Car Rental in Tenerife

Where to drive

• Drive to Teide National Park: Ascend to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, experiencing dramatic volcanic scenery. This is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the south coast, covering around 50-70 km depending on your starting point.
• Explore Masca Valley: Navigate the winding, scenic roads to the picturesque village of Masca, nestled in the Teno Rural Park. This journey from the south is about 1.5 hours (60 km), offering breathtaking views.
• Visit La Laguna and Santa Cruz: Discover the historic UNESCO World Heritage city of La Laguna and the bustling capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These are about 45 minutes to 1 hour (70-80 km) apart from the southern tourist areas.
• Discover the Anaga Rural Park: Head to the lush, ancient laurel forests and dramatic coastlines of Anaga in the northeast. This drive is roughly 1.5-2 hours (90-100 km) from the south, with winding mountain roads.
• Beach hopping along the south coast: Easily access various popular beaches like Playa de las Teresitas, Playa del Duque, and El Médano, each offering a unique experience. Distances between these beaches are often just 10-30 minutes by car.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you generally need a valid passport or national ID card, a driving licence held for at least one year (some companies require two years), and a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. If your driving licence is not from an EU country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may charge a young driver's fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tenerife can vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 15-20 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 40 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Peak holiday periods, particularly summer and winter holidays, see prices increase by 50% or more.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster, generally in the rear seats.

Parking

Parking in Tenerife varies. In tourist areas and larger towns, you'll find blue zones ('zona azul') which are paid parking zones, usually indicated by blue lines on the road. You pay at a nearby machine and display the ticket. White lines usually indicate free parking, while yellow lines mean no parking at all. Underground car parks are common in city centers and are typically paid. In smaller villages or less developed areas, free street parking is more readily available.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Tenerife, especially along main roads and in towns. Both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasoil) are available. Prices are generally lower than on mainland Spain due to tax benefits, though they fluctuate. Most stations accept credit and debit cards, and many are self-service outside of regular hours. Expect to pay around 1.30-1.60 EUR per litre for petrol, and slightly less for diesel, but always check current prices.

Which car to choose

For most of Tenerife's roads, including mountain passes and coastal routes, a compact or economy car with a manual transmission is perfectly adequate and often more fuel-efficient. If you plan extensive drives into mountainous terrain like Teide or Anaga, a car with a slightly more powerful engine or an SUV might offer more comfort, especially if travelling with multiple passengers or luggage. Automatic transmissions are available but might be less common or slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions