Essential Tips for UK Travellers

Driving in Tenerife is the best way to see the island, but we know that switching to the „other side of the road” can be a bit daunting. Whether it’s your first time driving abroad or you’re a seasoned Canarian road-tripper, our guides are here to ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

🚦 The Basics: Driving Rules in Tenerife

1. Drive on the Right

It sounds obvious, but the first few hours are the most critical.

Top Tip: When exiting a petrol station or a car park, always remind yourself: „Think Right.” * Roundabouts: In Tenerife, you enter roundabouts to the right (anti-clockwise). Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (coming from your left).

2. Speed Limits & Cameras

Speed limits are strictly enforced by the Guardia Civil.

Motorways (Autopistas): 120 km/h (approx. 75 mph).
Open Roads: 90 km/h.
Built-up Areas: 50 km/h or 30 km/h (look for the signs).
Note: Many speed cameras in Tenerife are hidden in white boxes or on overhead gantries. Fines are steep and will be forwarded to your rental company!

🛡️ Understanding Car Hire Insurance (The No-Stress Way)

The biggest concern for UK travellers is the „Excess” (the amount you pay if the car is damaged).

Standard CDW: Most rentals include basic Collision Damage Waiver, but the excess can be as high as £1,000–£1,500.
Our Recommendation: Use the Full Coverage option when booking through our site. It covers your excess, windows, mirrors, and tyres for a fraction of the price charged at the airport desk.
No Credit Card? Some local suppliers allow rentals with a debit card if you take their premium insurance. Use the filters in our search tool to find these deals.

⛽ Fuel Policies: How to Avoid Overpaying

When booking, you will see different fuel policies. Here is the breakdown:

Full-to-Full (Highly Recommended): You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. You only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Full-to-Empty: You pay for a full tank upfront (often at an inflated price) and return it empty. Unless you plan to drive around the entire island twice, this is usually a bad deal.

Current Petrol Prices: Petrol is significantly cheaper in Tenerife than in mainland Spain or the UK due to lower tax rates. Look for „Gasolinera” signs—local brands like PCAN or DISA often have the best rates.

🅿️ Parking Secrets

Parking in busy resorts like Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje can be tricky. Watch the colours on the kerbs:

White Lines: Free parking (rare in town centres, but common in residential areas).
Blue Lines: Paid parking. Look for the nearest „ticket machine” (Pay & Display).
Yellow Lines: Strictly no parking (you will be towed!).
Green Lines: Usually reserved for residents only.

📋 What Documents Do You Need?

To collect your car, ensure you have:

Full UK Driving Licence: (The photocard). You do NOT need an International Driving Permit.
Passport: As proof of ID.
Credit Card: In the name of the main driver (unless you’ve booked a specific „No Deposit” or „Debit Card” deal).
Booking Voucher: Printed or on your phone.

🏔️ Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Don’t wait until you land to sort your transport. Prices rise as availability drops, especially during the winter sun season.

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Have a question we haven’t answered? Check our [FAQ Section] or follow us on Instagram for daily Tenerife driving tips.