Hiring a car from Tenerife South Airport is one of the easiest ways to start your journey on the island. With Goldcar, you can pre-book a low-cost vehicle and collect it directly on arrival. This saves time and avoids hassle at the terminal.
Tenerife is a large island with varied landscapes and distances between areas. Public transport can be limited outside of major towns, and taxis over long distances add up quickly. With a hire car, you avoid waiting around and gain full control over where and when you travel.
Goldcar offers several vehicle types at this location. You’ll find compact cars ideal for short coastal drives or navigating hotel areas. Larger models like estates and SUVs are available if you're travelling in a group or carrying more luggage. If you prefer automatic transmission, be sure to select that when booking. Some branches also include electric or hybrid models during high season.
Advance bookings are recommended. Not only does this give you better vehicle availability, but you’ll also see all prices clearly, including extras. Payment is made using a card under the main driver’s name. At the desk, show your licence and ID, and the staff will finalise the contract before giving you the keys.
Where to collect your car in Tenerife South
Goldcar’s desk is located inside the terminal at Tenerife South Airport. It’s easy to find once you exit the baggage reclaim area. Staff will confirm your booking and direct you to the car park, which is a short walk from the arrivals hall.
There’s no need to arrange transport to a separate collection point—everything is located on-site. The return area is in the same car park, marked with clear signage. At the end of your trip, return the car to the same area and hand the keys back to the staff. The whole process is quick and designed for travellers on tight schedules.
It’s also possible to book car hire from selected towns or resorts in southern Tenerife, although airport pick-up remains the most efficient option. Always check your confirmation email to ensure the collection and return points match your itinerary.
If you're flying into Tenerife South and flying out of another airport, one-way rentals can be arranged in advance. A fee may apply depending on distance, but it’s a practical solution if your plans include touring the entire island.
Explore southern Tenerife with your hire car
Southern Tenerife is known for its dry climate, sunny weather, and reliable road network. Many of the island’s top tourist spots are within driving distance of the airport, which makes hiring a car not just convenient but also practical.
Within 15 to 30 minutes, you can reach:
Los Cristianos – A lively town with beaches, shopping centres, and restaurants.
Playa de las Américas – Known for its nightlife, surf spots, and family-friendly resorts.
Costa Adeje – Offers more upmarket hotels, golf courses, and water parks.
El Médano – A quieter coastal area popular with windsurfers and laid-back cafés.
With your own vehicle, you're also free to explore inland. Drive up to Vilaflor, one of the highest villages in Spain, or continue to Teide National Park for views across volcanic landscapes and walking trails through pine forests.
The western coast is equally worth a visit. Head towards Los Gigantes for towering cliffs and boat tours. Along the way, you’ll pass banana plantations and local markets not served by regular buses. Stop as you like and move on when you're ready—something only a car hire allows.