Car Hire in Tenerife: How to Choose a Rental Company and What to Look Out For

To explore Tenerife properly — from its volcanic landscapes to hidden beaches and sleepy villages — hiring a car is hard to beat. It gives you the freedom to reach places public buses don’t, and it often works out cheaper than repeatedly taking taxis or booking organised tours.

In this guide to car hire in Tenerife, we’ll outline where to rent a car (airports vs resorts vs local agencies), what to check at pick-up and drop-off, and the key driving and parking rules in Tenerife to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Where to Hire a Car in Tenerife: Options and Typical Prices

When it comes to car hire in Tenerife, there are several main options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

1) Local Companies: Simple and Transparent

This is often the most popular and cost-effective choice on the island. Brands such as Cicar, AutoReisen, and PlusCar are well-known for straightforward terms. They often include full insurance with zero excess in the base rate and don’t place a large pre-authorisation (deposit) on your card (sometimes no deposit at all). This removes a lot of hassle and lets you enjoy the island with peace of mind.

• Pros: Lower prices compared to big brands, full no-excess insurance (a huge plus!), no blocked deposit, flexibility with driving experience (some accept drivers with less experience than international firms), free additional driver, free child seats.
• Cons: The range of models can be more limited, and cars may not always be brand new, but they are generally well-maintained and reliable. Websites can feel dated and the booking process isn’t very user-friendly, so online reservations may be more time-consuming and less intuitive.

2) International Rental Brands: Wide Choice and Familiar Names

Global providers such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, and Thrifty operate across Tenerife. They offer a wide selection, from small city cars to premium models, and many travellers prefer them for their global presence and consistency.

• Pros: Broad vehicle range, often newer models, 24/7 customer support, booking via major international platforms.
• Cons:
  • Higher costs: The base price may look competitive, but once you add full insurance with no excess, second driver fees, child seats, and extras, the total cost is usually far higher than with local firms.
  • Deposit requirements: A significant deposit (hundreds to over a thousand euros) is normally blocked on a credit card and may take time to be released.
  • Strict policies: Higher age and driving experience requirements (often 21–25 years old, with at least 2 years’ experience). A credit card in the main driver’s name is almost always required.

3) Aggregators: Easy Comparison

Websites like Rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars and Kayak allow you to compare multiple providers — both local and international — in one place.

• Pros: Quick side-by-side comparison of dozens of local and international brands, with useful filters (price, rating, excess/deposit, fuel & mileage policy, pick-up location) and verified reviews. Availability is often better in peak times, with frequent promos and, on many deals, free cancellation and pay-later options. Clear, itemised pricing for extras helps avoid surprises.
• Cons: Aggregators may offer their own excess or damage cover rather than the rental company’s full cover, which works a little differently. If damage occurs, you’ll typically pay the rental firm first and then claim back from the aggregator’s insurer. This set-up is usually cheaper, but it does involve an extra step and a bit more admin. Always read the terms carefully and double-check what type of insurance is included.

Typical Car Hire Prices in Tenerife

Prices vary depending on the season, vehicle class, and rental duration. On average:

• Low season: Economy cars (e.g., Fiat 500, VW Polo, Opel Corsa) start at around €15–€20 per day.
• High season: During summer, Christmas, and New Year, rates typically start from around €30–€40 per day and upwards.
• Longer hires usually reduce the daily rate, while larger cars, SUVs, or minivans are considerably more expensive.

Tip: Always book your Tenerife car rental well in advance, especially for peak season. This not only secures availability but can also save you money.

Detailed Review of Tenerife Car Hire Companies

Here we’ll cover both local and international car-hire companies in Tenerife. Local firms are often praised for clear, straightforward terms and competitive prices, while global brands may offer larger fleets, loyalty perks, and wider support.

Cicar (Canary Islands Car)

Arguably the most popular and trusted local rental company in the Canary Islands, Cicar is renowned for excellent service and straightforward terms.

• Office Locations: Found almost everywhere — at both Tenerife airports (North/TFN and South/TFS) directly inside the terminals, as well as in major towns and resorts such as Puerto de la Cruz, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Américas. Their desks are easy to spot.
• Key Features:
  • Full insurance with no excess (included in the price): The biggest advantage. What you see online is what you pay, with zero liability in case of damage or accident (unless caused by gross negligence or drink-driving).
  • No deposit required: Nothing is blocked on your credit card.
  • Free additional driver: A second driver can be added at no extra cost.
  • Unlimited mileage: Drive freely around the island without restrictions.
  • Child seats: Available free on request.
  • Fuel policy: Usually full-to-full.
• Pros: Maximum transparency, no hidden fees, reliable service, large fleet, modern and well-kept cars and an excellent reputation.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than some local competitors, but the difference is small and justified by peace of mind.

AutoReisen

Another well-established local car hire company in Tenerife, AutoReisen offers similar benefits to Cicar, often at highly competitive rates.

• Office Locations: Based in both Tenerife airports (TFN and TFS), usually in or near the terminals.
• Key Features:
  • Full insurance with no excess included.
  • No deposit blocked.
  • Free second driver.
  • Unlimited mileage.
  • Fuel policy: Full-to-full.
• Pros: Excellent prices, very clear rental terms, consistently positive reviews, trustworthy service.
• Cons: Slightly smaller vehicle selection than Cicar, and cars are not always brand-new (though always reliable). Queues at the airport counter can occasionally occur.

Plus Car

Known for some of the lowest rental prices in Tenerife, Plus Car is a favourite among budget-conscious travellers.

• Office Locations: Present at both airports (TFN, TFS) and in several tourist hotspots.
• Key Features:
  • Among the lowest rates on the island compared to other providers.
  • Full insurance with no excess included.
  • No deposit blocked.
  • Free additional driver and child seats.
• Pros: Probably the cheapest option among local providers, with clear terms (especially compared to many international brands).
• Cons: Cars may be older or simpler than with Cicar, and pick-up/return can take longer at times. Always carefully inspect the vehicle on collection.
• Important: Conditions can vary depending on tariff and season, so always check Plus Car’s website before booking to confirm what’s included.

International Brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, Thrifty)

• Office Locations: Almost always inside the airports, with additional offices in larger towns.
• Key Features:
  • Large, modern fleets with many categories (automatics, 7-seaters, premium, convertibles, EVs).
  • Loyalty programmes (e.g., Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards) and corporate rates; app/online check-in and digital paperwork.
  • Often better peak-season availability.
  • Stricter requirements: Higher age and driving experience thresholds (typically 21–25 years and at least two years’ driving experience), plus a credit card in the main driver’s name is required.
  • Large deposit: A significant sum (hundreds of euros or more) is blocked on your card.
  • Insurance: The standard cover usually comes with a high excess. To avoid liability, you must purchase extra cover (Super CDW or full insurance), which raises the total cost substantially.
• Pros: Wide choice of car categories, newest models, strong international support network, and potentially lower base rates if you decline add-ons and extra insurance (especially when booking early or via loyalty programmes).
• Cons: Often a higher all-in price once proper cover is added, deposit and credit card requirements, tighter conditions.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Tenerife: Essential Documents

Before hitting the road in Tenerife, make sure you have all the required documents ready:

1. Valid driving licence. Your licence must be valid and internationally recognised. Drivers from outside the EU may be required to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national licence.
2. Valid credit card. A credit card in the name of the main driver is mandatory for most international rental companies. Debit cards are often not accepted for the security deposit/hold. Some local providers (such as Cicar, AutoReisen, and Plus Car) may not place a deposit hold, but international firms almost always do.
3. Passport or ID card. A valid identity document to confirm your identity and personal details.
4. Booking voucher. A printed or electronic voucher confirming your car hire reservation.

Important: Ensure your documents remain valid for the entire rental period.

Picking Up and Returning Your Hire Car in Tenerife: Key Safety Tips

To avoid unpleasant surprises, be extra careful when collecting and returning your hire car.

When picking up the car:

1. Thorough inspection: Carefully check the vehicle from all sides. Look for scratches, dents, chips on the windscreen, and any damage to wheels or tyres. Don’t hesitate to take photos and videos from multiple angles — every mark matters!
2. Record all damage in the contract: Ensure that every issue you spot is written into the handover report or rental agreement. Even if the agent says “don’t worry, it’s minor”, insist on having it documented. This is your protection.
3. Check the fuel level: Confirm it matches the fuel policy in your rental agreement (usually full-to-full).
4. Note the mileage: Take a photo of the odometer.
5. Verify documents: Make sure you have all paperwork: rental contract, insurance details, and customer support contacts.
6. Test functionality: Check lights, indicators, brake lights, air conditioning, wipers, and electric windows.
7. Safety equipment: Confirm the location of the spare wheel or repair kit, warning triangle, and first aid kit.
8. Clarify the return process: Ask the staff where exactly to return the car — the precise address, car park bay/level, or terminal if returning at the airport. Access routes can sometimes be tricky, so knowing in advance will save you time and stress.

When Returning the Car:

1. Refuelling: Refill the tank to the same level as at pick-up (usually full-to-full), unless your contract specifies otherwise. Always keep the receipt from the petrol station.
2. Final inspection: Carefully check the vehicle again for any new damage. Take photos from all sides.
3. Obtain confirmation: Insist that a rental agent inspects the car in your presence and provides written confirmation that it was returned without new damage. This will protect you from later claims. If you are dropping the car off outside office hours, make sure you understand the procedure in advance and be extra cautious.

Driving in Tenerife: Speed Limits, Roundabouts and Tunnels

Driving in Tenerife comes with its own set of specifics that are worth preparing for. Driving is on the right in Spain.

• Roads: The island boasts an excellent road network, with many newly built and well-maintained roads. However, Tenerife is a very mountainous island, which means countless winding mountain roads with hairpin bends, steep climbs and descents. In the highlands, narrow lanes are common. Be ready to use lower gears (especially in a manual) to maintain control and engine-braking on climbs and descents.
• Tunnels: You’ll often encounter tunnels in mountainous areas. Always switch on your dipped headlights when entering a tunnel.
• Speed limits: In towns the limit is usually 50 km/h unless signed lower (many urban streets are 30 km/h); on rural roads – 90 km/h; on motorways – 120 km/h. Pay close attention to road signs, especially on winding mountain roads where the limit may drop to 20–30 km/h.
• Roundabouts: Tenerife has a huge number of roundabouts. Give way to traffic already on the roundabout and always signal right when exiting.
• Local driving style: Spanish drivers are generally polite, but can occasionally be impatient. Stay calm, give way when needed, and drive predictably.
• Pedestrians: In tourist areas, be extra cautious. Holidaymakers may be relaxed and less attentive when crossing the road.
• Navigation: Use Google Maps or other navigation apps. Download offline maps in advance, as mobile coverage can be patchy in the mountains.

Parking in Tenerife: Blue/White/Yellow zones explained

Parking on the island can be a challenge, especially in busy tourist areas and larger towns. Knowing the meaning of the colour-coded road markings and available options will save you time and prevent fines.

• White lines: Indicate free parking. If you spot a white-marked space, consider yourself lucky! These are more common in smaller towns or on the outskirts of cities.
• Blue lines (Zona Azul): Paid parking with a time limit. You usually pay for one or two hours at a pay-and-display machine (parquímetro), where you enter your registration number and display the printed ticket on your dashboard. Always check the operating hours, as parking may be free at night and on Sundays.
• Yellow lines: Parking is strictly prohibited. These zones are often reserved for loading/unloading, bus stops, taxi ranks, or private garage access (VADO). Parking here almost always results in a fine and likely towing.
• Green lines (Zona Verde): Occasionally found in residential areas. They are reserved for residents, and tourists are either not allowed to park or may do so only for a very short time.
• Underground and multi-storey car parks (Parking Subterráneo/Aparcamiento): The safest and most reliable choice in city centres and busy tourist zones. They are paid, but guarantee availability and better security for your vehicle.
• Practical tip: In popular spots (especially near beaches, attractions, or in historic town centres), finding a free space can be difficult. Be prepared to walk a little from your parking spot.

Tenerife Car Hire Insurance (CDW, SCDW, Zero Excess)

Insurance is one of the most important aspects of renting a car. Don’t cut corners here – having the right cover can save you from unexpected expenses.

Main types of car hire insurance:

1. TPL (Third Party Liability Insurance): The basic compulsory insurance included in every rental. It covers damage or injury caused to third parties or their property in the event of an accident.
2. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of collision or accident. Important: CDW usually comes with an excess — the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the insurance starts covering the damage. Excess can be high, often €500–€1,500. How excess works — a practical example: Suppose your car hire agreement has an €800 excess. You scratch the bumper, and the repair costs €500. Since this is below your excess, you’ll pay the full €500 yourself. If the repair cost is €1,000, you only pay €800 (the excess), and the insurance covers the remaining €200. In other words, the excess is your maximum liability.
3. TP (Theft Protection): Covers losses if the rental car is stolen. May also include an excess.
4. SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) / Full Insurance (Zero-Excess Cover): This is what you really want in Tenerife. It eliminates the excess from both CDW and TP and often includes cover for tyres, glass, locks, and the underbody – parts usually excluded from basic CDW. Local companies like Cicar and AutoReisen include this in their standard rates, which is why they’re so popular.
5. Third-party/aggregator insurance: Platforms such as Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars often sell their own insurance. This usually works as excess reimbursement. That means if an accident happens, you still have to pay the rental company first, then file a claim with the aggregator to get your money back. This process can take time and requires paperwork. While cheaper, it’s less straightforward than buying full cover directly from the car hire company.

Should you get full insurance in Tenerife?

Absolutely. Given the island’s winding mountain roads, narrow streets in historic towns, and busy tourist traffic, the risk of scratches, dents, or worse is higher than average. Full insurance gives you peace of mind and protects your wallet.

• If you book with Cicar or AutoReisen, it’s already included – a huge advantage.
• If you rent with an international provider, budget for the cost of full insurance (usually €15–€30 per day).

Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Tenerife

Hiring a car in Tenerife is not just about convenience – it’s the key to truly experiencing the island in all its diversity. With your own vehicle, you gain freedom, flexibility, and the chance to explore hidden gems, the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, and authentic Canarian villages like Masca that most tourists never see.

When choosing a provider, we strongly recommend opting for trusted local car hire companies such as Cicar or AutoReisen. They include full insurance with no excess and no deposit, saving you from unnecessary stress and allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying your journey. Pay attention when picking up and returning your rental car, follow local driving rules, and be prepared for winding mountain roads – part of what makes Tenerife so special.

Follow these simple principles and your Tenerife road trip will turn into an unforgettable adventure — full of freedom, stunning scenery, and new discoveries. Safe travels!

Useful links (car hire in Tenerife)

• Rentalcars.com — a global car hire comparison and booking platform, letting you compare prices and availability from both international brands and trusted local firms in one place: https://www.rentalcars.com/
• Cicar — long-established Canary Islands car hire company with desks at Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN), plus resort locations: https://www.cicar.com/
• AutoReisen — local Tenerife operator known for straightforward terms and competitive pricing; airport pick-up and drop-off available: https://www.autoreisen.com/
• Plus Car — Canary Islands car hire company with counters at TFS and TFN and easy online booking: https://www.pluscarcanarias.com/

👉 Planning a trip to Tenerife? Read our full Tenerife travel guide for tips on when to go, where to stay and getting around, and add the island’s must-see sights to your map using our carefully curated Tenerife attractions list.