Car hire in Tenerife
Public transport on Tenerife is limited and the best beaches are often far from the resorts — most visitors rent a car. The Canary Islands have some of the cheapest car hire in Europe thanks to strong local competition, and most rentals come with no deposit and full-to-full fuel policy.
Where to pick up your car
- ✈ Airport pickup: Tenerife South (TFS)
- ✈ Airport pickup: Tenerife North (TFN)
Local companies worth knowing
Alongside the international brands, the Canaries have excellent local rental companies — often cheaper, with no deposit and no excess:
The Canarian favourite — counters at every airport, no deposit, no excess, full insurance included.
Often the cheapest on the bigger islands. No deposit, transparent pricing, all-inclusive insurance.
Budget local option with offices on the main islands and a simple no-deposit policy.
Local fleet with newer cars and fair fuel policy, popular with returning visitors.
Tips for renting a car in the Canaries
- Book before you fly — airport walk-up prices are much higher, especially December–February.
- Full-to-full fuel policy is standard with local companies; avoid full-to-empty offers.
- Most local companies require no deposit and include full insurance without excess.
- Your national driving licence from any EU/UK country is enough; an international permit is not needed.
- Mountain roads are winding but well maintained — pick a small car for village parking.
- Child seats are mandatory for children under 135 cm; reserve them when booking.
- You cannot take a hire car between islands on the ferry without written permission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire cost in Tenerife?
Outside peak season, small cars start around €15–25 per day with local companies. December–February and August are the most expensive months — booking several weeks ahead can halve the price.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Tenerife?
With local Canarian companies (Cicar, AutoReisen, PlusCar) usually not — most accept debit cards and require no deposit. International brands typically still require a credit card for the deposit.
Is it worth renting a car in Tenerife?
For most visitors, yes. The best beaches and viewpoints are spread out, taxis are expensive for longer trips, and buses serve mainly the resort corridors. A car turns a resort holiday into an island holiday.
What side of the road do they drive on in the Canary Islands?
On the right, like mainland Spain and the rest of continental Europe. Roundabouts are common and speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 on open roads and 30–50 in towns.
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