LArriving at Tenerife South Airport (TFS, also known as Reina Sofía Airport) is just the start of your adventure on the island. You've got your luggage, the sun is already warming up, and the whole of Tenerife awaits you on the other side of the arrivals gates.

Here begins the first important decision of the journey: how are you going to get around?

 

Public transport exists, but it has its limitations. If you want to get to those black sand beaches of Alcalá, to lose yourself among the misty forests of Anaga, visit the Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos To discover the secret viewpoints of the Teno Massif, you need a car. Without one, you are left with the tourist version of Tenerife. With one, you discover the real one.

Here is our honest and practical guide to hiring a car at TFS without any nasty surprises.

First off: where do I pick up the car?

At the South Airport you have two options:

• Counters in the arrivals terminal itself: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Goldcar and other major brands have a counter inside the airport. Very convenient if you arrive laden with luggage and children, but generally they are the most expensive prices.
• Companies outside the airport: 5-10 minutes away by free shuttle. They often have better rates and are worth it if you've booked in advance (which we recommend).

Our advice: always book online before you arrive. Prices at the counter, especially during peak season, can be between 30% and 70% more expensive than an advance booking. At Christmas, Carnival, Easter or in the height of August, the difference can be huge.

Which companies do we recommend?

We've been hosting guests at our properties across the island for a while now, and these are the ones we hear about time and time again, for good reason:

Company	Why we recommend it
Tyre	100%, a Canary Islands-based company. No hidden charges, clear contracts and a fleet renewed every 4–5 years. They are adding more and more electric and hybrid vehicles to their fleet. Our top choice.
Goldcar / Rhodium	Very competitive prices. Read the insurance conditions carefully: extras can add up if you're not clear about what you're signing up for.
Hertz / Avis / Europcar	Trusted international brands. Ideal if you have a loyalty card or prefer a well-known company.
Discover Cars / Rentalcars.com / Check24	Price comparison websites. Perfect for seeing all options in one place and finding the most suitable price.

Regarding Cicar prices: They don't have early booking offers as such, but they do maintain stable prices throughout the year, which is appreciated when the prices of the rest of the market skyrocket during peak season.

What you need to check before signing

Insurance

It's the point where most people get surprised. Make sure you understand exactly what the included policy covers and what it excludes. Comprehensive insurance with no excess offers great peace of mind, especially if you're going to be driving on the mountain roads of the north.

Before paying for additional company insurance, check if your credit card already covers the rental. Mastercard Black/Platinum and Visa Platinum/Signature cards usually include collision damage, theft, or vandalism protection. A call to your bank before travelling can save you a considerable amount of money.

Fuel policy

Most companies operate on a «full to full» policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it the same way. It's the fairest approach. Avoid prepaid fuel packages unless you plan to drive many miles and don't want to worry about it.

Additional drivers

If your partner or companion is also going to drive, add them at the counter. It usually costs between 3 and 5 euros per day and is totally worth it for sharing the driving on long journeys.

Photos before leaving the car park

Before you set off, do a full walk-around of the car and photograph everything with your mobile. Send it to yourself by email or WhatsApp so it's dated. This is the step most people skip, and the one that prevents the most problems upon your return.

GPS and tolls

Good news: Tenerife has no toll roads. And Google Maps works perfectly all over the island, so you don't need to pay for a GPS unit in the rental car.

When to book and what to bring?

During peak season (December-January, July-August, Carnival, Easter), book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Last-minute prices can rocket, and you also risk not finding cars of the size you need.

On the day of collection, always bring:

• Driver's licence
• The passport or ID card
• The credit card you used to make the booking (most companies require a physical card for the deposit)

If you are travelling with young children, please request a child seat when booking. They sell out quickly during peak season and are not always available at the counter.

What size of car do you need?

For most stays, a small or compact car is more than sufficient. Parking in the northern villages, navigating narrow streets, or finding a spot at viewpoints is much easier with a small vehicle.

If you are four or more people, or are planning to explore the Anaga Rural Park or the Teno Massif with full luggage, an SUV or an estate car will give you more comfort and boot space.

What if I want to rent an electric car?

It is possible and increasingly viable. Cicar, for example, is renewing its fleet with electric and hybrid vehicles. The charging network on the island is not yet as developed as on the mainland, but if you stop every now and then at a shopping centre or a charging station, you can get around the island without any problems.

In the north, near where we have some of our properties, we have 60 kW chargers available for an additional charge for guests arriving with electric vehicles.

Roads not to be missed

Renting a car in Tenerife is not just a practical matter: it’s part of the experience. Here are the routes that excite us the most:

• TF-12 through the Anaga Rural Park: There are stretches where the trees completely arch over the road, forming a spectacular green tunnel. One of the most beautiful sights on the island.
• Masca Road (TF-436): The access road to the village of Masca is impressive, with breathtaking views. However, it is narrow and very busy in summer, so take it easy and be patient.
• TF-21 to Teide: The road leading up to the national park crosses unique lunar landscapes. If you've never been to 3,700 metres above sea level on an Atlantic island, you're in for a surprise.

¡Hola! Para poder responder a tu pregunta, necesito un poco más de información. ¿Podrías decirme dónde está tu alojamiento (la dirección o la zona)? Con esa información, podré decirte cuánto tiempo tardarás en llegar desde el aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur (TFS).

• Southwest coast (Alcalá, Los Gigantes, Playa de las Américas): Less than 30 minutes. Practically on the doorstep of the airport.
• North of the island (Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos): Approximately 60 minutes via the TF-5 motorway. A worthwhile journey.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Approximately 45 minutes.

Our Final Recommendations

At Tenerife Living We've been saying it for a long time: renting a car isn't an optional extra, it's the key to truly experiencing Tenerife. The island reveals itself little by little, along unmarked coastal tracks, through mountain villages that don't feature in the brochures, and at viewpoints you only reach if you're willing to venture off the main road.

Hire a car, explore with freedom, and let Tenerife surprise you.

And if you have any doubts about which company to choose, what size car you need for your route, or want to know if it's worth having a car from your accommodation,write to us. We're happy to help.