Car Rental at Tenerife North Airport (TFN)

Where to drive

• Drive to the historic town of La Orotava, known for its traditional Canarian architecture and beautiful gardens, approximately 20 km (25 minutes) from TFN.
• Explore the ancient laurel forests and dramatic coastlines of Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, roughly 30 km (45 minutes) northeast of the airport.
• Journey to Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, an iconic volcanic landscape about 50 km (1 hour) drive from TFN.
• Visit Puerto de la Cruz, a popular resort town with its charming old town and the famous Lago Martiánez seawater pools, around 25 km (30 minutes) west of the airport.
• Take a scenic route to Garachico, a picturesque coastal town rebuilt after a volcanic eruption, approximately 50 km (1 hour) west, offering stunning views along the way.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you typically need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your licence is not in a Roman alphabet or does not include a photograph, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required alongside your original licence. The minimum age for car rental is generally 21, but drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices at Tenerife North Airport vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs and premium models typically range from 30 EUR to over 70 EUR daily. Prices generally increase during the high season, particularly from June to September and over winter holidays, so booking in advance is advisable.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 mg/ml (0.25 mg/ml for new drivers). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must use appropriate child seats or restraints.

Parking

Parking in Tenerife, especially in popular towns and tourist areas, can be a mix of paid and free options. Blue zones usually indicate paid street parking, often requiring payment at a nearby meter or via a mobile app. White zones are generally free. Underground car parks are common in city centers and offer secure, paid parking. Always check local signage carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Tenerife, especially along main roads and in towns. Both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are available. Unleaded 95 is the most common petrol type. Fuel prices are generally lower than on mainland Spain, but can fluctuate; expect to pay around 1.30 to 1.60 EUR per liter. Most stations accept major credit and debit cards, but it's wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Tenerife's diverse terrain, a compact or economy car is ideal for navigating narrow town streets and parking. If you plan to tackle mountain roads or venture into more rugged areas like Anaga, an SUV offers better ground clearance and comfort. Automatic transmission cars are convenient for the island's winding and sometimes steep roads, though manual cars are more widely available and often cheaper.

Frequently asked questions