Tenerife South Airport TFS: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Tenerife South Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Tenerife South Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Tenerife South Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Travel from Santa Cruz to Tenerife South Airport

Receiving around five million annual visitors, Tenerife is the most popular of the Canary Islands, lured by its almost year-round warm weather, golf courses, nightlife, and natural attractions such as Mount Teide. Popular with families, couples, and solo travelers alike the island has two airports: Tenerife North, and Tenerife South. Tenerife South is easily the largest of the two, but was the second to be built, opening its doors in 1978.

What is the best way to get to Tenerife South Airport from Santa Cruz city center?

When they visit Tenerife, travelers should always plan their airport transfers in advance, as both airports are a fair distance from the biggest resorts and the city of Santa Cruz, which qualifies as Tenerife city center. Visitors heading to the airport from Santa Cruz city center have a couple of options. The 711 bus runs from Santa Cruz bus station every couple of hours, although taxis will always be a faster way to make the journey. Those headed from Playa de las Americas on the Costa Adeje can take Terravision or Titsa buses to the airport. The best option from Puerto de la Cruz on the north side of Tenerife island is to take the Titsa 343 bus, or to organize taxi services.

How far is it from the city center to Tenerife South Airport?

Tenerife South Airport is located on the southern tip of Tenerife, around 37 miles (61 kilometers) south of Santa Cruz, the island's largest urban center. From there, Titsa buses take approximately 50 minutes to reach the airport, and taxis will take 35-40 minutes. The Costa Adeje is far closer. Buses from Playa de las Americas will reach Tenerife South in 30 minutes, while taxis can take as little as 15 minutes. If travelers are staying on the north coast, they can expect bus transfers from Puerto de la Cruz to take 1 hour 25 minutes, and taxis to reach the airport in just over one hour. Direct buses also take one hour to run from Tenerife North Airport to Tenerife South.

What facilities are there at Tenerife South Airport?

Tenerife South Airport caters for huge flows of passengers every year, and is well-equipped to provide for their needs. Dining venues range from steak restaurants to cafes, fast food outlets, Japanese eateries, and Irish pubs. There are duty free shops, places to pick up essentials, a pharmacy, bookshops, along with ATMs and money exchange facilities. Passengers can purchase passes for the luxurious Montaña Roja lounge, but everyone can enjoy free, unlimited WiFi throughout the terminal.

How accessible is the airport for those with limited mobility?

When they travel to Tenerife South Airport from Santa Cruz city center or other locations on the island, visitors with limited mobility can expect a stress-free experience. Airport operator Aena provides in-person assistance for the mobility-impaired, and recommend making requests 48 hours in advance. The vast majority of the airport is step-free, with elevators provided where this isn't the case, and disabled restrooms are scattered throughout the site. Titsa buses have a mixed reputation among disabled travelers, so wheelchair users may prefer to book specialized taxi services to avoid uncomfortable transfers. However, Terravision buses do have access platforms for disabled travelers, and tend to provide a high quality service.

Local tips: how to travel to Tenerife South Airport like a local

Locals will generally drive their own vehicles or take taxis to Tenerife South, although direct buses from Santa Cruz are also a popular option thanks to their affordable fares and reasonably short transfer times. The bus route also offers a pleasant way to round off visits to Tenerife, offering constant sea views and vistas of Mount Teide. There's usually no need to pack extra food before leaving resorts or Santa Cruz, as the airport is packed with excellent places to dine or stock up. If visitors have an hour or two spare before they check in, the airport is also very close to La Tejita beach, as well as the fishing village of Los Abrigos. If they want to dine by the sea or unwind, visitors are advised to take taxis, as buses take over an hour to reach Los Abrigos, while taxis can get there in under 10 minutes.