How and where to hire a car in Tenerife

Tenerife

Tenerife is not just about sun and beaches. In fact, its size and diversity make it feel like several islands in one. The north is lush and humid, with mountainous landscapes and forests, while the south is drier and sunnier, perfect for enjoying the coast.

To fully appreciate this variety of landscapes, climates, and hidden gems, the ideal way to explore is with complete freedom. Hiring a car in Tenerife through DoYouSpain allows you to organise your trip your way, without relying on timetables or fixed routes, and to discover both the well-known hotspots and the secluded places that often don’t appear in travel guides.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to rent a car on the island: how and where to do it, what to consider, and some practical tips to ensure your experience is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Is it necessary to hire a car in Tenerife?

Although Tenerife has a fairly good public transport network, especially in the north of the island, the truth is that hiring a car is almost essential if you want to travel around and discover everything Tenerife has to offer at your own pace. The guaguas (buses) do not always reach the more remote areas, and many points of interest are better connected by road than by public transport.

Moreover, if you’re travelling as a group, with children, or as a couple, a rental car provides freedom, comfort, and flexibility to plan your routes without depending on anyone else.

Which car to rent based on your trip type

At DoYouSpain, we recommend choosing your rental car based on the type of your journey:

• Trip as a couple. A small or cheap car is ideal—easy to park and fuel-efficient.
• Family trip. Hiring a spacious car or even a people carrier is recommended for comfortable travel with luggage and children.
• Adventure or mountain trip. If you plan to visit Teide National Park or rural areas, an SUV can be an excellent option.
• Luxury or relaxation trip in the south. In areas like Costa Adeje, you can opt for automatic or high-end cars.

Driving distances on Tenerife

Tenerife has a modern road network that connects most key locations efficiently. The two main motorways (TF-1 and TF-5) allow for fast travel between the north and south of the island.

• From north to south of the island, the drive takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
• From Santa Cruz to Teide, the journey takes around 90 minutes.
• From Puerto de la Cruz to Los Gigantes, approximately 1 hour.

This is why having a car saves you a lot of time, especially if you want to explore a variety of routes.

How to hire a car in Tenerife step by step

Step 1: compare prices with DoYouSpain

Choose the best price comparison tool on the market: DoYouSpain, which allows you to compare prices from thousands of companies in seconds and select the offer that best suits your trip.

Step 2: choose the right car for your route

Consider:

• Your budget.
• The type of roads you’ll be driving on.
• The amount of luggage and number of passengers.

In Tenerife, a small car works for most journeys, but if you plan to drive up Teide or explore mountainous areas, consider a more powerful vehicle.

Step 3: book online in advance

Booking your hire car early is crucial to get the best prices and wider availability, especially during peak seasons (summer, Easter, or Christmas).

Step 4: required documentation

To hire a car in Tenerife, you’ll need:

• A valid ID or passport.
• A valid driving licence (at least one year old).

Where to hire a car in Tenerife

Tenerife has several key locations where you can collect your hire car. Here’s a summary of the most important ones:

Tenerife South Airport

Tenerife South Airport is the busiest on the island, ideal if you’re staying in the south. Here, you’ll find a wide range of companies and pick-up times.

Tenerife North Airport

Tenerife North Airport is perfect if you’re staying in Santa Cruz, La Laguna, or the north of the island. Just like in the south, there are plenty of options available, and the process is quick and straightforward.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers multiple car hire offices in the city centre and around the port—ideal if you’re arriving by cruise or staying in town.

Puerto de la Cruz

If your trip focuses on the touristy north of the island, booking your car in Puerto de la Cruz is a great option.

Los Cristianos y Costa Adeje

At the heart of tourism in the south, these areas are filled with rental agencies, many offering delivery services to your accommodation or hotel.

Benefits of hiring a car through DoYouSpain

Hiring a car in Tenerife is undoubtedly the most convenient and complete way to discover all its landscapes and hidden gems. Whether you land in the north or the south, whether you want to explore charming villages or drive up to Teide, having your own vehicle gives you unparalleled freedom. And to make the experience even easier, booking with DoYouSpain is your best option.

Instead of wasting time browsing through dozens of websites, DoYouSpain makes it effortless. With a single click, you can compare all the available options in Tenerife and choose the one that best suits your trip. As the leading price comparison tool, it gathers offers from top companies, ranging from global brands to local providers, guaranteeing you the lowest price every time.

And if you ever need assistance, you can count on a dedicated customer support team ready to help with any questions before, during, or after your rental.

Thousands of travellers have already trusted DoYouSpain and share their experiences through verified reviews. If you’re looking for peace of mind, great prices, and a hassle-free booking process, don’t hesitate—hire your car in Tenerife with DoYouSpain.