Canary Islands
Ferry to El Hierro
The one ferry to El Hierro - crossing time, ferry company, return sailing and getting there via Tenerife
- 2 hours 20 minutes from Los Cristianos on Tenerife, one departure a day, all year round
- Fred Olsen Express with the catamaran Bentago Express, vehicles carried
- Arrival in Puerto de La Estaca near Valverde, the island's only ferry port
- Daily connection, all year round
- Crossing time and departures from the timetable
- Book directly with Fred Olsen Express
El Hierro route map
The map shows the island's only ferry connection, from Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife to Puerto de La Estaca near Valverde.
The connection to El Hierro
Table of Contents
El Hierro is the westernmost and smallest of the inhabited Canary Islands, and it has exactly one ferry connection. That makes planning simple: one ferry company, one ship, one port on each side.
Tenerife from Los Cristianos
Fred Olsen Express sails the catamaran Bentago Express from Los Cristianos to Puerto de La Estaca near Valverde, 2 hours 20 minutes, one departure a day in each direction, all year round. The ferry carries vehicles, from bicycles to motorhomes. The outbound sailing from Tenerife is usually in the late afternoon, the return from La Estaca in the early afternoon, on some days in the morning; that's not enough for a day trip, but it works for an overnight stay. Check-in, ship and arrival in detail: Ferry Tenerife - El Hierro.
Getting to Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is around 20 minutes from Tenerife South Airport and is the ferry port for all three western islands. If you're coming from Gran Canaria or the eastern islands, you first cross to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and then drive around an hour along the motorway to the south; the connections there are on the page Ferry to Tenerife. Fred Olsen Express asks for your number plate when you book and states the boarding time on your boarding pass; with a vehicle you should be at the terminal considerably earlier than as a foot passenger.
Taking your car on the ferry
Your own car comes with you, and on El Hierro it's useful: the island has few buses and long distances between Valverde, El Pinar and the Golfo valley. With a rental car from Tenerife, check the rental terms before booking, as many rental firms don't allow the crossing. Alternatively, hire a car on El Hierro itself; there are desks at the airport and in Valverde, and you can arrange pick-up at the port of La Estaca when you reserve.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the ferry to El Hierro
How long does the ferry to El Hierro take?+
2 hours 20 minutes from Los Cristianos to Valverde with Fred Olsen Express's catamaran Bentago Express. There's one departure a day in each direction, all year round; times are shown in the timetable.
Where does the ferry dock on El Hierro?+
At Puerto de La Estaca, the port of Valverde on the east coast, around ten minutes from the island capital and 15 minutes from the airport.
Can I bring my car to El Hierro?+
Yes, the Bentago Express carries cars, motorbikes and bicycles. You give the number plate when you book. With a rental car from Tenerife, check beforehand whether your rental firm allows it; many rule it out.
When does the ferry sail back to Tenerife?+
Usually in the early afternoon from Puerto de La Estaca, on some days also in the morning; the outbound sailing from Los Cristianos is usually in the late afternoon. That's not enough for a day trip, so plan at least one night on the island. The day's times are shown in the timetable.
Is there a ferry from Gran Canaria or La Palma to El Hierro?+
No. El Hierro only has the connection to Los Cristianos. From every other island, the route goes via Tenerife.