Getting around Tenerife

The best way to get around Tenerife depends on the type of trip, the time available, and the areas you want to visit.

• Rental car: This is the most comfortable and flexible option. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, access less-connected towns, beaches, and natural areas, and optimise travel time, especially if you want to combine the north and south.
• Public transport (bus and tram): This is an economical and functional alternative for getting around between cities, tourist areas, and airports. It works well in urban and tourist areas, although it requires more planning and journeys can be longer.
• Taxis or private transfers: Recommended for specific journeys, airport transfers, or when you don't want to drive.

In general, a car is the best option for exploring the island freely, while public transport is sufficient if you are going to stay in well-connected areas.

Getting around Tenerife without a car is possible, although it requires a bit more planning, especially if you want to visit different areas of the island. There are several alternatives:

• Bus: This is the main option for getting around without a car. Buses connect most towns, cities, and tourist areas, as well as airports. It's an economical and practical alternative, although journeys can be longer and service is less frequent in rural areas or at specific times.
• Taxi: It's recommended for short journeys, nighttime travel, or areas less accessible by public transport. It is especially useful for getting to or from the airport, traveling with luggage, or supplementing the use of the bus.
• Organised excursions: These are a good option for visiting specific places, such as natural areas or points of interest, without having to worry about transportation. They usually include transfers, a guide, and set schedules.

In general, in urban and tourist areas it is easier to do without a car, while in rural, mountain or less crowded areas it is advisable to plan journeys well or combine several transport options.

Yes, it's easy to get around Tenerife by car. The island has a well-signposted road network, especially in tourist areas and between the main towns. Driving allows you to:

• Access rural and natural areas with greater ease.
• Adjust your schedule without relying on public transport.
• Travel through both the north and south in the same day.

However, in mountainous areas or small towns, the roads can be narrow and winding.

Yes, public transport is generally easy to use in Tenerife, especially when travelling between towns and tourist areas. The island has a well-organised bus network (guaguas) connecting the main towns, airports, and most visited areas.

Public transport is affordable and accessible, with well-marked stops and clear timetables. It works particularly well in areas like Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, and the southern tourist areas. However, in rural or mountainous areas, services may be less frequent and journeys longer, so it's advisable to plan your trips in advance.

For urban stays or leisurely trips, public transport is a convenient option; to explore less connected areas, it can be useful to combine it with taxis or organised tours.

Getting around northern Tenerife is relatively easy and can be done by car or public transport, as it is one of the best-connected areas of the island.

On one hand, public transport offers good bus connections between major towns such as Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Puerto de la Cruz. These routes are frequent and allow comfortable travel between cities, shopping areas, and points of interest without needing a car.

On the other hand, a car makes it easier to access smaller towns, viewpoints, rural areas, and natural spaces in the north. The roads allow you to reach less crowded places and move more freely, especially if you want to explore the interior, go hiking, or visit several areas in a single day.

The south of Tenerife is very tourist-oriented and has good transport infrastructure, which makes it easy for visitors to get around.

Getting around by car is common, as it allows for easy travel between beaches, shopping areas, hotels, and nearby towns. This option is especially practical if you want to explore different parts of the south in a single day or access less crowded beaches.

Buses are also a common mode of transport, with regular lines connecting the main tourist areas to each other and to the airport. Public transport in the south works well for regular journeys and popular destinations, although it can be less flexible for more specific trips.

To get around the island of Tenerife from north to south there are several options, and the choice depends on the time available, the budget and the level of comfort you are looking for:

• Car: This is the fastest and most flexible option, as it allows you to travel directly between areas without being tied to timetables and makes it easy to connect different points in the north and south in a single day. Journeys are mainly made along the TF-1 (south) and TF-5 (north) motorways for easy and well-signposted travel.
• Bus: This is an economical alternative for connecting the main areas of the north and south. There are lines that link cities and tourist areas, although the journey is longer than by car and may require transfers. It is advisable to check timetables and frequencies in advance.
• Taxi or private transfer: This is convenient for occasional trips, especially with luggage or at specific times. It's the most direct option, although also the most expensive.

To travel between Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, you can choose your mode of transport depending on your arrival time, the time you have available, the amount of luggage you are carrying, and your budget. There are several options:

• Car: With a journey of 65.5 km (40.7 mi), it takes approximately one hour and you can go at your own pace.
• Bus: The express line 343 provided by the TITSA bus company allows you to travel from the north airport to the south airport in approximately 50 minutes / 1 hour.
• Taxi or private transfer: This is the most direct and comfortable option.