Ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife
Tickets, prices & schedulesThe ferry connection from El Hierro to Tenerife is active all year round, with up to 3 daily crossings during the high season. Ferries set sail from Puerto de La Estaca and arrive in Los Cristianos. The trip takes between 2 hr 20 min and 2 hr 30 min, depending on the ferry company, and ticket prices start from about €51.
Fred. Olsen and Naviera Armas serve the ferry connection between the Canary Islands with high-speed ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
When traveling by ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife, you can take advantage of regular discounts of up to 50% offered to specific traveler categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can typically expect lower ferry ticket prices for:
- Children (4-11 years old)
- Young travelers (under 26)
- Senior travelers (60+)
- Large families (Spanish citizens)
Additionally, residents of the Canary Islands of entitled to discounts of up to 75% on ferry tickets.
Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old normally travel free of charge.
On-board services and amenities
The high-speed ferries serving the El Hierro - Tenerife route are equipped with a range of modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey. On board, you will typically find seating in air-conditioned lounges, snack bars where you can get a quick bite or drink, designated pet-friendly areas and amenities for travelers with disabilities. Some ferries also have a Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during your journey.
Cabins and accommodation
Due to the short duration of the trip from El Hierro to Tenerife, high-speed ferries do not have cabins. A standard seat is included in the ticket price. However, if you prefer a more comfortable journey, there are additional options depending on the ferry company you choose.
What types of seats are available on the ferry?
Passengers can choose from several seating categories:
- Standard seats: included in the ticket, with prices starting from around €51.
- Comfort seats with meal and priority boarding: offering a more relaxed experience with extra space and amenities, prices start from around €70.
- VIP seats in exclusive areas with priority boarding, access to a lounge, and additional services. Prices can go up to €94.
Luggage
The ferry companies serving the El Hierro - Tenerife route each have their own baggage allowance policy:
- On Fred. Olsen ferries, you can carry up to 20 kg of luggage. There are also trolleys to transport your bags and lockers for €1.
- With Naviera Armas, you are allowed up to 4 items of baggage weighing a total of 60 kg. The company also offers trolleys to help you transport your luggage.
Traveling with pets
Pets are welcome on high-speed ferries from El Hierro to Tenerife, as long as they are included in your booking. They can travel in carriers or on a leash in seating lounges and on passenger decks, but are not allowed in dining areas.
Don’t forget to bring the required health documents, tickets, and any pet supplies your animal may need during the crossing, including food and toys.
What should I know about traveling with my pet?
- Pets usually travel free of charge or with a small supplement of around €3, depending on the ferry company.
- Designated pet-friendly areas are available on board for pets to stretch their legs.
If you can’t imagine going on vacation without your 4-legged companion, check out all our tips in our guide to traveling with your pet in Spain.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Tenerife from El Hierro
Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from El Hierro to Tenerife:
- The port in El Hierro can get busy, especially in the summer, so we recommend arriving there at least 45 min before your departure. If you are traveling with your vehicle, it’s best to be at the port 1.5 hr ahead of departure, for a smooth boarding process.
- The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your motion sickness medication options.
- If you are heading to Los Cristianos on a day trip, make sure you book your return ticket on the Tenerife - El Hierro ferry well in advance.
- Treat your four-legged companion to the ultimate pet vacation by trying out some of the best dog-friendly activities in Tenerife.
- Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, towel and sunscreen and plan a visit to Castro Beach, one of the real hidden gems in the Canary Islands.
- From Tenerife you travel by ferry to many more of the Canary Islands, such as La Palma, Gran Canaria and La Gomera. On our Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry itineraries for island hopping in the Canary Islands and plan your trip hassle-free.
Where to take the ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife
The ferry to Tenerife normally departs from Puerto de La Estaca (also known as the port of Valverde), located on the northeast coast of El Hierro. The port lies within the Valverde municipality, approximately 8.5 km from the island's capital, Villa de Valverde, and about 8 km from El Hierro Airport.
How to get to Puerto de La Estaca
- By car: the port is easily accessible via the main roads, and there are parking areas nearby for passengers who don't take their vehicles on board.
- By bus: local bus lines connect Villa de Valverde and other nearby towns to the port. The ride from the capital takes around 15 min.
- By taxi: taxis are available throughout the island and provide a convenient option if you prefer a direct ride to the port.
- From the airport: the journey takes approximately 15 min by car or taxi.
Where does the ferry arrive in Tenerife?
Ferries from El Hierro normally arrive at Los Cristianos, on the southwest coast of Tenerife. The town is well connected to the rest of the island and offers plenty of services near the port.
Right around the port you’ll find cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, as well as hotels, ATMs, tour operators and car‑rental agencies.
How to get around after arriving at Los Cristianos
- Public buses (guaguas): TITSA buses connect Los Cristianos with Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Tenerife South Airport and other towns.
- Taxis: taxis are available around the harbour for direct rides.
- Car rentals: rental agencies are available in nearby towns and resorts.
- Walking: many hotels, cafés and shops are within 5-10 minutes on foot from the port and main beach.
How long is the ferry ride from El Hierro to Tenerife?
The duration of the El Hierro - Tenerife ferry trip normally takes 2 hr 20 min to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the ferry company.
El Hierro - Tenerife ferry companies
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FAQs
Yes, ferries from El Hierro to Tenerife are equipped with car decks for transporting vehicles. Prices start at around €32 for a car or motorbike, and €36 for a camper van. Here are some tips you should keep in mind:
- It is strongly recommended to book your vehicle ticket in advance, especially during peak season, weekends, or days around public holidays such as Christmas or Easter, as spaces are limited.
- Arrive at the port at least 60 min before departure when traveling with a vehicle, to allow time for check-in and boarding procedures.
- Follow the crew’s instructions carefully when driving onto the car deck; they will guide you to park safely and securely.
- Keep essential items and luggage accessible, as you will not be able to access your vehicle during the crossing.
Note: booking early not only guarantees a spot for your vehicle, but also allows you to choose preferred sailing times and avoid last-minute stress.
Yes, the El Hierro - Tenerife route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries. The fastest ferry, the Bentago Express, takes 2 hr 20 min to reach the island.
The distance between El Hierro and the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife is approximately 67 nautical miles (125 km).
When booking your El Hierro - Tenerife 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.
If you’re thinking about doing a round-trip from El Hierro to Los Cristianos in a single day, it really depends on the schedules. On most days, the first ferry from El Hierro departs around 14:00 and arrives in Tenerife at about 16:20, which doesn’t leave much time to explore the island.
However, on some days there are early ferries departing around 08:00, with the last return ferry from Los Cristianos back to El Hierro at 18:00. On those occasions, a day trip is possible, giving you a few hours to enjoy the town and surroundings.
That said, Tenerife has so much to offer that the ideal way to experience the island is to stay at least 1 night, or better yet, spend a full weekend (or longer) to enjoy its beaches, towns, natural parks and cultural attractions.
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.