From Tenerife South airport to resorts: routes, fares and travel time

Tenerife South Airport (TFS, Reina Sofía) handles most flights to the island. The southern resorts are less than half an hour away, the island capital takes about an hour, and the north takes an hour and a half or more. There are four options: the TITSA bus, a taxi, a private transfer with a driver, and a rental car.

We broke down each option with fares, routes, and travel times. Below you can see where you save money and where you pay for comfort, speed, and luggage space.

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Four ways to get from Tenerife South Airport

💡 In short:

• The cheapest option: the TITSA bus from outside the arrivals hall, buy your ticket from the driver.
• The fastest option: a taxi from the stand or a pre-booked transfer with a fixed rate.
• The most flexible option: a rental car if you want to explore the whole island.
• Prices and schedules: 09/2026, checked on the airport page.

TITSA buses cost less than the other options, but they make stops and have no space for a large suitcase. Taxis wait at the terminal around the clock, and the meter starts as soon as you get in. A private transfer is booked in advance and you pay a fixed rate. A rental car pays off if your trip around the island lasts several days.

The table below shows the difference in time and money. Driving times are based on the map, and bus fares come from the operator.

Travel times are based on the map; check bus fares on the official tourist office portal (as of 09/2026).

TITSA buses: routes, prices, and payment

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The TITSA network covers the whole island, and stops are right outside the arrivals hall (airport data). You buy your ticket from the driver, so keep small bills and coins handy. Ticket machines are available at bus stations, and the Ten+ card gives you a discount on every trip. At night, some daytime routes are replaced by night services.

The numbering is simple. Route 40 goes to Costa Adeje via the southern resorts. Line 111 connects the airport with Santa Cruz via the south. Aeroexpress 10 gets you to the capital faster than the others. Line 343 goes directly to Puerto de la Cruz via both airports. Night service 711 covers the southern direction.

Check schedules and fares using Tenerife tourist office data (09/2026). The main routes from Tenerife South Airport are summarized below.

Fares and travel times: based on island tourism portal data (09/2026). The operator's calculator gives you the exact fare to your stop. Pay the driver, at a station machine, or with a Ten+ card. The card pays off if you take more than two bus trips during your vacation.

One important rule: buses run on a schedule, not to match a specific flight. Allow extra time if you have a connection or an early hotel check-in.

Taxi from Tenerife South Airport

The official taxi stand operates outside the terminal around the clock (official airport website). Cars are white with green stripes, the meter is mandatory, and fares are set by the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife and updated once a year. Uber does not operate on the island, so taxis and buses remain the main options.

The drive to Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas takes 15-20 minutes (based on the map). Costa Adeje is slightly farther, about 25 minutes. To Santa Cruz, a taxi takes 40-50 minutes, and to Puerto de la Cruz over an hour (based on the map). At night and on holidays the rate is higher, so the amount you pay depends on the time of day.

For four passengers with suitcases, a fixed-rate private transfer is more predictable than the meter. You can pay in cash or by card, and the driver provides a receipt on request. For short distances, a taxi gets you there faster than the bus.

Where to go: resorts in the south of Tenerife

The south of the island is home to most beach resorts, and this is where the majority of tourists head. Between Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, and Costa Adeje, you can get around on foot along the promenade.

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1. Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is known for its long promenade and calm sea, so families with children often come here. TITSA buses stop right outside the arrivals hall exit and head toward Estación Costa Adeje. The final stop in town: Los Cristianos bus station (Estación de Guaguas de Los Cristianos).

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• How to get there: buses 40, 111, and 711 from the stop outside the arrivals hall; about 20-25 minutes.
• Cost: ticket from the driver, around 3-4 € (as of 09/2026, tickets for this route).
• Taxi: 15-20 minutes from the terminal (by map), metered fare.
• The catch: the bus makes several stops, so the trip takes longer than a taxi.

2. Playa de las Américas

Playa de las Américas is the center of nightlife in the south: bars, clubs, and restaurants along the avenue. Here it matters exactly where the bus drops you off. Routes 40 and the night bus 711 take you to the center of the resort, while 111 and 343 stop only on the edge.

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• How to get there: 40 or 711 to the center, stops El Camisón, Zentral Center, Columbus; 111 or 343 to Magma Arte & Congresos.
• Time: about 25-30 minutes from the airport.
• Cost: around 3-4 € from the driver (as of 09/2026, fare to southern resorts).
• The catch: buses 111 and 343 drop you off on the edge of the resort, then you walk or take a taxi.

3. Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is chosen for its large hotels and well-kept beaches on the southern coast. Four routes go here, and buses 40, 111, 343, and 711 stop at Estación Costa Adeje.

• How to get there: 40, 111, 343, or 711 from the airport to Estación Costa Adeje.
• Time: about 25-35 minutes.
• Cost: 3.70-6 € depending on the stop (as of 09/2026, zone-based fare calculation).
• Taxi: 18-25 minutes from the terminal (by map).
• The catch: the fare increases with each zone, so tickets to hotels farther out cost more.

In the south, it's more convenient to choose a hotel near route 40, so you don't depend on taxis. You can browse options on Trip.com.

North and center: where to go from the airport

The northern part of the island greets you with a different climate: it's greener and cooler there. The drive from the southern airport takes at least an hour, so plan it separately from your arrival day.

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4. Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz remains the island's capital, with a port, shops, and cultural venues. The fastest way to get there is Aeroexpress 10, but line 111 also goes to the Intercambiador de Santa Cruz.

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• How to get there: 10 (Aeroexpress) or 111 from the stop outside the arrivals hall.
• Time: about 50 minutes on the 10, up to 1 hr 15 min on the 111.
• Cost: 9-10 EUR (as of 09/2026, fare to the capital).
• Taxi: 40-50 minutes from the terminal (by map).
• The catch: the trip takes almost an hour, which is a long time for your short visit.

5. Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz lies in the north of the island and retains its traditional Canarian character. There's only one direct bus: line 343 goes via Tenerife North Airport.

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• How to get there: line 343, final stop Estación de Guaguas de Puerto de la Cruz.
• Time: about 1 hr 30 min.
• Cost: 13-15 EUR (as of 09/2026, direct route 343).
• Taxi: 60-75 minutes from the terminal (by map).
• The catch: the direct bus runs infrequently, so you'll need to plan your arrival around it.

6. Candelaria

Candelaria is known for the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands. There's no direct bus from the airport; you'll need one transfer.

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• How to get there: 10 (Aeroexpress) to Caletillas, then 120 or 122; or 10 or 111 to Intercambiador de Santa Cruz, then 120 or 122.
• Time: 1 hr 30 min to 2 hours with a transfer.
• Cost: about 8-12 EUR for the whole trip (as of 09/2026, cost of the trip with a transfer).
• The catch: there's no direct bus, and the transfer with luggage will wear you out.

How to get to Tenerife North Airport

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7. Between the two airports

Tenerife North Airport lies at the other end of the island, and the trip between terminals takes under an hour on a direct bus. A taxi over this distance is expensive, so the bus is the better value if you're not in a hurry.

• Bus: line 343 runs between terminals, about 50 minutes (Webtenerife).
• Cost: about €9.70 (as of 09/2026, Webtenerife).
• Taxi: metered fare.
• The catch: the bus runs on a schedule, not based on your actual arrival time.

Private transfer with a driver

A private transfer is booked in advance, and the driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign. The rate is fixed, so the price is known before the trip and does not depend on traffic. You'll be met and helped with your luggage, and child seats are ordered at the time of booking.

This option is convenient for late-night arrivals or when you have a lot of luggage. To the southern resorts, the drive takes 20-30 minutes by map. Book your transfer in advance: during high season, fewer cars are available.

You can compare prices and vehicle classes on Kiwitaxi.

Car rental at Tenerife south airport

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Renting a car gives you complete freedom and lets you explore the island at your own pace. TopCar, Thrifty, Record Go, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Goldcar, Cicar, Sixt, and Turisprime operate at the terminal (airport data). The counters are inside the building near baggage claim; some companies shuttle you to their office with a free shuttle.

Prices depend on the season, vehicle class, and rental period. In the low season, rates are noticeably lower than in peak months and around holidays. You see the exact cost at the time of booking, so compare offers before your trip.

• Where to look: counters in the terminal near baggage claim or a free shuttle to the company's office.
• When to book: in advance; during high season, the vehicle class you need may sell out.
• What to consider: insurance, deposit, and fuel policy differ by rental company, so read the terms before signing.

You can compare offers and vehicle classes on DiscoverCars.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much is the bus from Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos?

A ticket from the driver costs about €3-4 (as of 09/2026, carrier fares). Keep small bills and coins handy; the driver may not accept large banknotes. Ticket machines are available at bus stations, and the Ten+ card gives a discount on every trip. Night route 711 follows the same direction.

Is there Uber or other ride-hailing services on Tenerife?

No. Official taxis and TITSA buses operate on the island (island public transport). Taxis are taken from the stand at the terminal; the stand is open 24 hours. Uber and similar services are not available on Tenerife, so you should plan your route in advance, especially for late-night arrivals.

Do buses run from Tenerife South Airport at night?

Yes, the southern direction is covered by night route 711 (Webtenerife). It runs from the airport through Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas toward Estación Costa Adeje. The nighttime interval is longer than during the day, so check the exact time for your flight before leaving the terminal. Fares on night routes are higher than daytime fares.

How to get from the airport Tenerife South to Puerto de la Cruz?

There is one direct bus: line 343 goes to Puerto de la Cruz via both airports, about 1 h 30 min (as of 09/2026, line 343 schedule). The fare is about 13-15 € (as of 09/2026, direct route 343). Instead of the bus, you can take a taxi: 60-75 minutes on the map, but the meter on that distance adds up to a high total.

What to choose for a group of four with suitcases?

Book a private transfer with a fixed rate or take a taxi from the stand. With four people, you pay for the car, not for each ticket, and you don't stand at the stop with your luggage. The TITSA bus is cheaper, but with four suitcases you won't fit in the cabin, so that option only works for light luggage.

In short: what's worth booking

If your trip to the south involves suitcases and you need a predictable price, book a private transfer. If budget is the priority, bus 40 or 111 covers the southern route. For exploring the island, renting a car for the whole stay is the better value.

• If you have a night arrival and a hotel in Costa Adeje: book a transfer with a fixed rate.
• If you're traveling as a couple with light luggage: the TITSA bus will be cheaper than the other options.
• If you plan to explore the island: compare car rental prices in advance.

Compare options before your trip: private transfers.

For getting around the island, add car rental and hotels in southern Tenerife.