Our Recommended Tenerife Car Rental Companies
AutoReisen
Rent your car with Autoreisen with the guarantee of dealing with a company with over 30 years experience in the field. With thousands of cars distributed around the Canary Islands. We are located in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Website: www.autoreisen.com
Email: Contact Form
Call: +34 922 39 22 16
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/26j751TkkaDUqQgw9
Cicar
Car hire at any of our 6 offices in Tenerife, either at the airport of Tenerife North (Los Rodeos), in South Tenerife Airport (Reina Sofia), or in one of our offices located in major tourist areas of the island.
Website: www.cicar.com
Email: [email protected]
Call: +34 928 82 29 00
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/rDwFhdym7czks6mr7
Guide to Car Rentals in Tenerife
Renting a car in Tenerife can be a really good idea, or a bit of a hassle, depending on what you need and how you like to travel. The island isn’t huge, but it’s big enough that having your own wheels makes things easier, especially if you want to explore outside the main tourist spots. Public transport works, yes, but it has its limits. And taxis… they add up quickly.
Do You Actually Need a Car?
Let’s start there. If you’re staying mostly in one area, say Costa Adeje or Las Americas, and you’re happy with the beach, a few tours, and the odd bus ride, then maybe skip the rental. Parking in the tourist zones can be tricky anyway.
But if you’re curious about the more remote parts of the island, Teide National Park, Masca, the north coast, or those little villages where the best food tends to be, then yes, a car makes life much easier.
Driving gives you freedom. Just be prepared for narrow roads and the occasional steep climb.
Where to Rent
You’ll find all the big names at the airports (South and North): Cicar, AutoReisen being our recommendations.
There are also smaller local companies in town centres, especially near hotels. Prices vary, but sometimes the local ones are more flexible and, oddly, less stressful.
Personally, I’d avoid the ones that make you second guess the insurance situation. If you’re being up sold at the counter, or they demand a huge deposit, it’s not always a red flag, but it can be annoying. Cicar and AutoReisen tend to have good reputations and include full insurance with no excess, which saves you a headache.
Manual or Automatic?
Most rentals are manual. If you need an automatic, you’ll usually have to book in advance and it may cost more. Not dramatically more, but enough to notice.
How’s the Driving?
It’s fine. Locals drive fast sometimes and a few roads in the mountains feel like something out of a movie chase scene, but overall it’s manageable. Just take your time. The TF-1 is the main highway along the south and east coast, and it’s in good shape. The north and interior are more twisty, but the views make up for it.
GPS helps, obviously. Google Maps works well across the island. Signal can drop in remote areas, but not for long.
Parking: Something to Think About
In towns like Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz, parking can be a pain, especially during the day. Look for underground lots or the blue zones (paid parking—keep coins handy). Some hotels offer free parking, but not all. If you’re planning day trips, try to head out early to avoid the worst of it.
Fuel and Costs
Fuel is cheaper here than in many parts of Europe. As of now, it’s usually well below mainland Spain prices. Most rental cars use petrol. You fill it up before returning (unless you pay for the full tank upfront, which I never find worth it unless you’re in a rush).
A Few Extras (That Might Matter)
Child seats: Often available, but check the quality, some are well used.
Navigation units: Rarely needed. Use your phone.
Extra driver: Sometimes included, sometimes not. Worth asking.
Age limits: Drivers under 23 or 25 may face restrictions or fees.
Final Thought
Driving around Tenerife is one of the best ways to actually see the island. You’re not stuck on a schedule, and you can stop at that viewpoint you didn’t expect or that little roadside café with the suspiciously good cake. Just don’t rush. It’s not a huge place, but there’s more to it than meets the eye, and driving lets you stumble across things you wouldn’t otherwise find.
If you’re unsure, try renting for just a few days instead of your whole stay. That way, you get the best of both worlds; relaxation and adventure.
