TRANSPORT IN TENERIFE
Exploring the island
To get the most out of your Tenerife trip, it is important to learn about the infrastructure and transport in Tenerife.
The road network
With a circumference of 342 km, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. The island has an excellent infrastructure with a good road network. The TF1, also known as Autopista del Sur , is a 103 km long highway that runs from the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the northeast of the island, all the way to Santiago del Teide, which is located in the northwest.
The TF5, or more popularly known as Autopista del Norte, connects the north of the island, from El Tanque to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Work is currently underway on the construction of the longest tunnel in the Canary Islands, the Túnel de Erjos. It will be 5.1 km long and will connect Santiago del Teide with El Tanque.
The project should have been completed in the summer of 2022, but the deadline has been exceeded. By October 2022, 60% of the tunnel was completed, with the job expected to be completed sometime in 2023. The route Santiago del Teide – El Tanque will take only 10 minutes thanks to this tunnel, in contrast to the current (steep but very beautiful) route, via the TF-82, which takes more than 20 minutes.
The traffic rules in Tenerife
The traffic rules in Tenerife actually hardly differ from the traffic rules in the rest of Europe. Nevertheless, it might be useful to read up in advance, especially if you are planning to rent a car. What about road speeds, what does “Vado Permanente” mean and what should you do if you have parked your car incorrectly and it has been towed away? You can read all about it in this link.
How do I get from A to B in Tenerife?
Transport on Tenerife is actually well organized. There are many options for getting around the island, including:
- private transfer from/to the airport
- public transport (bus and tram)
- (rental)car
- taxi
Click on the sub-pages at the bottom of this page for detailed information.
Private transfer from/to the airport
Treat yourself to a private transfer! A relaxed way to travel quickly to/from the airport. Upon arrival, the driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and on departure, a pick-up point will be arranged to take you quickly and safely to the airport. The transfer price is slightly above that of a normal taxi, but you do not have to queue at the - often very busy - taxi rank. Click on the photo in this box for a link to GetYourGuide 's booking page with excellent private transfer deals.
Public transport
The TITSA bus/tram company (the public transport in Tenerife) has a good connection to most villages, towns and places of interest. Click on the photo in this frame for detailed information and tips for using public transport.
Rental car
Discover the island at your leisure with a rental car. It will enable you to get to places that are not accessible by bus. Click on the photo for detailed information and tips for exploring the island by car.
Taxi
Tenerife taxis are fast, efficient but can be quite pricey. The advantage, however, is that calculations are made per route, and not per person. Click here (*) for inside information about transport by taxi.
(*) This page is still under construction
