Car hire and driving in Tenerife

Car hire and driving in Tenerife: documents, parking, low-emission zones and the Teide access rules, from official sources.

Part of our Tenerife coverage.

Compiled from the sources listed below. Not yet individually fact-checked by an editor.

Before you drive

• Carry your licence and check the rental firm’s documents. The GOV.UK guidance covers UK licence holders driving in Spain.
• Spain requires a V-16 warning triangle or a V-16 beacon for breakdowns. The DGT has reminded drivers of this since November 2025.

Parking and zones

• Santa Cruz low-emission zone: press reports in July 2026 say it will not be enforced with fines for three years. Confirm current rules with the council before you drive in.
• La Laguna: new low-emission zones were approved in May 2026, and car-hire limits apply in the Anaga area.
• Town parking in the centres is limited. Blue and green zones are managed by the councils.

Teide

From February to March 2026, the Cabildo closed all access roads to Teide after snow. Teide access is being regulated: a visitor levy, shuttle buses and parking controls have been announced. Check the Cabildo’s current rules before you plan a visit, because the new summit permit system is due from December 2026.

Drive times

About 18 to 20 minutes from Tenerife South to Costa Adeje and Arona, and about an hour from Tenerife North to most resorts.

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