Ferry from Tenerife to El Hierro

Fred. Olsen Express offers age-based discounts on Tenerife - El Hierro ferry tickets, as well as special fares for Canary Island residents.

• Infants and children 0-3 years old: travel free of charge
• Children 4-11 years old: 50% discount
• Young travelers 12-25 years old: 15% discount
• Senior travelers over 60 years old: 15% discount

Is the Canary Islands resident discount available on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry route?

Yes. If you live in the Canary Islands, you can benefit from the Canary Islands resident discount when traveling by ferry from Tenerife to El Hierro.

When booking on Ferryhopper, select that you are a Canary Islands resident and enter your DNI/NIE to check the available discounted fare.

Important: make sure to bring the necessary documentation to prove your resident status, as you may be asked to present it during boarding.

The Tenerife - El Hierro ferry route is served by Fred. Olsen Express’ Bentago Express, a high-speed ferry with spacious passenger lounges and a range of amenities for a comfortable journey of just over 2 hours.

On board the Bentago Express, you can find:

• Air-conditioned lounges with comfortable seating and large windows
• Cafeterias serving drinks, local products, fruit, yogurt, pastries, sandwiches and pizzas, as well as gluten-free and lactose-free options
• A spacious outdoor terrace accessible during the crossing
• A children’s play area, board games and spaces with live TV
• A boutique selling snacks, magazines, gifts and Fred. Olsen Express products
• Power outlets for charging electronic devices

Is there Wi-Fi on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry?

Yes. The Bentago Express offers free high-speed Wi-Fi during the crossing. You can also access On Board Club, Fred. Olsen Express’ entertainment platform, from your own phone, tablet or laptop, with movies, series, music and games.

There is also live TV, board games and a children’s play area on board to keep younger travelers entertained.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferries?

No. The Bentago Express does not have cabins. As the crossing takes around 2 hr 20 min, passengers travel in the ferry’s seating areas and lounges.

What types of seats are available on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry?

You can travel with the standard accommodation included in your ticket or choose fares with priority boarding and access to the Clase Oro lounge for a more comfortable experience.

• Standard seat: accommodation in the ferry’s general passenger lounges, from around €54.62.
• Standard seat with priority boarding: allows you to board the ferry before passengers with a standard fare, from around €74.08.
• VIP seat: located in the exclusive Clase Oro lounge, with more spacious seating, at-seat service and refreshments included, from around €95.22.

Note: VIP seats can be booked with different fares, such as Priority and Oro. Depending on the fare selected, you may also enjoy benefits such as priority disembarkation when traveling with a vehicle.

How much luggage can I bring on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry?

With Fred. Olsen Express, you can carry up to 20 kg of luggage per passenger. You can bring 1 piece of luggage into the passenger lounge, in addition to your handbags, provided you can carry it yourself and it does not block passageways or occupy a seat.

Each passenger must be able to carry all their luggage without assistance and in a single trip. Before boarding, you can also use the luggage storage or trolley service, when available, for around €1.

If you are traveling with a car or another vehicle, you can leave your luggage inside, provided the load complies with the dimensions permitted for road travel.

Are the Tenerife - El Hierro ferries accessible?

Yes. The Bentago Express has a range of services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility or those who require assistance during the journey, including:

• Access ramps
• Accessible parking spaces
• Wheelchairs
• Accessible toilets
• Barrier-free routes on board
• Accessible seating
• Hearing loops for passengers with hearing impairments

Fred. Olsen Express also offers a free assistance service during boarding, the crossing and disembarkation. If you require assistance, you can request it when booking or inform the ferry company of your needs at least 48 hr in advance.

Tip: if you require any specific assistance, make sure to indicate it when booking so that the crew can make the necessary arrangements.

Can I travel with my dog on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry?

Yes. You can travel with your dog, cat or other pet on the Bentago Express, provided you include them in your booking. Fred. Olsen Express offers 3 types of pet accommodation on this route:

• Pet Carrier: for pets weighing up to 10 kg that travel in a carrier in designated indoor areas of the ferry, from around €3.
• Pet Sofa: allows your pet to travel beside you in the passenger lounge, on a mat placed next to your seat and secured for greater safety, from around €8.
• Pet Room: larger kennels located in a covered and ventilated outdoor area of the ferry, from around €5.

During boarding and disembarkation, dogs must be kept on a leash. Remember to also bring your pet’s valid health documents, ticket and any necessary supplies, such as a carrier or muzzle.

Tip: for more information about documentation and travel conditions, check out our guide on traveling with your pet in Spain.

Here are a few useful tips to help you plan your Tenerife to El Hierro ferry trip:

• The port of Los Cristianos can get quite busy, especially in summer, on weekends and public holidays. With Fred. Olsen Express, boarding closes 20 min before departure for foot passengers and 40 min before departure if you are traveling with a vehicle, so make sure to arrive with enough time to spare.
• If you already know when you will be returning, book your El Hierro - Tenerife ferry in advance as well to secure the departure that best fits your plans.
• If you are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and traveling without a vehicle, you can use Fred. Olsen Express’ free Ferry Bus to Los Cristianos. The service is coordinated with selected departures to El Hierro and must be booked in advance.
• From Tenerife, you can also continue your ferry trip to other islands. Available connections include Tenerife - La Gomera, Tenerife - La Palma, Tenerife - Gran Canaria and Tenerife - Fuerteventura.
• To compare all ferry connections, frequencies and ports across the archipelago, check out our guide to ferries in the Canary Islands in 2026.

Where to take the ferry from Tenerife to El Hierro

Ferries from Tenerife to El Hierro depart from the port of Los Cristianos, located in the municipality of Arona, in southern Tenerife. The port is around 14 km from Tenerife South Airport.

The Fred. Olsen Express terminal has restrooms, a café, Wi-Fi, vending machines, parking and pre-boarding areas, as well as luggage trolleys for foot passengers.

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. Fred. Olsen Express offers a free Ferry Bus between the Santa Cruz de Tenerife bus interchange and the boarding area in Los Cristianos for the Tenerife - El Hierro route.

The journey takes around 1 hr, and the bus from Santa Cruz normally departs 1 hr 30 min before the ferry departure. Seats are limited, so you must book the service in advance.

Important: Fred. Olsen Express recommends booking the Ferry Bus at least 48 hr in advance. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed on this service.

Where does the ferry arrive in El Hierro?

Ferries from Tenerife arrive at the port of La Estaca, located on the northeastern coast of El Hierro, around 8 km from Valverde, the island capital.

How to get around El Hierro from the port of La Estaca

If you are traveling without a vehicle, you can continue your journey from the port by bus or taxi. The most convenient option for getting to Valverde is TransHierro bus 11, which connects the ferry terminal directly with the capital and is coordinated with regular ferry arrival times.

Bus 7 also stops at La Estaca, connecting Valverde with the port before continuing towards Timijiraque and the Parador.

To reach other areas of El Hierro, such as Frontera, El Pinar or La Restinga, you can continue from Valverde using the different routes in the TransHierro bus network. If you have brought your own vehicle from Tenerife, you can drive straight out of the port and continue by road to anywhere on the island.

Tip: if you are relying on the bus to continue your journey, check the timetable for the day of your arrival, as frequencies vary depending on the route and day of the week.