PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TENERIFE

TITSA bus

Public transport in Tenerife is well organized. The green TITSA buses, also known locally as Guaguas (pronounced: WaWaas) are widely represented on the island. It is an excellent way to get from 'A to B'.

Click here for the link to the bus company's website (Spanish and English). Under the heading Fares and Discounts, you will find details about the bus pass and a QR code for the bus pass app. And, of course, all the bus timetables plus last minute information.

The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. In addition, the buses on the longer routes have free WiFi and handy USB charging points.

It is also relatively cheap and fast to travel by bus. For example, from Costa Adeje to the airport of Tenerife South it takes only 40 minutes by TITSA bus, and costs only €3.00 (£2.49) per person if you pay with the bus card.

For shorter routes it's about €1.50 (£1.24) per person.

Ten+ card system

This bus ticket (Tarjeta TenMás) can be bought at many selling points, such as a newspaper kiosk, mini market and the major bus stations.

All selling points are listed on the bus company's website. It is also possible to load the cards there. Please note: it can sometimes take up to 8 hours for the charged balance to be credited to the card.

It is possible to travel with several people on 1 card, but you must indicate this to the driver before you scan the card when boarding. And, of course, there must be enough balance on the card.

When boarding, you do not have to tell the driver to which stop you want to drive, it is sufficient to pass the card past the scanner (next to the driver). When you get off you have to check out again (scanner at the exit). You will immediately see the remaining balance.

The Ten+ card is also valid for the tram in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The bus pass app

The bus pass app can also be used as a bus card and can be recharged online.

That seems useful, but beware: to be able to install the app, there are several restrictions:

• The app is only available on Android and IOS.  
• When entering the data, only a mobile number with a maximum of 10 digits can be entered. Mobiles with a non-Spanish country code therefore might give some trouble. Alternatively, you could buy a Spanish SIM card. 
• A Spanish zip code is also required. If you do not have a residential address in Spain, you can use the zip code of your Spanish address. You really only need the zip code to set up your account. 

My advice: if it's only for use during your holidays, just buy a Ten+ card when you arrive in Tenerife.

Other payment methods

It has recently become possible to pay by bank card on all bus routes. Payment can also be made via Smarthphone or Smarthwatch, for those who have linked their bank card to these devices.

However, it is only possible to use Mastercard and Visa cards that do not require to enter PIN code.

Arrival at Tenerife

There is a self-service machine with ticket sales at the airports of Tenerife South and Tenerife North. TITSA employees are often present during the day to help passengers on their way with information about the bus card, bus numbers, etc. Excellent service!

Luggage, prams & bicycles on the bus

The buses on longer routes - such as the airport buses - have a separate luggage in the lower part of the bus. The lid opens automatically and you have to store the luggage yourself.

I myself have never had a bad experience with this system, but I still recommend removing valuables (wallet, passport) from the luggage and taking it on the bus. Better safe than sorry, right?

In buses without luggage space, it is allowed to take luggage, but other than that, only folding bicycles are allowed. Both luggage and folded bicycle have to be placed in the wheelchair/pram area of the bus. Any passengers in a wheelchair will have priority. For safety, the bicycle must be fastened with the available seat belts during the trip.

Exploring the island by public transport

This may all sound like 'Bus Driving for Dummies', but from my own experience I know that for some people it is sometimes quite a victory to travel abroad by public transport. When I travel to an unknown destination, I feel much more comfortable when I know upfront how the local transport works. It can turn a perhaps somewhat stressful experience into a pleasant outing. Plus it's a nice and affordable way to explore the island.

Visit El Teide by public transport

Bus numbers: 342 from Costa Adeje and 348 from Puerto de la Cruz.

Bus 342, which a price from €6.05 (£5.04), leaves at 09:15 a.m. from the bus stop of Costa Adeje, with return at 03.15 p.m. from El Portillo. The 348, with a price from €4.10 (£3,41), departs from Puerto de la Cruz at 09:30 a.m. and returns from the Parador at 04.00 p.m., and this on a basis!