Arrival & Transport

Two Airports

Tenerife has two airports — a unique feature among the Canary Islands:

Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur — Reina Sofía (TFS)

The main airport for tourists in the south of the island, near the highway between Los Cristianos and El Médano. Almost all holiday flights from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland land here:

• Condor — From Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Stuttgart. Flight time: 4–5 hours.
• Eurowings — From Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin.
• Ryanair — From Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt (Hahn).
• TUI fly — Seasonal from many German airports.
• Prices: From 100€ return (early booking/off-season) to 350€ (peak season Christmas). Cheapest: May/June and October/November.

Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte — Los Rodeos (TFN)

The smaller airport in the north near La Laguna. Mainly for domestic flights (Madrid, Barcelona) and inter-island flights (Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote). Iberia, Binter Canarias, and Canaryfly operate here. Rarely relevant for German tourists, but useful if you're staying in the north.

From South Airport (TFS) to the hotel:

• TITSA-Bus (Línea 111): Airport → Costa Adeje/Playa de las Américas/Los Cristianos. Approx. 30–60 min., 3.50€ with TenMás card.
• TITSA-Bus (Línea 343): Airport → Santa Cruz. Approx. 60 min., 9€.
• Taxi: Airport → Los Cristianos: approx. 25€. Airport → Costa Adeje: approx. 35€. Airport → Puerto de la Cruz: approx. 90€.
• Rental Car: All major providers (Cicar, Hertz, Europcar, Goldcar) have counters in the terminal. Booking online in advance saves 30–50%.

Rental Car — The Best Choice

A rental car is by far the best option on Tenerife. The island can be crossed from north to south in 1–1.5 hours, the highways (TF-1 in the south, TF-5 in the north) are excellent, gasoline is cheaper than on the mainland, and many of the most beautiful places (Anaga, Masca, Teide) are difficult to reach without a car.

Important:

• Full insurance without excess: Often included with local providers like Cicar. With Goldcar and others, be sure to check the insurance — otherwise, you may quickly face 100–200€ excess.
• Mountain roads: The roads to Masca, through the Anaga Mountains, and to Teide are winding and narrow. If you don't like hairpin bends, drive slowly and use pull-off areas.
• Parking: In Santa Cruz and La Laguna: use parking garages (1–2€/h). In the south: usually free hotel parking. At Teide: large, free parking lots.

TITSA Buses

The TITSA bus network (green buses) connects all parts of the island — surprisingly well, punctual, and affordable. The TenMás card (rechargeable chip card, 2€ deposit) saves 30–50% compared to cash payment. Important lines:

• Línea 110: Santa Cruz ↔ Costa Adeje (highway, fast)
• Línea 102: Santa Cruz ↔ Puerto de la Cruz
• Línea 348: Puerto de la Cruz ↔ Teide National Park
• Línea 473: Buenavista ↔ Masca (spectacular mountain road!)

Tram (Tranvía)

The modern tram connects Santa Cruz ↔ La Laguna in 30 minutes. Runs every 5–10 minutes, ticket: 1.35€ with TenMás card. Perfect for a city visit without a car.

Ferries

Ferries depart from Los Cristianos to the neighboring islands:

• La Gomera: Fred Olsen Express (50 min., from 35€ return) or Naviera Armas (60 min., from 28€ return). Several times daily. Perfect day trip!
• La Palma: Fred Olsen (2.5h) or Armas. Less frequent, but doable as a day trip.
• El Hierro: Naviera Armas (2.5h). Only sensible for overnight guests.