How to Rent a Car in Tenerife?

Read on to learn top tips for booking affordable car hire that meets your needs among the many companies operating in Tenerife.

Why Hire a Car in Tenerife?

Renting a car allows you to fully explore this beautiful Canary Island at your pace. With breathtaking beaches, quaint villages, volcanic national parks and two stunning airports, having your set of rental wheels is essential to experience all that Tenerife has to offer visitors.

A rental car provides freedom and flexibility to discover top attractions like Mount Teide, Siam Park water park and the golden sands of Playa de Las Américas. Driving also makes it easier to travel between Tenerife North and South airports when arriving or departing.

The Most Popular Car Rental Companies in Tenerife South Airport:

With dozens of car hire options to pick from, knowing the most reliable and recommended suppliers at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) saves you time.

According to verified customer reviews, surveys and our experience, you simply can’t go wrong booking with any of these top airport car rental brands in the south of Tenerife:

• Ciacar – Canary Islands specialist offering competitive pricing on new model vehicles like the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Yaris. Free cancellation available on certain rentals.
• Localrent – Great value on roomy 5 to 7 seater vans ideal for large travelling parties and families, with handy complimentary add-ons.
• TopCar – Impressive fleet along with customer perks like free additional driver and 24 hour breakdown assistance for extra confidence.
• Plus Car – From small hatchbacks to prestige saloons and powerful sports cars, huge range of latest models at reasonable group rates with free mileage.
• Autoreisen – Reliable German-owned agency in Tenerife for over 35 years provides airport shuttle transport to offsite depot full of well-maintained vehicles.
• Hertz – Globally trusted brand noted for superior customer service, multiple pick-up points and prestige car availability for self-drive luxury.
• Goldcar – Great one-way rentals between Tenerife’s airports and mainland Spain alongside extras like cabin pets and 20% off advance booking rates.

Goldcar Tenerife – avoid!

One of the meanest offices, a lowcost among renters. Knowing all the pros and cons, you can sometimes take advantage. They lure you with low prices, but on the spot it turns out that: either take full insurance for €15-25 per day, or block the deposit from €800 to €1400 on the card! And they will also charge three times as much for gasoline. Finally, it’s not cheap at all.

For example, if you rent a Ford Fiesta (Group CC), the deposit will be €1100. With Relax insurance – €300.

So, let’s do an experiment. Let’s request prices for car rental at Tenerife airport. For example, Ford Fiesta (Group CC) costs €38 per day or €279 for a week. Let’s try and book.

On the order page they scare me that if I don’t buy Relax insurance, but they will block €1100 on my credit card! That’s how you can spend your credit limit, and if you don’t have enough you have to add your own money. You probably don’t have a credit card, let’s see the price with €300 blocked, add Relax insurance.

В итоге цена аренды на неделю со всем сборками вышла €370 – это €53 в день.

👍 Pros of Goldcar:

1. Low prices without insurance.
2. New cars.

👎 Cons:

• Long lines, you can stand for an hour.
• They impose full Relax insurance for €15-20 per day, it is dangerous to take a car without it.
• The deductible without Relax insurance can be as high as €1400.
• The underbody and wheels are not included in the full insurance.
• A second driver for €8.50 a day.

There are a lot of nuances, but if you know them, you will rent at the lowest prices. Don’t be lazy to read the contract in Russian. But I don’t advise you to be so concerned about your vacation, it’s better to throw some money on the table and rent from another company.

Сайт Goldcar.

Topcar

Checking weekly prices at Topcar for the same dates.

A VW Polo for a week without insurance costs €176 with franchise €500.

Add full insurance Super Insurance (SCDW) for €6 per day. This works out to €218 per week or €32 per day.

👍 Pros:

• Your office at the airport
• Good prices
• Free baby seats

👎 Minuses:

• Sometimes you get cars in bad shape
• They don’t block the deposit on the card – they withdraw it and then return it. You can lose money at different exchange rates
• Long waiting time in the queue
• Full insurance at an additional cost

Topcar’s comprehensive insurance additionally covers damage to tires, wheels (including punctures), mirrors, windows, glass (windshield, rear and headlights). Roadside assistance and auto replacement included. It’s not a bad bundle.

Cicar

See the price for a week’s rental of a VW Polo car:

A VW Polo for a week costs €171 or €24.50 per day.

👍 Pros:

• Full insurance
• Roof rack free of charge
• Free second driver
• Free child seat
• Free delivery to hotel
• Pickup office right at the airport
• Accept cash for payment
• Allow transportation between islands by ferry (upon agreement)
• Minimum age 21 years
• Free of charge for canceling or modifying reservations

👎 Минусы:

• Sometimes you get old cars
• You have to get the fuel level back to the same level, sometimes it’s 1/4 tank. You have to refuel very accurately.
• Bottom and loss of key is not included in insurance

What is included in basic comprehensive insurance without deductible: most damage and scratches, including glass, mirrors and tires, excluding keys, underbody. Good kit and a reliable company with many offices on the islands, but often caught with old cars.

Pluscar

Let’s check the VW Polo prices for a week:

The cost of renting a VW Polo for a week is €139 or €20 per day.

👍 Pros.

• Comprehensive insurance included
• Second driver included
• No blocking of funds on card, but charged per tank
• Free child seat
• Free cancellation or change

👎 Cons

• Rims and tires are not included in the insurance
• Often old cars in bad condition
• No office at the airport
• Long time waiting in line to get one
• Boorish service and incompetent employees
• Refund of fuel at the same level as received – inconvenient
• Minimum age 23
• Can’t travel between islands without additional authorization
• Can’t pay in cash

The base price includes full insurance with no excess (except for Premium cars). The insurance does not cover undercarriage, wheels, loss of keys.

I don’t recommend this agency as you have to call their lazy managers in case of problems or breakdowns.

Auto Reisen

Let’s estimate the price of a VW Polo class car for a week. Add full insurance:

В итоге неделя стоит €131 или €19 в день.

They have offices in both airports and 2 more in the resort (Royal Garden Com. Ctr. and Fañabe Comercial Center). As you can see, their prices are just pennies but.

👍 Pros:

• Second driver included
• Own office at the airport
• Free child seat without Isofix
• Payment by debit card possible
• Booking without prepayment
• Free cancellation or change of reservation

👎 Cons:

• Full insurance is not included
• Old cars
• There are minor faults
• Insurance does not cover the underbody, wheels
• Minimum age 23 years
• Return to another office for €15

Collision Damage Waiver costs an additional €2 per day, up to a maximum of €30. It includes loss of keys, damage to wheels and tires, wrong fuel, dead battery and tow truck.

It’s a good canary office with not new cars, mostly for German-speaking customers.

Localrent

If you don’t have a Visa/Mastercard, look for cash deposit offers at localrent. It’s a reliable search engine for local rental agencies. Search options with cash deposits and prepayment by Russian card.

How Much Does Car Hire Cost in Tenerife?

Car rental rates start very cheap in Tenerife, with compact vehicles from just €10 a day in low season. Hiring a small car from Tenerife South Airport averages €20-40 per day, depending on dates and rental duration.

Larger family cars, minivans and luxury models range from €30 up to €100+ daily. Rates increase in peak summer and can double over Christmas and New Year. One-way airport rentals tend to be pricier, so shop around.

Pro tip: Booking well in advance secures the cheapest Tenerife car rental deals, especially over school holidays.

What Car Hire Companies Operate in Tenerife?

Major international firms like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate branches across Tenerife alongside local Canary Island specialists like Cicar, Autoreisen and TopCar.

Comparison sites allow you to quickly check rates across providers for the dates and car type you need. Don’t just focus only on the cheapest daily rate though – make sure you factor in any extra fees too for a true price comparison.

Insider tip: Local Tenerife car rental companies often have lower rates than big names, greater availability for peak dates and better cancellation policies.

Where are the Best Locations to Rent a Car?

The main Tenerife car hire depot locations are:

• Tenerife South Airport (TFS): The island’s busiest airport and transport hub with branches for all major car rental brands plus offsite agencies offering airport shuttles. Ideal for stays in the popular south.
• Tenerife North Airport (TFN): Far fewer car hire options but sufficient for self-drive visits to north coast destinations like Puerto de La Cruz.
• Costa Adeje: Rental depots clustered around the high-rise resorts and beaches of the southwest coast.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The island’s capital has branches convenient for cruises and ferry passengers.
• Puerto de La Cruz: Agencies located right in this picturesque northern resort town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

What Type of Car is Best to Rent in Tenerife?

Hatchbacks like the Renault Clio or Opel Corsa are very popular rentals in Tenerife for their affordability and fuel efficiency. Well-suited to the region’s roads, these smaller cars provide ample room for two travellers with a couple of bags.

Larger groups and families may prefer a mini-MPV like a Volkswagen Touran or Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. These medium-sized people carriers allow you to travel together comfortably while still fitting into most parking spots.

Drivers wanting more performance can upgrade to sportier coupes and convertibles like the BMW 2 Series or Mini Cooper for tackling Tenerife’s winding mountain roads in style.

Off-road fans looking to properly explore Mount Teide National Park should consider a crossover SUV but be prepared to pay higher rental rates.

What Do I Need to Rent a Car in Tenerife?

To hire a vehicle in Tenerife, you’ll typically need:

• Valid driving license held for 1+ year, showing driver is 21+ years (some firms have younger minimums)
• Passport / Formally accepted proof of ID
• Major credit or debit card in driver’s name for the rental deposit

Many rental agencies prefer or exclusively accept certain credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. Some won’t accept prepaid currency cards. Inform the company upfront if you cannot provide a credit card as deposit.

Should I Reserve Tenerife Car Hire in Advance?

Absolutely – booking your Tenerife airport car rental 2–3 months ahead is highly recommended for several key reasons:

• Secures availability of your preferred car make/model rather than getting whatever’s leftover last-minute
• Locks in the cheapest possible rental rates before they rise closer to travel dates
• Gives more time to compare deals across multiple car hire companies and sites
• Earlier customers get the best choice of free add-ons like GPS, child seats, etc
• Provides complete peace of mind about having essential airport transport ready upon arrival

Just remember to carefully check the supplier’s cancellation and no-show policies when reserving well in advance. Some require 48+ hours notice to cancel free.

Handy Tips for Finding the Best Car Hire Deals in Tenerife

Follow these top tips from our Tenerife travel experts to score the best value rental cars on your next Canary Islands vacation:

• Shop rates online first across supplier sites and comparison platforms like RentalCars.com. Offline travel agents rarely have the cheapest deals.
• Consider alternatives like Tenerife car sharing schemes or private rental from locals to save.
• Limit extras – add-ons like extra insurance, GPS etc. can rapidly increase total booking cost.
• Book larger cars through international brands, which may have better availability and rates than local firms.
• Check all fees carefully – some companies sneakily attach extras like location surcharges for airport pick-up.
• Reserve larger vehicles like 8-seater vans or luxury SUVs 2–3 months out, as they book up fast in peak tourism season.
• Look for special offers like discount voucher codes which could score a free upgrade, airport fast-track or bonus rental days.
• Buy excess cover from third-party insurance providers if declined expensive rental company policies.

We hope these tips for finding affordable and reliable car hire in Tenerife prove useful for your next trip to this sun-blessed Spanish isle. Please let us know if you have any other questions – we’re happy to offer guidance so you can discover all the island’s very best bits with ease on four wheels.

Summary – Main Things to Remember

To recap, the key points when booking cheap car rental for your Tenerife getaway are:

• Book early to secure best rates, availability, and free extras
• Check both big brands and local specialists for quotes
• Small hatchbacks like Seat Ibiza are very popular rentals
• You’ll need a full driver’s license for 1+ year and a credit card
• Pay for add-ons separately to avoid expensive packages
• Consider alternatives like car sharing to save money
• Reserve larger group vehicles well in advance
• Thoroughly read rental terms to avoid nasty surprises
• Shop around online for the best deals across car hire sites

Safe travels and happy motoring around magnificent Tenerife!