Move at your own pace
When we are on vacation, being able to move and go from one place to another with ease is essential to be able to enjoy our stay to the fullest. From the hotel to the beach, shopping in the nearest city or dining in a remote and attractive location, it doesn’t matter. Fortunately, we can rely on the more than efficient transport network in Tenerife.
Get to know Tenerife using its most popular methods of transportation.
And it is not easy. Let’s keep in mind that we are talking about an island, and an island with an extremely complex and rugged relief. Not only because it houses the enormous mass of Mount Teide, but also; in other areas, such as Teno or Anaga, communications have always been very complicated. Getting around Tenerife always had its share of adventure…
That has changed in recent decades. On the one hand, improvements in communications and infrastructure have meant that the most isolated areas of the island are now within easy reach. On the other, passenger transport systems and networks have been optimised in a way that no one would have dreamed of thirty years ago.
When we talk about transport in Tenerife, whether by land or sea, there are mainly two options: public transport or rental means of transport. In the following lines we will tell you more about them.
Public transportation options?
Buses: The first and most obvious option is the public buses, known throughout the archipelago as “guaguas”. The TITSA company is in charge of offering this service, both in the urban and between different towns, with its recognizable green buses. You can pay for each trip when you get on the bus or buy a bono-bus if you plan to use it often.
Taxi: Taxis are the other great alternative to public transport in Tenerife. There are about 2500 operating on the island in different companies, but they are always white, conveniently identified and equipped with a taximeter. Some (so-called “Eurotaxis”) are accessible to people with reduced mobility. They are a good option for a private excursion, closing the price in advance.
Tram: The Metropolitan Company of Tenerife (MTSA) currently has two lines (Santa Cruz-La Laguna and La Cuesta-Tíncer). The tram is a new and different means of transport in Tenerife, respectful of the environment and accessible (even with spaces for bicycles and baby strollers). The ticket is purchased at the station and validated inside the carriage.
Ferries: On an island, sea transport is a great alternative. Santa Cruz, Los Cristianos and Puerto de Santiago are the main bases, but not the only ones. Fred Olsen, Armas and Transmediterránea connect Tenerife with all the other islands of the Canary archipelago, and it is also possible (although it is not a very agile means) to travel from one point to another on the island.
Car Rental Options
Rental cars: There are a large number of transport companies in Tenerife aimed at providing this service, at least a dozen, as is usually the case on any island with a large influx of visitors. You will find car rental offices in major cities, airports and major tourist areas. If you want to move at your own pace, it is the best option, and you will find good prices.
Private vehicle with driver: Chauffeur-driven passenger cars (commonly known by the acronym VTC) are rapidly gaining traction due to their versatility, personalized service, and competitive prices. There are six companies and 82 licensed vehicles in Tenerife. Whether it’s for a transfer to or from the airport, a special transfer or any excursion, don’t forget about them.
Bicycle: The bicycle is a great means of transport, especially in urban or short distances, which allows us greater contact with the environment. But you don’t have to bring it from home! Of course, there is a wide range of options on the island, whether you are looking for a rather sporty option or simply looking for a small and economical vehicle to get around the area where you are staying.
Other: There are still other transport options in Tenerife, less common or designed for more specific needs, but no less interesting. How about renting a motorcycle of any displacement and style, or a scooter? And a quad? On the other hand, people with mobility problems will find electric chairs for rent in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz or Los Cristianos.
"The customer can choose the car of the color they want, as long as it is black." – Henry Ford
From here to there
As you can see, there are many possibilities to get around in Tenerife. In reality, it doesn’t matter which means of transport you choose; The important thing is that you use them, that you take advantage of your stay to get to know the island in depth. The car, the bike, the bus or the ferry, they are all different ways to get where you want to go.
The great availability of means of transport, together with the good communications network that the island enjoys, makes things very easy for us. If we add to that the beauty and diversity of landscapes that you will cross on any trip, both inland and along the coast, we see that transport in Tenerife is another part of the holiday stay.
Don’t stay at your nearest resort or beach; Take advantage of all these facilities and explore the island from end to end, don’t leave a corner to snoop around. If you opt for public transport you will be much closer to an immersive experience in the local culture; If you choose rental transportation, you will be prioritizing comfort. Both paths are good!