Ferry from Tenerife to La Palma
Tickets, prices & schedulesThe ferry connection from Tenerife to La Palma is active all year round, with up to 4 daily crossings. Ferries set sail from Los Cristianos and arrive in Santa Cruz de la Palma, with the journey taking about 2.5 and ferry ticket prices starting from around € 25.94.
Baleària and Fred Olsen Express serve the ferry routes with high-speed catamarans. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
Discounts on Tenerife - La Palma ferry tickets vary depending on the passenger's age and the ferry company. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària offer reduced fares for children and senior travelers, while Fred. Olsen Express also offers discounts for young travelers.
Fred. Olsen Express discounts on Tenerife - La Palma ferries
- Infants and children under 3 years old: travel free of charge
- Children 4-11 years old: 50% discount
- Young travelers 12-25 years old: 15% discount
- Passengers over 60 years old: 15% discount
Baleària discounts on Tenerife - La Palma ferries
- Infants under 1 year old: travel free of charge
- Children 1-13 years old: 50% discount
- Passengers over 60 years old: 20% discount
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount for Tenerife - La Palma ferries?
Yes, if you live in the Canary Islands, you can benefit from the Canary Islands resident discount on Tenerife - La Palma ferry tickets with Fred. Olsen Express.
When booking on Ferryhopper, simply enter your Spanish ID (DNI/NIE) and the discount will be applied automatically to the ticket price before payment. With the resident discount, Tenerife - La Palma ferry tickets start at just €18.50.
Important: remember to bring the necessary documentation to prove your resident status, as you may be asked to present it when boarding.
On-board services and amenities
The Tenerife - La Palma route is served by high-speed ferries operated by Baleària and Fred. Olsen Express. Vessels that usually operate on this route include Baleària's Volcán de Tirajana and Pepita Castellví, as well as Fred. Olsen Express' Barlovento Express and Benchijigua Express.
Onboard services vary depending on the ferry, but you can normally find:
- Air-conditioned lounges with comfortable seating
- Bars and cafés serving drinks, snacks and light meals
- Outdoor decks or terraces on some vessels
- Onboard shops selling snacks, gifts and other products
- Children's areas and entertainment options on selected ferries
- Wi-Fi and digital services on board
- Power outlets or USB ports for charging devices on some vessels
The Pepita Castellví, for example, has a bar-café, shop and children's area, as well as Baleària's SmartB services, including Internet access and entertainment content on your mobile device. On Fred. Olsen Express ferries, you can also access movies, series, music and games through the On Board Club platform.
Is there Wi-Fi on Los Cristianos - La Palma ferries?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board both Baleària and Fred. Olsen Express ferries, although the specific services depend on the vessel.
- On Baleària's Pepita Castellví, SmartB digital services include Internet access, messaging, and series and movies available on mobile devices.
- On Fred. Olsen Express ferries, you can connect to free Wi-Fi and use On Board Club, with movies, series, music, games and other entertainment content.
Cabins and accommodation
Can I book a cabin?
No, due to the short duration of the crossing, there are no cabins available on the ferries from Tenerife to La Palma.
What types of seats are available?
On Tenerife - La Palma ferries, you can choose from different seating options, ranging from standard accommodation to VIP options with extra benefits. Availability and prices depend on the vessel and ferry company.
For example, on the Volcán de Tirajana (Baleària), the standard option is a Sirena seat, while on the Pepita Castellví you can choose between a Sirena seat or a Sirena table seat with seats facing each other.
Are there VIP seats on Tenerife - La Palma ferries?
Yes, in addition to standard numbered lounge seating, both ferry operators offer upgraded seating options on some of the ferries serving this route.
On Baleària's Pepita Castellví, you can choose:
- Reclining VIP seat: located in an exclusive lounge and including a snack and drink, from around €60.
- Reclining VIP seat with priority service: also includes priority boarding and disembarkation, breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the departure time, and a welcome snack, from around €70.
Note: on Baleària's Volcán de Tirajana, only standard Sirena seating is available.
With Fred. Olsen Express, you can also book a VIP option from around €95. These fares include access to the Clase Oro lounge and may come with benefits such as priority boarding, personalized service and complimentary refreshments during the journey.
How much luggage can I bring on board?
Luggage allowances on Tenerife - La Palma ferries depend on the company you're traveling with:
- With Baleària, you don't need to check in your luggage. If you're traveling without a vehicle, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry on board by yourself, without assistance and in one go. Once on board, you can leave it in the designated luggage areas.
- With Fred. Olsen Express, you can bring up to 20 kg of luggage per person. You can take 1 piece of luggage, in addition to your hand luggage, into the passenger lounge, provided you can carry it yourself and it doesn't obstruct passageways or occupy a seat.
Tip: if you're traveling with a car or van, you can leave your luggage inside the vehicle during the crossing.
Are Tenerife - La Palma ferries accessible?
Yes, Tenerife - La Palma ferries offer services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), although the specific features may vary depending on the vessel.
Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària ferries may offer accessibility features such as:
- Access ramps
- Wheelchairs
- Accessible restrooms
- Step-free routes on board
- Accessible seating areas
- Hearing loops on selected vessels
Both companies also offers a free assistance service, which you can request when booking or up to 48 hr before departure.
Tip: if you require assistance or a specific accessibility feature, make sure to indicate your needs when booking and check the services available on your ferry before traveling.
Can I travel with a pet on the Tenerife - La Palma ferry?
Yes, pets are welcome on Tenerife - La Palma ferries operated by Baleària and Fred. Olsen Express. Both companies offer different pet accommodation options, which you can add when making your booking.
Where do pets travel during the crossing?
The available options depend on the ferry company and vessel:
- With Fred. Olsen Express, you can book Pet Sofa, allowing your pet to travel next to you on a mat in designated indoor areas, for around €8; Pet Carrier, for pets weighing up to 10 kg traveling in a carrier, for around €3; or Pet Room M or XL, with ventilated kennels located on the outdoor terraces, for around €4-5.
- On Baleària's Volcán de Tirajana, you can choose a pet-friendly seat for around €4 or a pet kennel in a designated area of the ferry for around €3.
- On Baleària's Pepita Castellví, you can book a pet-friendly seat for around €4, as well as Pet&You and Pet&You XL, which allow your pet to travel next to you on a small or large pet mat for around €7 and €8, respectively.
Can my pet stay with me in the passenger lounge?
Yes! With Fred. Olsen Express, the Pet Sofa and Pet Carrier options allow your pet to travel with you in designated indoor areas of the ferry.
With Baleària, you can choose a pet-friendly seat. With this option, pets weighing up to 8 kg, including the carrier, can stay with their owner and must remain inside the carrier throughout the crossing. On the Pepita Castellví, Pet&You and Pet&You XL are also available.
What documents do I need to travel with a pet?
Remember to include your pet in your booking and bring its valid veterinary documentation. You should also bring a carrier, leash or muzzle where required depending on the animal, ferry company and accommodation selected.
Tip: for more information, check out our guide on traveling by ferry with your dog to the Canary or Balearic Islands.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to La Palma from Tenerife
Here are some useful tips to help you plan your ferry trip from Tenerife to La Palma:
- The port of Los Cristianos can get quite busy, especially in summer, on long weekends and public holidays, so we recommend arriving at least 45 min before departure. If you're traveling with a vehicle, it's best to arrive at the port 1.5 hr before departure.
- If you're planning to visit La Palma and return on the same day, we recommend booking your La Palma - Tenerife ferry tickets in advance as well, especially if you want to travel at a specific time or you're bringing a vehicle.
- Treat your four-legged companion to the ultimate pet vacation by trying out some of the best dog-friendly activities in Tenerife.
- Looking to plan more day trips to other destinations near Tenerife? Check out the Tenerife - La Gomera an Tenerife - Eh Hierro routes and plan your adventure!
- Planning to combine several islands in one trip? Check out our Canary Islands island-hopping guide for itinerary ideas and tips to help you plan your adventure.
- Check out all ferry routes to La Palma on Ferryhopper and find information on schedules, prices and available connections.
Where does the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma depart from?
Ferries from Tenerife depart from the port of Los Cristianos, on the southern coast of Tenerife. The ferry terminal is located on Calle del Espigón, right next to the town center and within walking distance of restaurants, shops and accommodations.
Los Cristianos port is about 17 km from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and around 75 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Los Cristianos bus station is approximately a 15-min walk from the terminal, with connections to the airport, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz and other parts of Tenerife.
At the ferry terminal, you’ll find a cafeteria, restrooms, Wi-Fi, vending machines, parking, an EV charging station and a taxi rank. The terminal is also accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
How to get to the port of Los Cristianos
You can reach the port by bus, car or taxi:
- From Tenerife South Airport: TITSA bus 40 connects the airport with Los Cristianos. The bus station is around a 15-min walk from the port.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: you can take bus 112 to Los Cristianos or book the Fred. Olsen Express Ferry Bus if it is available for your departure.
- By car: take the TF-1 to exit 72, then continue along Avenida Juan Carlos I and Avenida Chayofita, following signs for the port.
Is there a Ferry Bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Los Cristianos?
Yes. Both Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària offer Ferry Bus services between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the port of Los Cristianos for selected departures to La Palma.
- With Fred. Olsen Express, the Ferry Bus is free of charge and connects the Santa Cruz bus station (Intercambiador de Guaguas) with the boarding area in Los Cristianos. The journey takes around 1 hr, and the bus usually departs from the station 1 hr 30 min before the ferry departure.
- With Baleària, Ferry Bus services are also available for selected departures to La Palma from Los Cristianos. Buses depart from the Santa Cruz port and the Tenerife bus station (Intercambiador), depending on the ferry schedule.
Important: Ferry Bus schedules and availability may vary depending on the day and departure, so we recommend checking the service when booking.
Where do ferries arrive in La Palma?
Ferries from Tenerife arrive at the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, located on the eastern coast of La Palma. The ferry terminal is right next to the island’s capital and just a few minutes’ walk from the city center.
From the port, you can easily walk to Avenida Marítima, as well as nearby restaurants, shops, accommodation, and other services. You’ll also find taxis, buses and car rental offices for your onward journey around the island.
How long is the ferry ride from Tenerife to La Palma?
The ferry trip from Los Cristianos to La Palma takes around 2.5 hr.
What time does the first ferry from Tenerife to La Palma depart?
The first ferry from Tenerife to La Palma usually departs at 08:00 with Balearia.
What time does the last ferry from Tenerife to La Palma depart?
The last ferry to La Palma usually departs from Los Cristianos at 21:30 with Naviera Armas.
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FAQs
Yes, you can bring your car, motorbike or motorhome on Tenerife - La Palma ferries, as the vessels serving this route have car decks. Here are the starting prices for 1 adult + 1 vehicle:
- Car: from €62.50
- Motorbike: from €62.50
- Motorhome: from €103.35
You can also bring other types of vehicles on board, such as SUVs and vans. The final price depends on the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the ferry company and travel date.
How do I board the Tenerife - La Palma ferry with a vehicle?
When booking, make sure to add your vehicle to the ticket and enter its type and dimensions correctly. Once you arrive at the port of Los Cristianos, follow the signs to the vehicle pre-boarding area and have the necessary documents ready.
Check-in deadlines vary by ferry company. With Fred. Olsen Express, vehicle boarding closes 40 min before departure. Baleària generally asks passengers traveling with a vehicle to arrive at the port at least 1.5 hr before departure. In any case, always check the boarding time shown on your ticket.
Important: once your vehicle has been parked on the car deck, you cannot remain inside it during the crossing. Follow the crew's instructions when parking and then continue to the passenger areas.
Can I take a rental car from Tenerife to La Palma?
It depends on the rental company. Before booking the ferry, check the terms of your rental agreement, as some companies may restrict taking their vehicles between the islands by ferry or require prior authorization.
Tip: car-deck spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance, especially if you're traveling in summer, on a weekend, or with a motorhome or larger vehicle.
The distance between the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife and Santa Cruz de la Palma is approximately 68 nautical miles (125 km).
Yes, all vessels operating on the Tenerife - La Palma route are high-speed ferries.
The fastest ferry from Tenerife to La Palma takes around 2.5 hr to reach Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Yes, it is possible to take a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma by ferry. The first ferry usually departs from Los Cristianos at 08:00 and arrives in Santa Cruz de La Palma around 2.5 hr later. The last ferry back to Tenerife usually departs at 23:30.
If you take the first ferry and return on the last one, you'll have several hours to explore some of La Palma's highlights. Here's an idea of how to spend the day:
- In the morning: explore the historic center of Santa Cruz de La Palma or head to one of the nearby natural attractions to take in the island's scenery.
- At lunchtime: try some Canarian cuisine at a local restaurant before continuing your visit.
- In the afternoon: head to Los Cancajos, near Santa Cruz, or spend some more time exploring the capital before returning to the port for your ferry back to Tenerife.
Tip: if you'd like to explore some of the best hiking trails in La Palma or discover more of the island, we recommend staying at least 1 night. This will give you more time to explore the island without having to plan your day around the last ferry.
In general, we recommend booking your Tenerife - La Palma ferry tickets several weeks in advance if you're traveling in summer, from Friday to Sunday or on popular travel dates. If your schedule is flexible and you're traveling outside the busiest periods, you're more likely to find ferry availability at shorter notice.
When are ferries to La Palma busiest?
In addition to the summer months and holiday periods, there are some major events in La Palma when it's a good idea to book your ferry well in advance:
- Los Indianos: this popular Carnival celebration in Santa Cruz de La Palma attracts thousands of visitors and leads to high demand for ferry tickets between Tenerife and La Palma. If you're planning to travel during Carnival, we recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates.
- Easter and other public-holiday weekends: the most convenient departures can fill up earlier, especially if you want to travel first thing in the morning or return on the last ferry of the day.
How far in advance should I book if I'm traveling with a vehicle?
If you're bringing a car, motorbike, van, or motorhome, we recommend booking earlier than if you're traveling as a foot passenger, as car-deck spaces are limited. This is particularly important in summer, on weekends and during busy events such as Los Indianos.
Tip: if you need to travel at a specific time or you're planning a same-day round trip, make sure to book your return ferry in advance as well.
When booking your Tenerife - La Palma trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.
If your ferry trip is canceled, you usually have the following options:
- Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
- Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.
Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.
If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.