you will find a link to the TenerifeOn website, where you will not only get the most detailed information on the existing routes of the island but also be able to plan your own. Moreover, all the information will be available on the screen of your mobile phone in the form of a special application.
Just remember that the weather in Tenerife can be unpredictable, and it is advisable to check the forecast before starting a hike, especially in the summer months when temperatures can be high. It is also important to wear appropriate equipment, including sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and to bring enough water with you.
Most importantly, Tenerife's amazing climate makes hiking possible all year round, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the island at any time.
ON OTHER ISLANDS
How to move around the island is more or less clear, but what if you want to leave it for a day or two and visit other Canary Islands? Fortunately, there is something to see on each of them. In this case, you can use the plane or ferry.
In fact, if you are not afraid of flying, or are only a little afraid, airplanes are a great choice for traveling between the Canary Islands. Why? Two main factors: speed and affordability. When we put them together, we get a great option.
Two airlines operate flights between the islands: the market leader Binter Canarias and its competitor Canaryfly. Both airlines use ATR 72 aircraft for their flights. The travel time to any of the islands takes no more than an hour.
Below, you will find all the possible flight options from both Tenerife airports. If you haven't forgotten, there are two airports in Tenerife: Tenerife Sur (TFS) in the south, and Tenerife Norte (TFN) in the north. Almost all flights between Tenerife and the other islands in the Canary Archipelago are served by Tenerife Norte, which operates from 5:00 am to midnight. Tenerife Sur specializes in regular flights to Gran Canaria (the second most popular resort) as well as to Lanzarote and La Palma.
You do not need to arrive too early, as check-in for flights begins about an hour before departure. You can check the current prices for specific days on the websites of the airlines themselves (via the links provided).
Island | Binter Canarias | Canarianfly |
|---|---|---|
La Graciosa | TFN | |
La Gomera | TFN | |
Lanzarote | TFN and TFS | TFN |
La Palma | TFN and TFS | TFN |
Fuerteventura | TFN | TFN |
El Hierro | TFN | TFN |
Gran Canaria | TFN and TFS | TFN |
For those who are afraid of flying or don't suffer from seasickness, ferries are not only a means of transportation, but also an opportunity for new vivid impressions. Tenerife has two passenger ports that provide travel to other Canary Islands.
From Los Cristianos, you can reach La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. From Santa Cruz you can travel to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Approximate prices and travel times can be found on the official websites of the carriers (see the links below). As an alternative, DirectFerries is a leader in the sale of ferry tickets, where you can compare and choose from all the available options at once.
The following is a comprehensive list of ferry routes that are available from Tenerife to other Canary Islands. The ferry services are operated by Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas, offering a convenient and affordable way to explore the archipelago.
If there are two of you and you have a car, certain discounts are possible. Car transportation is certainly an advantage of the ferry. However, not all car rental companies allow cars to be taken between islands, so it is important to clarify this separately.
Island | Fred Olsen | Naviera Armas |
|---|---|---|
Fuerteventura | Santa Cruz | |
Lanzarote | Santa Cruz | |
Gran Canaria | Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz |
El Hiero | Los Cristianos | |
La Palma | Los Cristianos | Los Cristianos |
La Gomera | Los Cristianos | Los Cristianos |