All-inclusive car rental in Tenerife
A car is the best way to experience Tenerife’s variety, and an all-inclusive rental gives you full insurance with zero excess - useful on the island’s steep volcanic roads up to Mount Teide.
Tenerife is a island of contrasts - the volcanic moonscape of Teide National Park, the lush green north around La Orotava, and the sunny southern resorts. A car lets you experience all of it in a single trip, which buses simply cannot.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Tenerife South Airport and southern resort areas.
Good to know before you drive in Tenerife
| Pick-up points | Tenerife South Airport (TFS) & resorts |
|---|---|
| Highlight drive | Up to Teide National Park (2,000m+) |
| Two climates | Sunny south, greener north |
| Roads | Good motorways; steep mountain roads |
Driving on Tenerife
The TF-1 motorway links the southern resorts and airport, while the TF-21 climbs through pine forest to the lunar landscape of Teide - a must-do drive that gains over 2,000 metres of altitude. Take it steadily and watch for temperature and weather changes near the summit.
On the steep, winding roads of the north and the Teide ascent, zero-excess cover is reassuring, removing any worry over minor damage.
North versus south
The south is reliably sunny and where most resorts and the main airport are. The north - La Laguna, La Orotava and the Anaga rainforest - is greener and more traditional, and easy to reach with your own car.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance and unlimited mileage, so exploring the whole island does not add to the cost.
Picking up your car in Tenerife
Most rentals are collected at Tenerife South (TFS), beside the southern resorts and right on the TF-1 motorway, so you are on the road within minutes; pick-up is also offered in the resort areas. Tenerife North (TFN) suits travellers basing themselves around La Laguna and the green north.
Complete the online check-in beforehand to speed up collection in the busy season. Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an all-inclusive Cardamar booking avoids a deposit at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Tenerife can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Tenerife car rental - FAQ
Do I need a car to see Teide?
It is by far the easiest way. The TF-21 road climbs into Teide National Park; a rental with zero excess makes the steep ascent stress-free.
Which airport should I pick up from?
Most visitors use Tenerife South (TFS), nearest the main resorts. Pick-up is also available in resort areas; your voucher shows the exact desk.
Is one day enough to tour Tenerife?
You can see a lot in a day, but the contrast between the sunny south and green north rewards two or three separate drives.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Tenerife?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive up to Teide?
No - the TF-21 up to Teide National Park is fully paved, so a standard car is fine. Take the climb steadily, and zero-excess cover removes any worry over minor knocks on the winding sections.