Ferries Tenerife

The ferry operators serving Tenerife routes offer discounts up to 50% to certain passenger categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can expect lower ferry ticket prices for: 

• Children (usually aged 4 to 11 or 13, depending on the operator)
• Young travelers (under 26 years old or holders of an ISIC student card)
• Seniors (passengers over 60 years old)
• Large families (Familia Numerosa, with official certification)

Infants and toddlers up to 2-3 years old normally travel free of charge, though a zero-cost ticket must still be issued for boarding.

Additionally, there are discounts for Canary Islands residents for even greater savings on Tenerife ferry tickets.

Routes from Mainland Spain

• Huelva - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: you can usually catch a ferry between 2 and 4 times a week year-round. The journey takes 32 to 39 hr, and tickets start from about €117.
• Cádiz - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: there are 1-2 weekly crossings available all year long. Sailings take between 32 and 44 hr, with ticket prices starting at around €115.

Routes from the Canary Islands

From Gran Canaria

• Agaete - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: there are multiple daily crossings year-round operating high-speed ferries. The trip takes about 1 hr 20 min, and tickets start at around €48.
• Las Palmas - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: you can travel daily year-round with several departures on both high-speed and conventional vessels. The journey lasts 1 hr 40 min to 2.5 hr, with tickets starting from €48.

From La Gomera

• San Sebastián de La Gomera - Los Cristianos: there are up to 9 daily sailings year-round. The crossing takes around 50 min, and ticket prices start at €40.

From La Palma

• Santa Cruz de La Palma - Los Cristianos: served daily year-round, this route takes about 2.5 hr, with ticket prices starting at around €26.
• Santa Cruz de La Palma - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: operates periodic sailings (usually 1-2 per week) taking about 6 hr, with tickets starting from €80. Have a look at the La Palma to Tenerife ferry route page for more information.

From El Hierro

• Valverde (La Estaca) - Los Cristianos: you can travel daily year-round on high-speed ferries. The journey takes around 2 hr 20 min, and tickets start from €37.

From Lanzarote (via Gran Canaria)

• Arrecife - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: while there is no direct ferry, you can travel year-round with an intermediate stopover in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The total journey time starts at around 8.5 to 10 hr, and combined ticket prices start at about €145.

From Fuerteventura (via Gran Canaria)

• Morro Jable / Puerto del Rosario - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: you can travel year-round via Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Some operators like Naviera Armas offer direct vessel connections with a stop in Las Palmas, allowing full trip travel in as little as 4 hr 10 min. Journey times range from 4.5 to 11 hr depending on the departure port and vessel type, with ticket prices starting at around €62.

You can reach Tenerife aboard vessels operated by Naviera Armas, Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària. These companies serve connections between the Canary Islands as well as routes connecting Tenerife with mainland Spain (Cádiz and Huelva). 

Fred. Olsen Express mainly operates high-speed, vehicle-carrying ferries from Los Cristianos to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, and from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Gran Canaria. It also connects Tenerife with Huelva on the Spanish mainland.

Baleària and Naviera Armas serve inter-island routes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos, including connections with Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. It also operates the ferry between Cádiz and Tenerife. Its services include both high-speed and conventional ferries, depending on the route and departure.

Luggage Policies

Each operator serving Tenerife has specific rules regarding baggage allowance:

• Naviera Armas: you can carry up to 4 pieces of luggage weighing a maximum total of 60 kg per passenger.
• Fred. Olsen Express: you are allowed to bring up to 20 kg of hand luggage per passenger.
• Baleària: passengers are allowed to carry personal luggage on board with no specific weight limits, as long as you can carry it yourself in a single trip.

The duration of the ferry ride to Tenerife ranges from 50 min to 44 hr, depending on whether you are traveling from a neighboring Canary Island or mainland Spain.

• Shortest ferry duration: 50 min (from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Los Cristianos)
• Longest ferry duration: 44 hr (from Cádiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

Choosing the Best Route

Which is the fastest route?

The fastest ferry route to Tenerife is from the island of La Gomera (San Sebastián - Los Cristianos), taking just 50 min on high-speed vessels.

If you are traveling from Gran Canaria, the fastest connection is from Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which takes about 1 hr 20 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route?

The cheapest route to Tenerife is from La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma - Los Cristianos), with single ticket prices starting at €26.

Among connections from mainland Spain, routes from Cádiz and Huelva start at similar price points, with fares beginning at around €115 - €117.

Most ferries operating to Tenerife feature spacious car decks, allowing you to bring your own vehicle on board.

How much does it cost to bring my car?

Vehicle transportation costs depend on the route length, the vessel type, and whether you are traveling between islands or from mainland Spain:

• Inter-island routes: rates for transporting a standard car between Tenerife and neighboring Canary Islands start from €20 to €32 on short routes (such as La Gomera or El Hierro), and range between €35 and €60 on routes from Gran Canaria or La Palma.
• Mainland Spain routes: fares for bringing a car from Cádiz or Huelva to Tenerife start at around €180.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry?

Yes, you can take a campervan, motorhome, or caravan on ferries to Tenerife. Both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries serving the island accommodate larger vehicles. 

• Inter-island routes: campervan ticket prices generally range from €50 to €120, depending on vehicle length and height.
• Mainland routes: campervan fares from Cádiz or Huelva typically start around €250 to €450+.

Since garage space for campervans is limited, especially during high season, we recommend booking your vehicle ticket as far in advance as possible.

The facilities available on ferries to Tenerife depend on the route, operator and vessel. High-speed ferries serving the shorter inter-island routes usually have comfortable seating, cafés, passenger lounges, Wi-Fi or digital entertainment, children’s areas and outdoor terraces on selected vessels.

The conventional ferries used on longer crossings, particularly those connecting Tenerife with mainland Spain, generally offer more facilities. These may include cabins, reclining seats, restaurants or cafés, shops, showers, pet-friendly accommodation and larger indoor and outdoor passenger areas.

As facilities vary between vessels, check the services included on your departure when booking.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, cabins are available on many ferries traveling to Tenerife, especially on longer routes connecting the island with mainland Spain (Huelva and Cádiz) or conventional vessels operating from Gran Canaria and La Palma. Depending on the vessel, you may be able to book:

• An inside or sea-view cabin
• A 2- or 4-berth cabin
• A cabin with a private bathroom
• A VIP or premium cabin
• A pet-friendly cabin
• An accessible cabin on selected conventional ferries

Fred. Olsen Express also offers a shared Sleep Lounge with individual beds, privacy curtains and lockers on the Buenavista Express, which serves the Huelva - Canary Islands connection.

How much is a cabin?

• Inter-island routes: standard cabins on inter-island crossings (such as Gran Canaria - Tenerife) usually start from around €60 to €80 per cabin.
• Mainland routes: on long-distance sailings from Cádiz or Huelva, private cabins start at approximately €150 to €300 for the entire journey, depending on the cabin type and seasonality.

What type of seats you can book

When booking a ferry to Tenerife, you can choose from several seating options:

• Standard / Lounge seats: included in the basic ticket, allowing access to the general indoor lounges, communal seating areas, and outdoor decks.
• Numbered / Premium seats (Reclining): reserved airplane-style reclining seats located in quiet, air-conditioned lounges for added comfort.
• VIP Lounge seats: offered on select high-speed catamarans (such as Fred. Olsen Express), providing extra legroom, complimentary snacks or drinks, and priority boarding.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, ferries serving Tenerife are fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Depending on the vessel, accessible facilities may include boarding ramps, lifts, adapted toilets, designated seating, and accessible cabins.

However, the layout and facilities differ between high-speed and conventional ferries. If you require assistance or adapted accommodation, contact the ferry company in advance and check that the selected vessel meets your needs.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Tenerife?

Yes, you can bring pets on most ferries to Tenerife! Animals are welcome on board, provided they are included in your reservation during booking.

Where do pets stay?

Depending on the vessel and operator, your pet can stay in:

• Pet-friendly cabins: private cabins equipped with easy-to-clean flooring where pets can stay with you throughout the crossing.
• Carrier / Hand luggage: small pets in suitable pet carriers can remain with you in designated indoor lounge areas.
• Onboard kennels: secure, ventilated kennel spaces located on covered decks (advance reservation required).
• Pet-friendly deck areas: designated outdoor walking zones where dogs can stretch their legs while on a leash and wearing a muzzle.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Wi-Fi is available on many Baleària and Naviera Armas ferries serving Tenerife, including several high-speed and conventional vessels. The type of connection and whether internet access is free may vary.

Fred. Olsen Express provides an onboard Wi-Fi network on its inter-island ferries for access to its free digital entertainment platform. General internet access may depend on the vessel and selected service.

Mobile reception can be limited while the ferry is at sea.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Ferries traveling to Tenerife feature a range of onboard entertainment and amenities:

• Digital entertainment platforms: on inter-island crossings operated by Fred. Olsen Express, you can access the free On Board Club platform directly from your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop to stream movies, series, live television, digital newspapers, music, and games. 
• Children's play areas: designated play spaces for younger travelers.
• Bars and cafeterias: serving hot/cold meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the voyage.
• TV and movie lounges: broadcast screens in public seating areas.
• Outdoor sun decks: ideal for taking in sea views and watching the coastline as you arrive in Tenerife.

Good to know: you can find more details in our guide regarding on-board ferry services in Spain. 

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry to Tenerife, make sure to bring:

• Valid photo ID or passport: EU citizens must present a valid national identity card or passport. Non-EU travelers generally need a valid passport along with any applicable visa for entering Spain.
• Proof of residency (if applicable): if you are a resident of the Canary Islands, you must present a valid certificate of residency (Certificado de Empadronamiento) alongside your ID or passport to validate your 75% resident discount.
• Large family certificate (if applicable): if you booked a discounted ticket for large families (Familia Numerosa), you must show your official certificate at check-in.

How to book ferry tickets

Booking ferry tickets to Tenerife is quick and easy on Ferryhopper:

• Select your departure port (e.g., Cádiz, Huelva, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, or El Hierro) and set Tenerife (Santa Cruz or Los Cristianos) as your destination.
• Choose your travel dates and indicate whether your trip is one-way or round-trip.
• Select the number of passengers, vehicle details (if traveling with a car, motorcycle, or campervan), and any pets.
• Compare ferry operators (Naviera Armas, Fred. Olsen Express, or Baleària), schedules, travel times, seat options, cabins, and ticket prices.
• Complete your booking securely online with no hidden fees.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive your ferry tickets and confirmation by email. You can also use the Ferryhopper App to manage your booking, track your ferry in real time, and access customer support.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Check-in and boarding for ferries to Tenerife are straightforward:

• Arrival time: arrive at the port at least 45 to 60 min ahead of departure if you are traveling as a foot passenger, or 90 min before departure if you are traveling with a vehicle.
• Port terminals: follow the signs to your operator's designated boarding gate or passenger terminal.
• Ticket verification: present your physical or electronic boarding pass along with your ID or passport to port staff before boarding.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, most ferry operators serving Tenerife (including Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, and Baleària) offer e-tickets. When booking on Ferryhopper, you can complete online check-in, download your digital ticket to your mobile phone, and proceed directly to the boarding area without needing to pick up paper tickets at the port.

Located in the Canary Islands archipelago in Spain, Tenerife is a top Atlantic destination and a central ferry hub connecting neighboring islands and mainland Spain. You can find detailed information about the island on our Tenerife travel guide.

The long, sandy beach of Los Cristianos in Tenerife

Best time to book

The best time to book Tenerife ferry tickets depends on when you plan to travel. During the high season, from July to August, as well as for major holidays such as the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Easter and Christmas or New Year, it is recommended to book your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance. The warm weather and mild climate in the Canaries mean Tenerife is very popular almost all year round, so ferries can fill up fast, particularly for cabins and vehicles.

If you’re planning a sunny getaway in Tenerife and the Canaries during winter, between December and February, we recommend booking a couple of months in advance. By booking in September to November, you'll how more options and you will be able to take advantage of early-booking deals.

The most affordable time of the year to visit Tenerife is normally during spring or autumn. During these months, it’s possible to find good ferry deals closer to your departure date, though ferry frequency might be decreased.

In general, if you already know your dates, it’s always safer to book as soon as possible, especially for popular routes from mainland Spain or when combining Tenerife with other destinations on an island-hopping trip in the Canaries.

Arrival at the port

• Foot passengers: try to arrive at the port at least 45 to 60 min before departure.
• Passengers with vehicles: plan to arrive at the port at least 90 min before departure to allow sufficient time for boarding and vehicle positioning.

How many ports does Tenerife have?

Tenerife has 2 main commercial ports serving passenger ferries: Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the northeast and Port of Los Cristianos in the south.

• Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: the capital’s primary port, handling passenger ferries to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, and mainland Spain (Cádiz and Huelva).
• Port of Los Cristianos: the key hub in southern Tenerife, managing high-speed connections to western islands such as La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro.

Where is Tenerife’s port?

• Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: situated on the northeastern coast of Tenerife, adjacent to the capital city's center (Santa Cruz).
• Port of Los Cristianos: located in the town of Los Cristianos in the municipality of Arona, along Tenerife's southern coast.

How to get to Tenerife port

Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

• By public bus (TITSA): several bus lines connect the port area to central Santa Cruz and surrounding areas (such as line 910 to Las Teresitas). Intercity buses run between Santa Cruz bus station (Intercambiador) and Tenerife North Airport (line 20) or Tenerife South Airport (line 111 or 711).
• By taxi: taxi ranks are readily available right outside the passenger terminals. A taxi ride from Tenerife North Airport (TFN) to Santa Cruz port takes around 15 min.
• By car: follow the TF-1 highway from the south or the TF-5 highway from the north, taking the exits for Santa Cruz / Puerto-Ciudad.

Port of Los Cristianos

• By public bus (TITSA): line 40 directly connects Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos. Other intercity lines (such as 111, 467, and 473) connect Los Cristianos to Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Santa Cruz.
• By taxi: the port is only a 15-minute drive from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Taxis are available outside the main arrivals hall and around the port terminal.
• By car: take the TF-1 motorway heading south and exit at junction 72 towards Los Cristianos / Arona, following signs for Puerto.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Tenerife, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.