Ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife all year round, with up to 11 weekly crossings during the high season. Ferries depart from the port of La Estaca and arrive at Los Cristianos. The journey takes between 2 hr 20 min and 2 hr 35 min, while ferry tickets start from € 36.68.

Fred. Olsen Express serves the El Hierro - Tenerife ferry route with high-speed ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, 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+)

Additionally, residents of the Canary Islands are 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:

  • Comfy air-conditioned lounges and outdoor decks, where you can enjoy the sea view
  • Snack bars and cafés offering drinks, light meals, and quick snacks
  • Entertainment, including children’s play areas, live TV and an online digital platform with movies, series, music and games
  • Shops and kiosks with snacks, gifts and last-minute purchases
  • Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries from El Hierro to Tenerife are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators to move between decks, and accessible amenities in common areas.

Fred. Olsen offers assistance for boarding and disembarkation upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Can I book a cabin?

No, 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.

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 € 36.68.
  • Comfort seats with meal and priority boarding: offering a more relaxed experience with extra space and amenities, prices start from around €74.
  • VIP seats in exclusive areas with priority boarding, access to a lounge, and additional services. Prices can go up to €95.

Luggage

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.

Traveling with pets

Pets are welcome on high-speed ferries from El Hierro to Tenerife, as long as they are included in your booking. During the trip, pets must remain in carriers or kept 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 and travel documents, tickets, and any pet supplies your animal may need during the crossing, including food and toys.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On Fred. Olsen ferries, you have the follow pet accommodation options:

  • Pet carrier: you can keep your pet (up to 10 kg) in a suitable carrier with you in the lounge.
  • Pet sofa: you can keep your pet by your side in the pet-friendly lounge on a mat.
  • Pet rooms: you can book a place for your pet in the ventilated, outdoor kennels, which also feature a video feed system to monitor your pet during the trip.

What should I know about traveling with my pet?

  • Pets usually travel free of charge with Fred. Olsen Express.
  • 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 very busy, especially during the high season. We recommend arriving at least 45 min before departure if traveling on foot and 1 hr in advance with a vehicle, as boarding closes 20 min and 40 min before departure, respectively.
  • 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 35 min, depending on the crossing and vessel.

When does the first ferry to Tenerife leave El Hierro?

The earliest ferry usually sets sail from El Hierro at 07:30.

When does the last ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife depart?

The last ferry of the day usually leaves for Tenerife at 19:00.

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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 €35 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.
  • 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).

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 07:30, with the last return ferry from Los Cristianos back to El Hierro at 19:30. 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.

Yes, the Fred. Olsen ferries from El Hierro to Tenerife have cafés and bars with a hot and cold drinks and snacks, including Canarian brands and local products. The ferries also offer gluten-free and lactose-free options.

When booking your El Hierro - Tenerife ferry 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.

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