Are you considering driving in Tenerife but unsure what to expect? I’ve got you covered!

Sure, I may be the passenger princess whenever we’re in Europe, but I’m also married to an island-driving pro and have loads of first-hand insight to share. 

Come discover why driving in Tenerife is an ideal way to explore the island – and pick up some handy roadside tips along the way!

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Compared to many other islands, Tenerife is very driver-friendly. This island offers paved, well-maintained roads that are clearly marked and easy to navigate.

You cannot exclusively drive with a valid US license in Tenerife – you’ll also need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit.

Unless parking is an issue for you, there’s no need to hire a car in Tenerife South. The roads on the south side of the island are relatively flat and easy to navigate.

You can drive from the north to the south side of the island (or vice versa) in just 1.5 hours.

Let’s start off with some basic etiquette for driving around Tenerife.

If you’re traveling from the US (like my family and I), getting behind the wheel in Tenerife will not be much of an adjustment. That’s because driving here is also on the right-hand side of the road. (Whew!)

You’ll want to embrace the roundabout life, as these are rampant in Tenerife. While smaller roundabouts are usually limited to one lane, larger ones may include multiple lanes.

As a general rule of thumb, if you plan on driving in Tenerife but you’re not from the EU or UK, you’ll also need an international driving permit (IDP) from your home country. The license from your home country alone will not suffice.

UK licenses are accepted in Tenerife without an IDP as long as the license itself is valid (and written in English).

Latin-based licenses will sometimes require an IDP, depending on the agency.

Keep in mind, you’ll also need to present a valid passport and a credit card for your rental deposit when picking up your car.

While the minimum age to drive a car in Spain is technically 18, you do need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. (And some rental agencies require a minimum driving age between 23 and 25, so confirm this when you book.)

While vehicle size and style is a personal choice, I recommend opting for a smaller, more compact car if possible. This will make it easier for both navigating tight roads as well as fitting into smaller parking spaces.

That said, expect it to take a bit longer to ascend Tenerife’s steeper hills when driving a smaller manual vehicle, as they don’t accelerate as quickly.

As you move about, you’ll quickly discover that there are three main freeways (a.k.a autopistas) on the island. These loop around the bulk of the island and hug the coasts.

The 3 main freeways in Tenerife are:

1. TF-1 (Autopista del Sur de Tenerife) – This freeway starts in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and runs south along the eastern coast of the island. The TF-1 also continues along the island’s west coast, passing popular towns along the Costa Adeje, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, and Fañabé. TF-1 ends just north of Los Gigantes near Santiago del Teide.
2. TF-5 (Autopista del Norte de Tenerife) – This is Tenerife’s second major freeway, providing east/west connections along Tenerife’s northern coast.
3. TF-2 – This road serves as a time-saving bypass between TF-1 & TF-5 for drivers who don’t need to access Santa Cruz de Tenerife proper when travelling between the northern & southern freeways.

Additional routes you may encounter in Tenerife are:

• TF-82 – Serving the northwest corner of Tenerife, this is the at-grade main thoroughfare between the northwestern terminus of TF-1 and the western terminus of TF-5 (Autopista del Norte de Tenerife) in El Tanque.
• TF-436 (Road to Masca) – This road links Santiago del Teide/TF-82 and Buena Vista del Norte/TF-42.
• TF-421 – This road links the El Tanque/TF-5 & TF-82 terminus to Las Cruces/TF-42 on the island’s northern coast.

One of the biggest challenges we faced in Tenerife was simply finding parking. The island is highly popular throughout the year, and this is evident from the lack of street parking, whether you’re in Tenerife North or South.

I suggest you get accustomed to parking in underground lots, as that’s what you’ll likely need to utilize for the majority of your trip.

That said, it’s helpful to have an understanding of what the various parking symbols mean.

Here’s a handy reference of what the colored parking lines indicate:

• White lines/white-lined bays – Free parking within these areas
• Yellow lines – Parking is not permitted
• Zigzag yellow lines that read “Carga y Descarga” – Loading/unloading during specific times. Parking is permitted outside of the specified times.
• Blue lines – Paid parking for a limited time. Use ticket machines (or download coordinating parking app) and display ticket on your dash.
• Blue with wheelchair symbol – Disabled parking only (must display permit)
• Orange or green lines – Resident parking

• Book your rental in advance – Tenerife is a popular island year-round, so you don’t want to be hopping from one rental agency to another looking for an available car. Save yourself the time and book your car rental before you travel.
• Don’t forget car insurance – It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Get that rental insurance at the start of your trip so that you’re covered.
• Avoid the “fuel-to-empty” option – If at all possible, avoid paying up front for this fuel option when you book your rental, as you’ll likely overpay. Instead, opt for a rental company that requires you to return the car at the same level of gas as when you initially pick it up.
• Confirm any extras (like car seats) before pick-up – When I initially booked our rental, I paid an additional fee for a car seat. Unfortunately, however, when we picked up our car, the car seat was nowhere to be seen! I’m not sure how often this oversight happens, but it’s a good idea to confirm additional items like this before pick-up so you won’t have to wait around.
• Avoid rush-hour traffic – If at all possible, try to stay off the main roads Monday through Friday during rush hour (7:30AM – 9AM and 4PM – 7:30PM)
• Don’t text and drive – Operating your phone while driving is illegal in Tenerife, so heed this rule to avoid hefty fines (and accidents)!

Personally, I think driving is absolutely worth it. Having a car will enable you to reach off-the-beaten path places on the island – which is where you’ll find some of the best views in Tenerife!

Plus, driving in Tenerife is pretty straightforward and non-intimidating as compared to driving on islands like St. Lucia, for example.

If you’re still mulling over the decision, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Driving in Tenerife:

• The island is truly your oyster and you can access even the most hidden of gems
• You’ll have full freedom to get up and go at any hour (ideally before the crowds) without being at the mercy of public transportation
• Roads are very well-maintained, so it’s a great place to practice your island-driving

Cons of Driving in Tenerife: 

• Parking can be a hassle, especially in Tenerife South where tourists congregate
• You’ll need to reckon with steeper climbs if you want to venture beyond the main tourist sites
• Roads can be narrow, so you’ll need patience and the ability to negotiate with other drivers

Are you game for experiencing the largest Canary Island to its fullest by driving in Tenerife? What questions do you have about navigating? Let me know in the comments below!

Ready to hit the road in Tenerife? Check out my other guides:

• Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Love the Largest Canary Island (Or Not)
• Tenerife North or South: Which Side of the Island Should You Visit?
• Best Areas to Stay in Tenerife: Neighborhood Guide & Top Accommodations
• Tenerife with a Toddler: Key Travel Tips & Family-Friendly Attractions
• 10 of the Best Views in Tenerife (With Exact Directions)
• Tenerife in January: Essential Guide to Europe’s Winter-Sun Paradise
• Tenerife vs Mallorca: Which Stunning Spanish Island Should You Visit?