Seamless Car Rental at Tenerife South Airport (TFS)

Your valid US driver's license is accepted in Spain for tourist purposes (up to 6 months). However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended—some rental companies won't hand over the keys without one, and you'll need it for insurance claims if involved in an accident. Get an IDP from AAA ($20) before your trip. It's a simple booklet that translates your license into 10 languages.

Yes, expect to pay a 'young driver surcharge' of €25-€35 per day if you're under 25. Some agencies charge even more for drivers under 21, and many refuse to rent to anyone under 21 entirely. Budget an extra €200-€400 for a 10-day rental if you're in your early 20s. Always check the under-25 policy before booking—some local agencies are more flexible than multinational chains.

The TF-1 highway runs the length of the island and is generally in good condition, but the TF-23 through the Anaga mountains and the TF-21 to Mount Teide are narrow, winding, and often foggy—take these slowly. Tenerife drivers are known for aggressive overtaking on two-lane roads, so stay right unless passing. Speed cameras are active; fines start at €100. Download offline maps (Google Maps works offline) since mountain roads often lose signal.

Parking in south Tenerife (Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas) runs €1.50-€3 per hour in regulated zones, or €10-€20 per day in private garages. In Puerto de la Cruz (north), street parking costs €1-€2/hour. Many hotels charge €10-€15 daily for guest parking. Blue zone street parking requires a ticket from a nearby machine—don't park without one, or you'll face a €60-€100 fine. Some rental companies offer prepaid parking passes.

Gasoline (gasóleo) is cheaper than in the US (around €1.40-€1.60 per liter as of early 2026). Full-to-full policy is standard—pick up with a full tank, return full to avoid refill fees from the rental company (often 2x market rate). Gas stations are plentiful along highways and in towns, but in remote Anaga Rural Park or high-altitude Teide areas, fill up before heading out. Most stations are self-service and accept credit cards.

Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways (TF-1), 100 km/h on expressways, 80 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in towns, and 30 km/h in residential zones. Speed cameras are common on TF-1 and in tunnels. Fines start at €100 for minor speeding and can reach €500+ for major violations. Red light cameras exist at major intersections. Spain uses a point system (12 points initially); serious offenses can result in immediate license confiscation by police. Cashless tolls exist on some tunnels (like the FP-1 tunnel near Puerto de la Cruz)—rentals often include an electronic transponder billing you automatically.