How Many Airports Are in Tenerife? A Complete Guide to Tenerife North and South Airports

Overview of Airports in Tenerife

Two airports.

That’s what Tenerife has.

And if you’re wondering whether that makes a difference for you as a traveller, let me tell you—it does.

Because not all airports are created equal.

One is a bustling international hub, packed with sun-seeking tourists ready to dive into Tenerife’s golden beaches. The other? A local, quieter, yet essential gateway, connecting the island with Spain’s mainland and the rest of the Canaries.

And choosing the wrong one?

It could mean unnecessary hours on the road, missed connections, and—worse—a frustrating start to your adventure.

The Two Airports You Need to Know

• Tenerife South Airport (TFS) – Reina Sofia → The big one. The international hub. The gateway for long-haul flights, budget airlines, and European holidaymakers.
• Tenerife North Airport (TFN) – Los Rodeos → The smaller one. The home of inter-island flights, Spanish domestic routes, and the famous Binter Canarias airline.

Now, why does this matter?

Because having two airports in Tenerife isn’t just about logistics. It’s about how and where you land shaping your entire trip.

Let’s break it down.

Why Two Airports Benefit Travellers

1. More Flight Options – Whether you’re flying in from Madrid or Manchester, you’ve got choices.
2. Better Regional Connectivity – TFN makes island-hopping a breeze.
3. Strategic Locations – One near Santa Cruz, one near the southern resorts. Choose wisely.
4. Faster Transfers – Land at the right airport, and you could be sipping a mojito on the beach in record time.

And now that you know why this matters, let’s talk about the main player.

The big guy.

The airport that greets millions of sunburnt tourists every year.

Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia)

History of Tenerife South Airport

The year was 1978.

Tourism was exploding. Flights were increasing. But there was a big problem—Tenerife North Airport just wasn’t cutting it.

Bad weather. Frequent fog. A tragic accident in 1977 (yes, that one—the deadliest plane crash in history).

The solution? Build a new airport where the sun always shines.

And so, Tenerife South Airport was born.

With a long runway, built to handle big international aircraft, and a terminal ready for thousands of tourists per day, Reina Sofia Airport became the entry point for mass tourism in Tenerife.

Today, it’s the island’s busiest airport, serving over 11 million passengers annually and connecting Tenerife to destinations all across Europe.

So if you’re flying in from London, Berlin, or Paris? This is where you’ll land.

And here’s why it matters.

Key Features of Tenerife South Airport

Location & Accessibility

• Where? Southern Tenerife, near Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Américas.
• Distance from Santa Cruz? 60 km (about 45 minutes by car).
• Who uses it? Mostly international tourists heading straight to their holiday resorts.

Runway & Air Traffic Control

• One of the longest runways in the Canary Islands—built to handle big planes from all over Europe.
• Unlike Tenerife North, it rarely has weather issues, meaning fewer delays and faster take-offs.

Flight Schedules & Airline Connections

• Served by low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air.
• Also hosts major international carriers like British Airways, TUI, and Lufthansa.
• The busiest months? December to March—prime winter escape season.

Transportation Options

• Taxis & Private Transfers – Available 24/7, but expect to pay around €100 to Santa Cruz.
• Bus Connections – Lines 343, 111, and 450 take you to key locations across the island.
• Car Rentals – Ideal if you’re exploring Tenerife in a campervan (hello, AJJ Vans!).

Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos)

Now, let’s talk about the other airport. The one that doesn’t get as much attention but plays a crucial role in keeping Tenerife connected.

Tenerife North Airport, known as Los Rodeos, is the island’s original airport—the one that started it all.

It’s smaller, quieter, and less touristy. But don’t let that fool you.

Because for locals, business travellers, and anyone hopping between islands, TFN is an absolute game-changer.

Let’s dive in.

History of Tenerife North Airport

1941. Tenerife needed an airport.

And so, they built one. Right near San Cristóbal de La Laguna, just 10 km from Santa Cruz. Back then, it was the only airport on the island. The main hub for flights to mainland Spain and beyond.

And it worked. For a while.

But there was a problem.

Fog.

And I’m not talking about the “slightly cloudy” kind. I mean thick, blinding fog that could turn a routine landing into a nightmare.

Which brings us to March 27, 1977.

The day of the Tenerife Airport Disaster.

Two Boeing 747s. A tragic miscommunication. The worst aviation accident in history—583 lives lost.

That day changed everything.

Los Rodeos was no longer fit for purpose as the island’s main airport. So, in 1978, Tenerife South Airport (TFS) was opened, shifting the bulk of international traffic away from the north.

But here’s the thing.

Tenerife North didn’t die. It evolved.

And today, it’s thriving as a key airport for domestic flights, business travel, and inter-island connections.

Domestic vs International Connections

So, who actually flies into Tenerife North these days?

Three main groups:

1️⃣ People coming from mainland Spain.

• Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao… you name it.
• Airlines like Iberia and Air Europa handle these routes.

2️⃣ Inter-island travellers.

• Think island hopping between Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
• The go-to airline? Binter Canarias—the absolute king of short-haul Canarian flights.

3️⃣ Business travellers.

• If you’re flying in for work, chances are you’ll land here.
• It’s closer to Santa Cruz, making it the logical choice for quick trips.

What about international flights?

Well… there aren’t many.

Tenerife North does handle some routes to places like Lisbon, Venezuela, and Morocco. But if you’re flying in from London, Berlin, or Rome? You’re landing at TFS.

Inter-Island Flights in Tenerife

Here’s something most tourists don’t realise.

Tenerife is not a standalone destination. It’s part of a network. The Canary Islands.

And that means inter-island travel is a big deal.

Why?

• People live on one island and work on another. Daily commutes between Tenerife and Gran Canaria? Totally normal.
• Medical travel. Some hospitals and specialists are only available on certain islands.
• Weekend getaways. Yes, locals also go on holiday—to Lanzarote, La Palma, or El Hierro.

And Tenerife North (TFN) is the airport that makes it all happen.

Binter Canarias runs dozens of flights daily, with most journeys under 40 minutes. You could literally land at TFN at 10 AM and be sipping a cortado in Las Palmas before 11 AM.

It’s that seamless.

Oh, and if you’re flying in a campervan adventure with AJJ Vans but want to explore other islands? TFN is your golden ticket. Just park your van, hop on a quick flight, and come back a few days later.

Tips for Travellers Using Both Airports

Alright. So now you know what the two airports do.

But which one should you use?

TFS vs TFN – Which is Right for You?

Choose Tenerife South Airport (TFS) if:

• You’re flying internationally.
• You’re heading to the south’s tourist hotspots.
• You want access to more flights, more airlines, and better transport links.

Choose Tenerife North Airport (TFN) if:

• You’re flying between the Canary Islands.
• You’re arriving from Madrid, Barcelona, or another Spanish city.
• You want quick access to Santa Cruz & La Laguna.

Getting Between the Airports

Need to transfer from one airport to the other?

• By car → 45 minutes on the TF-1 motorway.
• By bus → Route 343 runs directly between TFS and TFN, taking about 50 minutes.
• By taxi → Expect to pay €70-€100 for a direct ride.

⚡ Quick tip: If your flight into Tenerife lands at the wrong airport, don’t panic. The bus system is efficient, and renting a car (or a campervan) gives you ultimate flexibility.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Tenerife’s Airports

How far apart are Tenerife North and South Airports?

Exactly 66 km (41 miles) apart. By car, it’s 45 minutes. By bus? Around 50 minutes.

Which airport should I choose for my trip to Tenerife?

It depends:

• International travellers → TFS.
• Island hoppers & business travellers → TFN.
• Closer to Santa Cruz & La Laguna? → TFN.
• Closer to the beach resorts? → TFS.

Are there direct flights between Tenerife’s airports?

No.

You’d have to drive, take a bus, or get a taxi. Thankfully, the journey is short and easy.

Final Thoughts

Two airports. Two completely different functions.

But both are essential to making Tenerife one of the best-connected islands in Spain.

So, whether you’re flying in for a sun-soaked holiday, an island-hopping adventure, or a quick business trip, knowing which airport to use will make all the difference.

Now, the only question left is: Where are you flying from?

Need a campervan ready when you land? Check out AJJ Vans and start your Tenerife road trip right from the airport!