Tenerife airports: South (TFS) and North (TFN) transfers explained
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife South–Reina Sofía (TFS), which handles most international holiday flights, and Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna (TFN), used mainly for flights to mainland Spain and the other Canary Islands. If you are staying in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje or Golf del Sur, you almost certainly want TFS.
The two airports are roughly an hour apart by motorway, so it is worth double-checking your ticket, especially if you have booked a connecting flight through Madrid or another Spanish city.
Tenerife South (TFS)
Tenerife South sits on the coast in Granadilla de Abona, close to the main southern resorts. Approximate drive times:
| Destination | Approx. time by road | Approx. taxi fare |
|---|---|---|
| Golf del Sur / Amarilla Golf | 10–15 min | €15–25 |
| Los Cristianos | 15–20 min | €20–30 |
| Playa de las Américas | around 20 min | €25–30 |
| Costa Adeje | 20–30 min | €25–40 |
| Los Gigantes | 40–50 min | €55–70 |
| Santa Cruz | around 55 min | €75–95 |
| Puerto de la Cruz | 60–75 min | €100–130 |
Fares are metered and are higher at night and on Sundays and public holidays. Treat these as rough guides only.
Bus from TFS
TITSA buses leave from just outside the arrivals hall:
- Line 40 (Aeroexpress): airport to Los Cristianos and on to Costa Adeje, typically every 30 minutes in the daytime.
- Line 10 (Aeroexpress): airport to Santa Cruz, around 50–55 minutes.
- Line 711: a night service connecting the airport with the southern resorts and Santa Cruz.
- Line 343: a limited service linking TFS, TFN and Puerto de la Cruz, with only a few departures a day.
You can pay by contactless card or cash on board. Timetables change between summer and winter, so check the TITSA app or website before you fly. More detail is in our Tenerife buses guide.
Taxi from TFS
The official taxi rank is on the arrivals level. Queues can build when several flights land together, but they usually move quickly. If you are arriving late or with a group, pre-booking a taxi or transfer gives peace of mind. See Tenerife taxis for tips.
Car hire at TFS
Most major rental brands and several local firms have desks in the terminal or nearby with shuttle buses. Collecting at the airport is convenient if you plan to explore; if you only want a car for a day or two, you can rent one from your resort later. Read car hire and driving in Tenerife before you book.
Tenerife North (TFN)
Tenerife North is in La Laguna, about 15–20 minutes from Santa Cruz and 30 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz. It is the better option if you are staying in the north, in Santa Cruz or La Laguna, or if you are flying to or from another Canary Island.
Bus from TFN
- Line 20: to Santa Cruz via La Laguna, around 20 minutes.
- Line 30: to Puerto de la Cruz, around 30 minutes.
- Line 343: to Tenerife South, with only a handful of departures a day.
The tram does not go to the airport, but you can change to it in La Laguna.
Taxi from TFN
Rough fares are €10–15 to La Laguna, €15–25 to Santa Cruz and €35–45 to Puerto de la Cruz. Going all the way to the southern resorts can cost €75–100 or more.
Tips for arrival day
- Get some euros or use contactless. Buses and most taxis accept cards, but having a little cash is handy.
- Late arrival? Check your bus option in advance. If the last bus has gone, head straight to the taxi rank.
- Moving between airports: allow at least an hour by taxi or longer by the 343 bus.
- Check-in and EES: non-EU passport holders now register fingerprints and a photo under the EU Entry/Exit System on first entry, which can add time at passport control. See our 90/180 rule guide.
Departing from Tenerife
On the way home, allow plenty of time. Tenerife South gets very busy on Saturdays and Sundays, when many tour operator flights depart, and security and passport queues can be long, particularly in winter and the school holidays. Non-EU travellers also go through EES exit checks. Aim to arrive at least two to three hours before an international flight, and check whether your hotel transfer time allows for this.
Planning your first evening
Most visitors landing at TFS are in their hotel within an hour of touchdown. If you want to head straight out, DoTenerife lists what’s on tonight with Tenerife-time start times. Remember the Canaries are on the same clock as the UK and Ireland, an hour behind mainland Spain; see time in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions
Which Tenerife airport is closest to Playa de las Américas?
Tenerife South (TFS) is closest, about 15 to 25 minutes by road from Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
What are the airport codes for Tenerife?
Tenerife South–Reina Sofía is TFS and Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna is TFN. Check your booking carefully, as the two are about an hour apart.
Is there a bus from Tenerife South airport to Los Cristianos?
Yes. TITSA's Aeroexpress line 40 links the airport with Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, and line 711 runs a night service. Times change seasonally, so check the TITSA app.
How much is a taxi from Tenerife South airport to Costa Adeje?
Roughly €25 to €40 on the meter, depending on exactly where you are going and whether night or holiday rates apply.
Can I fly into Tenerife North if I'm staying in the south?
You can, but the transfer is around an hour by car and a taxi can cost €75 to €100 or more, so Tenerife South is usually the better choice for southern resorts.