Compare cheap car hire at Tenerife South Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicle options, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Tenerife South Airport (Tenerife Sur – Reina Sofía Airport, TFS) is the main airport serving southern Tenerife and the Canary Islands’ largest tourist resorts. The airport sits around 60km south of Santa Cruz and about 15km from popular resort areas including Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
Many visitors hire a car directly at the airport to explore Tenerife. A car allows easy access to beaches, volcanic landscapes and mountain roads across the island.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Tenerife South Airport has regular direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Tenerife South (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)
- Cork → Tenerife South (seasonal services)
- Shannon → Tenerife South (seasonal services)
The flight from Dublin to Tenerife typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands and many travellers combine it with visits to neighbouring islands. If you are planning to explore more of the archipelago, you can also compare rental options at Gran Canaria Airport, Fuerteventura Airport or Lanzarote Airport.
Each island offers different landscapes, from volcanic terrain and sand dunes to coastal resorts and national parks.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car hire desks at Tenerife South Airport are located inside the arrivals hall of the main terminal building. After collecting luggage, travellers will find the rental counters in the public arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal, within easy walking distance of the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information can be found on the official Tenerife South Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Tenerife South Airport
A large number of international and local car rental companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Vehicles are normally parked in the airport’s dedicated car rental parking area close to the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Tenerife South Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | Larger Family Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €45 per day | €45 – €75 per day | €75 – €130 per day |
| April – June | €30 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €150 per day |
| July – August | €40 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day | €150 – €220 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €65 per day | €65 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €25 – €50 per day | €50 – €85 per day | €85 – €150 per day |
Popular Cars to Rent in Tenerife
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are the most common rental vehicles on the island and are ideal for driving between resorts.
Family Cars
Compact and mid-size vehicles provide more comfort for longer drives around Tenerife.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles offer additional luggage space for travellers exploring several destinations across the island.
People Carriers
Families travelling together often choose larger vehicles.
- 7 Seater people carriers – suitable for families travelling together
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger family groups
Driving from Tenerife South Airport
The airport connects directly to the TF-1 motorway which runs along Tenerife’s southern and eastern coast.
- Playa de las Américas – about 20 minutes
- Costa Adeje – around 20 minutes
- Los Cristianos – roughly 15 minutes
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – about 45 minutes
The TF-1 motorway links most major resort areas in southern Tenerife.
Travellers visiting the island sometimes also arrive at Tenerife Airport in the south, or the island’s northern airport which serves Santa Cruz and northern Tenerife.
Driving Tips for Tenerife
Roads across Tenerife are modern and generally well maintained. Motorways and main roads are clearly signposted and distances are displayed in kilometres.
Mountain roads in the interior of the island can be narrow and winding, particularly in the Teide National Park region.
Further visitor information can be found on the official Spain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Tenerife South
Hiring a car allows visitors to explore several destinations across Tenerife.
- Teide National Park – volcanic landscape surrounding Mount Teide
- Los Gigantes – coastal cliffs and harbour town
- Santa Cruz – capital of Tenerife
- La Laguna – historic UNESCO-listed town
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip around the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Tenerife South Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Tenerife South Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Tenerife South Airport from Playa de las Américas?
The drive usually takes about 20 minutes.
Is driving in Tenerife easy for visitors?
Yes. Most roads are modern and clearly signposted.
Do roads in Tenerife have tolls?
No. Tenerife’s motorways are generally toll-free.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Tenerife South Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in Spain.
Should I book Tenerife Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive across Tenerife?
Driving from the south of the island to the north usually takes around one hour.
Which motorway connects Tenerife South Airport with the island?
The TF-1 motorway connects the airport with the main resort areas and Santa Cruz.
