Self-Drive Car Rental in Tenerife, Spain

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There are 39 car hire providers in Tenerife. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Tenerife: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full licence and credit card are essential.
To rent a car in Santa Cruz, you’ll need a valid driving licence, passport and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for UK visitors in Santa Cruz, but your licence must be in English.
Navigating city driving
Roads are wide, with scenic coastal routes.
Driving in Santa Cruz means navigating one-way roads, occasional sharp turns, and hilly areas. Use a sat nav or Google Maps to avoid dead ends and stay clear of pedestrian zones in the old town.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
No tolls or emissions zones in the city.
There are no toll roads or emissions zones in Santa Cruz. Driving around Tenerife is toll-free, with no congestion charges or emission-related restrictions.
Parking your car in Tenerife
Parking is easier outside the centre.
Street parking in Santa Cruz is colour-coded — blue zones are paid, green zones are for residents. Multi-storey car parks are common, and many hotels offer parking.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel stations and EV charging are easy to find.
For EVs, use Electromaps or PlugShare to locate EV charging stations in Santa Cruz. Charging points are growing but you might need a specific app or RFID access.
Local driving style and tips
Driving is more relaxed in town but trickier in the hills.
You’ll find an easy pace in the city, but take extra care on mountain roads and narrow streets. Roundabouts are common, and lane markings are generally clear and well maintained.
Find Tenerife car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Tenerife

Choose from the best car hire companies in Tenerife

Hiring a car in Tenerife: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyGoldcar
Most popular carFullsize, Estate
Average daily price₹ 6,832
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Tenerife

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Tenerife car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tenerife

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Tenerife? With an average price of ₹ 6,831 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the top deals to help you spend less.

  • Daily rental prices in Tenerife start from just ₹ 636.

  • Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? ₹ 3,877 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a Tenerife car hire.

  • Record Go, Goldcar and OK Mobility are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Tenerife car hire policy, whether you go with Record Go or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Tenerife.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average ₹ 1,184 a day.

  • Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around ₹ 2,024.

  • The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly ₹ 3,459 a day for one of their rentals.

  • After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Fullsize rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Tenerife.

Flying to Tenerife? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make an early start on your Tenerife plans by picking up a car hire at Tenerife North Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.

  • Or make a smooth getaway with a car hire from Tenerife South Airport. Once you've grabbed the keys, it'll take roughly 50 minutes to drive the 56 kilometres or so to the centre.

Compare car hire types in Tenerife

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Tenerife may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Tenerife car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Tenerife that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Tenerife car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Tenerife by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Spain is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so check your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.

  • Add a car seat to your Tenerife car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest choice.

  • You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Spain.

  • Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 20kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Spain is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • Around 9am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.

Best hotels in Tenerife for drivers

  • Pull in and enjoy your stay at Hotel Taburiente S.C.Tenerife. Offering parking as well as a fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Tenerife.

  • Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites makes life simpler with parking and features such as an airport shuttle and ironing services. It's roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Tenerife and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Tenerife and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Begin your sightseeing at popular attractions such as Plaza de Espana, Casa Del Carnaval and Mirador de Playa Benijo.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tenerife

  • Around 88 kilometres southeast of central Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria easily earns a place on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like La Cícer (Playa de Las Canteras) and Plaza Espana.

  • Go-to accommodation options with parking in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria include Hotel Livvo Fataga and AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Tenerife and then head for Telde. Roughly 97 kilometres southeast of Tenerife, Mirador de San Francisco and Palacio Rocha are highlights that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Telde at Hotel Rural El Mondalón or Cortijo San Ignacio. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.

  • When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Set out for Maspalomas, about 105 kilometres southeast of Tenerife. From Playa Maspalomas to Playa de las Meloneras, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

  • Find a room at HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria or Servatur Waikiki. They make it a breeze to experience everything Maspalomas has to offer. They also come with parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Tenerife will set you back around ₹ 6,832 per day or ₹ 14,995 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Tenerife is an intermediate sports car. The most popular is Fullsize, Estate.
The cheapest car hire companies in Tenerife are currently Goldcar and Budget.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Tenerife is currently June.
On average, around ₹ 14,995. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Tenerife is ₹ 3,877.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Tenerife for a whole month is ₹ 309,122. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Tenerife, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Tenerife that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Tenerife.
Most places – Tenerife included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ₹ 911 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 3,169.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Goldcar, OK Mobility and Click and Rent offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated TopCar as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Tenerife.