Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Good to know
- Nearest airport
- Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
- To city centre
- 28 km
- Main roads
- TF-1, TF-5
- Region
- Canary Islands
- Population
- 955,063
- City IATA code
- TCI
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Canary
- Currency
- EUR
- Driving side
- Right-hand traffic
Compare car rental in Tenerife
500+ rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Where to pick up a car in Tenerife
Rental desks by area, with the distance from the city centre.
Tenerife by car
Tenerife is built around the bulk of Mount Teide, and two motorways run along the north and south coasts. The climb inland is long and the weather changes with the altitude.
Driving in Tenerife
Tenerife is reached by TF-1 and TF-5.
Arriving by road
The TF-1 (Autopista del Sur) and TF-5 (Autopista del Norte) fan out from the Santa Cruz and La Laguna area, but no motorway yet joins Adeje in the southwest with Icod de los Vinos in the northwest. The island’s highways carry no toll, mountain roads can be blocked by fallen rocks, and lanes called Calle or Camino are often narrow, steep and winding.
From the airport without a car
TITSA buses connect both Tenerife North Airport, by San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Tenerife South Airport, near Los Cristianos, with other towns, though some journeys need a change of route. On these buses the ten+ card is tapped on the reader twice, when boarding and again when getting off.
Popular searches in Tenerife
One click to the results with the filter already set.
Day trips from Tenerife
- Puerto de la Cruz16 km
- Candelaria26 km
- La Laguna37 km
Rules of the road in Spain
- Speed limits
- 50 / 90 / 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit
- 0.5 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- motorway tolls paid at the barrier
- Must carry
- a reflective vest and a warning triangle
- Emergency number
- 112
What kind of car do you need?
Typical capacity for the category — the exact model is confirmed by the rental company at booking.
Frequently asked questions
Spain: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the right. Speed limits are posted at the roadside and differ between towns, open roads and motorways.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence.
What are the speed limits in Spain?
50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, 120 km/h on motorways.
Are the motorways tolled?
Motorways charge at the barrier. Payment is by cash or card.
Where can I pick up a rental car in Tenerife?
More rental desks are at Tenerife South Airport and Tenerife North Airport.