Ferry from mainland Spain to Tenerife: ultimate guide

Is there a ferry from Spain to the Canary Islands? Of course there is! You can enjoy a unique experience by catching a ferry to Tenerife. Here’s all the info you need about ferries from mainland Spain to Tenerife, schedules, ferry companies, and travel tips. Find out how to plan the perfect trip online on Ferryhopper!

Colorful boats ashore a rocky coast in Tenerife

Ferries from mainland Spain to Tenerife

There are regular ferry crossings to Tenerife from Huelva and Cádiz throughout the year. The Huelva to Tenerife ferry crossing is the most popular, as the trip is normally faster than the Cádiz - Tenerife ferry route. 

So, how long does the ferry take from Spain to Tenerife? Well, it's around 30-43 hours to reach Tenerife by ferry, depending on the port of departure. The distance between Tenerife and mainland Spain is approximately 721 nautical miles (1,335 km)

Here are more details about the available routes:

Traveling from Huelva to Tenerife by ferry

The ferry crossing from Huelva to Tenerife is serviced by Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. There are up to 3 weekly ferry trips to Santa Cruz de Tenerife from the port of Huelva and the ferry duration ranges from 31 to 39 hours. Standard tickets usually start at around €120.

Tip: the port of Santa Cruz is on the northern part of the island. Tenerife is the largest of the Canaries, so if you don’t have a vehicle, you need to take a bus or ride a taxi to get to the south of the island where many of the resorts are located.

Ferry trip from Cádiz to Tenerife

The Trasmediterránea connection from Cádiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife is available once a week (usually on Tuesdays). It takes about 43.5 hours to reach the island and standard tickets cost around €175.

Tip: who says you need to stop traveling after you reach Tenerife? The island is great for island hopping in the Canaries, as you can normally find direct routes to a total of 4 islands.

Ferry departing from the port of Huelva to the Canaries

How to get to the ports of Cádiz and Huelva?

Both Cádiz and Huelva are important transport hubs. If you’re flying into Spain, you can get to Cádiz and Huelva by catching a flight to the nearby airports. The closest airport to Cádiz is Jerez Airport, located 45 km from the port city.

To get to Huelva, you can fly into the airport of Seville, which is located 104 km from the city center of Huelva. From the airports, you can drive to the port cities, ride a taxi or catch a bus.

There are also many options to reach the port cities from within Spain. Both Huelva and Cádiz have a train station and they are frequently connected with other major cities by buses. To get to Huelva by car or motorbike, you can drive along the CN-431, CN-435 and A-49 motorways. For Cádiz, you can take the A-4 and follow CA-35 to reach the port.

Tip: before catching the ferry to Tenerife from mainland Spain, you can have a short vacation in Andalusia! Visit the region’s beaches, try delicious dishes and see century-old monuments!

The seaside cathedral of Cádiz with its impressive white towers

Everything you need to know about the ferry trip to Tenerife

Planning your trip to Tenerife starts with the ferry amenities and services. Choosing to travel by ferry from mainland Spain is a great idea, as you get to take advantage of many services, such as vehicle transfer, dining options, entertainment, and family-friendly deals.

Find out more about ferry services and access below.

Wooden boardwalk at the port of Huelva overlooking the Gulf of Cádiz

Why travel to Tenerife by ferry?

First off, are you thinking of traveling to Tenerife by ferry? Ιt may seem like a challenging task, but taking the ferry from Andalusia to the island of Tenerife is an adventure worth experiencing!

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is a dream come true for many travelers, due to the awe-inspiring landscape, the majestic vastness of the sea and the excellent onboard ferry services.

Taking the ferry is like a mini-vacation on board! You can book your own cabin, transfer your car or caravan, enjoy several entertainment amenities, such as outdoor bars and free Wi-Fi, or even bring your furry friends with you. It is a perfectly safe transport option and you get to relax, enjoy the ocean views and have fun all at the same time.

Tip: a ferry can be the best option if you’re traveling with kids. Most ferry companies make special arrangements for families traveling to Tenerife, providing highchairs, baby cots, changing facilities, and kids’ menus.

A surfer and their furry friend playing in the waves on a white sandy beach

What are the advantages of traveling by ferry to Tenerife?

Ferries traveling from mainland Spain to Tenerife are well-equipped with all modern amenities. You can fully enjoy the trip, accessing the free and on-demand services during the crossing to Tenerife.

There are different fares to choose from, whether you prefer a more laid-back or an all-inclusive experience. What is more, you can opt for family-friendly accommodation and enjoy a private and crowd-free journey.

Let's break it down:

• Seats and cabins

Ferryhopper suggests that you book a cabin bed to fully enjoy the long trip. You are guaranteed a good night’s sleep and you have privacy and comfort. If you prefer to book a simple ticket, there are more options to choose from. You can choose a standard or premium seat fare, put on your headphones and relax.

On most ferries, you can also access the outdoor space of the vessel and enjoy the clean refreshing air, as well as the tremendous views.

• Restaurants and meals

As for meal options, you can dine at one of the restaurants, bring your own meals or grab a quick snack from one of the bars, cafes and small shops. Some ferry companies, such as Fred. Olsen Express, also provide gluten-free, vegan, low-sodium, and vegetarian meals.

• Vehicle transfer

Bringing your own vehicle on board is one of the greatest advantages of traveling by ferry. Tenerife is the largest of the Canaries and having your vehicle with you means you can easily explore the whole island. The price to transfer your car from mainland Spain to Tenerife is around €160-€200 depending on the vehicle.

For maximum flexibility, you can also bring a caravan with you. Caravans are a great option to explore the island. You can drive around all day and comfortably camp under the stars at night!

• Wi-Fi and entertainment

Since the trip is quite long, you may want to binge-watch your favorite series for the 100th time; no worries! You can easily browse the web on board all ferries to Tenerife. Most ferry companies provide a free Wi-Fi service.

You can plug your laptop or mobile in one of the available outlets both in your cabin and in the communal areas.

• Luggage and pets

Choosing to travel by ferry to Tenerife means you are free to bring as much luggage as you wish! Whether you want to be chic at all times or you're traveling to Tenerife with water sports equipment, you can safely store your items in your vehicle. If you're not bringing a vehicle on board, you can always store your luggage safely in the luggage storage room. 

When it comes to traveling with your pet in Spain, there are different options to choose from: onboard carriers, designated rooms, or pet-friendly cabins!

Tip: if you're catching the ferry from Spain to the Canary Islands without a vehicle and you wish to carry large items, such as surfboards or fishing gear, contact the ferry company to enquire about size and weight restrictions.

The coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with its unique auditorium and the city port

Book ferry tickets to Tenerife from mainland Spain online

So, what do you think? Ready to conquer the Atlantic Ocean? On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry routes from mainland Spain to Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Find the best ferry routes, compare ferry companies and departure schedules to Tenerife, and book ferry tickets with no hidden fees.